Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is a two-year qualification for people who want to run building projects. You learn how to plan, coordinate and supervise residential and commercial construction, and how to keep a site compliant with the National Construction Code, work health and safety law and contract conditions. Typical units cover building estimating, contract administration, structural principles, site supervision, project scheduling and the legal responsibilities of a licensed builder.

How the qualification is structured

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. They are made up of units of competency, each carrying credit points, and are usually delivered over semesters or trimesters. You can expect a mix of classroom teaching, workshop sessions and site-based learning, with assessment through projects, portfolios and practical tasks rather than exams alone. Many providers build in a work placement or industry project so you spend time on an active site before you finish.

What you actually learn

By the end you should be able to read and interpret building plans, prepare tenders and estimates, manage subcontractors, monitor quality and safety, and handle the paperwork that keeps a project lawful. You also pick up the communication and negotiation skills you need when you are the person between the client, the trades and the building surveyor. The course suits school leavers who want a hands-on route into construction, tradespeople moving off the tools into supervision, and people already working in the industry who need the qualification to apply for a builder's licence or registration in their state or territory.

Studying in Australia

International students study on a Student visa and can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. English entry is usually IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 117179A. Check the official page for current fees, intakes and licensing requirements in the state where you plan to work.

• Building supervisor or site foreman on residential and commercial projects
• Construction estimator preparing tenders and cost plans
• Contract administrator working with builders, clients and subcontractors
• Project coordinator for small to medium building firms
• Licensed builder or building contractor, once you meet your state or territory registration requirements
• Roles with volume home builders, commercial construction companies, renovation firms and government infrastructure projects