Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering (CRICOS course code 103395H) is a Diploma delivered by Brighton Pacific Pty Ltd over 1 year 9 months (~92 weeks). This AQF Level 5 qualification is designed for international students seeking specialised skills in refrigeration and air conditioning systems engineering. The course falls under the field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology (031315), covering installation, maintenance, diagnostics, and system design in commercial and industrial settings. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03430J), Brighton Pacific Pty Ltd ensures the course meets Australian education quality standards under the ESOS Act. Indicative tuition fees are A$25,750 for the full program, with no additional non-tuition fees. Delivery is available at two locations: Blacktown, NSW and Upper Mount Gravatt, QLD. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), covering over 26,000 courses across 1,556 providers. This resource is free — no referral fees or commissions.
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This diploma covers the practical and theoretical aspects of air conditioning and refrigeration engineering. Students learn to design, install, commission, and maintain HVACR systems in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Core topics include thermodynamics, electrical circuits, refrigeration cycles, air handling, system controls, and regulatory compliance. Graduates typically gain skills in fault finding, system diagnostics, energy efficiency optimization, and project management. The field 'Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics' (031315) prepares technicians for roles such as refrigeration mechanic, air conditioning technician, or HVAC engineer. While specific syllabus details are set by the provider, this level (Diploma) emphasizes applied learning with hands-on workshops and theoretical study.
The program runs for 1 year and 9 months (92 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. It is delivered in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Students will attend classes at one of the two delivery locations. The course is a single qualification — students earn the Diploma upon completion. Full-time study is expected, and the language of instruction is English, requiring proficiency as per entry requirements.
Indicative fees for this course are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Tuition fee: A$25,750. Non-tuition fees: A$0. Estimated total cost: A$25,750. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For example, OSHC for a single student is approximately A$500–A$700 per year, and living costs in Australia range from A$21,000 to A$27,000 annually depending on location (e.g., Sydney is higher than Brisbane). Always confirm current fees directly with Brighton Pacific Pty Ltd at their website [http://aibt.qld.edu.au/]. Fees are subject to change and are set by the institution.
General guidance: International students need an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) to meet English language requirements. For a Diploma (AQF Level 5), prior completion of Year 12 or equivalent is typically expected. Some providers may also require relevant work experience or a Certificate III/IV in a related field. Foundation or pathway options are available through other institutions — check directly with Brighton Pacific Pty Ltd for specific prerequisites. Meeting academic and English requirements does not guarantee admission; all applications are assessed individually. Always verify entry requirements with the provider before applying.
This course has no mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake workplace training or internships as part of the curriculum. However, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can provide valuable industry experience while studying.
The Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering is delivered at two locations: 125 Main St, Blacktown, NSW and Unit 2, Level 1, 18 Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road, Upper Mt Gravatt, QLD. Blacktown is in Western Sydney, home to a large student population and over 40 CRICOS-registered providers. Typical weekly rent in Blacktown is around A$300–A$450. Upper Mount Gravatt is a suburb of Brisbane, close to Griffith University's campus. Brisbane has a lower cost of living than Sydney, with average rent around A$250–A$400 per week. Both campuses are accessible by public transport. Choosing a location that suits your lifestyle and budget is important — consider climate, transport links, and part-time work opportunities.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) assessment, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year from October 2024), and OSHC. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited work during holidays. The course must be CRICOS-registered (as this one is) to qualify for a visa. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent — for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering at Brighton Pacific Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Engineering and Related Technologies), and city (Blacktown or Upper Mount Gravatt). Verify the provider's registration status.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit Brighton Pacific Pty Ltd's website (http://aibt.qld.edu.au/) to review entry requirements, prepare your English test results (IELTS 5.5-6.0), and submit your application before the deadline.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement.
This course is ideal for students with a technical aptitude and interest in mechanical systems. Consider the following: (1) Career outcomes — graduates can work as refrigeration mechanics, HVAC technicians, or system designers in Australia and globally. (2) Location — Blacktown offers proximity to Sydney's growing construction sector, while Upper Mount Gravatt is near Brisbane's industrial hubs. (3) Costs — aside from tuition, budget for living expenses: A$400–A$600 per week in Sydney or A$350–A$500 in Brisbane. (4) Accreditation — this course may lead to trade licencing in certain states; check with local authorities. Australia needs skilled refrigeration engineers, with strong demand across mining, hospitality, and commercial sectors.
Ready to start your journey? Follow the three-step application process above and take the first step toward a career in air conditioning and refrigeration engineering.
Diploma of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering is a CRICOS-registered programme at Brighton Pacific Pty Ltd. 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.