What is TAFE Australia?
Are you someone who loves to get hands-on experience with practical tasks and has a hard time sitting still in a traditional classroom setting, listening to theories all day long? If so, then Technical and Further Education (TAFE) is the perfect choice for you.
But what exactly is TAFE? TAFE is a government-run programme in Australia that offers high-quality vocational education and training in areas such as beauty, design, childcare, hospitality, business, health, IT, and more after high school education. Institutions that offer TAFE courses are generally funded by the government and provide training in specific workplaces. In short, TAFE provides a targeted learning journey for someone to master technical and practical skills in a particular area.
TAFE courses range from short courses and certificates to diplomas and advanced diplomas, with different study periods. TAFE courses are taught in various modes, including on-campus, online, and blended learning. Upon graduating from a TAFE course, job prospects are relatively promising, as the skills and qualifications gained through TAFE are recognised nationally and internationally, and many courses have industry accreditation, making them highly sought after by employers.
What’s more? Studying TAFE courses in Australia is an excellent option if you are looking to migrate to some regional area in Australia – this can be a plus point for you! With industry and nationwide recognition of the syllabus, some TAFE courses offer a specific migration pathway under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), providing an excellent opportunity to kick-start your career in Australia.
In this article, we will explore the TAFE programmes that you can study and how you can make this dream a reality for you!
What Programme should I study in TAFE?
Programmes in TAFE | Description |
Cookery | Give you hands-on culinary experience in the preparation of different kinds of food and teach you how to work effectively in the kitchen and participate in safe food handling practises |
Nursing | Gain practical nursing experience and develop specialist skills that will prepare you to administer and help patients in their recovery journey |
Building and Construction | Gain insights in building and construction, which will be heavily involved in creating, planning, and overseeing a variety of different construction projects |
Early Childhood Education | Develop your knowledge and skills in early child development, with areas such as fostering relationships with babies and toddlers, ensuring children’s safety, and supporting play and learning |
Information Technology | Equip yourself with IT related skills and knowledge and develop the fundamental digital skills to meet the growing areas in IT |
Business Administration | Learn to carry out business operational tasks in different areas such as payroll management, business scheduling, procurement, and others |
Counselling | Assist clients through personal and psychological issues from government agencies to community centres perspectives and gain counselling skills to address the different individual needs |
Individual Support | Help other people with their daily living activities and develop the skills to work with clients such as elderly people or people with disabilities that need special assistance |
Leisure and Health | Focusing on designing and implementing health and leisure programmes for residents in an elderly care facility or elderly clients to improve their existing lifestyle |
School Based Education Support | Develop teaching strategies to support literacy and numeracy development and techniques for students with additional or special needs in primary and secondary settings |
For more information on the details provided above, do not hesitate to contact us now!
Are you eligible to study in TAFE?
Following are the general entry requirements to study in TAFE:
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
SPM | 4 passes |
STPM | Average of 50% |
Matriculation | Malaysian Matric Program |
A-Levels | 2 passes with an aggregated score of 3 |
UEC | Successful completion |
IB Diploma | 2 passes |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | Year 10 |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | Band 5.5 |
TOEFL | 46 |
SPM English 1119 | Grade C6 |
Pearson Test of English | 42 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
TAFE Pathway for International Students in Australia
These are the common qualifications pursued at TAFE institutions, and the different pathways offered for each qualification:
Certificate III | SPM/ O-Level or equivalent > Certificate III > Certificate IV or Diploma or Employment |
Certificate IV | SPM/ O-Level or equivalent or Certificate III > Certificate IV > Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree |
Diploma | STPM/ A-Level or equivalent or Certificate III or Certificate IV > Diploma > Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree or Employment |
Advanced Diploma | STPM/ A-Level or equivalent or Certificate IV or Diploma > Advanced Diploma > Bachelor Degree or Employment |
Bachelor Degree | STPM/ A-Level or equivalent or Certificate IV or Diploma or Advanced Diploma > Bachelor Degree > Employment |
The above is just a general pathway of TAFE courses for international students in Australia. Reach out to us to know more about how these programmes work.
TAFE in Australia
1. TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW is the biggest vocational education and training provider in Australia, with more than 130 campuses across New South Wales. It offers courses in various fields such as business, hospitality, health, IT, and trades, ranging from short courses to diplomas and advanced diplomas. TAFE NSW prides itself on providing practical, hands-on experience and education that prepares students to succeed in their chosen field. TAFE NSW also offers flexible study schedules to cater to the varying needs of its students.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care | 1 Year | February, July | International Students: AU$8,150 |
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care | 1 Year | February, July | International Students: AU$14,430 |
Diploma in Nursing | 1.5 Years | February, April, July, October | International Students: AU$24,130 |
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) | 4 Years | February, July | International Students: AU$56,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland, a government-owned vocational education and training provider in Queensland and it is one of the largest and most respected TAFE institutions with over 50 campuses. The institution is famous for providing practical, hands-on training and education with strong connections with industry partners, providing students with opportunities for industry placements and work experience.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Certificate III in Patisserie | 1 Year | July | International Students: AU$15,000 |
Diploma of Hospitality Management | 1 Year | April | International Students: AU$17,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. TAFE SA
TAFE SA is located in South Australia that provides programmes in a wide range of fields, with a focus on collaboration with industry experts. The institution offers a range of support services to help students succeed, and is recognised nationally and internationally for its high-quality education and training. TAFE SA graduates are highly sought after by employers and go on to successful careers in their chosen fields.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Certificate IV in Massage Therapy | 9 months | January, July | International Students: AU$8,470 |
Diploma of Remedial Massage | 1 Year | January, July | International Students: AU$25,277 |
Diploma in Nursing | 2 Years | January, July | International Students: AU$34,710 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA)
TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the global arm of TAFE Western Australia, offering education and training programmes to international students. TIWA’s courses are designed to meet the needs of international students and industry requirements, providing a conducive learning environment with experienced educators, state-of-the-art facilities, and flexible study options. It offers on-campus, online, and blended learning courses, making it easier for students to study from their home countries.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Certificate IV in Building and Construction [Building] | 1 Year | January, July | International Students: AU$15,160 |
Diploma of Building and Construction [Building] | 1 Year | January, July | International Students: AU$15,974 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Holmesglen TAFE
Holmesglen TAFE is located in Melbourne, Australia, and offers over 600 courses in various fields such as business, hospitality, engineering, health, design, and trades. Holmesglen TAFE provides practical training with a focus on industry partnerships to ensure students acquire the skills and knowledge required by employers. The institution comes with top-tier facilities and resources to enhance the learning experience, including simulation labs, workshops, and industry-standard equipment. It also offers support services such as career counselling, accommodation assistance, and student activities to ensure students feel supported throughout their studies.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming) | 0.5 Year | February, July | International Students: AU$10,200 |
Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Programming) | 1 Year | February, July | International Students: AU$15,400 |
Bachelor of Information Systems | 3 Years | February, July | International Students: AU$55,620 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Eric Chooi
Write, eat and repeat! A passionate and inquisitive writer, always looking for new ways to write. If you don’t see him writing, maybe he is hunting for some good food!