Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business at the Australian College of Business Intelligence is a one-year qualification for people who want a grounding in how businesses run. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is shorter and more applied than a bachelor degree but deeper than a certificate. You will study units that cover the basics of business operations, accounting, marketing, management, and how organisations handle people and information. The exact unit list is set by the college, so check the official course page for the current structure.

Australian diplomas are usually made up of eight to twelve units of study, each with a set number of credit points. The diploma is typically delivered over two semesters or trimesters, and some colleges offer it across three study periods so you can spread the load. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments, group projects, and practical tasks. There is no research thesis at this level, but you may do a capstone-style project that pulls together what you have learned across the units. Work-integrated learning is common in business diplomas, you might complete a placement or a simulated workplace project. The college will tell you what is required.

You will pick up skills that employers ask for: reading financial statements, writing a business plan, using spreadsheets and business software, working in a team, and presenting your ideas clearly. The course suits school leavers who want a taste of business before committing to a degree, people already working who want a formal qualification, and international students who need a pathway into further study. If you finish the diploma, you may get credit towards a bachelor degree at some Australian universities, which can shorten your studies. Credit arrangements vary, so confirm them with the receiving institution.

English requirements for international applicants are set by the college. The common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses is IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with higher scores for teaching, nursing, medicine, law, and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and the college's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you graduate, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, check the official page for the current amount and start dates.

• Administration officer, working in government, healthcare, education, or private companies.
• Business support officer, helping managers with records, schedules, and correspondence.
• Customer service team leader, supervising staff in retail, banking, or call centres.
• Accounts clerk, handling invoices, payroll, and basic bookkeeping for small and large firms.
• Marketing assistant, supporting campaigns, social media, and market research in agencies or in-house teams.
• Project assistant, helping coordinate construction, IT, or events projects.
• Small business owner, running your own operation with a better grasp of finance, marketing, and planning.

These roles appear across Australian industries: retail, hospitality, professional services, government, health, and education. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in business or commerce, which can open up management and specialist roles.