Bricklaying Courses in Australia for International Students
Become a Qualified Bricklayer & Blocklayer on a Student Visa
Bricklaying can give you more job options and good pay. This course may also support a future skilled migration pathway. We help international students choose the right course, enrol, and apply for a student visa. No cost to you — 100% free.
Written by Lesley Rogan (QEAC 4339)
Reviewed by Akram Mardini (MARN 2519017)
Last updated: July 2026
Bricklaying course at a glance
Can international students study it?
Yes, through a CRICOS-approved course on a student visa
Course
Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Qualification code
CPC33020
Course length
Often around 2 years
Apprenticeship?
No, student visa holders usually study through a college, not an apprenticeship
Skilled occupation
Bricklayer, ANZSCO 331111
Migration note
May support a future skilled migration plan, but does not guarantee ongoing visas
Can international students study bricklaying in Australia?
Yes, you can study bricklaying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500), without leaving the country.
The course is the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) — a nationally recognised qualification covering house walls, commercial brickwork, and heritage brickwork.
You study in a college, not with an employer; apprenticeships are only for citizens and permanent residents. Courses typically run around 2 years and cost roughly AU$18,000–$24,000 in tuition (paid in instalments), varying by college. Entry usually requires IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
A full course generally clears the 92-week minimum study requirement for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), and bricklayer is on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List, which can support skilled migration after that.
If you're on a Working Holiday or Student visa, you can switch to a new student visa without leaving Australia.
Make the most of your visa expiry timeframe. Let's work out your next step - call us on 0410 878 810 or submit this form:
This free consultation is for potential international students who want to know:
• which bricklaying course they may be eligible for
• which college suits their budget
• whether the course may support a 485 or skilled migration pathway
Already in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa?
Good news — you don't have to leave Australia to switch to a student visa, and you may be able to keep working while you wait to start class.
A trade course like this needs more time than a Working Holiday visa allows (only 4 months of study), so you'll need to move to a student visa to complete it.
No rush, no pressure, but your visa won't wait forever — the sooner you start, the more options you keep. Come have a free chat with us — we're happy to help you figure out what's possible.
Why bricklaying?
Australia needs bricklayers (known as brickies) — and the pay shows it
Australia does not have enough qualified bricklayers. Builders need more workers. Once you finish training, there is real work waiting, and it pays well — According to SEEK, bricklayersa are earning an average of AUD $80,000-$90,000 per year.
A skill you keep for life
Bricklaying is careful, hands-on work — building walls and brickwork that lasts for many years. It's a real skill you can use anywhere.
See real results, fast
Many people like bricklaying because you see a clear result each day — a finished wall, a structure taking shape.
A trade that may help a skilled migration future
Bricklayer is on the Core Skills Occupation List. This can help with a long-term visa plan. We can explain how this works for you.
Not sure where to start?
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Helping international students apply with confidence
Support with courses, documents & visa requirements
Our team is based in Australia
Charlie Hill
UK
Lesley has been absolutely amazing, she has helped me with two different student visas now, has always been then to answer my calls and emails. I am very certain I am not the easiest student she has helped but always went above and beyond and I really can't recommend her enough
Course details: Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)
Who it's for: people who want a hands-on trade qualification in masonry and construction, without needing an employer-sponsored apprenticeship.
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Course name: Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)
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28 units of competency (20 core, 8 elective)
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Around 2 years full-time, delivered face-to-face in workshop + classroom — needs to clear the 92-week minimum for 485 Graduate visa eligibility
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Tuition roughly AU$18,000–$24,000, varies by college — confirm current fees directly
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Entry: minimum age 18, Year 10 or equivalent, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (varies by college)
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English requirement: usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, varies by college
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Covers residential and commercial brickwork, blocklaying, paving, and decorative/heritage techniques
Skilled migration pathways
Bricklayer is a skilled occupation in Australia.
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Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331111) is on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — the main list used for skilled migration visas
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Some states and territories also list it on their own occupation lists (for the 190 and 491 visas) — these change from time to time
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Being on the list improves your eligibility — it does not guarantee a visa
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Points, English proficiency, and a skills assessment still apply
This is general information, not migration advice.
We can refer you to a registered migration agent for formal visa advice consultation - connect for an introduction
485 Graduate Post-Vocational Education Work Stream visa eligibility
Many graduates will be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485 - Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, if graduating by the age of 35, after a minimum of 92 weeks of study.
This 1.5 year visa will give you time to get the work experience required to have the potential for skilled migration in your new trade.
We advise you to organise a consultation with a migration agent/lawyer to understand your options after being a student.
Plan with your end goal already clear. As they say in the trades - measure twice; cut once.
