Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business is a one-year qualification that gets you into the working parts of an organisation: how money moves, how people are managed, how customers are kept, and how a business keeps its records straight. You will study units in areas such as accounting fundamentals, marketing, business communication, managing teams, and business law. Assessment is a mix of assignments, case studies, exams and group projects, rather than one final test at the end.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree. This one runs for one year full time. It is made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. You will usually enrol in several units per semester or trimester, depending on the institution's calendar. There is no mandatory research thesis at diploma level, but you may complete a capstone-style project or simulated business task in your final units. Some providers include a work placement or industry project; check the official course page for whether this one does.

What you will learn

By the end, you should be able to read a balance sheet, write a business report, run a small team, and explain basic contract and consumer law. You will practise using spreadsheets and business software. Group work is common, because that is how most Australian workplaces operate. The diploma also gives you a pathway: many graduates use it to enter the second year of a bachelor degree, subject to the receiving institution's credit rules.

Who this suits

This course suits school leavers who want a practical start before committing to a three-year degree, people already working in admin or retail who want a formal qualification, and international students who need a shorter course before moving into further study. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm current details on the official page.

• Administration officer or business support officer in government, health or education
• Accounts clerk or payroll officer in small and medium businesses
• Customer service team leader in retail, banking or telecommunications
• Sales or marketing assistant in professional services
• Office manager or team coordinator in construction, logistics or hospitality
• Pathway to further study: bachelor degree with credit, then roles in management or specialised business fields