Advanced Diploma of Business

The Advanced Diploma of Business is a practical, one-and-a-half-year qualification for people who want to work in business administration, operations or management support, or who want a pathway into further study. It sits at diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which means it is a vocational qualification focused on job-ready skills rather than academic theory alone. You will study core areas of business such as managing finances, leading teams, developing marketing plans, and handling workplace relationships. The course is delivered by Business College of Sydney, and the CRICOS code is 116851D. You can check the official CRICOS register for details on tuition and start dates.

How the course is structured

Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency, each with a set number of credit points. The Advanced Diploma of Business usually takes three to four semesters of full-time study, depending on the provider's schedule. At Business College of Sydney, the course runs for 1.5 years. You will complete a mix of core and elective units, and many providers include a work placement or industry project so you can apply what you learn in a real business setting. Assessment is often a combination of assignments, case studies, presentations and practical tasks.

What you will learn

You will gain skills in financial management, team leadership, marketing, business planning and customer service. The focus is on applying these skills in an Australian workplace, so you will learn how to manage budgets, lead staff, develop business plans and comply with relevant regulations. The course also builds your communication, problem-solving and decision-making abilities. These are the skills employers look for in supervisory and administrative roles.

Who it suits

This qualification suits people who want to enter the business world, change careers, or upgrade their skills for a promotion. It also works as a pathway to a bachelor's degree in business or management. If you are an international student, you will need to meet English language requirements. The common standard for coursework at this level is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always confirm the latest details on the official CRICOS page and with the college directly.

• Business administrator: Oversee daily office operations, manage records and support senior managers in sectors like retail, health, education and government.
• Team leader or supervisor: Lead small teams, allocate tasks and monitor performance in customer service, logistics or administration.
• Executive assistant: Provide high-level administrative support to executives, including diary management, correspondence and meeting coordination.
• Marketing coordinator: Help plan and run marketing campaigns, manage social media and analyse campaign results.
• Project support officer: Assist with project planning, tracking budgets and reporting, often in construction, IT or consulting firms.
• Small business owner or manager: Run your own business or manage a small enterprise, handling finances, staffing and compliance.

These roles are common in Australian industries such as retail, professional services, government, healthcare administration and not-for-profit organisations. The qualification also provides a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor's degree in business, which can lead to management and specialist roles.