Hospitality Courses in Australia: Options, Providers & Practical Training

Last Updated 28.12.2025

Introduction

Hospitality courses in Australia range from short skill-based programs through to nationally recognized certificates, diplomas, and university degrees. These courses are delivered by TAFEs, private training providers, and universities and are designed to support a wide range of hospitality careers.

For motel owners, managers, and supervisors, understanding the differences between these course types is essential. Some programs focus on formal qualifications and academic learning, while others prioritise hands-on operational skills.

This page outlines the main hospitality course options available in Australia, highlights major training providers, and explains practical alternatives for those focused on day-to-day accommodation management.

Types of Hospitality Courses Available

• Short courses

• Certificates & diplomas

• Degrees

• Online vs on-campus

Short Hospitality Courses

Short courses are typically designed to build specific skills and may run from a few days to several weeks. These are often used for upskilling existing staff or filling knowledge gaps.

Common focus areas include:

• Customer service

• Front desk operations

• Food and beverage basics

• Hospitality supervision

These courses are usually non-accredited and vary widely in depth and quality.

Certificate & Diploma Hospitality Courses

Certificate and diploma courses are nationally recognised qualifications delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). They typically combine classroom learning, assessments, and in some cases structured work placements.

Common qualifications include:

• Certificate III or IV in Hospitality

• Diploma of Hospitality Management

• Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management

These programs often suit people seeking formal recognition or long-term career progression.

University Hospitality Degrees

Hospitality degrees are academic programs delivered by universities and generally run for three or more years. They include broader business theory alongside hospitality-specific subjects.

Degrees are often chosen by those pursuing corporate hospitality, international careers, or senior executive roles.

Formal Hospitality Course Providers

TAFE NSW

Qualifications: Diploma / Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
Study Mode: On-campus, Online
Duration: 1–2 years
Notes: Government-accredited training with national recognition.

William Angliss Institute

Qualifications: Diploma, Bachelor, Postgraduate Hospitality
Study Mode: On-campus
Duration: 1–3 years
Notes: Industry-focused institute with strong hospitality reputation.

Melbourne Polytechnic

Qualifications: Diploma / Advanced Diploma of Hospitality
Study Mode: On-campus
Duration: 1–2 years
Notes: Offers pathway options into higher education.

Box Hill Institute

Qualifications: Certificate IV, Diploma of Hospitality
Study Mode: On-campus
Duration: 1–2 years
Notes: Nationally recognised vocational training.

Holmesglen Institute

Qualifications: Diploma / Degree Pathway Programs
Study Mode: On-campus
Duration: 1–3 years
Notes: Strong industry connections and university pathways.

Le Cordon Bleu Australia

Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management)
Study Mode: On-campus
Duration: 3 years
Notes: Internationally recognised hospitality brand.

Torrens University Australia

Qualifications: Bachelor of Hospitality Management
Study Mode: Online, On-campus
Duration: 3 years
Notes: Private university with flexible study options.

Southern Cross University

Qualifications: Bachelor / Postgraduate Hospitality Degrees
Study Mode: Online, On-campus
Duration: 3–4 years
Notes: University-level hospitality education.

Learn More about the Formal Hospitality Course Providers

Are Formal Hospitality Courses Right for Motel Managers?

Formal hospitality courses can be valuable, particularly for those seeking recognized qualifications or long-term academic pathways. However, many programs are designed around hotels, resorts, or large hospitality operations.

Independent motels often operate differently, with managers and owners responsible for:

• Front desk operations

• Housekeeping systems

• Maintenance coordination

• Pricing and revenue control

• Staff supervision

• Compliance and safety requirements

These day-to-day responsibilities are not always covered in depth within formal hospitality courses.

Learn the Practical Side of Motel Management

If you’re researching hospitality courses but want a clearer picture of how motel operations actually work, practical guidance can be more useful than course brochures or academic outlines.

I’ve created a free shortened edition of The Comprehensive Guide to Motel Management that focuses on real-world operations, including:

• Front desk workflows

• Housekeeping systems

• Pricing fundamentals

• Daily management routines for small motels

Below we’ve provided a free shortened version to our book “The Essential Guide to Motel Management - this resource is designed to help you understand what skills matter most before committing to longer or more expensive study options.