Diploma of Engineering Technology

The Diploma of Engineering Technology is a one-year qualification for people who want practical engineering skills without committing to a full bachelor degree. You'll study core engineering subjects like engineering mathematics, materials science, mechanical and electrical principles, computer-aided design (CAD), and engineering drawing. The course also covers project management and workplace safety, which are standard requirements on Australian engineering sites.

How the course is structured

As a diploma, this course sits at Level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). That's below a bachelor degree but above a certificate IV. It's delivered over one year of full-time study, typically across two semesters or three trimesters, depending on the provider's timetable. You'll complete a set number of units of study, each worth credit points. The exact unit list and credit point values are published in the official course information — check those details on the provider's page before you enrol.

Assessment is mostly practical. You'll work on design projects, lab exercises, and technical reports rather than sitting long written exams. Some providers include a work placement or industry project in the final semester, which gives you direct experience on an engineering team. If placement is part of the course, it's usually arranged by the provider and counts toward your qualification.

What you'll learn

By the end, you'll be able to read and produce engineering drawings, use CAD software to model parts and systems, apply maths and physics to solve technical problems, and understand how mechanical and electrical systems work together. You'll also learn to follow Australian workplace health and safety rules, document technical work clearly, and work in a team on engineering tasks. These are the skills employers look for when hiring engineering technicians, draftspersons, and production support staff.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a hands-on engineering qualification without a three-year degree, people already working in trades who want to move into technical or drafting roles, and international students looking for a shorter Australian qualification. It can also be a pathway into a bachelor degree — many universities give credit for diploma study, so you may enter the second year of a related degree. Confirm credit arrangements with the university you plan to attend.

If you're an international student, you'll need to meet English requirements. The published standard for this level is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced score. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, 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. Check the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. The course code is 120741J. Always confirm fees, intake dates, and entry requirements directly with the provider or on the official CRICOS page.

• Engineering technician — support engineers in design, testing, and maintenance across manufacturing, construction, and utilities.
• CAD draftsperson — produce technical drawings and 3D models for engineering projects using software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Mechanical engineering associate — assist with machine design, production planning, and quality control in factories and workshops.
• Electrical engineering associate — help design, install, and maintain electrical systems and equipment.
• Project support officer — coordinate schedules, budgets, and documentation on engineering projects.
• Maintenance planner — schedule and track maintenance work in mining, manufacturing, or infrastructure.
• Technical sales representative — sell and support engineering products and equipment.

Australian industries that hire diploma-qualified engineering staff include manufacturing, construction, mining, utilities, defence, and transport. Many roles are based in industrial areas, regional centres, and project sites. With further study, you can move into engineering associate or technologist roles, or pathway into a bachelor degree.