Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology

The Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology at Melbourne Polytechnic is a two-year qualification for people who want to work in manufacturing engineering and related technical roles. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, so it is practical and job-focused rather than a research degree. You learn by doing: reading drawings, working with CAD software, understanding materials, planning production, and solving problems on the factory floor or in a workshop. The course is built around units of study, each worth credit points, and you need to complete the required units to graduate. Teaching is usually delivered over semesters or trimesters, and many units include hands-on work in workshops and labs. Assessment is a mix of practical tasks, projects and written work, not just exams.

Australian qualifications of this type are structured so you can build skills unit by unit. You might study engineering drawing, computer-aided drafting, manufacturing processes, quality control, maintenance planning, and occupational health and safety. Some courses also include a capstone or major project where you apply what you have learned to a real engineering problem. Work-integrated learning is common in this field: placements or industry projects let you spend time in a manufacturing workplace, often alongside tradespeople, engineers and production staff. That experience is often what employers look for when hiring. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, which can help you gain local experience. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. Always check the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

English requirements for international applicants are set by the institution. For this level of study, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard, though some courses ask for higher scores. Melbourne Polytechnic accepts TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and its own English programmes as equivalents. The Student visa also has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs, which is separate from the course entry requirement. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register, so check there for the current amount. The CRICOS course code is 099958E. Always confirm entry requirements, fees and start dates on the official Melbourne Polytechnic page or the CRICOS register before you apply.

This course suits people who like practical work and want to move into manufacturing engineering without committing to a full bachelor's degree. It is a good fit if you enjoy figuring out how things are made, working with machines and software, and solving real problems. You might be a school leaver, a tradesperson looking to upskill, or someone changing careers. The advanced diploma can also be a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree, with credit for some units. Melbourne Polytechnic has strong industry links in manufacturing, so you will learn from people who know the sector. If you are organised, safety-conscious and enjoy working in a team, this could be a solid step into a technical career.

• Engineering technician – working in manufacturing plants, workshops and production facilities across Australia.
• CAD drafter – preparing technical drawings and plans for engineering projects.
• Production planner – organising schedules, materials and workflows in manufacturing.
• Quality assurance officer – checking products and processes meet standards.
• Maintenance planner – coordinating repairs and upkeep of equipment.
• Technical sales representative – selling engineering products and providing technical advice.
• Estimator – calculating costs and materials for manufacturing jobs.

Industries that hire these roles include manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, mining, construction, food processing and defence. Many graduates work for small and medium-sized enterprises or larger engineering firms. The advanced diploma can also lead to further study, such as a bachelor degree in engineering or technology, with credit for prior learning.