Securing Industry Certifications as a Student in Australia
As a student in Australia, pursuing industry-recognised certifications alongside your studies can significantly enhance your resume, demonstrating practical, job-ready skills to potential employers. These credentials are available in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, accounting, project management, and more. Many are free, low-cost, online, and self-paced, making them accessible even with a full study load.
Certifications from providers like Google, Microsoft, AWS, and others are highly valued in the Australian job market, often leading to better opportunities for part-time work, internships, or graduate roles. Universities, TAFE institutions, and government initiatives frequently offer free or subsidised access, helping you build your skills and professional identity without added financial strain. These steps are a smart way to build your application before graduation, strengthen your personal branding in Australia, and prepare for the realities of Australian work culture as you transition to professional life.
These five practical tips will guide you on how to secure relevant certifications efficiently, on a budget, and align them with your career goals.
Explore Free or Low-Cost Online Certifications from Leading Providers
Begin with globally recognised programs that offer free training materials and low-cost exams. For IT students, AWS Educate provides free access to cloud computing training, hands-on labs, and content for certifications like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, available to students aged over 13 with just an email sign-up. Microsoft Learn offers free paths for Azure Fundamentals, AI Fundamentals, and Power Platform, with student discounts on exams. Google's Career Certificates in IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, UX Design, and Digital Marketing are available via Coursera, often with scholarships making them free through partners like the Australian Computer Society (ACS). These beginner-friendly courses typically take 3-6 months part-time and align well with university studies.
Leverage University, TAFE, and Government Resources for Free Access
Your institution likely provides complimentary access to certification platforms. Many Australian universities and TAFEs offer free subscriptions to LinkedIn Learning, Coursera for Campus, edX, or FutureLearn, where you can complete certificates from top providers at no cost. Government initiatives like Fee-Free TAFE (available in states such as NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and NT) cover tuition for priority qualifications, including IT, engineering, and accounting courses. For example, in VIC, Fee-Free TAFE includes Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping; in SA, Diploma of Engineering - Technical is free for eligible students. Check your student portal, career services, or the Study Australia website for these opportunities, they often include digital badges or certificates to add to your CV immediately.
Target In-Demand Certifications Aligned with Your Field
Select certifications that complement your degree for the best impact. Here's a breakdown of free options by key fields:
Accounting: Free resources include the Online Courses Australia's Introduction to Bookkeeping Mini-Course (covering basics, GST, and MYOB); QuickBooks' free online training for accountants and bookkeepers (with CPD certificates); and the Open University's free Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting course. For structured qualifications, Fee-Free TAFE in VIC and SA offers Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. The Institute of Certified Management Accountants provides free membership to university students, granting access to additional resources.
Engineering: Engineers Australia offers free student membership for those in accredited courses, including access to professional development tools. Fee-Free TAFE programs include Certificate IV in Engineering (available in VIC, NSW, and QLD); Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (SA and QLD); and Diploma of Engineering - Technical (SA). These are tuition-free for eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens, focusing on skills like drafting, fabrication, and technical design.
IT (including AWS): AWS provides free training through AWS Educate (for certifications like AWS Certified Developer Associate) and AWS Academy (curriculum integrated into unis like Edith Cowan University). Other free IT options via ACS free student membership include training for CompTIA, Cisco, and Google certs. Microsoft Azure for Students offers free credits and training for Azure certifications. Hays Australia provides free online IT courses in cybersecurity, web development, and software engineering. In SA, the AWS re/Start program is a free full-time skills development course for cloud careers.
Research trending certifications via job sites like Seek or Indeed, and consult your uni's employability team to ensure alignment with Australian industry needs.
Integrate Certifications into Your Study Routine and Build Proof
Incorporate certifications as part of your weekly schedule, dedicate a few hours to self-paced modules that fit around lectures. Use flexible formats from providers like AWS, Google, or Microsoft to avoid overload. Upon completion, add badges or certificates to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and portfolio (many platforms provide shareable links). Reflect on the skills gained and how they apply to real scenarios; this strengthens your interview responses and helps with career advice sessions.
Seek Guidance and Network for Maximum Value
Tap into support networks: Your university's career advisor (often free in cities like Sydney) can recommend field-specific certifications. Join professional bodies like ACS (free for students) or Engineers Australia for mentorship and webinars. Attend career fairs or online events from Study Australia or platforms like Grow with Google. Networking here can reveal hidden opportunities, such as scholarships for exam fees, and provide insights on leveraging certifications in the Australian job market. For more personalised support, consider reaching out to a career advisor (OZGRADS) in Sydney or exploring interview training resources to help you present your new credentials confidently. For more information visit - www.ozgrads.com.au.
Securing industry certifications as a student is a proactive way to gain an edge in your career. With so many free options available through government, universities, and providers, you can build essential skills without extra cost. Start with one that matches your field, whether accounting, engineering, IT, or beyond and watch your opportunities expand. For more information, visit AWS Educate, Microsoft Learn, Fee-Free TAFE sites, or your institution's career services.
Invest in your future today!
References
AWS Educate (2026) Cloud skills training for students. Available at: https://aws.amazon.com/education/awseducate (Accessed: 24 February 2026).
Microsoft Learn (2026) Free certifications and student discounts. Available at: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/student-discounts (Accessed: 24 February 2026).
Grow with Google (2026) Google Career Certificates. Available at: https://grow.google/intl/ALL_au/certificates (Accessed: 26 February 2026).
Fee-Free TAFE (2026) Government-funded courses. Available at: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free (Accessed: 26 February 2026). (Note: Check state-specific sites for VIC, SA, QLD, etc.)
Australian Computer Society (2026) Student membership and resources. Available at: https://www.acs.org.au (Accessed: 26 February 2026).
Engineers Australia (2025) Student membership. Available at: https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/membership/student (Accessed: 26 February2026).
Online Courses Australia (2026) Free Online Bookkeeping Mini-Course. Available at: https://www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au/mini-courses/free-online-bookkeeping (Accessed: 27 February 2026).
QuickBooks Australia (2026) Free training courses. Available at: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/au/accountants-and-bookkeepers/education-and-events (Accessed: 27 February 2026).
Disclaimer
This blog contains links to external websites and platforms for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the organisations, platforms, or services mentioned. All references are provided to support students and readers in accessing useful resources.