Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Diploma of Leadership and Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to step into team leader, supervisor or middle-management roles, or who are already in those roles and want formal recognition of what they do. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's practical and job-focused rather than academic. You'll study how to plan and manage work priorities, lead teams, manage budgets and finances, build relationships with stakeholders, and handle the kind of operational problems that come up in any organisation. The course is delivered by Everest Institute of Education and is registered on CRICOS for international students.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. You'll typically complete eight to twelve units over two semesters or three trimesters, depending on the intake you choose. Some units cover core management skills like leading effective workplace relationships and managing operational plans. Others let you focus on areas that matter to your job, such as managing recruitment, overseeing customer service, or implementing workplace health and safety. Assessment is usually a mix of assignments, case studies, role plays, and practical projects based on real workplace scenarios. There's no separate honours year at diploma level, the diploma itself is the qualification. If you later want to continue studying, many Australian universities give credit for diploma units towards a bachelor degree, which can shorten your degree by a semester or more.

What you'll actually learn

The skills you pick up are the ones managers use every day: giving feedback, delegating work, reading a budget, running a meeting that finishes on time, and writing a report your boss can act on. You'll also learn how to manage your own work priorities and support a team through change. The course suits people who've been working for a few years and want to move up, as well as recent school leavers who want a practical qualification before entering the workforce. International students should note that while you're studying in Australia on a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. 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 for a period. Always check current visa rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

English and entry requirements

International applicants need to show English proficiency. The common standard for diploma and undergraduate courses is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, though some institutions set higher requirements for particular fields. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and the institution's own English programs are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, which you'll need to meet. Everest Institute of Education publishes the exact tuition fee and intake dates on the CRICOS register, always confirm those details on the official course page before you apply.

• Team Leader or Supervisor in retail, hospitality, or logistics
• Office Manager or Administration Manager in small to medium businesses
• Project Coordinator or Assistant Project Manager in construction, IT, or events
• Customer Service Manager in banking, insurance, or telecommunications
• Operations Coordinator in manufacturing, transport, or healthcare administration
• Frontline Manager in government or community services
• Small Business Owner or Manager

These roles are common across Australian industries including retail, hospitality, healthcare, construction, professional services, and government. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, many graduates go on to a bachelor degree in business, management, or a related field, with credit for the units they've completed.