There are 18 Associate Degree courses offered by 6 CRICOS-registered providers across Queensland. As a level 6 qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), an Associate Degree is a great stepping stone towards a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Queensland, with its vibrant cities like Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, is home to world-class universities and institutions that welcome international students. Whether you're interested in health, management, engineering, IT, creative arts, or natural sciences, you'll find a range of Associate Degree programs designed to build practical skills and theoretical knowledge. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you receive quality education protected under the ESOS Act. This page gives you a comprehensive overview of tuition fees, durations, top providers, fields of study, and visa requirements for studying an Associate Degree in Queensland.
Counted from the official register for QLD: 50 non-expired CRICOS courses across 13 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Associate Degree in Queensland on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-06). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
The University of Queensland is a government CRICOS provider with 377 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$3,420 to A$447,525. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00025B, Government, 377 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Griffith University is a government CRICOS provider with 293 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$18,447 to A$342,017. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00233E, Government, 293 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a government CRICOS provider with 288 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$900 to A$304,700. Common levels include Masters Degree (Research), Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00213J, Government, 288 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Bond University is a private CRICOS provider with 179 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$248.6 to A$301,972. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Certificate, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00017B, Private, 179 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of the Sunshine Coast
University of the Sunshine Coast is a government CRICOS provider with 145 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$167,500. Common levels include Masters Degree (Research), Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01595D, Government, 145 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 126 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$129,000. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 126 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
James Cook University is a government CRICOS provider with 121 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$473,482.483. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Research), Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00117J, Government, 121 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government CRICOS provider with 119 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$13,880 to A$144,000. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01241G, Government, 119 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Catholic University Limited
Australian Catholic University Limited is a government CRICOS provider with 116 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,640 to A$210,176. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00004G, Government, 116 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Central Queensland University is a government CRICOS provider with 105 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$218,771. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Non AQF Award.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00219C, Government, 105 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-06).
| Field of Education | Approx Tuition Range (A$) | Approx Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 06 - Health | 45,000 – 120,000 | 2 years |
| 08 - Management and Commerce | 36,600 – 90,000 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 03 - Engineering and Related Technologies | 50,000 – 134,440 | 2 years |
| 02 - Information Technology | 40,000 – 85,000 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 10 - Creative Arts | 38,000 – 75,000 | 1 – 2 years |
| 01 - Natural and Physical Sciences | 43,000 – 95,000 | 2 years |
An Associate Degree is a two-year undergraduate qualification at AQF Level 6. It typically requires completion of Year 12 or equivalent for entry, and can serve as a pathway to a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) with advanced standing. In Queensland, Associate Degrees are offered in diverse fields such as health, management and commerce, engineering, IT, creative arts, and natural sciences. They focus on practical skills and theoretical understanding, preparing graduates for paraprofessional roles or further study. Compared to a diploma (AQF Level 5), an Associate Degree involves deeper theoretical content and may lead to higher-level positions. Many providers allow credit transfer into the second or third year of a bachelor's degree, making it a cost-effective starting point. For international students, completing an Associate Degree can also strengthen your application for further studies or employment in Australia.
Tuition fees for Associate Degrees in Queensland range from A$36,600 to A$134,440 total, depending on the provider and field of study. Duration typically spans 1 to 2 years of full-time study. Below is a breakdown by field of education. Note that these figures are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Actual fees are set by individual institutions and may change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and non-tuition fees such as materials and student services. Living costs in Queensland vary by city: Brisbane (approx. A$400–550/week rent), Gold Coast (A$350–500), and regional areas (A$250–400). Always confirm with your chosen provider.
The top providers by number of Associate Degree courses in Queensland include: University of Southern Queensland (CRICOS 00244B) – headquartered in Toowoomba, with campuses in Springfield and Ipswich, known for flexible online and on-campus delivery. Central Queensland University (00219C) – based in Rockhampton, with campuses across regional QLD, strong in engineering and health programs. Bond University (00017B) – located on the Gold Coast, a private university offering small class sizes and a trimester system for accelerated study. University of the Sunshine Coast (01595D) – situated at Sippy Downs, with a focus on environmental and health sciences. Queensland Institute of Business and Technology (01737F) – a private college in Brisbane offering pathways to university degrees. TAFE Queensland (03020E) – a government-owned TAFE with campuses statewide, providing vocational and higher education programs including Associate Degrees.
Associate Degree programs in Queensland span six broad fields of education: Health – includes nursing, paramedicine, and allied health; Management and Commerce – such as business, accounting, and marketing; Engineering and Related Technologies – civil, mechanical, electrical; Information Technology – networking, software development; Creative Arts – visual arts, design, music; Natural and Physical Sciences – environmental science, chemistry. Each field prepares students for specific industry roles or further university study. For example, an Associate Degree in Health may lead to roles as an enrolled nurse or health assistant, while in IT it can lead to entry-level analyst positions. The number of courses per field varies, with Management and Commerce being the most common.
English language requirements vary by provider and course. Typically, you'll need an IELTS overall band score between 5.5 and 7.0, with no band less than 5.0 to 6.5 depending on the institution. Some providers accept equivalent scores from TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. For example, the University of Southern Queensland generally requires IELTS 6.0 overall (min 5.5 in each band) for Associate Degrees, while Bond University may require 6.5 overall. Always check the specific entry requirements on the provider's website, as listed in CRICOS.
To study an Associate Degree in Queensland, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English proficiency. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. After receiving your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider, you can apply for the visa. For detailed guidance, see our /visa/student-visa-subclass-500 page. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent – consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Associate Degree) and location (QLD). Compare tuition fees, durations, and entry requirements. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution – Submit your application along with academic transcripts, English test scores, and other required documents. Check application deadlines (usually mid-year and end-of-year). Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online, ensuring you meet GTE and financial requirements.
Queensland offers a subtropical climate, diverse landscapes from beaches to rainforests, and a relaxed lifestyle. Major student cities include Brisbane (population ~2.5 million, with a large international student community), Gold Coast (known for tourism and surfing), and regional centres like Toowoomba and Rockhampton. Living costs are generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne. Public transport in Brisbane includes buses, trains, and ferries; the Gold Coast has a light rail system. All CRICOS-registered providers in QLD adhere to ESOS protections, ensuring quality education and student support. Consider your study field – for example, if you're interested in marine biology, the University of the Sunshine Coast offers unique coastal research opportunities. Also factor in climate: QLD has a warm humid summer and mild winter. This page is part of our free resource covering 26,433 courses across Australia from 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers.
Ready to start your Associate Degree journey in Queensland? Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses, compare providers, and take the first step toward your study abroad dream. All providers are CRICOS-registered and ESOS-protected.
Showing 50 associate degree courses from 13 CRICOS providers in Queensland.