Diploma in Fuel Engineering for Heavy-Duty Diesel
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in fuel engineering for heavy-duty diesel engines. 8 modules covering diesel fuel chemistry, renewable fuels, injection and combustion, additives, laboratory testing, aftertreatment and fleet fuel management, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Fuel Engineering for Heavy-Duty Diesel — studying from Australia
Off-road and special-purpose vehicles are central to Australia's mining, agriculture, construction and emergency services sectors. Remote geography and harsh conditions create strong demand for robust machinery, including haul trucks, agricultural equipment and specialist fire and rescue vehicles. Engineers work on hydraulics, drivetrains, operator safety and machine automation. Employers include mining equipment manufacturers and dealers, agricultural machinery firms, construction companies and government fleet agencies.
Fees for Australia: A$1,420 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Will this qualification be recognised by Australian engineering bodies for off-road vehicle work?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by Engineers Australia or any national body. Recognition is decided by employers or the relevant professional body assessing your application. Engineers Australia assesses competence independently, so check its requirements before enrolling if membership is your goal.
Which Australian employers work with off-road and special vehicles and machinery?
Mining and agricultural equipment makers, fleet operators, defence and emergency service vehicle suppliers, and four-wheel-drive modification businesses are examples. Their hiring decisions depend on their own criteria. Relevant experience and a practical final project are often as important as the qualification.
Can I study this online while working in Australia, and is there support?
Yes, the programmes are 100% online and taught in English, and each student has an assigned technical tutor. You can study from anywhere in Australia without a student visa. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible; check the total hours and plan a realistic schedule.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the chemistry and specifications of diesel fuel.
Evaluate renewable fuels for heavy-duty diesel engines.
Analyse the influence of the fuel on injection and combustion.
Select additives according to service requirements.
Carry out and interpret standardised laboratory tests.
Diagnose fuel-related engine and aftertreatment failures.
Manage fuel quality and efficiency in fleets.
Who it's for
- Fuel engineers
- Petrochemical laboratory technicians
- Diesel engine engineers
- Fleet energy managers
- Additive specialists
- Transport decarbonisation consultants
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into fuel refining and distribution
What you'll work with
- EN 590 (automotive diesel fuel specification)
- EN 15940 (paraffinic diesel fuels from synthesis or hydrotreatment)
- EN 14214 (FAME biodiesel specification)
- Directive 98/70/EC (fuel quality)
- Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II) (promotion of renewable energy)
- ISO 12156-1 (HFRR lubricity test)
- EN 116 (cold filter plugging point)
- EN 15751 (oxidation stability by the Rancimat method)
- CONVERGE CFD
- GT-SUITE
- Ansys Chemkin-Pro
- AVL FIRE M
8 modules
1.1Diesel composition: paraffins, naphthenes and aromatics1.2Cetane number and cetane index1.3Distillation and the volatility curve1.4Density and calorific value1.5Sulphur content and desulphurisation1.6Viscosity and lubricity1.7Oxidation stability1.8Cold-flow properties: CFPP and cloud point1.9The EN 590 specification1.10Workshop: interpreting a certificate of analysis
2.1FAME biodiesel and the EN 14214 standard2.2Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)2.3The EN 15940 specification for paraffinic diesel fuels2.4Synthetic fuels (e-fuels)2.5B7, B10 and B100 blends2.6Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II)2.7Sustainability and life-cycle emissions2.8Compatibility with existing engines2.9Logistics and storage of renewable fuels2.10Case study: transitioning a fleet to HVO
3.1High-pressure common rail systems3.2Atomisation and spray penetration3.3Ignition delay3.4Premixed and diffusion combustion3.5NOx and soot formation3.6Influence of the fuel on combustion3.7CFD simulation of injection3.8Chemical kinetic models3.9Single-cylinder engine testing3.10Lab: simulation of a diesel spray
4.1Cetane improvers4.2Lubricity additives4.3Detergents and deposit control4.4Cold-flow improvers4.5Antioxidants and stabilisers4.6Biocides and microbial growth4.7Antifoams and demulsifiers4.8Dosing and compatibility4.9Evaluating effectiveness4.10Practical exercise: selecting additives for cold climates
5.1Sampling according to good practice5.2HFRR lubricity according to ISO 12156-15.3Rancimat stability EN 157515.4Water content and contamination5.5CFPP test according to EN 1165.6Test precision ISO 42595.7Analysis of metals and contaminants5.8Gas chromatography5.9Laboratory quality management5.10Lab: lubricity test on a sample
6.1Influence of sulphur on catalysts6.2Ash and DPF clogging6.3Impact of biodiesel on SCR6.4Metals in fuel6.5Injector deposits6.6Wear of high-pressure pumps6.7Diagnosing fuel-related failures6.8Engine manufacturer warranties6.9Root cause analysis6.10Case study: injector failure in a fleet
7.1Storage and tanks7.2Filtration and water separation7.3ISO 4406 cleanliness in fuel7.4Quality control on receipt7.5Inventory and consumption management7.6Fuel theft and fraud7.7Reducing CO2 emissions7.8Fleet carbon footprint7.9Efficiency indicators7.10Workshop: fuel quality plan for a depot
8.1Definition of the case and the fleet8.2Characterisation of the current fuel8.3Analysis of renewable alternatives8.4Laboratory test plan8.5Assessment of engine impact8.6Additive treatment proposal8.7Economic and environmental analysis8.8Conclusions8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with your tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it is compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is CONVERGE CFD, GT-SUITE, Ansys Chemkin-Pro and AVL FIRE M, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures for diesel lubricity and stability testing, HVO evaluation in heavy machinery fleets and root cause analysis of injection failures. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final project.
Standards covered: EN 590, EN 15940, EN 14214, Directive 98/70/EC, Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II), ISO 12156-1, EN 116, EN 15751.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with CONVERGE CFD, GT-SUITE, Ansys Chemkin-Pro, AVL FIRE M, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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