Lowest entry threshold
Year 10 + IELTS 5.5 is enough for Certificate III & IV trade pathways at major TAFEs.
- info@mapeducation.com.au
- Suite 201/110 Church Street Parramatta, NSW 2150
Hot Course · VET
Trade & Vocational Courses
Hands-on Certificate III, IV & Diploma pathways to PR.
Verified Pathway
MARN 2619348
Duration
1 – 2 years
Intake
Multiple
IELTS
5.5
Tuition (avg)
AUD $14k – $22k / yr
PR Pathway
Yes · TRA assessed
Why study this in Australia
Three reasons this is a smart bet.
Australia's skilled-occupation lists, university rankings and graduate-salary data all point to Trade & Vocational Courses as one of the most reliable study-and-stay pathways available right now.
Earn while you learn
Apprenticeship and work-placement models let you bank Australian work experience while studying.
Skilled-trade PR pathway
Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, automotive and commercial cookery all sit on the Skilled Occupation List.
The detail
Everything you need to plan.
Course overview, real career outcomes and entry requirements — written by our counsellors, not the marketing department.
The brief
Trade and vocational (VET) courses offer practical, hands-on qualifications that lead directly to work in Australia's booming construction, automotive and hospitality sectors. With persistent skills shortages, qualified tradespeople enjoy excellent job security, strong pay and — for many trades — a genuine pathway to permanent residency, often through regional study.
Qualifications & study levels
- Certificate III — the core trade qualification (typically 1–1.5 years).
- Certificate IV — supervisory and specialised skills.
- Diploma / Advanced Diploma — leadership and a pathway into university (1–2 years).
Popular trades
- Carpentry & joinery
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Automotive mechanical
- Commercial cookery & hospitality
- Building & construction
Regulation, assessment & PR
Trade courses are delivered by TAFE and CRICOS-registered RTOs regulated by ASQA. For migration, your skills are assessed by Trade Recognition Australia (TRA), usually through the Job Ready Program. Many trades sit on the skilled lists, and studying in a regional area can unlock extra points and regional PR streams.
Career Outcomes
Tradespeople are in high demand across Australia, and many trade occupations are on the skilled occupation lists (skills assessed by Trade Recognition Australia).
- Carpenter (ANZSCO 331212) — residential and commercial construction. AUD $65,000 – $95,000.
- Electrician (341111) — install and maintain electrical systems. AUD $75,000 – $110,000.
- Plumber (334111) — water, gas and drainage. AUD $70,000 – $105,000.
- Automotive Mechanic (321211) — service and repair vehicles. AUD $60,000 – $90,000.
- Chef / Commercial Cook (351311) — restaurants, hotels and resorts. AUD $60,000 – $85,000.
- Construction / Building Supervisor — oversee projects on site. AUD $90,000 – $130,000.
Qualified tradespeople earn between AUD $60,000 and $100,000+, and many run their own businesses after gaining a licence.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
- Completed Year 10 or equivalent for most Certificate III/IV courses.
- No prior trade experience is needed for entry-level programs.
- Some qualifications include a work placement or lead into an apprenticeship.
English language proficiency
- IELTS Academic: 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0)
- PTE Academic: 42
- TOEFL iBT: 46
Intakes & indicative fees
- Intakes: multiple intakes through the year
- Tuition: approx. AUD $14,000 – $22,000 per year — among the most affordable study options
- Skills assessment: Trade Recognition Australia (TRA) for migration
Contact us to choose a trade aligned with the skilled lists and to explore regional study for extra PR points.
Top providers we work with
Study Trade & Vocational Courses at top-ranked universities.
We partner with 40+ Australian universities and vocational providers. These are the institutions most students choose for Trade & Vocational Courses — based on rankings, fee, location and PR-pathway support.
Ready when you are
Find the right university match in 30 minutes.
Our counsellors will shortlist 3 – 5 universities for Trade & Vocational Courses based on your budget, IELTS score, preferred city and PR goals — for free.