Trade Courses for International Students in Australia: A Complete Guide to 2026

Hello friends! If you're an international student looking to earn a job or permanent residency (PR) by learning vocational skills in Australia, trade courses are a great option. Trade courses for international students in Australia not only teach hands-on skills but also open up pathways to high-demand jobs and PR. 

Many trades are included on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) in 2026, making them attractive for migration. In this blog, we'll cover every detail of trade courses in Australia for international students – courses, fees, requirements, PR options, and dates. Let's understand them step by step.

What Are Trade Courses and Why Choose Them?

Trade courses, also known as Vocational Education and Training (VET), focus on practical skills. They are 1-2 years long, at the certificate or diploma level. These are offered by TAFE institutes and private colleges in Australia, such as RMIT, Swinburne, or Victoria University. These courses are easy for international students to complete as trade courses in Australia. Why choose them? Because they make them job-ready. The average salary is AUD 60,000-80,000 annually. Demand is high in the construction, hospitality, and healthcare sectors in 2026.

Popular Trade Courses in Australia for International Students

There are many high-paying trade courses available in Australia. Here's a list of the top 5:

Bricklaying/Blocklaying

Bricklaying/Blocklaying is a highly sought-after trade course in Australia. It teaches skills for building walls and structures in the construction industry. The Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying opens a PR pathway for international students.

• Course: Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CRICOS: 103839G)
• Duration: 1.5-2 years
• Fees: AUD 10,000-15,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, Year 12
• Jobs: Bricklayer, Site Supervisor (Salary: AUD 60,000+)
• Intake: January-July 2026
• PR Pathway: 2026 SOL Listed

Carpentry

The Carpentry trade course focuses on wood structures and furniture design. It provides job-ready skills and is popular for PR.

• Course: Certificate III in Carpentry (CRICOS: 104839H)
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Fees: AUD 9,000-15,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, TRA assessment
• Jobs: Carpenter, Joiner (Salary: AUD 65,000+)
• Intake: March, August 2026
• PR Pathway: High demand in 2026

Wall and Floor Tiling

The Wall and Floor Tiling course teaches tile installation and design. This skill is in demand in the construction sector.

• Course: Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CRICOS: 103840B)
• Duration: 1.5-2 years
• Fees: AUD 10,000-14,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, Year 12
• Jobs: Tiler, Renovator (Salary: AUD 55,000+)
• Intake: June-October 2026
• PR Pathway: SOL Listed

Painting and Decorating

The Painting and Decorating course teaches creative and practical skills. It is ideal for interior and exterior design.

• Course: Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CRICOS: 103841A)
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Fees: AUD 9,500-13,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, TRA required
• Jobs: Painter, Decorator (Salary: AUD 50,000-60,000)
• Intake: January, July 2026
• PR Pathway: Available in 2026

Plumbing

The plumbing course focuses on water systems and drainage skills. It is a top choice for PR.

• Course: Certificate III in Plumbing (CRICOS: 103842C)
• Duration: 2 years
• Fees: AUD 12,000-18,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, TRA assessment
• Jobs: Plumber, Supervisor (Salary: AUD 70,000+)
• Intake: March-October 2026
• PR Pathway: High demand in 2026

Roof Tiling

The Roof Tiling course teaches roof installation and repair skills. This is a specialized trade in construction.

• Course: Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CRICOS: 103843D)
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Fees: AUD 10,000-14,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, Year 12
• Jobs: Roof Tiler, Construction Worker (Salary: AUD 55,000+)
• Intake: June, August 2026
• PR Pathway: Listed on SOL

Electrotechnology Electrician

The Electrotechnology Electrician course focuses on wiring and electrical systems. It is a high-paying trade.

Course: Certificate III in Electrotechnology (CRICOS: 094831F)

Duration: 2 years

Fees: AUD 15,000-20,000/year

Requirements: IELTS 5.5, TRA required

Jobs: Electrician, Technician (Salary: AUD 75,000+)

Intake: January-July 2026

PR Pathway: Strong in 2026

Instrumentation and Control

The Instrumentation and Control course teaches automation and control systems. It prepares students for a career in the technical field.

• Course: Certificate IV in Instrumentation (CRICOS: 095432E)
• Duration: 1.5 years
• Fees: AUD 12,000-16,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, Year 12
• Jobs: Instrument Technician (Salary: AUD 70,000+)
• Intake: March-August 2026
• PR Pathway: Available in 2026

Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

The Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology course teaches car repair and maintenance skills. Demand is high in the automotive industry.

• Course: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (CRICOS: 091623A)
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Fees: AUD 11,000-16,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, TRA required
• Jobs: Mechanic, Service Technician (Salary: AUD 60,000+)
• Intake: January-July 2026
• PR Pathway: SOL Listed

Commercial Cookery

The Commercial Cookery course teaches restaurant and hospitality skills. A popular choice for PR.

• Course: Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS: 094832G)
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Fees: AUD 10,000-14,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, Year 12
• Jobs: Chef, Kitchen Manager (Salary: AUD 55,000+)
• Intake: March-October 2026
• PR Pathway: Strong in 2026

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning course focuses on cooling systems. Best for technical jobs.

• Course: Certificate III in Refrigeration (CRICOS: 094833H)
• Duration: 2 years
• Fees: AUD 12,000-18,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, TRA required
• Jobs: Refrigeration Technician (Salary: AUD 65,000+)
• Intake: January-July 2026
• PR Pathway: Listed on SOL

Hairdressing

The Hairdressing course teaches salon skills and styling. It prepares you for a career in the beauty industry.

• Course: Certificate III in Hairdressing (CRICOS: 091624B)
• Duration: 1-1.5 years
• Fees: AUD 9,000-13,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, Year 12
• Jobs: Hair Stylist (Salary: AUD 50,000+)
• Intake: March, August 2026
• PR Pathway: Available in 2026

Beauty Services

The Beauty Services course teaches makeup and skincare skills. Demand is high in the beauty industry.

• Course: Certificate III in Beauty Services (CRICOS: 091625C)
• Duration: 1 year
• Fees: AUD 8,000-12,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, Year 12
• Jobs: Beautician, Makeup Artist (Salary: AUD 50,000+)
• Intake: January-July 2026
• PR Pathway: Limited, but job options are available

Welding

Welding courses teach metal joining and fabrication skills. In-demand in construction and manufacturing.

• Course: Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (CRICOS: 094834J)
• Duration: 1.5-2 years
• Fees: AUD 11,000-15,000/year
• Requirements: IELTS 5.5, TRA required
• Jobs: Welder, Fabricator (Salary: AUD 60,000+)
• Intake: March-October 2026
• PR Pathway: SOL listed in 2026
• Other Popular Jobs: Welding, Bricklaying, Aged Care, and Childcare. These all fall under Skilled Trade Training in Australia and are listed on the SOL.

Trade Courses in Australia Requirements

Trade courses in Australia for international students are easy to enter. Basic Requirements:

• Education: Year 12 (high school) or equivalent. Some courses require a 50% mark.
• English: IELTS 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) or PTE 42. 2026 Update: TOEFL iBT 46 also accepted.
• Age: 18+ years.
• Visa: Student Visa Subclass 500. OSHC Health Insurance Mandatory.
• Other: Vocational Placement (600-800 hours). TRA Skills Assessment for PR.

Choose a CRICOS registered course before applying. New rules in 2026: Students must meet the 48 credit points study requirement.
Trade Course Fees in Australia

Fees are a major factor in budgeting. Trade course fees in Australia average AUD 21,500 per year. Breakdown:

Trade Courses in Australia for PR 2026

Dreaming of PR? Trade courses in Australia for PR are the best route. Trades such as engineering fabricator, boat building, and bricklaying are included on the 2026 SOL. Pathway:

• Complete the course (2 years).
• Temporary Graduate Visa (485) applies – 18-24 months work rights.
• Skilled Migration (189/190/491) – Points Test (65+).
• TRA Assessment Pass.

2026 Update: Trades on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) boosted. 

Success rate: 70%+ if experience is available.

2026 Intake Dates and Application Tips

Trade courses for international students in Australia have multiple intakes. 2026 Mains:

Summer Intake: January (from January 6).

• Semester 1: March (March 3) – Application Deadline: January 2026.

Winter: June (June 23).

• Semester 2: August (August 4) – Deadline: May 2026.

October Intake: October 6 – Late 2026.

Weekly starts at TAFE WA or RMIT. Visa application 3-6 months in advance. 

Tip: Seek guidance for admission from experts. 

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, trade courses for international students in Australia in 2026 offer excellent opportunities for career and professional development. Courses such as Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrotechnology, Commercial Cookery, Hairdressing, and Welding provide students with practical experience and employable skills. 

These courses offer higher education as well as professional certifications, making students competitive in the local and international job market. By choosing the right trade course, students can not only develop skills but also move towards a sustainable career and a bright future.