What to Study After Completing a Trade in Australia
So, you’ve finished your trade qualification, maybe in carpentry, painting, tiling, or another hands-on field, and now you’re wondering what’s next. If you were hoping to apply for the Graduate Visa (485) but no longer meet the new age requirements, you’re not alone.
We’ve been speaking with a growing number of students in the same situation and the good news is, you still have options.
Let’s talk about what you can study next and how that can help you stay in Australia and keep working toward permanent residency.
Why Keep Studying After a Trade Course?
With the 485 visa becoming harder to access for trade students over the age limit, many are turning to further study as a way to stay in Australia longer. But here’s the thing: you can’t just pick any random course.
Your next step needs to make sense, not just for your career, but also to the Department of Home Affairs. They’ll want to see that your new course builds on what you’ve already studied or worked in. So if you’ve done something like carpentry or bricklaying, the next course should connect logically to that.
Top Course Options After a Trade Qualification
1. Certificate IV or Diploma in Building and Construction
If you’ve already trained in the construction trades, this is one of the best ways to keep building your skills and career prospects. These courses can help you step into supervisory or site management roles and they make perfect sense as a continuation of hands-on trade experience.
Here’s why it works:
- It’s a clear and logical progression from your trade
- Makes your student visa application stronger
- Boosts your long-term employment and migration prospects
- Can be packaged for up to 2 years of study
- Available all across Australia
- Starts from around $10,000/year, with payment plans available
- Minimal classroom time (usually just 1–2 days a week), so you can keep improving your practical skills
2. Diploma, or Advanced Diploma in Project Management
If you’re thinking about stepping into leadership or planning roles, either in construction or other fields like civil works, automotive, or telecommunications project management could be a great fit. It’s broad enough to give you flexibility but still easy to justify to immigration because it clearly builds on your trade background.
Why it’s a smart move:
- Relevant to a wide range of industries
- Helps explain your study plan clearly to immigration
- Lower cost: starting from around $6,000/year
- Can be studied on its own or packaged for up to 2.5 years
- Flexible schedule—usually only 1–2 days per week
How This Supports Your Pathway to PR
Studying another course can give you the time and structure to work toward other visa pathways especially now that the Graduate Visa isn’t an option for many.
For example, it can help you:
- Qualify for a skills assessment
- Gain more relevant work experience
- Become eligible for state nomination or regional sponsorship
- Apply for an employer-sponsored visa down the line
Plus, the right course keeps your visa history consistent and logical in the eyes of the Department of Home Affairs which can make a big difference later on.
What’s the Right Course for You?
That depends on your background and goals. Here are a few things to consider:
- What trade have you already studied?
- Do you want to stay in the same industry or move into something new?
- What’s your long-term goal—PR, sponsorship, more work experience?
- Where in Australia do you want to live and work?
At Pathway to Aus, we take the time to understand your situation and help you figure out the best next step whether that’s a new course, a student visa, or a long-term migration plan.
Not Sure What to Do Next? Let’s Chat.
We know it can be frustrating to hit a wall right after finishing your studies especially if the Graduate Visa is off the table. But that doesn’t mean your journey has to stop here. With the right guidance and course selection, you can still build a solid pathway to stay in Australia, keep working, and work toward permanent residency.
💬 Get in touch with the education team at Pathway to Aus for FREE! We’ll walk you through your options and help you plan your next move with confidence.
