Advanced Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering

The Advanced Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering at the Australis Institute of Technology and Education (AITE) is a two-year qualification for people who want to work on the systems that keep buildings cool, food cold and industrial processes running. You study the refrigeration cycle, how to select and size equipment, electrical control circuits, pipework and ductwork, and the regulations that govern refrigerant handling. Much of the learning happens in a workshop, not a lecture theatre, brazing, pressure testing, evacuating and charging systems, fault-finding on live equipment.

How the course is structured

Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency, each carrying credit points. A typical full-time load is around eight units per year, delivered across two semesters. Core units cover refrigeration principles, electrical and control systems, air conditioning design, and workplace safety. You also complete a capstone or major practical project in your final year, where you design, install and commission a system from scratch. Assessment combines written tests, practical demonstrations and a logbook of jobs completed on placement.

Work placement and licensing

Work-integrated learning is a normal part of this qualification. AITE arranges a supervised placement with a refrigeration or HVAC contractor, where you work alongside licensed tradespeople on real installations and service calls. That placement counts toward the hours you need for your refrigerant handling licence and, in most states, for your restricted electrical licence. Before you enrol, confirm the exact placement hours and licensing requirements with AITE and your state regulator, because they vary.

Who it suits

This course suits school leavers who prefer hands-on work to a university degree, and tradespeople already in the industry who want to move into design, supervision or their own contracting business. It also appeals to people changing careers from electrical or mechanical trades. International students should note the English requirement, IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and AITE's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so check both. While studying, a Student visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 117752K. Confirm current fees, intake dates and entry requirements on the official page.

• Refrigeration and air conditioning technician, installing, servicing and repairing split systems, chillers and cool rooms for HVAC contractors across Australia.
• Building services technician, maintaining air handling units, controls and ventilation in commercial buildings, hospitals and shopping centres.
• Industrial refrigeration operator, working on ammonia and CO2 plants in food processing, cold storage and beverage manufacturing.
• Marine refrigeration technician, servicing shipboard systems for fishing fleets, ferries and offshore vessels.
• HVAC estimator or draftsperson, preparing quotes, load calculations and shop drawings for contractors and consultants.
• Self-employed contractor, running your own refrigeration business once you hold the required licences.
• Maintenance supervisor, leading a team of technicians on a large site such as a mine camp, data centre or supermarket chain.

Employers include HVAC and mechanical services contractors, refrigeration wholesalers, supermarkets, cold storage operators, food manufacturers, hospitals, universities, and the mining and resources sector. The skills are in steady demand across every Australian state and territory.