The abbreviation TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. It is a government-run programme that gives high school graduates access to specialised programmes. Isn't that a fantastic choice? So, let's take a look at the TAFE programmes that are available to international students.
The emphasis of TAFE courses is on specific abilities that prepare students to meet the demands of leading organisations. Many TAFE Institutes in Western Australia offer offline instruction, and an increasing number of these programmes are now available online for distance learners.
The Australian government mostly oversees the operation of TAFE institutions. However, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) inspects private schools that offer equivalent VET (Vocational Education and Training) programmes to ensure quality criteria are met. As a result, whether you seek certification through a public or private institution, Australia's quality and educational standards are of the greatest calibre.
Did You Know?
More than 7% of students found work after finishing their VET programme, earning an average of $57,400.
If you are an international student looking to pursue your education overseas, TAFE courses for international students may be one of your best possibilities.
Table of Contents
- What Is TAFE?
- Why study TAFE in Australia?
- Types of TAFE
- What are TAFE institutions in Australia?
- List of TAFE Institutes in Australia
- List of Tafe Courses in Australia
- Eligibility Criteria for International Students
- TAFE Courses Tuition fees
- TAFE Courses in Australia - Scholarships
- Career Opportunities after Studying TAFE Courses in Australia
What Is TAFE?
The TAFE sector is Australia's largest education and training industry. Every year, thousands of overseas students are drawn to Australia by the large diversity of courses and topic areas that provide practical skills and vocational training for a wide range of occupations. Every student wishes to study abroad at least once in their life. However, the enormous expenses usually put an end to students' dreams even before they begin their studies. Furthermore, it is commonly assumed that persons with good exam scores can only enrol in colleges abroad.
Students now enrolled in diploma programmes in India are another category of students with limited possibilities. Because of the growing popularity of technical degrees in the country, many students want to pursue their degrees abroad. As a result, many foreign colleges do not recognise diplomas. Despite these constraints, Australia's TAFE Institutes stand out among alternatives. The Australian Government accredits TAFE institutions, which are subject to the strict Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Admission to these universities are somewhat easier. The main advantage of these schools, which provide certificates and graduate diplomas, is that you may always move to a traditional course or university after one year, often with credits.
As a result, TAFE Institutes in Australia are excellent options if you have completed your diplomas and do not want to begin your degree programme too soon. The TAFE Institutes are discussed in detail here. It teaches them useful, practical skills that will improve their work prospects and chances of entering into higher education programmes. Students can benefit from the numerous course offerings and the individualised attention that the often small class sizes allow.
Why study TAFE in Australia?
There's no doubt that TAFE in Australia has a long history. TAFE NSW, for example, dates back to 1883, when the State Government took over control of Sydney Technical College. However, many new enterprises have entered the market since then to provide nationally recognised VET courses in Australia, many of whom specialise in sectors such as counselling and beauty therapy.
The modern facilities of TAFE institutions, which are government-owned and controlled and designed to simulate real-world work conditions, ensure that you develop valuable workplace skills while you learn. Because TAFE courses normally span 6 to 12 months, you will have a faster path to employment or higher study.
You will get good value for your money as you embark on a route toward your next professional goal, thanks to the variety of courses available to international students, as well as the excellent instruction and support.
Types of TAFE
The types of qualifications obtained through the TAFE system include:
These certificates I–IV courses are designed to provide fundamental skills and teaching. They provide applicable information and skills in communication, reading, and numeracy, as well as teamwork. They range in length from six months to two years.
The number of VET qualifications held by those employed is expected to increase by 327,000 over the next five years.
Diploma: Diploma recipients are prepared for careers in business, industry, and paramedicine. A diploma typically requires one to two years of full-time study.
Advanced diploma: An advanced diploma provides students with a high degree of practical abilities for advanced skilled or paraprofessional work in sectors such as engineering, accounting, and architectural design. Students can earn advanced degrees at the university level. Advanced diplomas may need 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study.
Graduate certificate and diploma in vocational studies: These certifications are the equivalent of a graduate certificate and a higher education diploma. They provide highly specialised labour knowledge and expertise. While a graduate diploma usually requires one to two years of full-time study, a graduate certificate usually takes six months to a year.
Other programmes: While TAFE colleges have traditionally focused on vocational education, many now also provide higher education programmes, such as bachelor's degrees. English courses are also accessible at TAFE institutes.
What are TAFE institutions in Australia?
The major distinction between TAFE and university was traditional that TAFE provided education and training for trade courses such as electricians or hairdressers, whilst universities gave degrees and higher education for professional occupations such as law and medicine.
Government-funded Registered Training Organisations are TAFE institutes (RTOs). They provide realistic Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses aimed at providing students with the skills, training, and certificates required for the workforce.
- TAFE institutes take pride in their accessibility and have fewer (and lower) entry criteria than universities.
- Most TAFEs provide student assistance and recreational services comparable to those provided by universities.
- While university courses are often more academic in nature, TAFE courses are more hands-on and focus on equipping students with the workplace skills required by industrial companies.
- Unlike many university degrees, the units covered and skills developed by students in TAFE courses are often consistent between institutes. This is because VET certifications are based on a nationally recognised, industry-developed "training package" that specifies the "competencies" that students must accomplish at each qualification level.
80.7% of graduates employed after training found the training was relevant to their current job
List of TAFE Institutes in Australia
Teachers at TAFE NSW apply their professional skills to the classroom to ensure they receive the best practical training possible. TAFEs typically have substantial industry networks that may provide advice on skill shortages, critical skills, industry trends, and future demands. Teachers, in general, come from industry and have industry connections to give you work placements and networking opportunities that can lead to future employment prospects. Meanwhile, apprenticeships and traineeships allow you to work and earn an income while you study.
Nearly 8 in 10 VET graduates have a job soon after training, versus about seven in 10 university graduates
With over 25,000 employer connections and job placement services, you can develop crucial networking contacts and gain a jump start while studying. Tertiary education has pursued a variety of reasons, including improving professional possibilities, increasing earning potential, increasing skill levels, networking, broadening hobbies, and increasing confidence.
TAFE Institutes in Australia |
Location |
Popular Courses |
TAFE NSW Sydney |
TAFE NSW, Design Centre Enmore (DCE) TAFE NSW, Petersham TAFE NSW, Randwick TAFE NSW, St George TAFE NSW Loftus TAFE NSW Ultimo Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE Sydney Institute of TAFE |
Diploma of Graphic Design Diploma of Software Development Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma of Nursing Diploma of Leadership and Management Certificate in Fitness |
TasTAFE - Tasmania |
TAFE- Campbell Street Campus TAFE- Alanvale Campus TAFE-Launceston Campus TAFE- Burnie Campus TAFE- Drysdale Campus Launceston |
Certificate in Automotive Servicing Technology Plumbing and Electrical Tourism, Hospitality and Food Building and Construction Trades |
TAFE Victoria |
Holmesglen TAFE Box Hill Institute, Victoria Chisholm Institute of TAFE Kangan Institute Bendigo TAFE RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) Swinburne University of Technology Gordon Institute of TAFE Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE South West Institute of TAFE Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Suni TAFE Wodonga TAFE William Angliss Institute, Melbourne Victoria Polytechnic |
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) Certificate in Fitness Diploma of Accounting Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) Certificate in Plumbing Certificate in Hospitality and Certificate in Leadership and Management |
TAFE Queensland |
TAFE-Far North Queensland TAFE- Wide Bay Burnett TAFE-Sunshine Coast TAFE- Gold Coast TAFE-Greater Brisbane TAFE- Darling Downs and South West TAFE Queensland SkillsTech TAFE Queensland East Coast |
Diploma of Business Diploma of Leadership and Management Certificate in Horticulture Certificate in Horticulture Diploma of Horticulture Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management Diploma of Nursing Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management Diploma of Engineering Technical Advanced Diploma of Engineering Diploma of Building Design Diploma of Interior Design |
TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) |
TAFE WA- Balga TAFE WA- Clarkson TAFE WA- East Perth TAFE WA- Joondalup (Kendrew Crescent) TAFE WO- Joondalup (McLarty Avenue) TAFE WA- Leederville TAFE WA- Midland TAFE WA- Mount Lawley TAFE WA- Nedlands TAFE WA- Perth |
Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering Diploma of Business Certificate in Business |
List of Tafe Courses in Australia
Qualifications are provided in a variety of fields of study, including business, commerce, hospitality, computer technology, fashion design, and elderly care. TAFE NSW provides its own bachelor's degrees as well as pathway arrangements with various Australian universities. If you take a vocational course, such as a certificate, diploma, or advanced diploma, you may be eligible for university credit.
A TAFE NSW qualification can provide you with the finest of what Australia has to offer. Their award-winning training has resulted in the development of strong and valued industrial collaborations, as well as a high percentage of graduate employment. Courses and facilities at TAFE NSW are continuously updated to meet the needs of the local community and industry.
Course |
Duration |
Tuition Fees |
Certificate IV in Visual Arts 105802D CUA41320 |
1 year January |
AUD$16,140 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$16,140 |
Diploma of Interior Design 0101704 MSF50218 |
2 Years January, July |
AUD$33,830 4 Semesters within 2 Years and Average Cost per Year of AUD$16,915 |
Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) 108455E CUA51020 |
1 year January |
AUD$19,200 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$19,200 |
Diploma of Graphic Design 105815K CUA50720 |
1 year January |
AUD$17,790 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$17,790 |
Diploma of Screen and Media 108455E CUA51020 |
1 year January |
AUD$19,200 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$19,200 |
Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising 0100765 MST60119 |
2 Years January |
AUD$30,340 4 Semesters within 2 Years and Average Cost per Year of AUD$15,170 |
Building and Construction |
||
Certificate IV in Residential Drafting 108426K CPP40121 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$16,810 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$16,810 |
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) 104666D CPC40120 |
1.5 Years January, July |
AUD$16,810 3 Semesters within 1.5 Years and Average Cost per Year of AUD$11,207 |
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Site Management) 104666D CPC40120 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$16,810 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$16,810 |
Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Estimator) 104670H CPC40320 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$16,810 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$16,810 |
Business and Marketing |
||
Diploma of Marketing and Communication 109109D BSB50620 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$14,160 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$14,160 |
Community Services |
||
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) 090839G CHC33015 |
26 Weeks January, July |
AUD$7,080 |
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care 111781J CHC30121 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$13,020 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$13,020 |
Certificate IV in Community Services 091894C CHC42015 |
39 Weeks January, July |
AUD$10,770 |
Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) 091895B CHC52015 |
39 Weeks April, October |
AUD$11,070 |
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care 111782H CHC50121 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$13,045 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$13,045 |
Education and Languages |
||
General English 40 064265A |
40 Weeks Continuous |
AUD$15,200 |
English for Academic Purposes 20 064266M |
26 Weeks February, July |
AUD$7,600 |
English for Academic Purposes Advanced 086001K |
26 Weeks January, July |
AUD$7,600 |
Diploma of Hospitality Management 090981A SIT50416 |
26 Weeks January, July |
AUD$5,440 |
Information Technology |
||
Certificate III in Information Technology 106024M ICT30120 |
26 Weeks January, July |
AUD$7,080 |
Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking) 108425M ICT40120 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$14,160 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$14,160 |
Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming) 108425M ICT40120 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$14,160 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$14,160 |
Certificate IV in Information Technology (Systems Administration Support) 108425M ICT40120 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$14,160 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$14,160 |
Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development) 110568M ICT50220 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$14,160 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$14,160 |
Diploma of Information Technology (Systems Administration) & (Cloud Engineering) 110568M ICT50220 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$14,160 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$14,160 |
Mining, Engineering and Automotive |
||
Certificate III in Engineering - Technical 099492A MEM30505 |
26 Weeks January, July |
AUD$7,080 |
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology 103612D AUR30620 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$16,300 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$16,300 |
Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis 091649E AUR40216 |
26 Weeks January, July |
AUD$8,150 |
Diploma of Engineering - Technical 099491B MEM50212 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$18,400 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$18,400 |
Diploma of Automotive Technology 091697G AUR50216 |
26 Weeks January, July |
AUD$8,150 |
Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering 103399D UEE50520 |
1.5 Years January, July |
AUD$33,620 3 Semesters within 1.5 Years and Average Cost per Year of AUD$22,413 |
Primary Industries and Science |
||
Certificate III in Horticulture 105563C AHC30716 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$9,790 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$9,790 |
Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management 111778D AHC31421 |
1 year January, July |
AUD$10,870 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$10,870 |
Diploma of Horticulture 092587F AHC50416 |
1 year February, July |
AUD$9,790 2 Semesters within 1 Year and Average Cost per Year of AUD$9,790 |
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
Country Year 10 equivalent |
Year 12 equivalent Vocational Education and Training (Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) |
Year 12 equivalent Higher Education(Diploma, Bachelor and Associate Degree) |
Sri Lanka Sri Lankan GCE O-Level (4 passes) |
Sri Lankan GCE A-Level* (2 passes with an aggregate score of 3) |
Sri Lankan GCE A-Level* (3 passes with an aggregate score of 4) |
Academic PTE with an overall score of 42
• TOEFL (iBT) with an overall score of 46
• STEP EIKEN Grade Pre 1
• SPM English 1119 Grade C6
• HKDSE English Language Level 3
• International GCSE English as First Language Grade C or 4
• International GCSE English as Second Language Grade B or 5
• Cambridge English: B2 First / First Certificate in English (FCE) - 162
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced / Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - 162
• Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency / Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - 162
• Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of C in each of the 4 components
• TAFE NSW General English Program [2] [4]
• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent or higher-level studies in one or more of the following countries: UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland [4]
• Completion of Year 12 (with a pass in English subject) or equivalent or studies at Certificate IV level or higher in Australia [4] [5]
TAFE Courses Tuition fees
- The tuition fee is payable in advance every semester. Your letter of offer from TAFE NSW will explain payment details.
- You will need to pay the following fees related to your course:
- A registration fee of AUD$100 (non-refundable)
- A tuition fee – the total course fee can range from:
- AUD$4,395 to AUD$15,450 per semester for vocational courses
- AUD$6,680 to AUD$11,500 per semester for TAFE NSW Degree courses
TAFE Courses in Australia - Scholarships
TAFE NSW is committed to assisting international students in obtaining the specialised knowledge and qualifications required to realise their academic and professional goals.
Of those employed after training, 80.7% found that the training was relevant to their jobs 60.6% of graduates had an improved employment status after training.
The scholarships that are currently available:
- 15% Scholarship - The 15% Scholarship will only be applied as a credit against tuition costs for each semester for the duration of the Higher Education programme.
- Scholarship valued up to $2,000 (AUD) in total, awarded on merit. Until the entire scholarship amount is used, the grant will be applied as $500 (AUD) credits toward your semester course tuition expenses.
- Australia-focused financial aid: The Commonwealth Government funds the Destination Australia Scholarships, which are designed to attract and support students who choose to live and study in rural areas. Each Scholarship provides $15,000 per year to cover the costs of travelling to, living in, and attending school in remote Australia.
- The Australian Government offers Australia Awards Scholarships through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to help foreign nationals pay for their education in Australia.
Career Opportunities after Studying TAFE Courses in Australia
Consider a specific university or TAFE course and then investigate the professional paths that may open up for you as a result of that qualification. TAFE courses are known for their hands-on approach to skill development, with built-in internships and work placements to improve your employability and career prospects. You can master industry-relevant skills and, in some cases, even begin earning money while still learning.
Just because you decide to take a course today does not mean you have to do it forever. One of the major advantages of attending TAFE is that you do not need an ATAR to be admitted into a degree. However, if you complete a TAFE degree, you will be granted an ATAR-equivalent score, which you can use as a road to university if you enjoy what you are doing and want to continue your education. The median full-time income for a VET graduate is $56,000 versus $54,000 for someone with a bachelor's degree
Did You Know?
78.2% of graduates were employed after training with VET certificates
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
Civil Engineering Drafter |
AU$44k - AU$69k (Estimated *) |
AU$55,150 |
Structural Drafter |
AU$47k - AU$86k (Estimated *) |
AU$63,446 |
Team Leader, IT |
AU$92k - AU$168k (Estimated *) |
AU$124,104 |
Systems Administrator |
AU$55k - AU$91k (Estimated *) |
AU$71,112 |
Project Manager, Training & Development |
AU$72k - AU$135k (Estimated *) |
AU$98,607 |
National Sales Manager |
AU$88k - AU$158k (Estimated *) |
AU$117,974 |
National Marketing Manager |
AU$55k - AU$110k (Estimated *) |
AU$78,050 |
Media Manager |
AU$52k - AU$82k (Estimated *) |
AU$61,845 |
Mechanical Drafter |
AU$55k - AU$86k (Estimated *) |
AU$68,994 |
Licensing Specialist |
AU$50k - AU$87k (Estimated *) |
AU$65,667 |
Information Technology (IT) Operations Manager |
AU$102k - AU$183k (Estimated *) |
AU$137,517 |
Information Analyst |
AU$57k - AU$97k (Estimated *) |
AU$74,815 |
Handyman |
AU$36k - AU$77k (Estimated *) |
AU$53,121 |
Food Technologist |
AU$71k - AU$138k (Estimated *) |
AU$98,765 |
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