Advanced Diplomas in Australia: What They Are and Which Course Is Right for You

Advanced Diplomas are AQF Level 6 vocational qualifications that give students practical, job-ready skills in 1.5 to 2 years, without needing a Bachelor’s degree to enrol. They sit above a Diploma and below a Bachelor’s degree, making them one of the fastest routes into a skilled role or a supervisory position. At Austra College, Advanced Diplomas are available in Hospitality Management and Information Technology, both delivered as nationally recognised training.

Key Takeaways

• An Advanced Diploma is an AQF Level 6 qualification — practical, industry-focused, and faster than a Bachelor’s degree.
• Entry typically only requires Year 12 completion or equivalent — no prior degree needed.
• Full-time study takes 1.5 to 2 years, preparing graduates for entry-to-mid-level and supervisory roles.
• Austra College delivers two Advanced Diplomas: SIT60322 – Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management and ICT60220 – Advanced Diploma of Information Technology.
• Graduates can often use their Advanced Diploma for credit toward a related Bachelor’s degree.

What is an Advanced Diploma?

What is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)? The AQF ranks every Australian qualification, from Certificate I through to Doctoral degrees, across 10 levels, so employers and institutions can compare them consistently.

An Advanced Diploma sits at AQF Level 6, the same level as an Associate Degree. Unlike a Bachelor’s degree, which leans on broad academic theory, an Advanced Diploma is built around the practical, workplace-ready skills employers are hiring for right now.