Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering | Adelaide Univers
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Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering

at Adelaide University · Adelaide, South Australia

CRICOS course code

0101346

CRICOS provider code

00123M

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$52,300 total

Per year

A$52,300/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering at Adelaide University focuses on advanced technical knowledge and practical skills for professionals entering or progressing in the oil and gas sector. Core topics cover reservoir engineering, drilling, production operations, and petroleum geoscience. You’ll tackle real-world engineering problems and analyse case studies relevant to onshore and offshore operations in Australia and internationally.

Australian graduate diplomas are usually delivered over two semesters of full-time study, with students completing a series of units of study, each contributing credit points towards the qualification. At Adelaide University, you’ll earn these credit points through approved coursework, including practical assessments and possibly group projects, but not a thesis. While a formal work placement isn’t always required in this diploma, coursework often focuses on practical skills that align well with what’s expected in local and overseas petroleum industry roles.

The course suits engineering graduates or professionals in related technical fields who want to develop specialist knowledge in petroleum engineering. You’ll strengthen your abilities in reservoir evaluation, drilling technology, and production system design. The skills gained are particularly useful for those seeking work in oil and gas, or looking to transfer technical knowledge from allied fields such as chemical, mechanical, or civil engineering.

South Australia’s energy sector is a significant employer, with industry partnerships and guest lectures often bringing direct industry perspectives into the classroom. Students on student visas can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and after graduation, may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) through the post-study work stream. For current details on course structure and requirements, always see the official university website.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.
International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

  • Petroleum engineer – exploration and production companies
  • Reservoir engineer – oil and gas sector
  • Drilling engineer – energy and resource firms
  • Production technologist – service and consulting companies
  • Technical advisor – government and regulatory bodies
  • Project engineer – engineering consultancies

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering at Adelaide University?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$52,300 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Petroleum engineer – exploration and production companiesReservoir engineer – oil and gas sectorDrilling engineer – energy and resource firmsProduction technologist – service and consulting companiesTechnical advisor – government and regulatory bodiesProject engineer – engineerin...

Guides for this subject and the application

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