Study welding and fabrication in Australia in 2027

Welding and fabrication study in Australia combines two linked engineering qualifications. A Certificate IV in Engineering leads into a Diploma of Engineering, building toward a recognised trade qualification.

What does the welding course cover?

Two qualifications, in this order:

1. Certificate IV in EngineeringCore metal and fabrication skills used across manufacturing and related industries.
2. Diploma of Engineering - Advanced TradeAdvanced technical skill for tradespeople already working in the field.

Ask us for the current course durations, since these can vary between colleges.

Why do students choose welding?

Australia’s mining, construction, and manufacturing sectors all need skilled welders. Regional areas often have the strongest shortages of trained workers. Welding also suits people who enjoy precise, hands-on work. You learn practical skills you can use immediately on a real job.

What does welding 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 welding study?

• You need to be at least 18 years old.
• You need a Year 12 pass or an equivalent qualification.
• You need to meet the English level your course sets.
• Ask us for the current test score your college requires.
• You will also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the whole length of your visa.

What does a welder actually do day to day?

• Welders read blueprints and drawings before they start a job.
• They select, clean, and prepare metal stock for the task.
• They cut, shape, and join metal sections using different welding techniques.
• They examine finished welds for strength, then clean and smooth them.

Can you specialise within welding?

Yes. Some welders specialise in pipeline, structural, or workshop fabrication work. Others move into inspection or supervisory roles over time. Specialising usually comes after you build real workplace experience.

What is welding study actually like?

Welding is physically demanding work. You often work standing, in awkward positions, around heat and sparks. Safety training and proper equipment reduce the risks involved. The work still asks for real focus and stamina. Precision matters a great deal. A small error in a weld can affect the strength of a whole structure.

What comes after you graduate from welding?

Graduates can work as welders, metal fabricators, or maintenance technicians. With further study, some move into engineering or technical design roles. Skills assessment for welding work in Australia is handled by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Can welding study lead to a visa pathway?

Welder (First Class) and Metal Fabricator are 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 IV and the Diploma of EngineeringStudied 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 welder or fabricator.
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 welding?

A student visa allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, meaning every two weeks.7 Some welding students also find casual trade or workshop work. This builds relevant experience alongside their studies.

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 20 October 2026.