There are 22 Certificate II courses offered by 18 CRICOS-registered providers across New South Wales. Certificate II is an entry-level qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) designed to build foundational skills and knowledge for further study or entry-level employment. Whether you plan to transition into higher qualifications or gain practical experience, Certificate II courses in NSW cover diverse fields including management, hospitality, IT, health, and engineering. All providers are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet Australian Government standards for international students. HeadStart Academy helps you navigate these options with up-to-date CRICOS data, visa guidance, and practical advice. Note: HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; always consult a MARA-registered agent for visa matters.
Counted from the official register for NSW: 35 non-expired CRICOS courses across 26 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 Certificate II in New South Wales 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 Sydney is a government CRICOS provider with 665 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$634,121.477. Common levels include Doctoral Degree, Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00026A, Government, 665 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a government CRICOS provider with 665 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$854,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Masters Degree (Research), Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00098G, Government, 665 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a government CRICOS provider with 526 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$320,031. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00099F, Government, 526 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Macquarie University (Macquarie)
Macquarie University (Macquarie) is a government CRICOS provider with 458 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$397,192. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00002J, Government, 458 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of Newcastle (UoN)
The University of Newcastle (UoN) is a government CRICOS provider with 456 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$3,999 to A$514,259. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Doctoral Degree, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00109J, Government, 456 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of Wollongong (UoW)
University of Wollongong (UoW) is a government CRICOS provider with 352 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$7,253 to A$312,683. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00102E, Government, 352 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Western Sydney University is a government CRICOS provider with 315 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$2 to A$429,100. Common levels include Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00917K, Government, 315 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Catholic University Limited
Australian Catholic University Limited is a government CRICOS provider with 175 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,640 to A$210,176. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00004G, Government, 175 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 167 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$134,455. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 167 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government CRICOS provider with 142 active courses matched to Certificate II in New South Wales. 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, 142 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 | Approx Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08 - Management and Commerce | A$4,000 – A$10,000 | 6 months – 1 year |
| 11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services | A$3,000 – A$8,000 | 8 weeks – 1 year |
| 12 - Mixed Field Programmes | A$2,000 – A$6,000 | 8 weeks – 6 months |
| 09 - Society and Culture | A$3,500 – A$9,000 | 6 months – 1 year |
| 02 - Information Technology | A$4,000 – A$12,000 | 6 months – 1 year |
| 03 - Engineering and Related Technologies | A$6,000 – A$15,000 | 6 months – 1 year |
| 06 - Health | A$5,000 – A$12,000 | 6 months – 1 year |
Certificate II is the second level of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 2). It qualifies individuals to undertake skilled work under supervision and to progress into Certificate III or other higher-level qualifications. Typical entry requirements include completion of Year 10 or equivalent, though some courses may have additional prerequisites. For international students, English language proficiency is usually required. Certificate II serves as a stepping stone for those seeking to enter the Australian workforce or continue their education in fields such as business, hospitality, IT, or community services. In New South Wales, Certificate II courses range from 8 weeks to 1 year and are offered by private colleges, community colleges, and vocational institutions.
Tuition fees for Certificate II courses in New South Wales range from A$2,000 to A$15,000 annually, depending on the field of study and provider. Duration typically spans 8 weeks to 1 year. Costs vary by field — for example, Management and Commerce courses may cost around A$4,000–A$10,000, while Engineering and Related Technologies might range from A$6,000 to A$15,000. Be aware that these fees are indicative and set by individual providers; always confirm directly. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), visa application fees, and living expenses. In Sydney, indicative weekly living costs are approximately A$500–A$700 for rent, groceries, and transport. For regional areas like Wollongong or Newcastle, costs are lower. The following table provides a field-by-field breakdown.
Several CRICOS-registered institutions stand out for their Certificate II offerings in New South Wales. Young Rabbit Pty Ltd (CRICOS 01331F), a private provider based in Sydney, leads with three Certificate II courses, focusing on business and IT. Bankstown Community College Inc. (03447M) offers two courses in community services and hospitality, known for its supportive learning environment in Western Sydney. SUPERIOR TRAINING CENTRE PTY LTD (03591C) provides two courses in management and engineering, with a strong industry focus in Parramatta. Other providers include Clarendon Business College Pty Ltd (01953J) in Sydney CBD, Supreme Business College Pty Ltd (02028E) in Burwood, and Academies Australasia Institute Pty Limited (02398A) with campuses in Sydney and Melbourne. These institutions vary in size and specialisation, but all are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and compliance with Australian standards.
Certificate II courses in New South Wales span seven fields of education. The most represented are Management and Commerce (e.g., business administration, accounting) and Food, Hospitality and Personal Services (e.g., hospitality, cookery). Mixed Field Programmes offer general preparatory courses. Society and Culture includes community services and education support. Information Technology covers basic IT skills. Engineering and Related Technologies includes manufacturing and construction fundamentals. Health offers entry-level health support courses. Each field prepares students for specific vocational pathways or further study at Certificate III. For example, a Certificate II in Hospitality can lead to a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, while a Certificate II in IT can lead to a Certificate IV in Programming. The diversity of fields allows students to explore different career options.
English language requirements for Certificate II in New South Wales vary by provider and course. Typically, international students need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall, with some courses requiring up to 7.0 for specific fields like health. Some providers accept equivalent scores from PTE Academic, Cambridge English, or TOEFL. Alternatively, students may complete English language preparation courses offered by many colleges. It is essential to check the specific entry requirements of your chosen institution. Remember that English proficiency is also a requirement for the Student visa (Subclass 500) – a minimum IELTS 5.5 is generally required for packaged courses, but individual providers may set higher standards.
International students enrolling in a Certificate II course in New South Wales require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$29,710 per year for a single student), and OSHC, and holding a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The visa also requires adequate health insurance (OSHC) for the duration of stay. For students under 18, guardianship arrangements may be needed. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian Government standards. Always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for personalised advice. For more detail, see our Student Visa Subclass 500 guide.
Follow these three steps to start your journey:
New South Wales is Australia’s most popular study destination, with over 250,000 international students. Sydney offers vibrant city life, excellent public transport, and a diverse job market. Regional areas like Newcastle, Wollongong, and the Central Coast provide lower living costs and a quieter environment. When choosing a Certificate II course, consider your career goals – does the field lead to a clear pathway? Check provider facilities, student support services, and location. All CRICOS-registered providers must comply with ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee safeguards and refund policies. Living costs in Sydney can be higher (approx. A$600–$800 per week), so budget accordingly. For personalised advice, speak with a registered migration agent or education counsellor.
Ready to start your Certificate II journey in New South Wales? Use HeadStart Academy's search tool to explore 22 CRICOS-registered courses. Compare providers, check entry requirements, and get visa guidance—all for free.
Showing 35 certificate ii courses from 26 CRICOS providers in New South Wales.