Advanced Diploma of Business

The Advanced Diploma of Business is a one-year qualification at Skills Institute Australia, registered on CRICOS (course code 106586K). It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree. That means it is practical and job-focused rather than academic. You will study core business areas such as managing finances, leading teams, developing marketing plans, and writing business documents. Assessment is usually a mix of assignments, case studies, projects and practical tasks. There are no exams like you might find in a university degree, though some units may include tests.

How the course is structured

Australian vocational qualifications like this one are built from units of competency. Each unit has a set number of credit points and covers a specific workplace skill. A full-time load is typically four units per study period, with two or three study periods across the year. The course is delivered over one year full time. You will complete a set number of core units and choose electives from a list. There is no major research thesis at this level, but you may do a capstone-style project that pulls together what you have learned across the course. Work-integrated learning is common in vocational business courses. That might mean a simulated business environment on campus, a project for a real client, or a short placement with an organisation. Your provider will confirm the exact units and any placement requirements.

What you will learn

By the end of the course you should be able to manage a small team, prepare and monitor budgets, develop and implement customer service strategies, and contribute to business planning. You will also learn how to analyse information and present recommendations to managers. These are the skills employers look for in office administration, team leadership and small business roles. The course suits people who want a practical business qualification quickly, or who are already working and want formal recognition of their skills. It is also a pathway to further study. After completing the advanced diploma, you may get credit towards a bachelor degree at some Australian universities, though you need to check each institution's policy. International students should confirm English language requirements and visa conditions on the official page. The Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may be available after you finish if you meet the requirements.

Who it is for

This course is for people who want to work in business administration or management, or who want a stepping stone to a degree. It is also suitable for international students looking for a shorter, more affordable qualification than a bachelor degree. If you are already working in an office and want to move into a supervisory role, this advanced diploma can help you get there. You do not need prior business study to enrol, though you will need to meet the English and academic entry requirements. Skills Institute Australia will assess your application based on your previous study and work experience.

• Office administrator
• Team leader or supervisor
• Business development officer
• Customer service manager
• Executive assistant
• Small business owner or operator
• Project support officer
• Administration officer in government or private sector

Graduates work across many industries in Australia, including retail, professional services, government, healthcare, construction and not-for-profit organisations. The skills you learn are transferable, so you can move between sectors. Some graduates use the qualification to enter a bachelor degree with credit, while others go straight into the workforce.