Short-term Courses in Australia for International Students

Australia is home to some of the best universities in the world. The top four in the country, according to the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings are:

• University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• University of Sydney
• Australian National University 

Short-term certificate courses in Australia are popular with international students looking to or pursuing a full-time degree. Those in search of internships and job placements also find these short courses useful. 

Australian universities and institutions offer short courses that usually last between 1 to 6 weeks. Some universities also provide housing for short-term students.

If you are planning to study in Australia, keep reading to learn more about these programs and find the short-term courses list.

Why choose short-term courses in Australia?

1. Short-term courses are in high demand globally among students who want to upskill without spending too much time or money. These courses need less commitment than regular degree programs. Moreover, they are a great way for international students to study at top Australian universities.
2. Another advantage of short-term courses is their flexibility. Many of them are available online and some also count as credits toward a full degree. 
3. Popular courses like AI, cybersecurity, or data analytics in IT, business and engineering can help make your future Master’s degree shorter and cheaper. In the same way, English courses that help to improve language should increase job opportunities.
4. Many such courses include internships that allow you to get work experience and make professional connections. Additionally, short courses can also make it easy to apply for a full degree on a Student Visa.
5. Finally, upskilling courses are a good option for busy professionals to stay up to date with industry changes.

Note: Short-term courses offer a fast and affordable way to upskill, but choosing the right one is crucial. A course that fits your career goals, budget, and visa plans can make all the difference.

That’s where GradRight’s university-search platform helps. Instead of browsing endless lists, you get a personalized shortlist based on your preferences, budget, and future career prospects.

Here’s how it works:

1. Create your profile with academic details and goals.
2. Enter key preferences like budget, subject, or visa considerations.
3. GradRight’s AI scans 8 million+ data points across 40,000+ programs.
4. You receive a customized list of the best-fit courses.
5. Talk to an expert for insights before finalizing your choice.

GradRight ensures you make an informed decision, saving both time and money

Now, let’s explore the top short-term courses for international students in Australia for 2026

Top short-term courses for international students in Australia (2026)

As an international student in Australia, you can take short courses in almost every field, like business, engineering, IT, writing, and languages. 

Top universities and institutions in Australia offer flexible short courses to suit different interests and goals. While some courses can be completed in just a day, others may take up to six months. 

These courses can be divided into three basic categories:

• Job Skills Courses: for business, leadership, or technology skills.
• English Courses: to improve English for work or study.
• Practical Courses: for hands-on training in hospitality, IT, or design.

Here is a list of some of the best short-term courses, organized by industry.

Best Short-Term Courses in Australia in Technology and AI

Course Name	Institution	Duration
Introduction to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence	University of Melbourne	6 weeks
Advanced Data Analytics	University of Technology Sydney	10 weeks
Cyber Safe – The Essential Cyber-Awareness Toolkit	University of Tasmania	2 days
Competency in Industrial Internet of Things	Engineering Institute of Technology	3 months
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency	La Trobe University	4 weeks

Best Short-Term Courses in Australia in Business and Administration

Course Name	Institution	Duration
Foundations of Sustainable Business	University of Melbourne	4 weeks
Managing Crisis Communication	University of Technology Sydney	4 weeks
Advanced Management Program	Melbourne Business School	11 days
Business Intelligence	University of South Australia	10 weeks

Best Short-Term Courses in Australia in Art and Creative Design

Course Name	Institution	Duration
Animation and Motion Graphics Design	Curtin University	13 weeks
Digital Storytelling	University of Melbourne	4 weeks
Developing a Fashion Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap	University of Technology Sydney	8 hours
Engineering Design and Innovation	University of South Australia	10 weeks

Best Short-Term Courses in Australia in Health

Course Name	Institution	Duration
Introduction to Health Psychology	Curtin University	13 weeks
Human Biology	Macquarie University	13 weeks
Practical Foundations of Biology	University of Technology Sydney	8 weeks

Best Short-Term Courses in Australia in Social Science

Course Name	Institution	Duration
Sustainability, Climate Change and Economics	Curtin University	13 weeks
Persuasion for Policymakers	University of Melbourne	6 weeks

Australian short-term courses also cover other areas like education, architecture, law, fitness, agriculture, and animal care. 

Fully online courses affiliated with Australian universities are also available at various institutions and platforms like Coursera. 

Online short-term courses in Australia

Many short-term courses in Australia are available online with recorded lectures from university professors. A digital certificate is available upon completion. Some universities and institutions that offer 100% online courses in the country are listed below.

• Victoria University in Melbourne Australia offers some of the best short-term courses that students can take after graduation. They include TAFE (Technical and Further Education) short courses, single study units, and workplace training. 
• RMIT University in Melbourne has an online campus community with about 40 ‘Future Skills’ short courses. The public university also provides an app where students can track course progress and get updates and study tools.
• Curtin University in Perth offers free online courses through edX in addition to over 93 courses and 577 subjects of study online. Some courses can even count toward a degree otherwise you can pay for a certificate as proof of completion.
• University of Technology Sydney has over 100 short online courses including multiple free two-hour courses on topics including behavioral economics, business analysis and human rights.
• University of Melbourne provides over 50 short courses that can be completed in just over a few hours or over the course of a few weeks.
• Open Universities Australia combines over 2,000 online short courses from universities across the country including microcredits and university certificates. You can also get personalized advice about choosing the best course for your field of study at the platform.

Here is an overview of course topics across different fields at undergraduate and postgraduate levels available online in Australia. 

Field	Topics Covered	Field	Topics Covered
Architecture & Construction	Building design, urban planning, sustainability	Law & Justice	Criminal law, business law, human rights
Art & Creative Design	Graphic design, fine arts, digital media	Media & Communications	Journalism, public relations, digital marketing
Business & Management	Accounting, marketing, project management	Psychology & Mental Health	Counseling, behavioral science, mental well-being
Community Services & Care	Social work, aged care, disability support	Science	Biology, chemistry, environmental science
Education & Teaching	Early childhood, lesson planning, teaching methods	Engineering	Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering
Health & Medical Science	Nursing, healthcare, medical research	IT & Computer Science	Web development, coding, cybersecurity, AI
Humanities & Social Science	History, sociology, philosophy, gender studies

Most of the short online courses require payment but some free ones let you access the learning materials without a certificate. 

You can also find online short courses in Australia that can be used as credit for your bachelor’s or master’s degree on university websites. For instance, the University of Melbourne offers micro-credential courses that count toward your degree requirements. They can also contribute towards continuing professional development (CPD) points for some professional societies.

Short courses are great additions to full-degree programmes after 12th standard which, after completion, can expand your chances of finding a high-paying job. Online courses are also flexible options to broaden your knowledge in a particular field directly related to your job.

Also Read: Why Study in Australia: Top Reasons To Pursue Higher Studies in Australia

Best short-term courses to get a job in Australia (2026)

Universities in Australia offer multiple courses that can increase your understanding of specific topics and expand your resume. But some may help you qualify for post-study work or future migration opportunities.

Here are some of the best short-term courses to get a job in Australia, listed under different fields of study.  

Short-Term Hospitality Courses in Australia

Australia’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector makes hospitality courses a popular choice.

Some best options are:

• Certificate III in Hospitality (6 months), William Angliss Institute
• Short Course in Kitchen Management (12 months), TAFE NSW
• Event Management Essentials (6 weeks), Griffith University

International students can use these courses to get part-time jobs. Otherwise, you can also launch careers on cruise ships, resorts and restaurants with internships and training.

Short-Term Medical and Nursing Courses in Australia

Here are two of the best short-term nursing courses for entry-level medical jobs or upskilling in the health sector:

• Infection Control Skill Set (4–6 weeks), Australian College of Nursing
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (9 months) TAFE Queensland

These can be stepping stones to full nursing qualifications or jobs like healthcare assistants or aged care workers. Dental-related programs are also available, such as short-term dentistry courses that focus on oral health or chairside assisting.

Short-Term Banking and Finance Courses in Australia

Universities like UNSW and Monash offer short-term finance courses covering subjects like FinTech, investment management, business analytics, or accounting certifications. Two popular courses are: 

• Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology (8 months), UNSW Online
• MYOB Payroll Workshop (4 hours), Monash Training & Professional Development

These short-term accounting courses for bookkeeping, payroll, and MYOB are great for students whoare looking for accounting roles.

Short-Term Technical and Engineering Courses in Australia

Engineering universities in Australia offer short-term courses in industrial automation and electrical engineering fundamentals.

• Professional Certificate of Competency in Industrial Automation (3 months), Engineering Institute of Technology)
• Certificate IV in Cyber Security (6 months), TAFE NSW

These short-term technical courses prepare juniors for analyst roles .

Short-Term Tourism and Aviation Courses in Australia

Aviation training academies like Aviation Australia and flight schools in Sydney or Brisbane offer short-term aviation courses 

• Certificate III in Tourism (6 months), William Angliss Institute
• Cabin Crew Training (3 weeks), Aviation Australia

Tourism courses prepare students for roles in travel planning, tour management, or tourism marketing.

Short-Term Film Making Courses in Australia

Film schools like SAE Institute and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) have short-term film-making courses in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and post-production. These courses often include hands-on projects and real studio exposure. Two of the best options are:

• Filmmaking Intensive (5 days), AFTRS
• Certificate in Script Writing (27 hours), SAE Institute

Short-Term English Courses in Australia

International students can also improve their English skills to upgrade or find new jobs by enrolling in short-term English courses.

• Direct Entry Course (5–36 weeks), University of Sydney CET
• Business English Program (10 weeks per level), RMIT English Worldwide

These courses can help you sharpen workplace communication and land better high paying roles.

Short-Term Courses After MBA in Australia

Professionals who already have an MBA often opt for leadership development, executive education, or upskilling. Melbourne Business School offers some of the best short-term courses to find better executive roles. These include:

• Leadership Program (4 weeks online)
• Culturally Conscious Leadership (2 days on-campus)

You can also explore your specialisation into sustainable business or digital transformation after an MBA.

Now, let’s see the rate of return you can expect in different roles after short-term courses in Australia.

High-salary jobs after short-term courses in Australia

Short-term educational courses in Australia can help international students land jobs in several high-paying fields. Analysts, business executives and web developers earn some of the most competitive salaries. 

Data science jobs are available in many fields, including finance, entertainment, and government. These careers grow as technology improves and are in high demand globally. In Australia, data analysts typically earn between A$85,000 and AUD 100,000, while the average salary for a machine learning/artificial intelligence engineer is $141,910 per year.

Professionals in commerce, finance and economics are also highly valued in Australia. A financial dealer earns an average salary of $110,000 and a CEO/ managing director around $177,506. Business development managers, account executives and other similar corporate roles make up to AUD 122,000 annually. Meanwhile, medical professionals and engineers have an average salary of AUD 127,000 and AUD 115,000, respectively.

All these roles often demand specific skills that can be learned and perfected through short-term courses. Moreover, targeted short-term courses in Australia may even help you switch to higher-paying roles.
While these courses are usually open to all, some may still entail certain prerequisites and other requirements.

How to choose the right short-term course in Australia?

So, there are numerous options for short courses in Australia. How do you choose one that fits your educational background and meets your job expectations? 

Obviously, you will have to match the course to the industry you want to enter. But when choosing a short-term course, you must check:

• Whether it includes internship or work placement to build experience.
• Recognised certificate status. Look for external seals (ACS for IT, ANMAC for nursing) to increase employability and migration points.
• Transferability of credits into full degree programs

You might also consider the time you can commit to a short course with your full-time degree or job and choose a course that fits your schedule. 

Make sure the university in Australia and its course are CRICOS-registered, if you are looking to start a short course before your full-time degree. This will help you qualify for a visa. 

You will also have to confirm your eligibility for courses. Some may have English language or technical prerequisites.

Eligibility and admission requirements for a short-term course in Australia

Short-term courses in Australia usually have fewer requirements than full-time ones. The eligibility and admission requirements will vary depending on the particular course and institution. Some advanced courses may require specific qualifications, depending on the level and subject. For example, vocational courses like graphic design or hairdressing may require you to have a qualification or work experience in graphic design and hairdressing, respectively. 

Higher education courses that relate to a niche usually require you to have finished high school or hold a bachelor’s/master’s degree. For instance, the University of Melbourne‘s Introduction to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence course demands a Master of Computer Science or another relevant degree/course as a prerequisite.

Moreover, applicants may need a valid passport to confirm their identity when signing up for the course.

In-Person Courses

For in-person short courses, a Visitor or Tourist visa, which allows you to study for up to three months, is usually enough. However, some universities in Australia may need you to have a Student visa and it is best to check with the school about the visa requirements before you begin the course. Also, keep in mind that visas may have rules about how much you can work and how long you can study.

Three visa types that are normally relevant to studying a short course in Australia are:

• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is granted for 3, 6 or 12 months but only grants access to study for a maximum of three months. The fee to apply starts at AUD 195 and you need proof of enrollment in a course, have enough money for your stay and plan to return home after finishing. The application process is online and processing can take about 20 to 30 days. This visa can help you visit campuses, meet teachers and learn about courses before committing to a full-time program in the country.
• A Student Visa (Subclass 500) offers a stay of up to 5 years. It allows students to work up to 48 hours a fortnight and access to student health insurance. You need a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian institution, proof of money, English skills, and a medical check to apply. This visa is the most suitable for international students who plan to study in Australia long-term.
• A Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is also available for a stay of up to 4 years. It is designed for those joining research activities, volunteer programs and cultural exchange participation in certain events. Similarly, the Training Visa (Subclass 407) lets you stay in Australia for up to two years for job training. It helps you learn new skills for your work, studies, or career. You can also join programs to gain experience and grow in your profession.

Before signing up for a short course or visa, you must consider the cost of short-term courses. Prices can be very different depending on the school, course, and how long it lasts.

Also Read: Best Courses to Study in Australia for Indian Students

Cost of short-term courses in Australia

Short-term courses in Australia can cost anywhere between a few Australian dollars to thousands, depending on the course and institution. 

Course	Cost (AUD)
Introduction to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (University of Melbourne)	1,190 (inc GST)
Foundations of Sustainable Business (University of Melbourne)	1,350 (inc GST)
Developing a Fashion Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap (University of Melbourne)	1,200 (ex GST)
Practical Foundations of Biology (University of Technology Sydney)	2,000 (GST-free)
Advanced Management Program (Melbourne Business School)	26,000 (ex GST)

You can also compare different courses on your institution’s website and find one that fits your budget and goals. Some courses also allow you to pay the fee in installments. Whereas, some universities in Australia can offer full or partial scholarships.

Melbourne Business School offers scholarships to international students for some short courses. It has three funds for those working non-profit leaders and women in leadership programs. The scholarships cover AUD 12,500 or more but it is a good idea to check university websites for the latest details on the amount and deadlines.

Conclusion

Overall, all students can sign up for an online course in Australia. You can start a course from your home country and get an introduction to the faculty and curriculum of top universities in Australia. When comfortable with the course, you can pursue a full-time degree in Australia and also take up short courses to gain extra credits and upskill for better job opportunities. These flexible courses are popular additions to resumes.
Short certificate courses are also sought after for learning specific skills in high-paid industries like AI, big data, and cybersecurity.

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