All you need to know about TAFE Institutes in Australia
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All you need to know about TAFE Institutes in Australia

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Nov 29, 2022 18:26 IST

Australian Education System is, broadly speaking, more focussed on skill development. The same is achieved by a wide range of Vocational and Educational Training courses which range from six months to over three years. These courses are administered by Registered Training Organizations which can be both private as well as government funded. The Government owned/ funded institutes that provide VET courses are called TAFE institutes in Australia or Technical and Further Education Institutions. So if you are looking in Australia for employment opportunities after your education, TAFE institutes offer you an excellent alternative path and opportunity to achieve the same. TAFE or Technical and Further Education, aims to offer education comprehensively by combining essential, industry-relevant practical skills with industry-relevant theory.

TAFE vs. Universities in Australia

Technical and Further Education institutes or TAFE offer an excellent pathway for students who find themselves short of a University admission. Offered under the supervision of the Government of Australia’s strict dictums of quality in education, these certifications are a great way to start off your education in Australia. A word of caution though, these certificate programs are not eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships and though an applicant can apply for FEE-HELP, an applicant generally pays up the entire fee.

What is interesting to note is that while the Work Permit options include TAFE, some of the programs under the TAFE also provide an excellent platform for international students to improve their scores and seek admissions in a university’s bachelor/ graduate programs. Many of the diploma and advanced diploma certifications can be computed for credits for gaining admission into a full-time bachelor's program at a University. Hence, for an international student, TAFE are the institutions that offer you a ticket to Australia and a chance to fulfil your career dreams. Read: International Student Guide to Australia

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Check out: Diploma Courses in Australia

Another advantage of TAFE over University is the relatively relaxed admission processes and cut-offs. The eligibility for a TAFE is a class 12 or equivalent. Even a class 10 student can choose to undertake an advanced diploma from a TAFE institute in Australia and later migrate to a full-time degree course, gaining the necessary training for the chosen career.








In comparison to Australian Universities (which are often private), TAFE institutes are also cheaper. Though the range might vary greatly from $4000 to $22,000, depending on the certificate program and the place opted for, it is still a cheaper alternative to a three-year degree program at a University. Read: Cost of Studying in Australia







Courses and Qualifications offered by TAFE

TAFE institutes offer a number of certificates (Level I – IV), diplomas, advanced diplomas, and Vocational graduate certificates/diplomas – all accredited as per Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) certifications. All these certifications vary in length and offer different levels of proficiency. Here’s a look at how long they last and what kind of a career path they offer in turn.

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Qualification

Duration

Career Path/ Job Profile

Certificate I

4-6 months

Operator, Executive

Certificate II

6-8 months

Advanced Operator, Senior Executive

Certificate III

about 12 months

Qualified tradesperson or technician

Certificate IV

12-18 months

Supervisor

Diploma

18-24 months

Para-professional

Advanced Diploma

24-36 months

Junior manager

Check: Famous TAFE Institutes in Australia Accepting International Students

Apart from the above, TAFE institutes also offer Vocational Graduate Certificate/ Diploma. These are considered at par with higher education graduate certificates and offer high-level employment-related skills. They might range from a 12-month period to a two-year full-time program. English language courses are also offered by TAFE.

Free TAFE Courses in Australia

The Victorian Government of Australia would be offering free TAFE courses which will begin to appear on the Gateway in the following coming months of 2023. The courses that would be included for upskilling are:

  • Diploma of Auslan
  • Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)
  • Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)
  • Certificate III in Production Horticulture
  • Diploma of Emergency Health Care
  • Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management
  • Agricultural Chemical Skill Set
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set
  • Battery Electric Vehicle Diagnose and Repair Skill Set
  • Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set
  • Mental Health Co-existing Needs Skill Set
  • Mental Health Peer Work Skill Set

Check: Cost of Studying in Australia

To sum up, TAFE or Technical and Further Education institutes in Australia can be compared to the polytechnics in India that offer diploma courses. The certificates offered are accepted worldwide and also in India. Furthermore, if you are interested in small certificate courses in special skills like culinary, fashion, language or even education, these institutes offer you the very best of options at a fraction of the cost as well as provide you with a ready acceptance with the industry in Australia. So be it a stepping stone to your degree or a job in Australia, TAFE is something that makes good sense.

TAFE Institutes in Australia FAQs

Q. What are TAFE courses in Australia?

A. TAFE courses in Australia are basically those types of courses which bridge the gap between school and the university. The TAFE courses aim to offer students practical and theoretical understanding of the subject they choose to study. These courses can also be pathway courses for undergraduate admissions at Australian universities.

Q. Are there any free TAFE courses in Australia?

A. Yes, there are free TAFE courses offered in Australia. There are around 70 TAFE courses that are offered in various areas of study - Early Childhood Education, Health, Construction & Infrastructure, Agriculture, Hospitality and Community & Disability Services.

Q. What loans or financial aids are available for TAFE courses in Australia?

A. There are various financial aids or loans available for students willing to pursue a TAFE course in Australia:
  • FEE-HELP
  • SA-HELP
  • VET Student Loans

Q. How can students work their way from TAFE courses to university admissions in Australia?

A. Since all qualifications are graded, Certificate I courses are suitable for those students who haven't completed their high school. These students may be then work up the ladder to the Advanced Diploma level, which would allow them to enter an Australian university to complete an undergraduate degree.

Q. Do course material of TAFE courses vary with each area in Australia?

A. No, the standards of any TAFE course in particular is decided on common parameters by the concerned authorities in Australian education system. Hence, the course material does not change with each area in Australia.

Q:   Is Torrens University good for international students?

A:

Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.

Q:   Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?

A:

The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary. 

Q:   Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?

A:

Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science. 

To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.

Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.

Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.

Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate

Q:   What are the admissions requirements for Torrens University Australia for international students?

A:

The Torrens University Australia offers hundreds of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. International students need to satisfy and meet both general and course-specific admission requirements to get into the university. The general admission requirements are:

  • A completed higher education equivalent to an Australian university
  • Bachelor’s degree equivalent to an Australian university degree
  • English language proficiency
  • Interviews (may be required)
  • Portfolio (may be required)
  • Letter of references (may be required)

Q:   What are the application deadlines for University of Notre Dame?

A:

The University of Notre Dame Australia opens its applications on May 1 2024 and closes their applications by Sep 30 for the 2024 academic year. These dates allow students apply comfortably as the applications can be given till september. Applicants must remember to submit their application forms within this timeframe to be considered for admission at the University of Notre Dame Australia. 

Level of Study

Application deadlines

Undergraduate

May 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2024 (tentative)

Postgradute

Opened throughout the year

Q:   Why to choose Bond University for MS in Australia rather than University of Queensland?

A:

Bond University and the University of Queensland are both prestigious institutions in Australia, each with its own unique strengths. Bond University is ranked 20th in the Times Higher Education rankings of the Best Small Universities in the World and has been Australia's top university for the educational experience for 17 consecutive years. 

On the other hand, the University of Queensland, located in Brisbane, is one of the leading research and teaching institutions in Australia. The university is ranked in the world's top 100 universities according to several major ranking systems, including QS (50), ARWU (47), and Times Higher Education (53).

Q:   What are the benefits of studying at the University of South Australia in Adelaide?

A:

University of South Australia is one of the leading public universities in Adelaide, Australia. It is not just one of the top universities in Australia, but also a part of the top 500 universities in the world. Listed below are some of the best reasons to study in UniSA:

  • Vast variety of courses and excellence in teaching;
  • Diversity and rich culture;
  • Beautiful campus;
  • Affordable tuition fees;
  • Small class sizes; and
  • Student-centred approach.

Q:   Does Notre Dame offer admissions interviews?

A:

No, the University of Notre Dame doesn’t have any admission interviews. The university strictly only checks the application forms filled by its applicants. However, it is suggested that applicants have a strong SOP, LOR, and grades before applying to the university.  

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Aishwarya Bhatnagar
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Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(11)

7 years ago

Hi I got 5.5 in IELTS and I hv cmpltd 10+2 in 2008 after I did a certificate course in Fitter ( ITI ) and Diploma in mechanical in 2013 then I worked. Now I want study further in mechanical field. So plz tell me in which course I can apply and what would be the level ( PG or Bachelor or Diploma).

Reply to

7 years ago

hello,i have completed my b.tech civil from india having 2 years of exp. in domain can i apply for tafe advance diploma to get good career in my domain

Reply to

B

Bimala Kafle

8 years ago

Hy...i am bimala.i ve done bachlor in eng in 2010 and working as an sec.level english teacher since 7 years.my academic % is on the ratio of second division.ielts result left to come but surely cross 6.wud u mind suggesting me better course and cheaper universities in australia,pls? Thank u.

Reply to Bimala Kafle

Hi i m samarth Can i study engineering in Australia through TAFE or it is possible only through university ????

Reply to Samarth Bhatnagar

K

Kanika Khurana

8 years ago

Hi Samarth, You can enroll for a Diploma and then after two years transfer to a university your credits and get a degree.

6194058
parmar mehul

8 years ago

Hi i m mehul I am parsue my BCA 3rd year but i have planning master in abroad so it will be possible in 2018 i have slowed my beck logs so you Suggest me what can I do...?

Reply to parmar mehul

K

Kanika Khurana

8 years ago

Hi Parmar, How many backlogs do you have and what is your score?