Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business is a one-year qualification at Kingston Academy of Australia, offered to international students under CRICOS course code 106134E. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree and above a certificate IV. Think of it as a focused year of business study that gets you ready for either work in an office or further study. You will cover the basics that every organisation needs: how businesses operate, how to manage money and people, how to market a product or service, and how to communicate clearly with clients and colleagues.

What you actually study

Diploma courses in Australia are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. At this level you will usually complete around eight to twelve units over the year, depending on the provider's structure. The academic year is typically split into two or three study periods, semesters or trimesters, with breaks in between. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments, group projects and presentations. Some diplomas include a work-integrated learning component, such as an industry placement or a simulated business project, where you apply what you have learned in a real or realistic setting. You should check the official course page for the exact unit list and whether placement is part of your program.

Skills you build

By the end of the diploma you will be able to read a balance sheet, prepare a simple budget, write a business report, give a presentation, work in a team on a project, and understand the legal and ethical rules that apply to Australian businesses. You will also get practice with common business software and learn how to research and analyse information. These are the skills employers expect from someone starting in an entry-level administrative or customer-facing role.

Who this suits

This course suits school leavers who want a taste of business before committing to a three-year bachelor degree, and it suits people already working who want a formal qualification to move into a supervisory or office-based role. It is also a pathway: many students use a diploma to gain credit towards a bachelor degree, which can shorten the time it takes to finish. If you are an international student, you will need to meet the English requirement, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, and TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced or the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm details on the official page before you apply.

• Administration officer, in government departments, private companies, or not-for-profits, handling records, scheduling, and office systems.
• Customer service officer, in banking, insurance, retail, or telecommunications, dealing with enquiries and resolving problems.
• Small business operator, running your own venture or managing a family business, using the planning and finance skills from the diploma.
• Sales support officer, helping a sales team with quotes, orders, and customer follow-up in industries like manufacturing, wholesale, or technology.
• Accounts clerk, in accounting firms, bookkeeping services, or the finance department of any medium-to-large organisation.
• Team leader or supervisor, in retail, hospitality, or logistics, where you coordinate a small team and report to a manager.

These roles exist across Australia in sectors such as retail, health administration, education, government, and professional services. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, for example, a bachelor degree in business or commerce, where you may receive credit for some units.