We use cookies, including those from third-party providers, to enhance your online experience and deliver personalised advertisements. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies and our privacy policy.
HED001 | CRICOS: 065567A | Provider: 03020E
Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
Get ahead in your career with this advanced technical qualification. Become an engineering associate or technical consultant in a range of industries.
NEXT INTAKEStart date: 25 Jan 2027 Duration: 2 yearsView all intakes
ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST
Domestic
This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for domestic students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load.
$7,880 - $15,755
International
This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for international students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load. Learn more
Australia’s future infrastructure relies on skilled engineering associates, and this specialised qualification provides a clear, industry‑aligned pathway into the profession. Developed to reflect Engineers Australia expectations and higher‑education standards for Associate Degrees in Engineering, the course equips you with the practical and technical capability needed in a sector experiencing sustained national skills shortages. According to Engineers Australia (April 2025) Australia requires “a national target of 60,000 additional engineering graduates by 2035.”
In this course, you will build applied skills in civil and structural engineering technologies, including drafting, modelling, project planning and estimating, while gaining experience in municipal, environmental and structural applications. Guided by industry‑experienced educators, you will integrate theory and practice through a capstone engineering project aligned to contemporary civil and structural engineering standards.
Graduates are prepared for roles as civil or structural engineering associates or technical consultants across construction, engineering services, mining, transport and government. The qualification also provides a strong pathway into further engineering study.
What can I do?
BIM Coordinator
Engineering Associate
Estimator
Design Drafter
Project Manager
Civil/Structural Designer and Modeller
Course outcome:
Associate Degree in Civil Engineering (ADCivEng)
University pathways
TAFE Queensland has negotiated university degree pathways with some of Australia’s top universities, providing you with credit exemption of up to 1.5 years when you enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program. Partner universities include Queensland University of Technology (QUT Precedent List), Griffith University (GU Credit Precedent Database) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ Credit Calculator).
Accreditation
TAFE Queensland's Associate Degree in Civil Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of Engineering Associate. This professionally-accredited program is also recognised in Canada, Ireland, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States of America through the Dublin Accord, greatly improving your global mobility.
What you will study
The Associate Degree in Civil Engineering is Australian Qualification Framework level 6 qualification. The successful achievement of the Associate Degree in Civil Engineering requires you to complete 15 core units and 1 elective unit. In addition, Engineers Australia requires the completion of a work-based learning unit (WBL) that comprises 240 hours of industry professional practice placement.
All units of study are delivered by TAFE Queensland in a face-to-face environment at the TAFE Queensland South Bank campus. Additionally, some practical sessions will be conducted by TAFE Queensland at our Mount Gravatt campus. This will be advised to you in the relevant Unit Study Guide.
FEE-HELP assistance is available for all units of study in this course. Learn more
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
In my previous studies in my bachelor degree back in Brazil, I had a lot of theory studies. At TAFE, I’ve been enjoying much more of a hands-on learning experience while also understanding the theory. I like that at TAFE Queensland, I get to learn and then put that learning into practice straight away.
Evelyn Chiabai, Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for international students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load. Learn more
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
25 Jan 2027
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
2 years
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Full time 4 days per week
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST
International:
$27,600
This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for international students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load. Learn more
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
On-Campus
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for international students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load. Learn more
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
12 Jul 2027
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
2 years
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Full time 4 days per week
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST
International:
$27,600
This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for international students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load. Learn more
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
On-Campus
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you will gain practical, hands-on experience in our purpose-built classrooms, laboratories and workshops with the same tools and equipment used in industry.
Studying with TAFE Queensland, an internationally recognised education provider, will give you the skills and knowledge to launch your career.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
As an international student you’ll study with a combination of online and classroom based learning at one of our campus locations across Queensland. You will be expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements. The number of hours of personal study required is dependent on your existing knowledge, skills and language needs.
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays. Learn more
FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf. FEE-HELP is available to students who are not studying in a Commonwealth supported place (and are therefore not eligible for HECS-HELP).
Relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion I.e. (Certificate IV or higher in an Engineering related area); or
Recent secondary education with completion of Year 12 and Year 12 English, and Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or General Mathematics or equivalent.
International Applicants
Will have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) with a Sound Achievement in Maths (or equivalent).
Assumed Knowledge
Assumed knowledge explains the minimum level of knowledge we believe you have in some Units of Study before you start your Course. It is assumed that applicants will have the following:
English (4, SA) or English (Units 3 & 4, C)
Maths A, B or C (4, SA), or General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C).
Applicants who do not meet the Mathematics requirements will be interviewed and may be asked to complete a 20 hours intensive Maths Workshop with TAFE Queensland one week prior to the commencement of semester.
It is however recommended that in order to give yourself the best opportunity of success in this course, you have studied Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent. Alternatively, applicants may want to consider completion of a suitably qualified Maths course.
EnglishLanguageProficiencyStandards:
PTE: 50 (Writing 51, all other scores no less than 50)
IELTS (Academic): 6.0 (Writing 6.0, all other skills no less than 5.5)
Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland.
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria are required to participate in an Interview with the Course Coordinator prior to an offer being made by TAFE Queensland.
International applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of commencement and must turn 18 years old within one academic year of their course start date or within the first study period of an ELICOS course. International applicants who are under 18 years of age and applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have approved welfare and accommodation arrangements in place for the duration of their stay until they turn 18.
Selection criteria
What type of Applicant are you?
Admission to all TAFE Queensland higher education courses is on a competitive basis, taking into account all relevant qualifications and experience. The type of applicant you are will determine the selection criteria TAFE Queensland considers when assessing your individual application. Learn more
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
You will be provided with a recommended reading, stationery and resources list, and/or required textbook list during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network. Whilst most readings are also available to download, there is a cost to print those resources.
You will also need to have access to a scientific calculator (type required to be advised during orientation).
White card
A White Card is required to access engineering and construction work sites and may be required while undertaking professional placement. You will be offered the opportunity, at an additional cost (approximately $160), to complete the General Construction Induction Training (GCIT) Skill Set (SSCPC0029) while completing your degree.
Placement
Professional Practice Placement
During your course you will be required to complete professional practice placement so you can start using and improving your new skills and knowledge in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.
Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 240 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
Orientation session
Part of the Higher Education enrolment process at TAFE Queensland is your attendance at orientation. This provides you with information about being a para professional in the Civil Engineering sector. It will enable you to make an informed decision about your ability to successfully complete the course.
At orientation, you will be informed about the academic calendar, time commitments, and other demands the course will place upon you, so you can make an informed decision about your enrolment at TAFE Queensland. Learn more
Skills Check
Successful applicants enrolling into the first semester may be required complete a Skills Check.
This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.
CriminalHistorycheck
During your enrolment at TAFE Queensland you may be required to provide TAFE Queensland with updated Criminal History Checks. If your police check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Coordinator for further information.
Government Loan Schemes
This course is also approved for FEE-HELP. FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf. FEE-HELP is available to students who are not studying in a Commonwealth supported place (and are therefore not eligible for HECS-HELP).
Student Profile
The student profile is a snapshot of data about all students who commenced undergraduate study in the most recent semester intake, including applicants offered in all offer rounds across all campuses and international students.
A student profile is provided for TAFE Queensland as a whole as well as for each of our undergraduate courses. The student profile shows the number of students admitted to the institution/course, along with their life and education experiences. Learn more
Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing comprises credit and recognition of prior learning. You may be able to have your prior studies or work experience count as credit towards your course and be able to graduate sooner. We call this 'advanced standing'.
Prior studies include units completed at TAFE Queensland or at another institution. Our policy is available here.
This course has the following specific advanced standing as outlined here.
Course Articulation
Students who complete this course will receive 144 credit points (12 units) provided the student has successfully completed Advanced Mathematics (CEA108 Advanced Mathematics or CEA1218 Engineering Mathematics 2) towards EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at QUT.
Assessment methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
How to apply
Direct application
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
Apply through QTAC
You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
