Diploma of Engineering Technologies (Mechanical Engineering)
Overview
Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechanical Engineering) graduates will gain technical and hands on skills with industry knowledge. Learn mechanics, CAD, CAM, advanced technology applications, and problem-solving. This course prepares you for careers in mechanical design, manufacturing, and drafting through hands-on training in specialised workshops.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Want help applying for midyear 2025?
Get tailored, on-the-spot support with your application at drop-in application week (Mon 30 June–Fri 4 July) – whether you’re enrolling fresh or switching courses.
Your industry experience
The Diploma of Engineering integrates industry experience through a mix of practical training, real-world projects, and industry collaboration. Throughout the course, you'll apply your learning to industry-linked projects each semester, gaining hands-on experience in real-world scenarios.
Skills you’ll learn
- Apply scientific principles to engineering problems
- CAD and CAM
- Materials and manufacturing process for engineering application
- Oral and written communication
- Problem solving
- Working with Team
Your career opportunities
- CAD draftsperson
- Engineering Technician
- Manufacturing Technician
- Technical Sales
Admissions
Applicants are required to have successfully completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent, or a related Certificate III.
Applicants who have not met the entry criteria through their academic studies can have their work experience considered. Applicants with 12 months of full-time work experience must provide: An employer letter on letter head outlining duration of employment and your role and responsibilities. Alternatively, a position description may also be considered.
Other requirements
Literacy and Numeracy requirements
Learners are best equipped to achieve the outcomes of the courses if they have minimum language, literacy and numeracy skills that are equivalent to level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
Digital Literacy requirements
- use the internet to read, send emails and search for information
- basic digital file management
- use various software packages e.g. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), File compression, Microsoft Accessories (Paint, Calculator), Adobe.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Associate Degree of Engineering
-
Certificate IV in Engineering
-
Diploma of Engineering Technologies (Mechatronics)
Course structure
To fulfil the requirements for the qualification students must complete a minimum of 900 hours of formal training consisting of:
All 10 core units listed below making up 400 hours
Elective units to a minimum of 500 hours.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Organise and communicate information
Core unit |
MEM16006A |
|
Interact with computing technology
Core unit |
MEM16008A |
|
Perform engineering activities
Core unit |
MEM22001A |
|
Manage self in the engineering environment
Core unit |
MEM22002A |
|
Select common engineering materials
Core unit |
MEM30007A |
|
Operate computer-aided design (CAD) system to produce basic drawing elements
Core unit |
MEM30031A |
|
Investigate advanced technology applications in the manufacturing industry and related industries
Core unit |
VU22451 |
|
Use communication network concepts and practices in manufacturing and engineering applications
Core unit |
VU22452 |
|
Apply scientific principles to engineering problems
Core unit |
VU22475 |
|
Apply technical mathematics
Core unit |
MEM23004A |
|
Apply technical mathematics
Core unit |
MEM23004A |
| Elective units | |
|
Apply mathematical techniques in a manufacturing engineering or related environment
Elective unit |
MEM30012A |
|
Select and interpret drawings and prepare three dimensional (3D) sketches and drawings
Elective unit |
VU22330 |
|
Apply engineering mechanics principles
Elective unit |
MEM23109A |
|
Use workshop equipment and processes to complete an engineering project
Elective unit |
MEM30029A |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Plan for the implementation of mechanical drive systems
Elective unit |
VU22476 |
|
Select rotating electrical machines
Elective unit |
VU22477 |
|
Set up manufacturing processes for engineering applications
Elective unit |
VU22501 |
|
Apply CAD and CAM technologies in an Industry 4.0 workplace
Elective unit |
MEM29003 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$11,920
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$8,370
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.