Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business is a one-year qualification delivered by Brisbane College of Australia and Brisbane College of English. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree and above a certificate IV. You study full time for two semesters, or the equivalent across trimesters, and finish with a recognised Australian qualification in business administration.

The course covers the core areas employers expect from someone moving into a business role: managing budgets and finances, leading teams, developing marketing plans, managing operational plans, and understanding workplace law and risk. Assessment is a mix of practical tasks, written assignments and group work, with some units assessed through simulated business scenarios. The diploma is delivered through the college's own English language pathway, so students who need to build their academic English can move into the business units once they meet the entry standard.

This qualification suits school leavers who want a business credential without committing to a three-year degree, and people already working who want formal recognition of their skills. It also works as a pathway: many students use the diploma to gain credit towards a bachelor degree at an Australian university, usually entering in second year. If you are an international student, the Student visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight while you study, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances.

English entry for international applicants is typically IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so check both requirements. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 106582C. Entry requirements, intake dates and credit arrangements vary, so confirm the current details on the official page before you apply.

• Business administrator, supporting operations, records and reporting in small and medium businesses, government agencies and not-for-profits.
• Team leader or supervisor, first-line management roles in retail, hospitality, logistics and customer service.
• Administration officer, in healthcare, education, legal firms and professional services across Australia.
• Accounts or payroll officer, handling invoices, reconciliations and payroll in accounting practices and company finance teams.
• Marketing or sales coordinator, assisting with campaigns, client records and business development.
• Pathway to further study, credit towards a bachelor degree in business, commerce or management at an Australian university.