The landscape of education for international students is evolving, and CRICOS courses are at the heart of this transformation. With a surge in demand, largely fueled by industry skill shortages, enticing migration pathways, and the growing accessibility of online learning, CRICOS courses have become a powerful draw for students worldwide. For Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Australia, this represents an unparalleled opportunity to cater to global learners while securing long-term business success.
Recent insights from NCVER demonstrate the tangible benefits of completing CRICOS courses. According to NCVER, an impressive 76.6% of international students who completed a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in Australia achieved improved employment outcomes. This statistic underscores how CRICOS qualifications are not just enhancing skills but are directly contributing to career growth for international students.
For RTOs, this growing demand can translate into a sustainable competitive edge. By offering the right mix of high-demand CRICOS registered courses, training providers can attract a steady stream of international students and position themselves as leaders in the education sector. But which CRICOS courses should you focus on, and how can your RTO deliver them successfully?
To help RTOs align their offerings with market needs, our team has curated a list of the most sought-after qualifications for 2025. This selection, developed using NCVER’s 2023 enrolment data and the RTO scope from training.gov.au, highlights the top training areas and explores why these CRICOS courses are in such high demand. Additionally, we provide actionable insights to help RTOs deliver these courses effectively and meet the expectations of international students.
| Qual Code | Qualification Name | Total Enrolments in 2023 | # of CRICOS RTOs | Enrolments per RTO with Scope |
| HLT54121 | Diploma of Nursing | 2,560 | 29 | 88 |
| SIT30821 | Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | 21,710 | 250 | 87 |
| SIS30321 | Certificate III in Fitness | 750 | 10 | 75 |
| AUR30620 | Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | 9,555 | 130 | 74 |
| CPP20218 | Certificate II in Security Operations | 1,940 | 27 | 72 |
| AUR31120 | Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology | 785 | 11 | 71 |
| TLI30321 | Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations | 65 | 1 | 65 |
HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing
What makes it popular?
The healthcare sector in Australia has a strong demand for enrolled nurses, making this diploma a desirable qualification. It prepares students for hospital roles, aged care, and community health settings.
Insights for RTOs
RTOs offering this CRICOS registered course can benefit from Australia’s ongoing need for healthcare professionals. Graduates often find employment quickly due to workforce shortages.
Tips for Delivering This Training
- Offer practical clinical placements in healthcare facilities.
- Ensure compliance with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia standards.
- Provide support for students preparing for registration exams.
- Use simulated environments for hands-on learning.
SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
What makes it popular?
Australia’s hospitality industry faces a severe shortage of skilled chefs, making this one of the most employment-ready CRICOS courses for international students. Graduates can work in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses, with pathways to permanent residency.
Insights for RTOs
RTOs can benefit from offering this course due to the high demand for trained chefs in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses. International students also seek this qualification as a pathway to employment.
Tips for Delivering This Training
- Include practical kitchen-based training.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
- Offer industry placements for real-world experience.
- Teach menu planning and kitchen management skills.
SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness
What makes it popular?
With growing health and wellness awareness, this qualification is in high demand among those looking to become personal trainers or fitness instructors. It gives students the skills to conduct fitness assessments, plan and deliver fitness programs, and work with clients in gyms and other fitness settings.
Insights for RTOs
Fitness training is booming, with many individuals seeking career opportunities in health clubs, sports centres, and private training. RTOs offering this course can tap into a market that values flexible work opportunities and health-focused careers.
Tips for Delivering This Training
- Provide practical training in fully equipped gym facilities.
- Offer online and blended learning options for flexibility.
- Partner with gyms for hands-on experience.
- Focus on both theoretical knowledge and customer service skills.
AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
What makes it popular?
This qualification is essential for students looking to start a career in automotive mechanics. It covers the maintenance, servicing, and repair of light vehicles, making graduates highly employable in automotive workshops and dealerships.
Insights for RTOs
Australia’s automotive service industry needs skilled mechanics, ensuring consistent demand for this course. RTOs can attract students interested in technical and hands-on careers.
Tips for Delivering This Training
- Provide access to workshop facilities with modern vehicles.
- Include hands-on repair and diagnostic training.
- Offer strong employer connections for apprenticeships.
- Keep the curriculum updated with emerging vehicle technologies.
CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations
What makes it popular?
Security is a vital industry, and this CRICOS registered course enables students to enter the workforce as security officers. It covers surveillance, risk assessment, and conflict management, making it attractive to those seeking stable employment.
Insights for RTOs
With demand for security personnel increasing in retail, events, and corporate sectors, RTOs offering this course can benefit from a consistent stream of students seeking security licenses.
Tips for Delivering This Training
- Ensure compliance with Australian security industry regulations.
- Provide practical role-playing scenarios for conflict resolution.
- Offer job placement support for students.
- Include first aid and crowd control training.
AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
What makes it popular?
This CRICOS course for international students is crucial for working on heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. It is in demand due to Australia’s reliance on the transportation and logistics industries.
Insights for RTOs
RTOs can attract students seeking high-paying trade careers. The transport and freight industries consistently need skilled mechanics to maintain heavy vehicles.
Tips for Delivering This Training
- Provide access to training workshops with heavy vehicles.
- Focus on advanced diagnostic and repair techniques.
- Partner with transport companies for practical training.
- Ensure a strong emphasis on safety and compliance.
TLI30321 Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations
What makes it popular?
This CRICOS course for international students is highly relevant given the growth of e-commerce and logistics. It prepares students for warehousing, transport, and inventory management roles and provides crucial skills in supply chain operations.
Insights for RTOs
Offering this qualification allows RTOs to tap into a sector that continues to expand. Businesses require well-trained supply chain personnel to manage goods movement efficiently.
Tips for Delivering This Training
- Provide hands-on training with logistics software.
- Include real-world case studies on supply chain management.
- Partner with logistics companies for industry placements.
- Teach compliance with Australian transport regulations.
Expand Your Training Portfolio with in-Demand CRICOS Courses Today!
For RTOs looking to expand their offerings, these high-demand CRICOS courses for international students present fantastic opportunities. With the right delivery strategies, industry partnerships, and hands-on training, your RTO can attract more students and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in Australia.
If you’re an RTO planning to introduce new CRICOS courses, now is the perfect time to align your offerings with student demand and industry needs. Browse our catalogue of RTO learning materials for quality, ready-to-use resources for these qualifications and more.
