Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business is a one-year qualification at College of English Education and Training Australia, registered on CRICOS (course code 112521K). It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree. You study full time over two semesters, usually eight units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. There is no honours year and no research thesis at this level. If you later move into a bachelor degree, your diploma units may count as credit, which can shorten the degree. Confirm the exact credit arrangements with the receiving institution before you enrol.

What you actually study covers the basics of running and supporting a business: how organisations are structured, how to read financial information, marketing principles, managing people and teams, workplace communication, customer service, and the legal and compliance rules that apply to Australian businesses. Assessment is mostly practical, reports, group projects, presentations, case studies and role plays, rather than long written exams. Some providers build in a work placement or industry project, so ask the college whether this diploma includes one and how many hours it runs.

Skills you come out with are the ones employers ask for at entry level: writing a clear business report, using spreadsheets and business software, planning a small project, working in a team, handling customer complaints, and understanding basic budgets. You also practise presenting to a group and giving feedback, which matters in almost any office job.

This diploma suits school leavers who want a practical start before committing to a three-year degree, career changers moving into office or administration work, and international students who want an Australian qualification they can build on. English entry is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets its own separate English threshold for the Student visa, so check both. On a Student visa you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, check the official page for current fees, intake dates and unit lists.

• Administration officer or business support officer in government, health, education or private firms
• Customer service or client services officer in banking, insurance, retail and call centres
• Accounts payable or receivable clerk, payroll assistant or bookkeeping support
• Marketing assistant or social media coordinator for small businesses and agencies
• Team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality, logistics and warehousing
• Project support officer or coordinator on construction, IT and events projects
• Small business owner or operator, using the diploma to manage finances, staff and compliance
• Pathway into a bachelor degree in business, commerce or management, with credit for completed units