Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management

The Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in the travel industry in Australia. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's a practical, job-focused course rather than a general academic degree. You'll study how tourism businesses actually run, how to sell travel products, manage a visitor experience, handle bookings and work with the rules and regulations that apply to Australian tourism operators. The course is delivered by the Australia Institute of Business and Technology and is registered on CRICOS for international students, so you can study it on a Student visa.

What you study and how it's structured

Diplomas in Australia are usually made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. Most providers run two or three study periods a year, semesters or trimesters, rather than the long summer break you might be used to. Over the year you'll cover core areas like tourism operations, customer service, marketing, financial transactions, workplace safety and sustainability. Some courses include a work placement or industry project, because tourism employers in Australia expect you to have spent time in a real workplace before you graduate. Check the official course page for the exact unit list and whether a placement is included.

Skills you gain

You'll learn to plan itineraries, quote and book travel, deal with customers from different backgrounds, solve problems on the spot, and understand the legal and safety side of running tours or a travel agency. You'll also pick up basic business skills, rostering, budgeting, marketing, that transfer to hotels, airlines, tour operators and visitor information centres. Group work and presentations are common, so your communication skills get a workout too.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a fast route into work, career changers moving into tourism, and international students who want an Australian qualification in a year. It can also be a stepping stone, many students use a diploma to get credit towards a bachelor degree later. If you're an international student, remember you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for a course at this level, but confirm the exact requirement and tuition on the official CRICOS register and the provider's page before you apply.

• Travel consultant or travel agent
• Tour guide or tour operator
• Visitor information officer
• Reservations or bookings agent
• Hotel or resort front office coordinator
• Airline or airport customer service agent
• Events or conference assistant
• Tourism marketing assistant

These roles are found across Australia's tourism industry, travel agencies, tour companies, hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise operators, visitor centres, and state tourism organisations. Regional tourism is a big employer too, from the Great Barrier Reef to the outback and wine regions.