There are 1,572 Diploma courses offered by 353 CRICOS-registered providers across New South Wales. A Diploma is an AQF Level 5 qualification that provides practical skills and theoretical knowledge for entry into professional roles or further study. Whether you aim to advance your career in management, IT, engineering, or the creative arts, NSW offers one of the widest selections of Diploma programs in Australia. With vibrant cities like Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong, studying in NSW gives you access to world-class institutions, diverse student communities, and a dynamic lifestyle. Every course listed on HeadStart Academy is from a CRICOS-registered provider, ensuring quality and ESOS Act protections. Use our free resource to compare providers and find the perfect Diploma for your goals.
Counted from the official register for NSW: 1,951 non-expired CRICOS courses across 434 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma 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).
A Diploma in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is classified as Level 5. It typically requires completion of Year 12 or equivalent, or a Certificate IV qualification. A Diploma provides specialised knowledge and skills for skilled work or further study at a Bachelor degree level. The duration is usually 1 to 2 years, but can range from 8 weeks to 2.5 years depending on the provider and study mode. Graduates often find employment in their field or use the Diploma as a pathway to university. In NSW, many providers offer credits towards higher degrees, making it a flexible stepping stone.
Tuition fees for Diploma courses in New South Wales vary widely by provider and field of education. The indicative range is A$3,240 to A$179,900 total. Duration ranges from 8 weeks to 2 years 6 months (~128 weeks). The table below shows approximate tuition and duration by broad field of education. These figures are indicative only and subject to change – confirm with the provider. Note that non-tuition costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and travel are separate. For budgeting, international students in Sydney typically need A$25,000–A$35,000 per year for living costs.
Here are the top CRICOS-registered providers in NSW by number of Diploma courses offered:
New South Wales offers Diploma courses across all major fields of education, including: 01 Natural and Physical Sciences, 02 Information Technology, 03 Engineering and Related Technologies, 04 Architecture and Building, 05 Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, 06 Health, 07 Education, 08 Management and Commerce, 09 Society and Culture, 10 Creative Arts, 11 Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, and 12 Mixed Field Programmes. This diversity means you can find a Diploma in almost any area, from business and IT to nursing, design, or hospitality. Many providers also offer specialisations within these fields, so you can tailor your study to your career goals.
For Diploma courses in NSW, the typical English language requirement is an IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent). Some providers may require a higher score for courses with significant communication demands, such as health or education. Always check the specific entry requirements of your chosen institution. If you need to improve your English, many providers offer pathway programs or English language courses to help you meet the requirements.
International students studying a Diploma in NSW typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, evidence of financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course. For full details, see our student visa guide at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – consult a MARA-registered agent for personal advice.
Apply for a Diploma in New South Wales in three simple steps:
New South Wales is Australia's most populous state, home to over 8 million people. Sydney, the capital, is a global hub for education, finance, and culture. Other major student cities include Newcastle, Wollongong, and regional centres like Armidale and Wagga Wagga. Living costs in Sydney are higher (approx. A$30,000–A$40,000 per year), but regional areas are more affordable. Public transport is extensive in cities, and campuses are well-connected. NSW offers a diverse environment and strong job opportunities post-study. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals when choosing.
Use HeadStart Academy's CRICOS search tool to find your ideal Diploma in NSW. Start exploring 1,572 courses today!
Showing 80 diploma courses from 19 CRICOS providers in New South Wales.