Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is a hands-on qualification for people who want to run building projects. You learn how to plan and supervise residential and commercial construction, from reading plans and estimating costs to managing contracts, work health and safety, and site teams. The course covers the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards, so you graduate knowing the rules that actually govern building work here.

This diploma is delivered over 1.5 years. Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency, each with a set credit value, and you typically study them in semesters or trimesters. Assessment is practical: you might prepare a tender, develop a site safety plan, or manage a small project from start to finish. Some providers include a work placement or simulated site experience, which counts toward your qualification. The exact unit list and any placement requirements are set by the training provider, so check the official CRICOS entry and the provider's handbook.

You finish with skills in project costing, contract administration, quality control, and leading trades on site. The diploma suits people already working in construction who want to move into supervision or site management, as well as career changers who want a practical, job-ready qualification. It also articulates into higher-level study, such as a bachelor degree in construction management, with credit for your completed units.

International students study on a Student visa. While your course is running, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, check the official page for current fees and intake dates.

• Building site supervisor or foreman
• Construction project coordinator
• Estimator or contracts administrator
• Building surveyor's assistant
• Residential or commercial builder (with further licensing)

These roles are in demand across Australia's residential, commercial and civil construction sectors. Employers include building companies, subcontractors, property developers, and government infrastructure agencies. Some graduates go on to run their own building business after meeting state licensing requirements.