Graduate Certificate in Petroleum Engineering (CRICOS course code 088768B) is a Graduate Certificate delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 1 year. This program provides specialised knowledge in petroleum engineering, covering areas such as reservoir engineering, drilling, and production. Located at UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney, this course is ideal for engineers looking to advance their careers in the energy sector. UNSW is a leading Australian university with strong industry connections. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00098G), UNSW meets rigorous standards for international education. This page details fees, entry requirements, visa information, and more to help you make an informed decision. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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Graduate Certificate in Petroleum Engineering (CRICOS course code 088768B) is a Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 1 year (52 weeks). The course falls under the field of Education 030303 (Mining Engineering), part of Process and Resources Engineering. Delivered in English, this single qualification does not include a work component or foundation studies. UNSW is a government university and one of Australia's leading institutions, ranked among the top 50 globally. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of many available to you.
The Graduate Certificate in Petroleum Engineering typically covers advanced topics in reservoir characterisation, drilling and well construction, petroleum economics, health and safety in oil and gas operations, and project management. Students develop skills in resource extraction, data analysis, and decision-making within the energy industry. This program is designed for engineering professionals who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to specialise. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing graduates for roles in upstream operations. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, quality is assured under the ESOS Act, protecting international students' rights.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. No VET national code applies as this is a higher education graduate certificate. Students study full-time and are expected to attend classes at the UNSW Kensington campus. There is no online or part-time option listed on CRICOS.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$43,500. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are approximately A$500, bringing the estimated total to A$44,000. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for the main applicant). Fees are set by UNSW and are subject to change; always confirm with the university before applying. For reference, international students in Sydney should budget around A$500–700 per week for rent, A$80–150 for groceries, and A$40 for public transport.
English language requirements vary by provider, but for a Graduate Certificate at UNSW, a typical IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall is required (with minimum subscores). Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Relevant work experience may also be considered. Foundation or pathway options are not typically available for this level—refer to UNSW's specific entry criteria. Meeting academic requirements does not guarantee admission; the university assesses each application holistically.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions and changes in Australian immigration policy. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
The course is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant international student community. There are many CRICOS-registered providers in Sydney, offering a wide variety of courses. UNSW's Kensington campus is well connected by public transport (buses and light rail), and is approximately 20 minutes from the city centre. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than other Australian cities, but it offers diverse cultural and employment opportunities.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements include: maintaining full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, and holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay. Student work rights are currently 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions may change—always refer to the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Petroleum Engineering at UNSW:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Filter by course level, field, and city on HeadStart Academy to find suitable courses. 2. Apply directly to UNSW: Check entry requirements, submit English test scores (e.g., IELTS), meet application deadlines, and submit required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW issues your CoE, you can lodge your visa application online.
Sydney offers a high standard of living but comes with significant costs. Indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment near UNSW is around AUD 500–700, groceries AUD 80–150, and public transport AUD 40. The city is known for its beaches, multicultural cuisine, and vibrant arts scene. UNSW itself has a large international student body, providing a supportive community. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences—other states like Victoria or Queensland may offer lower living expenses while still providing quality education.
UNSW is a prestigious Group of Eight university, ranked consistently among the top 50 globally. It has strong ties to the energy industry, particularly in petroleum engineering, offering networking opportunities and industry projects. The Kensington campus features modern facilities, libraries, and research centres. UNSW also provides career services and student support to help international students succeed. As a CRICOS-registered provider, UNSW adheres to the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights are protected.
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Graduate Certificate in Petroleum Engineering is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.