Study Air Conditioning & Refrigeration in Australia
Written by Lesley Rogan
Reviewed by Akram Mardini (MARN 2519017)
Last updated: June 2026
If you're looking for a practical trade with strong job opportunities, good earning potential and skills you can use anywhere in the world, the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is a great choice.
Can International Students Study Air Conditioning?
Yes. International students can study the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in Australia with selected education providers on a Student Visa.
This is a practical course where you'll learn how to install, service and repair air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It may also be a good choice if you're hoping to apply for permanent residency (PR) in the future. The occupation has been included on Australia's skilled occupation lists, but visa rules can change, so there is no guarantee of PR. Always speak with a migration agent on such topics!
Even if you don't stay in Australia, the skills you learn are recognised around the world and can help you build a career in many countries, especially in the growing world of data centres - imagine all the cooling systems they need!
Australia has around 18 million air conditioners — and every one of them needs someone to install, service, repair or replace it. Is there a better country to study this trade career?
What Do Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technicians Do?
The Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32225) teaches you the skills to install, service, maintain and repair refrigeration and air conditioning systems used in homes, offices, shops, factories and commercial buildings.
Job titles include:
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Air Conditioning Technician
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Refrigeration Mechanic
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HVAC Service Technician
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Refrigeration Service Technician
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Air Conditioning Installer
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Commercial Refrigeration Technician
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Maintenance Technician
Is Air Conditioning & Refrigeration a Good Career?
Yes. Air conditioning and refrigeration is a great career if you enjoy practical work and want to learn a skilled trade. Qualified Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians are needed to look after systems in nearly every building in Australia.
One of the biggest advantages of this trade is that your skills can take you almost anywhere. Air conditioning and refrigeration systems are used all over the world, so the qualification can help you build a career in Australia or give you valuable skills to use when you return home. It can also be a good alternative to becoming an electrician, especially for international students looking for a practical trade with strong job opportunities and a potential PR pathway.
Talk to an education cousellor about this or all trade courses.
Quick Facts About the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Qualification: Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32225)
Duration: between 92–104 weeks depending on the college
Tuition Fees: AUD $28,000–$32,000 depending on the college
Work Placement: Usually 360 hours
Visa Eligibility: Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Post-Study Work Visa: May be eligible for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (subject to Australian Government rules)
Career Outcome: Air Conditioning (HVAC) & Refrigeration Technician / Refrigeration Mechanic / Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician
Average Salary: AUD $85,000–$100,000+ per year
Study locations: unlike all other trade courses, only available in Sydney - hint, hint...this makes it even more specialised!
Skilled Occupation: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (ANZSCO 342111) is currently on Australia's skilled occupation lists - subject to future government changes and visa eligibility requirements
✔ Guilding international students for many years
✔ Course enrolment & student visa preparation
✔ Education counsellors are based in Australia
How Much Do Air Conditioning Technicians Earn?
According to SEEK, Air Conditioning Technicians in Australia earn an average salary of between AUD $90,000 - $105,000 per year, or around $50 to $55 per hour, in 2026.
Job Opportunities for Licenced Tecnicians
According to SEEK, there are 1,418 air conditioning technician jobs advertised across Australia as of June 2026.
Global Career Opportunities: Qualified air conditioning and refrigeration technicians are in demand worldwide, with opportunities across residential, commercial, industrial, mining, hospitality, healthcare and food production industries. Huge opportunities exist in the exploding data centre industry.
What Will I Learn in the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration?
These are the fundamentals of what you study in the program:
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Installing air conditioning and refrigeration systems
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Finding and repairing faults
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Servicing and maintaining equipment
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Electrical wiring and testing
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Refrigeration principles and cooling systems
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Reading plans and technical drawings
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Using tools and testing equipment safely
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Workplace health and safety
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Customer service and communication
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Environmental and energy efficiency practices
You will also complete practical training in workshops and real workplace environments, helping you build the hands-on skills employers are looking for.
By the end of the course, you'll be prepared to work as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician / HVAC Technician in Australia or use your skills to build your career back home.
Most international student tiling courses include a 360-hour work placement, the opportunity to gain hand-on experience ‘on the job’. This is also a requirement of the 485 Graduate Work Stream Visa.
Check Your Eligibility for an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Course in Australia
✔ Compare colleges
✔ Understand visa options
✔ Explore 485 visa pathways
✔ Speak with an Australia-based education counsellor
485 Graduate Post-Vocational Education Work Stream Visa
Many graduates will be eligible to apply for the 485 Post-Vocational Education Work Stream Visa after a minimum of 92 weeks of study.
This 1.5 year visa will allow graduates to to gain Australian work experience should they be aiming for skilled migration as a Wall & Floor Tiler - ANZSCO 333411
We advise you to organise a consultation with a migration agent/lawyer to understand your options after being a student.
Start with your goal in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Studying in South Australia Alert! -
Major Changes for International Trade Students in South Australia from July 2026
Significant changes are coming for international students in South Australia.
From July 1, 2026, the South Australian Skills Commission will no longer recognise classroom-based courses (the only ones international students can take) as eligible for industry-recognised Occupational Certificates.