Program Overview

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology

The Associate Degree in Engineering Technology is a two-year full-time or part-time equivalent course that provides students with a solid foundation in engineering principles and practices. This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the engineering industry.

Overview

The Associate Degree in Engineering Technology is a Level 6 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The course is designed to provide students with a broad-based education in engineering, with a focus on practical skills and problem-solving. Students will learn how to apply fundamental engineering concepts to real-world problems, and develop skills in areas such as computer-aided design, engineering design, and problem-solving.

Key Facts

• Award: Associate Degree in Engineering Technology
• VTAC code: (CSP)
• Start dates: Semester 1 (March 2026), Semester 2 (July 2026)
• Duration: 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning mode: Multi-Modal
• Scholarships: Available
• Prerequisite: English; Other (please refer to admission requirements for details)
• Fees: Estimated cost per year if studying full-time $8,337 (CSP) per 120 credit points

Course Structure

The course requires the completion of 240 credit points over two years, including:

• 120 credit points from Core subjects in Year 1
• 120 credit points from Core subjects in Year 2

Core subjects include:

• Academic Integrity Module
• Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education
• Computer-Aided Design
• Engineering Design and Problem Solving
• Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanics of Solids
• Modelling Change in Science, Society and Engineering
• Principles of Physics A
• Programming for Engineers and Scientists
• Tools for Modelling the World
• Engineering Enterprise
• Engineering Materials
• Engineering Probability and Statistics
• Ideas to Innovation
• Sustainability and Renewable Energy Design
• Systems Modelling
• Thermofluids
• Vector Calculus

Entry Requirements and Pathways

Recent school leavers and non-recent school leavers can apply for this course. The course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations. The lowest selection rank for Melbourne (Bundoora) campus is N/P 2026, and for Bendigo campus is also N/P 2026.

Prerequisites

VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics. Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.

Selection Criteria

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying.

Credit for Previous Study

Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete the course.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology may find employment in a range of engineering fields, including:

• Senior drafter or CAD designer
• Project manager
• Site supervisor
• Civil technician

Fees and Scholarships

The estimated fees for domestic students are $8,337 (CSP) per 120 credit points. Scholarships are available, including the Bendigo Pioneers Bursary, Regional Benefits Program, La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship, and others.

How to Apply

Domestic students can apply directly to La Trobe or through VTAC. International students can apply directly to La Trobe. The course application dates and VTAC code are available on the La Trobe University website.