Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a two-year qualification delivered by the Southern Academy of Business and Technology. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a practical, industry-focused qualification rather than a research-oriented one. The course is registered on CRICOS (course code 110508A), so it is available to international students studying in Australia on a Student visa.

Australian diplomas of this kind are typically built around units of study, each carrying a set number of credit points. You will usually study full-time across two semesters or trimesters per year. The curriculum covers the core areas of hospitality management: food and beverage operations, front office and accommodation, housekeeping, rostering and staff supervision, budgeting and cost control, workplace health and safety, and customer service. You will also learn how to manage legal compliance, handle complaints, and lead a team. Assessment is mostly practical, you will be observed performing tasks, complete written assignments, and work on projects that mirror real hospitality settings. Many diploma programmes include a work placement or industry-based training component, which gives you supervised hours in a hotel, restaurant, or event venue. Confirm the exact placement requirements and unit list with the academy.

To be accepted, international applicants need to show English proficiency. The common standard for courses at this level is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, though some institutions set their own minimum. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and the academy's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. Note that the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, you must meet both the academy's requirement and the visa requirement. While studying, a Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. Check the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website.

This diploma suits people who want to work in hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs, or event companies, and who prefer hands-on learning over theory. It is also a pathway to further study, you may be able to get credit towards a bachelor degree in hospitality or business, depending on the receiving institution. If you are already working in hospitality and want to move into a supervisory or management role, this qualification can help you get there. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on units, fees, intakes, and English requirements, always check the official course page on the CRICOS website and the academy's own website.

• Hospitality supervisor or team leader, in hotels, motels, resorts, and serviced apartments.
• Food and beverage supervisor, in restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs.
• Front office supervisor, managing reception, reservations, and guest services.
• Housekeeping supervisor, overseeing cleaning and room presentation teams.
• Banquet or events coordinator, in function centres, conference venues, and catering companies.
• Restaurant manager, running daily operations, rostering, and budgets.
• Club duty manager, in registered clubs and licensed venues.
• Small business operator, running your own cafe, restaurant, or catering business.

These roles exist across Australia's hospitality industry, which includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, pubs, clubs, event venues, and catering companies. The diploma also provides a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in hospitality management or business, where you may receive credit for your diploma studies.