Human resources courses
Human resources work covers hiring, pay, performance and workplace relations. You can study a business degree with a human resources major, or start with a shorter qualification in the field. Here's what each course leads to, how long it takes and what it costs.
- Quickest way to start
- 2 years
- Bachelor degree, typical full time length
- TAFE cost from
- $1,580
- subsidised Certificate IV, TAFE NSW
- What the jobs pay
- $76,800 to $102,400
- median pay across 3 jobs
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
A business degree with a human resources major
Work in human resources or recruitment
Advise managers on hiring, pay and performance, run recruitment, and keep employee records and workplace policies in order.
JobHR Advisor
Median pay$102,400
- How long it takes
- 2 to 3 years full time
- How you'll study
- Online or on campus
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate IV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $1,580 | $7,730 |
| GOTAFE | VIC | $3,570 | $7,385 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Certificate IV
- $1,580 subsidised
- $7,730 full fee
GOTAFEVIC
- Certificate IV
- $3,570 subsidised
- $7,385 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
The human resources degrees compared
Both of these are business degrees with a human resources focus, and both lead towards roles in HR administration, advising and recruitment. The main difference is how much of the degree is set aside for the major and how the study is structured. Some can be studied online at one or more universities.
- Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)After foundation business subjects you study recruitment, employment relations, rewards, organisational behaviour and workplace culture, with some pathways shorter than others.How long2 to 3 years
- Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource ManagementHuman resource management is the focus, with core business subjects such as accounting, marketing and strategy alongside it. It covers how organisations recruit, develop and support their people.How long3 years
Short university courses
- Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management6 months. For people starting in the field, or already working in it, who want a formal qualification. Subjects can usually count towards a master's degree.
Can help with: diversity and inclusion specialist, hr business partner, human resources manager
Other certificates and diplomas
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
HR AdministratorWhat you needA human resources degreeMedian pay$76,800- HR AdvisorWhat you needA human resources degreeMedian pay$102,400
RecruiterWhat you needA human resources degreeMedian pay$102,400
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.