TAFE/Vocational school
Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes are government-owned providers of Vocational Education and Training(VET) courses. International students attend TAFE institutes to complete courses that range from certificate to postgraduate level. Australia’s vocational education and training(VET) institutions offer the opportunity to improve your skills in real and simulated work environments. These two types of schools allow students to gain the practical expertise in workspace which would be a genuine advantage over other graduates.
Type of qualification
What you will learn
Certificate I–IV
- Designed to provide introductory skills and training.
- Providing industry-specific knowledge and skills in communication, literacy and numeracy, and teamwork.
- Varying in length from six months to two years.
Diploma
- Preparing students for industry, enterprise and paraprofessional careers.
- Typically requiring one to two years of full-time study.
Advanced diploma
- Providing a high level of practical skills for advanced skilled or paraprofessional work in areas such as accounting, building design and engineering.
- Completing some advanced diplomas at university level. Advanced diplomas vary in length from 1.5 to two years of full-time study.
Vocational graduate certificate/diploma
- The equivalent of the higher education graduate certificate and diploma.
- Providing high-level employment-related skills and knowledge.
- Requiring six months to a year of full-time study for the graduate certificate, and over one to two years full time for the graduate diploma.
Other courses
While TAFE institutes are traditionally known for their focus on vocational education, in recent years many have also started offering higher education programs such as bachelor degrees. TAFE institutes also offer English language courses.
How is TAFE/VET different to university?
01. Practical courses
While university courses tend to have an academic focus, TAFE courses are typically more hands-on and are focused on providing students with the workplace skills and training needed by employers. TAFE facilities provide students with industry-standard equipment that allows them to train outside the classroom, such as automotive workshops and training restaurants that are open to the public. TAFE courses are designed with industry needs in mind, and many offer opportunities to complete on-the-job training through work experience.
02. Wide range of courses
Traditionally, TAFE institutes are known for providing VET courses (such as certificates and diplomas). Some TAFE institutes also offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (the same as those offered by universities), as well as English language courses and secondary school studies.
03. Accessibility
TAFE institutes pride themselves on their accessibility and typically have fewer (and lower) entry requirements than universities. This is because they offer a lower level of qualification, so be sure to check what qualification level you will need for your career. Because TAFE is more accessible to students, many choose to study at TAFE as a pathway to gain entry into university (see below).
Benefits of TAFE/VET and vocational schools
01. Higher education pathways
TAFE courses at the certificate IV, diploma and advanced diploma level can provide students with a pathway into the higher education sector. In addition to helping students meet entry requirements, TAFE courses can also provide credit towards some higher education courses. For example, students who graduate with a diploma may receive up to two or three semesters of credit towards a related bachelor degree. The exact amount of credit granted depends on the institution, the degree and the TAFE qualification completed. It is important to check pathways and credit arrangements with institutions. It is also becoming increasingly common for higher education graduates to complete TAFE qualifications in order to gain practical, work-orientated skills to assist them to enter the workforce.
02. Average tuition costs
TAFE course fees range from AUD$4000 to $22,000 per year. Higher-level vocational courses, including vocational graduate certificates and diplomas, may have higher fees. TAFE institutes that offer bachelor degrees will charge higher fees for these courses. These figures were sourced from the Australian Government’s Study in Australia website in 2018. Please note that course fees can vary widely depending on the course, institution and location chosen, and should always be sourced from the relevant provider.
03. Entry requirements
Entry into the VET system usually requires students to have reached a level of study equivalent to the Australian Year 10, 11 or 12. Some courses may have prerequisite subjects or work experience requirements. Entry into some courses, such as art and design, may also require submission of a portfolio. Students should check with individual providers for any additional entry requirements, English language requirements, information on fees and charges, and course starting dates.