Advanced Diploma of Business

The Advanced Diploma of Business at Page Institute is a one-year qualification for people who want practical business skills without committing to a full three-year bachelor degree. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a shorter, job-focused qualification that can also be a stepping stone into further study. You will cover the basics of how organisations run: managing budgets and financial reports, marketing, Human Resource management, business communication, and the legal and compliance side of operating in Australia. Assessment is based on assignments, case studies and practical tasks rather than long exams, so you build a portfolio of work as you go.

How the course is structured

Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency. Each unit has a set number of credit points, and you need to complete all the required units to graduate. The Advanced Diploma of Business is typically delivered over two semesters, though some providers run it across three trimesters. Page Institute delivers the course to international students on a student visa, and the CRICOS registration (course code 108649F) confirms it is approved for overseas students. You will study full time, which for a student visa means you must be enrolled in a registered course and maintain your enrolment load. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during official course breaks.

What you actually learn

The focus is on the tasks you would do in an office from day one. You will learn how to prepare and monitor budgets, write business documents, manage customer service, support a team, and use business software. Group projects and presentations are common, so you get practice explaining your ideas to others. Some providers include a work placement or industry project as part of the course, but you should check with Page Institute directly about whether this particular qualification includes work-integrated learning. If it does, it is usually arranged in the final part of the course and gives you Australian workplace experience to put on your resume.

Who it suits and what to check

This course suits school leavers who want a fast route into an office job, people already working in administration who want a formal qualification, and international students who want an Australian qualification before deciding whether to continue to a bachelor degree. It can also give you credit towards a degree later, though the amount of credit depends on the receiving university and the units you have completed. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an equivalent test like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the student visa, separate from the institute's entry requirement. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm the current entry requirements, start dates, unit list and any placement arrangements on the official Page Institute page or the CRICOS listing before you apply.

• Administration officer – local government, hospitals, universities, private firms
• Business support officer – professional services, banking, insurance
• Executive assistant – corporate offices, not-for-profits, government departments
• Customer service team leader – retail, telecommunications, utilities
• Accounts clerk or payroll officer – small business, accounting practices
• Marketing assistant – agencies, real estate, events companies
• Project support officer – construction, IT, consulting firms

These roles exist across most Australian industries, with the strongest demand in professional services, government administration, healthcare administration and education. The qualification also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in business or commerce, where you may receive credit for completed units.