Written by Lesley Rogan (QEAC 4339)
Reviewed by Akram Mardini (MARN 2519017)
Last updated: July 2026
This free consultation is for potential international students asking:
• Which trade course am I be eligible for?
• Which college mathes my budget?
• Can the course lead to a 485 Visa or skilled migration pathway?
Build Practical Skills in Careers AI Can't Easily Replace
Train for an in-demand qualification while studying in Australia. Get well paid and have the chance for skilled migration.
✔ Painting
Duration: 1-2 year courses
Average Tuition: $16,000 - $30,000
All Australian Cities
IMPORTANT
International students are not eligible to study as an apprentice.
Trade apprenticeships are only for domestic students (permanent residents/citizens).
Visa-holders can only study a classroom-based course.
Choose a Trade Career You'll Be Proud Of
Why Study a Trade in Australia?
Australia needs skilled trade workers in many industries, from construction and automotive to air conditioning, electrical and tiling. If you like practical work and want skills you can use in the real world, a trade course could be a great choice.
Why students choose a trade
✔ Practical skills - Learn hands-on skills you can use at work, not just in the classroom.
✔ Strong job demand - Many trade careers have strong job opportunities in Australia and overseas.
✔ Useful in many countries - Trade skills can help you build a career in Australia, back home or in other countries.
✔ Hard to replace with AI - Trades still need real people to build, install, fix, cook, repair and solve problems.
✔ You may be eligible for the 485 Graduate Visa after graduation
Why Students Choose International Student Australia
✓ QEAC-qualified education counsellors
✓ Compare multiple colleges
✓ Australia-wide provider network
✓ Student visa guidance
✓ Free service for students
✓ Friendly advice in easy English
✓ Personal support from enquiry to enrolment to visa
✓ With you through your entire study journey
According to Jensen Huang of Nvidia: "There are thousands of jobs for young people, thanks to an accelerating boom in data centers. They just have to be willing to go to trade school. If you’re an electrician, you’re a plumber, a carpenter—we’re going to need hundreds of thousands of them to build all of these factories. Channel 4 News, UK, Oct 2025
Studying in South Australia Alert! -
Major Changes for International Trade Students in South Australia from July 2026
On July 1, 2026, the South Australian Skills Commission stopped recognising classroom-based courses (the only ones international students can take) as eligible for industry-recognised Occupational Certificates.
Students who began studying before June 30 are not affected, and can still apply at the end of their courses.
Read more about the changes in South Australia for trade colleges
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Guilding international students for many years
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Course enrolment & student visa preparation
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Education counsellors based in Australia
The Opportunity for Trades Graduates
According to MACROBUSINESS:
The number of Australians studying trade apprenticeships in decreasing and there is a rising skills shortage. Australia is facing a growing demand for qualified tradies across the construction industry. Technicians & trades workers make up over 50% of all occupations in shortage - demand for nearly 200,000 additional trades workers is expected over the next 10 years.
Australia is heading toward severe skills shortages in trades, creating strong demand and long-term opportunities for students who choose trade pathways.