Should I study at a TAFE institute?

TAFE institutes in Australia

The TAFE sector is the largest education and training sector in Australia, consisting of 59 TAFE institutes spread over hundreds of campuses in metropolitan and regional areas. TAFE institutes are government-funded Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). They offer practically oriented Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses that are designed to give students the skills, training and qualifications they need for the workforce.

TAFE institutes are regulated by the relevant state or territory government, so policies and fees may differ around the country. Visit your state or territory's TAFE website for more information:

Which qualifications do TAFE institutes offer?

TAFE institutes are known for providing nationally recognised, vocationally oriented VET courses that deliver basic education and train students for semi-skilled, skilled, trade and paraprofessional careers. VET qualifications include:

TAFE institutes offer nationally recognised VET qualifications designed for job seekers, career changers, and professionals looking to upskill. These include:

  • Certificate I - IV. Foundational to advanced vocational training.
  • Diplomas & Advanced Diplomas. Specialised qualifications for industry-focused careers.
  • Apprenticeships & Traineeships. Work-based learning combined with study.
  • Short Courses & Micro-credentials. Targeted industry-relevant training.
  • Higher Education Degrees. Applied bachelor’s and postgraduate programs.

TAFE qualifications provide a great pathway into the workforce and can greatly improve employment prospects due to their focus on practical, industry-based skills. They can also be used as a pathway into further education and training, with many TAFE graduates working their way up the qualifications ladder to enter a higher-level VET qualification or higher education degree — often with credit.

See Study options for more information about TAFE qualification levels.

The TAFE experience

While university courses tend to have an academic focus, TAFE courses are typically more hands-on and focus on providing students with the workplace skills needed by industry employers. TAFE facilities compliment the practical focus, providing students with industry-standard equipment and excellent learning facilities that allow them to train outside the classroom, such as automotive workshops and training restaurants that are open to the public.

Because most courses at TAFE institutes require students to meet certain skill competencies for the workplace, classes are generally quite structured and similar to what you would experience in a school classroom. There are more contact hours, smaller class sizes and more personal attention from teachers than you would typically find in a university course.

In addition to "off-the-job" learning on campus, many TAFE courses also incorporate an element of "off-the-job" training at a real workplace, which provides a great opportunity to put your new skills into practice in the industry. This is usually known as a work placement or "work-integrated learning" and often forms part of the course assessment. This industry experience may also be paid, depending on the individual institution. Apprenticeships and traineeships involve compulsory, paid on-the-job training with an employer as part of the qualification. See Work-integrated learning for more information.

While TAFE institutes are often quite large, students are typically spread over multiple campuses, which creates a more personalised atmosphere. Most TAFEs offer student support and recreational services that are similar to those offered by universities (such as student clubs, career and accommodation services, child care, counselling, cafeterias and sporting facilities), although the variety of services on offer may be more limited than what you would find at a large university campus. See Student services and facilities for more information.

TAFE tuition fees

TAFE fees vary based on the course, location, and student eligibility for government subsidies. The three main fee categories are:

  • Government-subsidised courses: Eligible students can receive reduced fees under programs such as Fee-Free TAFE and JobTrainer.
  • Full-fee courses: Students not eligible for subsidies must cover full tuition costs.
  • VET Student Loans (VSL): Certain diploma and advanced diploma courses allow deferred payments until the student earns above the repayment threshold.

Additional funding options include scholarships, fee concessions, and payment plans. Visit your state’s TAFE website to check your eligibility.

TAFE entry requirements

TAFE institutes have flexible entry requirements based on course level and study area:

  • Certificate I & II: No formal entry requirements.
  • Certificate III & IV: May require completion of Year 10-12 or relevant work experience.
  • Diplomas & Advanced Diplomas: Typically require a Certificate IV or industry experience.
  • Higher Education Degrees: Similar entry requirements to university programs.
  • Apprenticeships & Traineeships: Require employment in the field and a training contract.

Competitive courses may require interviews, portfolios, auditions, or skills tests.

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