You are here: / / Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

  • Study Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Study Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Industry Overview

Technicians and trade workers perform a variety of skilled tasks, applying broad or in-depth technical, trade or industry specific knowledge, often in support of scientific, engineering, building and manufacturing activities. (Source: ABS)

Overall, the employment level for Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics increased between 2000 and 2020, with a further increase projected until 2024. A large proportion of Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics are employed in the Construction Services, and Repairs and Maintenance industries (approximately 37% and 35% respectively) (National Industry Insights, 2020).

Insights

Average weekly earnings:  $1,400 per week

Mode of work: Most work full-time (89%)

Hours per week: full-time workers spend around 44 hours/ week at work.

Age: the average age is 33 years. Many workers are under 25 years.

Gender: 1% workers are female

(Source: Job Outlook, historical figures)

Qualification Needed

Workers usually need a certificate II or IV in refrigeration and air-conditioning to work as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Course Overview

Studies in air conditioning and refrigeration will teach you how to fix and secure electrotechnology equipment, fabricate, assemble and dismantle components, install air conditioning and refrigeration systems and much more.

Course Requirements

Most institutions require completion of Australian Year 11 or 12 (or equivalent), as well as a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.

Costs

A 2-year packaged technical course costs between $20,000 and $25,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Career Outcomes and PR Prospects

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic

Studying Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in Australia: What the Course Covers

Air conditioning and refrigeration courses train you to install, service and repair cooling and heating systems in homes, commercial buildings, cold rooms, supermarkets and industrial plants. You learn refrigeration principles and the refrigeration cycle, electrical theory and wiring for air conditioning equipment, brazing and pipework, installing split and ducted systems, commissioning and testing, fault finding, refrigerant handling and recovery, energy efficiency, and safety. Training combines theory with practical work on real equipment.

Qualifications and AQF Levels

Qualification AQF level What it prepares you for
Certificate II in Electrotechnology or Refrigeration (pre apprenticeship) AQF 2 Entry level assistant roles
Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration AQF 3 Qualified air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic; the core trade qualification
Certificate IV in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Servicing AQF 4 Advanced servicing, commissioning and supervision roles

Study Pathways

The Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration is the main trade qualification and is usually completed through an apprenticeship. In Australia, anyone handling refrigerants needs a refrigerant handling licence, and electrical work on equipment may require a restricted electrical licence, depending on the state. Ask your provider how the course prepares you for these licences.

Related Occupations and Visa Pathways (as at October 2026)

Occupation ANZSCO CSOL (482 and 186) Skilled lists (189, 190, 491, 485)
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic 342111 Yes MLTSSL
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber 334112 Yes MLTSSL

Our Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) guide explains which visas use each list and what that means for airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics.

Career Outlook

Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics work for installation and maintenance contractors, building services companies, supermarkets and food processing businesses, hospitals and data centres. Demand is supported by construction activity, hotter summers, energy efficiency upgrades and the move to new refrigerants and heat pump technology.

What You Do in an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Course

The course combines refrigeration theory, electrical work and practical installation. Typical units include:

  • Refrigeration principles: the refrigeration cycle, pressure and temperature, and refrigerant types including newer low global warming refrigerants.
  • Pipework: cutting, bending, flaring and brazing copper pipe, pressure testing and evacuation.
  • Refrigerant handling: recovering, recycling and charging refrigerants safely and legally.
  • Electrical: electrical theory, motors, controls and wiring diagrams for HVAC equipment.
  • Installation: split, multi head and ducted systems, plus commercial and cool room equipment.
  • Commissioning and service: testing performance, fault finding and maintenance.

Licences for Air Conditioning Work

In Australia the refrigerant handling licence is issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council, and businesses that buy and store refrigerants need a refrigerant trading authorisation. Electrical licensing is separate and set by each state. Some systems are also installed by Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumbers, who need plumbing licensing in their state, so check which pathway suits the work you want to do.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Explain any electrical, mechanical or HVAC experience you have and how you will meet the licensing steps for refrigerant and electrical work. Our Student visa (subclass 500) page lists the current English, money and work conditions.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Study FAQs

Yes. As at October 2026, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (342111) is on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the MLTSSL. Demand comes from building services, commercial refrigeration and the move to energy efficient heat pump systems.

It can. Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic is on the MLTSSL, so this Certificate III can support the 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream (generally 18 months) if you hold a TRA skills assessment for the occupation, usually starting with a Provisional Skills Assessment, and meet the age and English rules.

Usually not. A refrigerant handling licence lets you work with the refrigerant, but connecting the unit to power is electrical work. Depending on the state, you need a full electrical licence or a restricted electrical licence for disconnecting and reconnecting equipment.

Yes. A refrigerant handling licence is required to work with fluorocarbon refrigerants in Australia, and electrical licensing rules may also apply to some work. Your course should include the units needed to apply for these licences.

Am I eligible for a Student visa? Student Visa Funds Calculator Study a Trade Course Assessment Study a Uni Course Assessment

Recent News

Australian Study Requirement: RPL, Overlapping Courses and Time Offshore

Australian Migration News: October 2026 Update

Student visa changes from 2 October 2026

After Graduation in Australia: Key PR Pathways for International Students in 2026

What the New Migration Reforms Mean for You