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Courses that lead to careers – and PR

Choose a course linked to a skilled occupation. See the best trade courses, the prerequisites for critical sectors and universities by state.

Vocational / trade

Best trade courses for skilled pathways

Trade occupations are assessed by TRA (or another body) – usually after an Australian qualification plus at least 12 months’ relevant work.

CourseLinked occupations (ANZSCO)Assessing bodyWhy
Commercial Cookery (Cert III/IV) → Cook / Chef351411 Cook · 351311 ChefTRAMLTSSL/CSOL – strong employer demand, regional opportunities
Electrotechnology Electrician (Cert III)341111 Electrician (General)TRA (+ state licence)High demand nationally; needs supervised work/apprenticeship
Carpentry / Carpentry & Joinery (Cert III)331212 Carpenter · 331213 JoinerTRAConstruction pipeline, many state lists
Plumbing (Cert III)334111 Plumber (General)TRA (+ licence)In demand across states
Automotive Light Vehicle Technology (Cert III)321211 Motor MechanicTRARegional demand; 494/482 options
Engineering – Fabrication / Welding (Cert III)322311 Metal Fabricator · 322313 Welder (First Class)TRAMining, manufacturing, regional
Early Childhood Education (Diploma)421111 Child Care Worker · 134111 Child Care Centre ManagerVETASSESS / ACECQACare sector demand; centre manager needs experience
Individual Support / Ageing (Cert III/IV)423313 Personal Care Assistant · 411711 Community WorkerACWA / VETASSESSAged care & disability – labour agreements
Hairdressing (Cert III)391111 HairdresserTRARegional lists
Air-conditioning & Refrigeration (Cert III)342111 Airconditioning & Refrigeration MechanicTRA (+ ARC licence)Strong trade demand
Critical sectors

Pre-requisites by course

Check entry requirements before you apply – registration bodies often need accredited courses and higher English.

CourseTypical prerequisitesRegistration / assessment
Nursing (Bachelor / Master of Nursing)Year 12 English, Maths/Chemistry/Biology preferred; IELTS 7 each (or OET B/PTE equivalent) for registration; clinical placement health checks & police checkANMAC / AHPRA
Medicine (MD / MBBS)Science bachelor (for graduate-entry MD), GAMSAT/UCAT, interview; IELTS 7+AMC / AHPRA
Teaching (Master of Teaching / B.Ed)Relevant bachelor in teaching area (e.g. maths, science); LANTITE test; IELTS 7.5 overall (8 S/L)AITSL
Engineering (Master of Professional Engineering)Bachelor in engineering/science with maths & physics; Engineers Australia-accredited program needed for faster assessmentEngineers Australia
Accounting (Master of Professional Accounting)Any bachelor; must complete all core areas (accounting, audit, tax, law, finance, economics) for CPA/CAANZCPA / CAANZ / IPA
IT (Master of IT / Computer Science)Bachelor (any for conversion Masters, ICT for advanced entry); ACS needs ICT content “closely related” to occupationACS
Social Work (Master of Social Work Qualifying)Bachelor with humanities/social sciences; AASW-accredited course requiredAASW
Physiotherapy / OT / PharmacyBachelor with anatomy/physiology prerequisites; accredited program for direct AHPRA registrationAHPRA councils
Early Childhood TeachingACECQA-approved Bachelor/Master; supervised placementsAITSL / ACECQA

Requirements vary by institution and change often – always confirm on the provider’s course page.

By state

Universities by state

Ranked list with “best for” courses on our universities page.

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