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Study Civil Engineering

Potential Career Outcomes

Course overview

A Civil Engineering Draftsperson assists in carrying out civil engineering research, design, construction, operation and maintenance. Some of the common tasks of a civil engineering draftsperson include preparing sketches and design, performing fieldwork, and inspecting civil engineering works.

Civil Engineering Draftsperson is also a medium-long term listed occupation which means that there may be more PR options available to you. In Australia, there are many courses you can take to start your career in this field. In these courses, you will be exposed to topics such as:

  • Information or Knowledge Management System
  • Managing project time
  • Project Procurement
  • Prepare design of rural roads
  • Prepare design of canals
  • Prepare design of landscaping
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)

Graduate Outcomes

  • A civil engineering draftsperson/technician earns on average $1574 per week; while a civil engineer can earn on average $1962 per week.
  • The number of people working in this field is expected to grow over the next 5 years,
  • Most people in the field work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Public Administration and Safety; and Construction industry.

Common Course Requirements

  • Completion of secondary education
  • Meet English proficiency (Usually at least IELTS 5.5 overall for Vocational courses, or 6.5 for University courses).

Related Courses

Some related courses include:

  • Diploma of Civil Construction Design

Duration: 75 to 78 weeks
Intake: 4 Terms
Cost: From $16,970

Locations:  Most cities across Australia

  • Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
    Duration: 104 weeks
    Intake: February, July
    Cost: From $29,000
    Locations: Most cities across Australia
  • Bachelor of Civil Engineer

Duration: 156 to 208 weeks
Intake: February, July
Cost: From $29,000 per year
Locations: Most cities across Australia

Studying Civil Engineering in Australia: What the Course Covers

Civil engineering courses prepare you to plan, design, build and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railways, water supply and drainage systems, dams, ports and buildings. You study engineering mathematics and mechanics, structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics and water engineering, transport engineering, construction materials, surveying, environmental engineering, project management and computer aided design (CAD) and modelling software. Degree courses include design projects and usually require a period of practical engineering work experience before graduation.

Qualifications and AQF Levels

Qualification AQF level What it prepares you for
Diploma of Civil Construction Design AQF 5 Civil drafting and design support roles
Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design or Associate Degree in Civil Engineering AQF 6 Civil engineering technician and associate roles
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) AQF 8 Professional civil engineer roles (usually a four year degree)
Master of Engineering (Civil) AQF 9 Professional civil engineer roles for graduates of related degrees, and specialist roles

Study Pathways

There are three levels of engineering qualification, which match the three categories used by Engineers Australia, the assessing authority for engineering occupations. Diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degrees lead to Engineering Associate roles such as Civil Engineering Draftsperson or Technician. A three year engineering technology degree leads to Engineering Technologist roles. A four year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an accredited Master of Engineering leads to Professional Engineer roles such as Civil Engineer. Many students start with an associate degree or diploma and then transfer into a bachelor of engineering with credit.

Related Occupations and Visa Pathways (as at October 2026)

Occupation ANZSCO CSOL (482 and 186) Skilled lists (189, 190, 491, 485)
Civil Engineer 233211 Yes MLTSSL
Civil Engineering Technician 312212 Yes MLTSSL
Civil Engineering Draftsperson 312211 Yes MLTSSL
Engineering Technologist 233914 Yes MLTSSL

Our Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) guide explains which visas use each list and what that means for civil engineers, technicians and draftspersons.

Career Outlook

Civil engineers, technicians and drafters work for engineering consultancies, construction companies, local councils, state road and water authorities and infrastructure and mining businesses. Large transport, water, energy and housing projects across Australia have kept demand for civil engineering skills high, and regional areas often have shortages. Many public sector and infrastructure employers value local experience and familiarity with Australian standards.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study Civil Engineering

Choose an engineering course that is accredited by Engineers Australia at the level you want, and explain how it follows on from your earlier study in maths, science or engineering. See our Student visa (subclass 500) page for the current visa conditions.

Civil Engineering Study FAQs

Yes. As at October 2026, Civil Engineer (233211), Civil Engineering Technician (312212) and Civil Engineering Draftsperson (312211) are on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the MLTSSL.

Possibly. Civil Engineering Draftsperson and Technician are on the MLTSSL, so diploma, advanced diploma and associate degree graduates may be eligible for the 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream if they obtain a positive Engineers Australia assessment as an Engineering Associate and meet the other requirements. Bachelor and master’s graduates may be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Engineers Australia. Graduates of accredited Australian engineering degrees usually have a simpler assessment pathway than those with overseas qualifications.

A four year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is the standard entry qualification for professional engineers. An accredited Master of Engineering is usually a two year program for people who already hold a related bachelor degree, and also leads to professional engineer recognition.

Related guides

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

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