Diploma of Automotive Technology

The Diploma of Automotive Technology is a practical qualification for people who want to work on cars and light vehicles at a technician level. It covers the systems you'll actually touch in a workshop: engines and engine management, transmissions and drivelines, braking and stability systems, steering and suspension, auto electrical and electronic systems, air conditioning, and the diagnostic tools and procedures used to trace faults. You'll also learn how to read wiring diagrams and technical data, use scan tools and oscilloscopes, and follow workplace safety and environmental rules for handling oils, coolants and refrigerants.

How the qualification is structured

This diploma is delivered over 39 weeks. Australian vocational qualifications like this are built from units of competency, each carrying credit points, and are usually timetabled across semesters or trimesters rather than the long academic year you'd see in a university degree. Assessment is competency-based: you demonstrate that you can perform a task to industry standard, in the workshop and in the classroom, rather than sitting a single final exam. Many diplomas include a work placement or structured workshop hours so you build time on real vehicles under supervision.

Where it sits on the AQF

The Diploma of Automotive Technology sits at Diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, between a Certificate IV and an advanced diploma or associate degree. It's a shorter, more hands-on pathway than a bachelor degree, which normally takes three years, and it's aimed at getting you job-ready for the trade and technical side of the industry. If you later want to move into engineering or management, some institutions offer credit towards further study, but you should confirm articulation arrangements with the receiving institution.

Skills you'll gain

By the end you should be able to diagnose and repair faults across mechanical, electrical and electronic vehicle systems, carry out servicing and inspections to manufacturer and Australian standards, use diagnostic equipment confidently, and document your work clearly. You'll also pick up the habits employers look for: safe work practices, accurate record-keeping, and the ability to explain a repair to a customer in plain language.

Who it suits

This course suits people who like working with their hands and want a recognised Australian qualification in automotive technology. It works for school leavers starting out, for people already in a workshop who want formal recognition of their skills, and for international students looking for a practical, job-focused qualification. If you're an international applicant, you'll need to meet the English requirement published for this course. The common standard for coursework at this level is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the institution's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so check both. While studying, a Student visa generally allows 48 hours of work per fortnight, which many students use to get workshop experience. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, and the course is listed under CRICOS code 096666G. Confirm current entry requirements, start dates and fees on the official page before you apply.

Graduates typically move into technician and workshop roles across the Australian automotive industry. Common job titles include:

• Automotive technician (light vehicle)
• Automotive mechanic
• Service technician
• Diagnostic technician
• Workshop supervisor (with experience)
• Automotive electrician (with additional licensing where required)
• Fleet maintenance technician
• Parts and service advisor

Employers include new car dealerships, independent repair workshops, fleet operators, mining and resources maintenance teams, transport and logistics companies, and automotive service chains. Some graduates go on to run their own workshop or move into technical training and sales roles.