Study carpentry in Australia in 2027

Carpentry study in Australia starts with a Certificate III in Carpentry. Most students then add a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), reaching a recognised trade qualification in about two years.

What does the carpentry course cover?

Two qualifications, in this order:

1. Certificate III in CarpentryCore trade skills first. You learn to measure, cut, and build wooden frames and fixtures for real projects.
2. Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)Goes further again. It covers site supervision, contracts, and construction project management.

What does a carpenter actually do day to day?

• Carpenters read drawings and plans before they start a job.
• They select and measure timber, then cut pieces to size.
• They erect wall frames, roof frames, and sub-flooring on site.
• Joiners, a related trade, focus more on fitted wooden structures, like doors and window frames.

Why do students choose carpentry?

Australia’s construction industry has strong, ongoing demand for skilled carpenters. New housing and infrastructure projects keep needing trained workers. Carpentry also offers hands-on learning from your very first class. You build real skills that transfer straight onto a real job site.

What does carpentry study cost in 2027?

Every international student needs a student visa (subclass 500), and the Department of Home Affairs asks for evidence of funds. The costs, in order:

Visa costs

• AUD $2,500 for most applicants.
• AUD $2,050 for citizens of 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries.
• AUD $745 for citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.1

The student visa page lists the countries.

Course fees per year

Fees depend on your college, your location, and your course combination. Ask us for the current fee for your chosen course package.

Agency fees

• The Studyaway service fee is AUD $2,000 for a new student visa application from outside Australia, the same for every passport.8

Health insurance

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for the whole length of the visa.9 The price depends on the insurer and the length of cover. The health insurance page gets a quote.

Living costs

• AUD $29,710 for 12 months: the figure the Department of Home Affairs asks to see evidence of.2

What do you need to apply for carpentry study?

• You need to be at least 18 years old.
• You need Year 12 or equivalent.
• You need IELTS 6.0 or PTE 47, or IELTS 5.5 or PTE 39 with at least 10 weeks of an English course (ELICOS).
• Ask us for the test score your college requires as well.
• You will also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your visa, and a clean police record.

What is carpentry study actually like?

Carpentry is physical work. You stand, lift, and build for long hours on your feet. You also learn technical terms and safety rules, which can be harder in a second language. Many students say tools and materials are a real cost to plan for, on top of course fees.

What comes after you graduate from carpentry?

Graduates can work as carpenters or joiners on residential and commercial sites. With experience, some move into supervisory or construction management roles. Others start their own carpentry business over time. Skills assessment for carpentry work in Australia is handled by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Can carpentry study lead to a visa pathway?

Carpenter is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).4 That list decides which trades can use the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after a vocational course. The steps after the course run in this order:

1. The Certificate III in Carpentry and the DiplomaStudied in Australia on a student visa, for at least 2 academic years and at least 16 months.
2. Provisional Skills AssessmentTrades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses the skills for carpenter.
3. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)Applied for within 6 months of finishing the course. The applicant must be 35 or younger.
4. TRA Job Ready ProgramAt least 12 months of full-time work with an employer TRA approves.
5. Skilled visa optionsEligibility depends on the occupation, the employer, points and each person's situation.

A pathway to permanent residency (PR) may be possible after these steps, but eligibility depends on your occupation, your employer, and your own situation. Check your options with a registered migration agent before you plan around any one visa.

Can you work while you study carpentry?

A student visa allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, meaning every two weeks.7 Many carpentry students also pick up casual trade work, which builds real experience alongside their course.

This article is general information only, not migration advice. Course details checked July 2026; the visa, funds and skills list facts were read at source on 22 October 2026. In Australia, immigration assistance may only be provided by a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner - Studyaway provides all students with access to a Registered Migration Agent.

Sources

1. Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1222(2) (the visa application charge), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
2. Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2, clause 500.214; LIN 19/198, section 6(2) (funds), Compilation No. 2. Read 22 October 2026.
3. Department of Home Affairs, Subclass 500 Student visa page (updated 12 October 2026); Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1222(3)(aa) and (3A); LIN 20/158, sections 18 and 19, Compilation No. 1. Read 22 October 2026.
4. LIN 19/051, section 8 (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) and section 10AA (assessing authorities), Compilation No. 5. Read 22 October 2026.
5. Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, item 1229(3)(k) and (4)(b), and Schedule 2, clauses 485.221 to 485.224 (Temporary Graduate visa), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.
6. Trades Recognition Australia, Job Ready Program page. Read 20 October 2026.
7. Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 8, condition 8105 (48 hours a fortnight), Compilation No. 289; Department of Home Affairs, Subclass 500 Student visa page. Read 22 October 2026.
8. Studyaway, Pricing: every Studyaway price. Read 22 October 2026.
9. Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2, clause 500.215 (health insurance), Compilation No. 289. Read 22 October 2026.

Checked and updated 22 October 2026.