Publish on September 17, 2025

Best Short-Term Courses to Get You a Job in Australia 2025

Kristen Michaelides

I remember when I was stuck in a job that felt like a dead end.

I wanted to change careers but didn’t know where to start. A friend suggested looking into short courses, and at first, I wasn’t sure if they’d be worth it. However, after completing a short course in digital marketing, I was amazed by the doors it opened for me.

If you’re feeling stuck or want to explore new career paths, a short course could be the boost you need. And the best part? You don’t need to invest in years of higher education to get job-ready skills.

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What are short courses?

Short courses are designed to give you the practical skills and knowledge you need to enter or advance in a career, without the long‑term commitment of a degree. Typically lasting from a few weeks to a few months, they deliver focused, industry-relevant training and work-ready skills that open doors to promotions or entry-level jobs. Many short courses also have minimal or no entry requirements, making them accessible to a wide range of learners.

Why short courses are key to bridging Australia’s skill gaps

With 36% of occupations facing skills shortages in Australia, short-term courses are a practical way to upskill quickly and meet industry demand.

According to the SkillsIQ “Right Skills, Right Time” report, aligning workforce skills with industry needs is crucial for filling Australia’s skills gaps. Key sectors like healthcare, aged care, and digital industries are facing significant shortages. Many short courses can contribute to a formal qualification or be recognised as credit towards certificates or diplomas, making it easier to progress in your education and career.

Short courses also offer the practical, quality training needed to fill these positions and make you job‑ready faster. These courses often focus on building a specific skill set that is in demand in the workforce.

What to look for in a good short course

Before enrolling, consider these key factors:

• Accreditation: Nationally recognised or industry‑approved? Successful completion may lead to a formal certification.
• Delivery mode: Online, in‑person, or hybrid?
• Duration: Can it be completed in 3‑6 months?
• Support services: Are there career services or job placement options?
• Job outcomes: Will it lead to a role in demand?
• Salary potential: Does the course lead to roles with competitive average salary outcomes?

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Top short courses to get you job‑ready fast

Cyber security

The National Skills Commission (NSC) emphasises that computing and digital skills are in high demand, as more industries adopt advanced technologies. Short courses in cyber security, data analytics, and programming are ideal for addressing these needs

Cyber security continues to be one of the fastest‑growing sectors in Australia, driven by an increasing number of cyber attacks, data breaches, and the need for businesses to protect digital assets. Roles in this field often focus on preventing, detecting, and responding to security incidents, making it a high‑impact and future‑proof career path.

Data analytics

Data analytics is at the heart of modern decision‑making across every sector. As businesses increasingly rely on data to guide strategy and optimise operations, the demand for professionals who can interpret and act on data insights is booming.

Course name	Duration	Cost estimate	Job outcomes	Average salary*
Certified Data Analytics Professional	12 weeks	$2,000	Data analyst, BI analyst	$85,000–$110,00
Certified Data Science Professional	12 weeks	$2,200	Data scientist, junior ML engineer	$110,000–$140,000

Project Management

A report by The Project Management Institute (PMI) discovered that 2.3 million new employees are needed annually until 2030 to satisfy the demand for project managers. Short courses in project management and administration offer fast-track routes to key roles.

Whether it’s tech, construction, healthcare, or government, nearly every industry needs professionals who can manage timelines, budgets, teams, and outcomes. Project management is a universal skill, and short courses that pay well in Australia are increasingly important for those aiming to step into these roles.

Course name	Duration	Cost estimate	Recognition	Job outcomes	Average salary*
AgilePM Foundation	20 hrs	$1,200	APMG Certified	Agile project coordinator	$80,000–$100,000
AgilePM Practitioner	20 hrs	$1,300	APMG Certified	Agile project manager	$110,000–$130,000
PRINCE2 Pathway	12 days	$2,800	PeopleCert Certified	Project manager	$120,000–$150,000
PRINCE2 Foundation	20 hrs	$1,100	PeopleCert Certified	Project assistant	$70,000–$90,000
PRINCE2 Practitioner	20 hrs	$1,200	PeopleCert Certified	Junior PM, project officer	$90,000–$110,000
PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner	20 hrs	$1,300	PeopleCert Certified	Agile project manager	$110,000–$130,000
PMP (Project Management Professional)	70 hrs	$2,000	PMI Certified	Senior project manager	$150,000–$180,000

Web development

With the rapid digitisation of services and the growth of online business models, web development remains a highly sought‑after skill. From building responsive websites to developing user‑friendly applications, this field offers a versatile and creative career path with strong job prospects.

Course name	Duration	Cost estimate	Job outcomes	Average salary*
Certified Full Stack Developer	6 months	$3,000	Full-stack developer, Junior web developer	$90,000–$120,000
Front-End Developer Course	215 hours	$2,200	Front-end developer, UI developer	$85,000–$110,000

Cloud computing

As more companies move to cloud infrastructure, the need for skilled professionals who can manage, architect, and optimise cloud environments has skyrocketed. Cloud computing offers flexibility, scalability, and cost‑efficiency, and that’s why AWS and other platforms are now core to IT strategy.

Course name	Duration	Cost estimate	Recognition	Job outcomes	Average salary*
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner	50 hours	$1,500	AWS Certified	Cloud support associate	$80,000–$100,000
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional	70 hours	$2,500	AWS Certified	Cloud solutions architect	$150,000–$180,000
Microsoft Cloud Pathway	200 hours	$2,800	Microsoft Certified	Microsoft cloud admin/	$110,000–$140,000

Cisco

Cisco technologies underpin much of the world’s networking infrastructure, from enterprise routers and switches to security appliances. Professionals with Cisco certifications are in demand for their ability to design, manage, and troubleshoot complex network environments.

Course name	Duration	Cost estimate	Recognition	Job outcomes	Average salary*
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)	60 hours	$1,500	Cisco Certified	Network engineer, support specialist	$85,000–$110,000
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise	100 hours	$2,200	Cisco Certified	Network engineer, network admin	$110,000–$140,000

Accounting & bookkeeping

Every business needs to manage its finances, and accounting and bookkeeping professionals ensure that happens smoothly. These short courses teach practical, job‑ready skills in software like MYOB and Xero, making them ideal for small business settings or contract roles.

Course name	Duration	Cost estimate	Job outcomes	Average salary*
MYOB Advanced Certificate	40 hours	$900	Bookkeeper, accounts officer	$70,000–$90,000
Business Bookkeeping Certificate	140 hours	$1,800	Bookkeeper, BAS agent support	$80,000–$100,000
Advanced Xero & MYOB Pathway	80 hours	$1,500	Bookkeeping, payroll officer	$75,000–$95,000
Certificate in Accounts Payable & Receivable	15 hours	$700	Accounts clerk	$60,000‑ $75,000

Mental health

Increased public awareness and demand for mental health services have made this a growing career area. From support work to youth counselling, these roles are essential across communities and healthcare systems. Short courses can be a strong first step into further qualifications or direct‑entry support roles.

Course name	Duration	Cost estimate	Job outcomes	Average salary*
Mental Health Certificate	100 hours	$1,200	Mental health support worker	$60,000–$75,000
Psychology & Mental Health Essentials	60 hours	$1,000	Counselling assistant, case worker	$65,000–$80,000
Psychology, Youth Counselling & Mental Health Bundle	500 hours	$2,500	Youth worker, community support worker	$70,000–$90,000

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What short courses can’t do (and what to watch out for)

While short courses are a powerful tool for upskilling quickly, there are a few important caveats to keep in mind:

1. Not all short courses are accredited: Make sure the course is nationally recognised or endorsed by a reputable industry body. Non-accredited courses may not be accepted by employers or lead to formal qualifications. You may also need to provide evidence of completed training or certification when applying for jobs or further study.

2. May not replace full qualifications: For some professions — like nursing, teaching, or accounting — a short course alone won’t meet legal or professional requirements. Always check what’s required in your chosen industry, as you may need a certificate or diploma for higher-level roles.

3. Limited career pathways: Some entry-level roles are accessible via short courses, but long-term growth might require further training or experience. If you want to progress beyond entry-level positions, committing to further study or qualifications may be necessary.

4. Quality varies between providers: Look into who’s delivering the course. Choose providers with strong reviews, industry partnerships, and student support services to ensure you’re getting quality training.

5. Job outcomes can depend on experience: Short courses are a great way to learn new skills, but they’re most effective when combined with existing skills or relevant work history

Learning People’s Director of Education, Rachel Kay, has a team of consultants collaborating closely with students to help them achieve their learning and career goals. Drawing on her experience working with some of the biggest employers in the tech industry, Rachel highlights one of the key benefits of earning professional certifications through short courses: 

“It showcases a genuine commitment to professional growth. This dedication shows employers that candidates are not only qualified but also genuinely passionate and driven individuals.”

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Final thoughts

Candidates with hands-on experience over traditional qualifications, especially in high-demand sectors like tech, healthcare, and accounting and bookkeeping are far more valuable to our workforce. This trend highlights the value of practical, targeted training that short courses offer, allowing you to develop relevant skills that align with the needs of today’s job market.

With reports confirming that vocational education and short courses are crucial for filling Australia’s skills gaps, it’s clear that short courses aren’t just a trend, they’re the key to staying competitive in today’s job market.

Your next step

Not sure where to start? Browse all short courses below and find the best fit for you.

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