Study automotive in Australia: why it’s a smart choice for PR

If you’ve ever been the hero of a road trip because you knew exactly what to do when a car broke down, you’ve got a skill worth building on.

Right now, there’s a shortage of automotive mechanics in Australia. So it’s a career path that’s in demand, pays well, and could even open doors to permanent residency.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn your skills into a long-term career through automotive courses in Australia. You’ll also learn about PR pathways, career opportunities, and why strong English skills matter for your success.

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Australia’s automotive industry is booming, creating a huge demand for skilled workers. 

A 2024 Deloitte survey showed that 41% of motor mechanic jobs are filled by people coming from overseas. 

Plus, three automotive careers are on Australia’s Occupation Shortage List:

• Automotive Electrician (ANZSCO 321111)

• Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO 321212)

• Motor Mechanic (General) (ANZSCO 321211)

These jobs are in demand everywhere, from big cities to regional areas. So, if you’re thinking about an automotive career, studying in Australia gives you a real shot at landing a job in a growing industry.

If you're planning to study automotive in Australia, you’ll need to meet the English language requirements set by institutions.

• Minimum IELTS Scores: Most institutions offering automotive courses require an overall IELTS band score between 5.5 and 6.0, with no individual band (such as listening, reading, writing, or speaking) below 5.0.

These requirements may vary across institutions, so it’s always best to double-check with your chosen university.

Not sure what IELTS score you need?

IELTS requirements can vary depending on the institution and course. Before you start preparing, it’s a good idea to double-check what score you need.

Our education experts can help. We’ll confirm the IELTS score required by your chosen institution, guide you with expert prep materials, give you access to free practice tests, and help you book your test when you’re ready.

Australia offers several automotive course options that can lead to skilled jobs—and possibly PR pathways. These qualifications are usually delivered through TAFE or private training providers. 

Here are some of the most common automotive courses available:

AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Career outcome: Diesel Motor Mechanic

• Duration: 1 to 2 years

• Notes: May require prior qualifications or relevant work experience

AUR30320 Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

• Career outcome: Automotive Electrician

• Duration: 1 to 2 years

• Notes: Covers foundational skills in auto electrical systems

AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Career outcome: General Motor Mechanic

• Duration: 1 to 2 years

• Notes: Covers academic requirements but may not lead directly to a trade license

After you have completed any of the certifications we mentioned, you can finally apply for any of these exciting job opportunities!

Some of the roles you could pursue include:

• Automotive Electrician

• Diesel Motor Mechanic

• Motor Mechanic (General)

• Vehicle Diagnostics Technician

• Workshop Manager

• Service Advisor

But here's one thing to keep in mind: your English proficiency plays a big role in whether or not you'll thrive in an automotive career. Here's why.

Imagine you’re working on a car, diagnosing a complex issue. 

You’ve narrowed it down to a potential electrical fault, but when you try to explain it to your team, they don’t quite understand. The fix you suggested got delayed because communication wasn’t clear.

In the automotive industry, communicating your ideas is just as important as knowing how to fix a car. 

And it’s not just about the workplace. Most TAFE institutions in Australia require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or 6.0 (overall) to enrol in automotive courses. This means your English proficiency isn’t just helpful—it’s essential to getting started.

Top Five Institutions for Automotive Courses in Australia

If you're an international student looking to pursue automotive courses in Australia, these institutions are some of the best options that accept international enrollment:

Skills Australia Institute 

If you want a practical, hands-on learning experience, Skills Australia Institute could be a great fit. They focus on teaching you the real-world skills you need to thrive in the automotive industry.

• What You Can Study: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Certificate IV in Automotive Management

Australian Sovereign College 

At Australian Sovereign College, you’ll gain industry-relevant skills and plenty of support throughout your studies. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking to build a strong foundation in automotive trades while learning about Australian industry standards.

• What You Can Study: Automotive Mechanical Technology, Diesel Mechanic Programs

Kangan Institute 

Want to learn in state-of-the-art facilities? Kangan Institute is well-known for its partnerships with major automotive brands and its cutting-edge workshops. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re aiming to work with the latest tools and technologies.

• What You Can Study: Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Automotive Refinishing Technology

Gladstone Institute 

If you prefer a smaller, more personalized learning environment, Gladstone Institute might be the right fit for you. They focus on giving you the hands-on skills and knowledge you need to succeed in automotive trades.

• What You Can Study: Automotive Mechanical Diagnostics, Diesel Motor Mechanic Training

TAFE Queensland 

TAFE Queensland is a top pick if you’re looking for industry-recognized training that combines classroom learning with real workplace experience. They’ll make sure you’re job-ready when you graduate.

• What You Can Study: Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis

Once you have applied to an educational institute, you can then apply for a student visa (500).

Once you’ve completed your degree from a , you can apply for a temporary graduate visa subclass (485).  

This gives you time to live and work in Australia and look for a suitable permanent role in the industry. 

Once you’ve obtained employment, your employer will have to provide the equivalent of an apprenticeship for you to qualify to work in the field. 

Most likely, this will be under visa 407, a training visa. 

After a maximum of two years on this visa, you will finally be eligible to work in your desired role. 

Once positively assessed by VETASSESS, you may be eligible for a variety of visa types: 

• 186 - Employer Nomination Scheme visa 

• 189 - Skilled Independent Points-Tested 

• 190 - Skilled Nominated 

• 482 – Skills in demand 

• 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional)  

• 491 - Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa 

Choosing the right visa depends on your location, whether you need a provisional or permanent visa, and if you’re state or regional-sponsored.

Need help navigating this process? At IDP, we specialize in providing expert guidance to international students like you. 

Our team helps you understand the best visa pathways for your career goals and supports you in the application process. Plus, we offer up-to-date advice tailored to your unique situation.

With IDP, you get personalized visa support, no hidden costs, and a team dedicated to ensuring you can work and live your best life in Australia. Get in touch with IDP’s visa experts. 

Thinking about studying automotive courses in Australia?

It can be hard to know where to begin. 

Choosing the right course and school can feel confusing. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right help, your first step will take you closer to your dream career. 

At IDP, we make it easier. You can contact us if you need help finding the right course or applying to your chosen institution.

And when you're ready to take your IELTS, you can book now to get free access to one to four learning modules from our IELTS course.