Advanced Diploma of Business

The Advanced Diploma of Business is a one-year qualification for people who want practical business skills without committing to a full degree. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which means it's shorter and more hands-on than a bachelor degree. You'll study core areas like marketing, human resources, finance, and operations, with assessments based on real workplace scenarios rather than pure theory. The course is delivered by the Australian College of Technology and Business, and the CRICOS code is 105022K. You can confirm the exact tuition and intake details on the official CRICOS register.

Australian qualifications at this level are usually made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. A full-time load is typically four units per semester, and the academic year runs over two or three semesters depending on the provider. This course is one year full-time, so you'll complete a focused set of units that build your business knowledge step by step. Some providers offer a capstone unit or a work placement, but you should check the course structure on the official page to see what's included.

You'll gain skills in areas employers ask for every day: how to read a profit and loss statement, how to manage a small team, how to write a marketing plan, and how to handle customer complaints. The teaching is practical. You might analyse a real business case, prepare a budget, or role-play a performance review. These are the kinds of tasks that come up in almost any office job, and the course is built around them.

This course suits you if you're looking to get into the workforce quickly, change careers, or build a foundation before deciding whether to continue to a bachelor degree. Many students use an advanced diploma as a pathway: you may get credit towards a related bachelor degree at some Australian universities, which can shorten your study. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after you finish, depending on your circumstances. English requirements are typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall for this level, but always check the official page for the exact score and accepted equivalents.

• Administrative officer: Keep an office running smoothly by managing schedules, records, and correspondence. Almost every industry hires for this role, from healthcare to construction.
• Business development assistant: Help identify new customers and markets, prepare proposals, and support the sales team. Common in professional services, manufacturing, and tech.
• Customer service team leader: Supervise a small team, handle escalations, and report on service metrics. Retail, banking, and telecommunications are big employers.
• Marketing coordinator: Run social media, coordinate campaigns, and track results. Agencies, not-for-profits, and in-house marketing teams all need this skill set.
• Human resources assistant: Support recruitment, onboarding, and payroll. Every organisation with staff has an HR function.
• Operations coordinator: Manage logistics, inventory, and supplier relationships. Strong demand in transport, warehousing, and retail.

These roles exist across Australia in small businesses, government departments, and large corporations. The advanced diploma gives you a credential that shows you understand how businesses work, which can help you move into supervisory or specialist positions over time.