VET
Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector offers a large variety of qualifications for students with a strong practical orientation. According to the Department , in 2017 there were 213,814 international student enrolments in VET courses in Australia. The top three source countries were India, China and Malaysia.
The Students
VET students are typically:
- schools leavers seeking to acquire practical skills for work;
- school leavers seeking an alternative pathway to university;
- workers who are seeking to further develop their career skills;
- university graduates who need to acquire practical skills for the work;
- those simply wishing to develop their personal interests.
The Institutions
The Australian VET system is publicly and privately funded and is delivered by a wide variety of training institutions and enterprises.
A comprehensive database of institutions offering VET qualifications can be found at the Training.gov.au website.
TAFE - Technical and Further Education
There are currently 59 TAFE institutes that deliver VET training across Australia. They are government funded, they provide post-school education and training, and they usually have a more practical focus than university courses.
TAFE colleges act independently of one another and have their own premises, courses, and academic and administrative staff.
TAFEs can be very large institutions and have more students enrolled than many Universities. For example, most city-based TAFEs have over 50,000 enrolments. The facilities available to students are similar to those in a University. Also, they operate across a number of campuses as well as in industry and community venues.
TAFE institutes contain some of the largest ELICOS centres in Australia. They are also sometimes part of a University. For example, every university in Victoria except one has a TAFE division.
TAFE courses are often used by international students as a pathway to undergraduate programs at university, especially via the Diploma route. Some TAFEs offer university degrees through affiliated universities, and some offer their own degrees.
Private Colleges
There are approximately 5000 other registered providers of VET courses. These range from small institutions that offer specialised courses in one particular area of study to large private colleges which are similar to larger TAFE institutes.
A wide variety of VET courses are offered through private colleges. The most popular courses for international students are those related to Business and Information Technology.
Like TAFE, private colleges are popular with international students as pathway institutions, since they can provide entry to university studies after completing a VET qualification. Also, some private institutions offer university programs through affiliated universities, and others offer their own degrees.
VET in Schools
Over 95 per cent of Australia's secondary schools that offer senior secondary programs also offer VET programs to their senior students. This means students can gain practical work skills and VET qualifications as part of their school education.
In 2008, there were 347,400 enrolments in VET in schools programs across Australia. So, students can study their senior secondary certificate and they can also be trainees and employees by participating in a work-based pathway. Learn more at the Vet In Schools site.
Australian VET Qualifications
Certificates
The general aims of Certificate level courses are to:
prepare candidates for both employment and further education and training;
recognise skills and knowledge that meet national industry standards.
Certificates I and II are qualifications which recognise the students' basic vocational skills and knowledge.
Certificates III and IV are the equivalent of trade certificates in various vocations. These prepare students for both employment and further education and training in their chosen field.
Diplomas
Diploma courses aim to:
prepare students to use their skills and knowledge based on fundamental principles and complex techniques;
recognise the ability to show initiative and judgment across a broad range of technical and management functions;
The Advanced Diploma is a more specialised qualification that shows skill and knowledge of a greater complexity and a higher level of personal accountability.
Note that some TAFE institutes and private providers also offer programs above Diploma level.
Entry Requirements and Costs
Australian VET qualifications have been popular amongst international students for many years. Entry requirements vary greatly from institution to institution and from course to course.
In general, to begin a certificate level course, students need:
- a qualification equivalent to Grade10-12 in an Australian high school;
- an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL paper based 530-550 or equivalent in other accepted language tests.
- Entry requirements above certificate level may take into account previous training and experience within an industry. This process is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
RPL allows a person to receive recognition and credit for the knowledge and skills they have, no matter how and where they were attained, including overseas. This can include skills from:
- previous study - including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- work experience - including both work that is paid and unpaid;
- life experience - for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work.
- To obtain RPL, it is important that a student's knowledge and skills help to meet the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the qualification that the student is seeking credit for. RPL assessment can result in a full qualification or a Statement of Attainment for partial completion.
You can approach the educational institution that a student wishes to study at and ask for further details about RPL assessment. Also, assessment-only Registered Training Organisations will assess a student's skills and experience on a fee-for-service basis.
Cost of VET for Overseas Students
Course fees vary greatly depending on the course and/or the institution. As a general guide, international students are charged tuition fees of $A5,500 to $18,000 per year. The average tuition fee is approximately $10,000 per year.
ANU College
Foundation Studies – a bridging pathway into university – has been designed to provide students with appropriate academic preparation for their intended ANU degree program.
Upon completion, and subject to meeting ANU entry requirements, acceptance into the student’s chosen university undergraduate degree program is guaranteed (current success rate of 98%).
There are two programs offered: FS Standard (2 semesters) and FS Extended (3 semesters).
Academic English Preparation (AEP) programme - is a ten-week course designed to equip international students with the skills and knowledge needed to live and work in Australia and to transition successfully to other courses at ANU College. Academic English Preparation (AEP) programme is a ten-week course designed to equip international students with the skills and knowledge needed to live and work in Australia and to transition successfully to other courses at ANU College.
CIT
World-class facilities across 5 campus- Bruce, Reid, Gungahlin, Fyshwick, Tuggeranong. Including commercial kitchens, commercial training restaurant and café, childcare training facility, hair and beauty salon, fitness centre and hospital training wards. CIT’s teachers are highly skilled with current industry knowledge, experience and connections, many of whom have one awards within the industry.
CIT’s graduates are renowned by industry as being job-ready. CIT’s hands-on training methods, industry placements or exposure to industry practices, means graduates have the skills and confidence to enter the workforce straight away. With over 20,000 students each year, including +1000 international students from +100 countries, CIT has a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive campus culture, which enables you to develop friendships with students from Australia and around the world.
Deakin College
Deakin College deliver:
- innovative teaching and learning
- a positive student experience
- engagement with digital
- learning technologies.
They’re Deakin’s preferred pathway provider with guaranteed entry into second year of the bachelor degree.
Deakin College has three campus locations, which are located on three Deakin University campuses in the state of Victoria, Australia – Melbourne Burwood Campus, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus and Geelong Waterfront Campus. 3000 Australian and international students from all over the world.
At Deakin College, they recognise the importance of meeting both your academic and personal needs. They offer a range of services and facilities to make your time at Deakin College as enjoyable as possible. Their qualified staff will also support you as you adjust to studying in a new environment.
Griffith College
All programs at Griffith College are delivered in face-to-face mode, on campus, within the College’s two purpose-built buildings. As a University partner, we share campus services such as the library, computer labs, outlets, fitness and clubs, as well as specialist facilities such as simulated nursing wards, science laboratories, art studios, and a range of support services.
Griffith College is your on-campus study option to achieve academic credit into hundreds of Griffith University degree majors, including 8-12 month Diploma’s which will transition students straight into their 2nd year of a range of University Bachelor degrees.
Located within the Griffith University Southport (Gold Coast) and Mt Gravatt (Brisbane) Campuses, our College is embedded within the Griffith University community and offers students a great opportunity for entry to higher degree programs, with extra support and services available for each student to succeed.
Our University Partner is ranked in the top 2% of universities globally, enjoys research excellence, innovative teaching and learning practices, along with strong ties to industry. Its campuses offer world-class facilities and world-class academics who are leaders in providing higher education in the Asia-Pacific region.
IES
IES College provides a smaller, more personalised senior high school experience that delivers education in an inclusive environment where young people from diverse backgrounds and experiences will develop skills and embrace values to create positive change in the world.
Their programs have been preparing international students for university since 1997 with more than 6,000 students having successfully transitioned into their chosen undergraduate degrees at UQ.
The IES Foundation Year programs guarantee entry into most undergraduate programs at The University of Queensland to all international students who meet the specific standards for their chosen program (quotas may apply).
Based on a student's academic background, English proficiency, desired undergraduate program and any additional needs, three programs within the IES Foundation Year are available. Each program offers both first and second semester start dates with entry into university in the semester directly after graduation. Students should be aware some undergraduate programs have semester one starts only and should plan their foundation studies accordingly.
STANDARD PROGRAM
The Standard program is recommended for students with good academic results and English language proficiency. It is the most popular of the three programs, with the majority of students choosing to study it. Students complete their studies in small class-sizes and have full access to student support services throughout the duration of their studies.
The program is 40 weeks in duration, with two weeks holidays, and is taught over two semesters in a face-to-face delivery format. The Standard program starts in February and August.
EXPRESS PROGRAM
The Express program is designed for students who have stronger English language proficiency and are capable of handling a faster pace of tuition. It is also suitable for students who have completed a matriculation program in their own country but have not quite met the entry levels for undergraduate study or who need to gain assumed knowledge in certain subjects.
The program is 27 weeks in duration, with two weeks holidays, and is taught over three trimesters in a face-to-face delivery format. Students study both AE and Mathematics throughout the duration of their program and can choose three electives. The Express program starts in May and October.
EXTENDED PROGRAM
The Extended program offers additional support and services to help students maximise their success at foundation and university. The extended feature of this program consists of Mathematics and intensive English. On top of the Student Services available to them as part of the Standard and Express programs, Extended students have regular meetings with the program coordinator to ensure they are meeting the challenges present in their studies. The program is especially beneficial for younger students who need to increase their English language competency.
The program is 47 weeks in duration, with two weeks holidays, and is taught over two semesters in a face-to-face delivery format. The Extended program starts in January and June.
La Trobe
Through the college’s pathway programs, students can undertake a range of specialised foundation courses or diplomas that help them complete the first part of their university degree in a supportive and tailored study environment.
These pathway programs are the first step to achieving one of over 100 different degrees at La Trobe University, which is ranked among the top 1.1 per cent of universities in the world (Times Higher Education rankings 2020).
La Cordon Bleu
Le Cordon Bleu Australia offers a range of culinary arts, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes-Master of Gastronomic Tourism, International Hotel Management, International Restaurant Management, Cuisine and Patisserie Certificates, Advanced Diploma of Hospitality - Commercial Cookery or Patisserie, Culinary Management, Food Entrepreneurship, Wine Entrepreneurship etc, at each of its three campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
All programmes have been designed with input from industry and offer a perfect blend of theoretical and practical training. Work-based learning is an integral part of all programmes providing you with the opportunity to apply and contextualise your on-campus studies, and to build your industry networks.
A focus on career development means that upon graduation you are well-equipped with the skills, confidence and qualities to succeed in a variety of middle and upper management roles within a rapidly growing industry sector.
NIC
Why Choose to study in NIC?
- Official pathway into one of Australia's best universities.
- Ranked 197 in the world – a top 0.75% university.
- Newcastle is one of the most affordable cities in Australia for student accommodation.
- 10 subjects ranked within the top 200 in the world.
- NIC has small class sizes with more personal attention from teaching staff.
Here are the direct pathway to the University of Newcastle.
- Foundation Program
- Diploma
- Pre Masters
QUTIC
QUTIC has over 30 years of experience in helping students develop key English skills essential for personal, academic and professional success. QUTIC is one of the few colleges in Australia that is fully owned and operated by the university.
English Language Course
- General English Programs (any program from 10 to 45 weeks)
- English for Academic Purposes 1
- English for Academic Purposes 2
- English for Academic Purposes 3
Pathway Course
- Foundation
- Diploma
- Diploma of Business
- Diploma of Creative Industries
- Diploma of Engineering
- Diploma of Health Science
- Diploma of Information Technology
- University Certificate for Tertiary Preparation for Undergraduate Studies
- University Certificate for Tertiary Preparation for Postgraduate Studies
- Postgraduate Course
- Graduate Certificate in Business and Communication
- Graduate Certificate in Communication for Health
- Graduate Certificate in Communication for Engineering
- Graduate Certificate in Communication for Information Technology
SIBT
SIBT, which has been in operation since 1997, is part of the global Navitas Group (an internationally recognised education provider). As a tertiary college working in collaboration with other partner universities, SIBT eases the transition from high school to university level studies.
SIBT is more than just an education institution. They offer a personalised academic environment and a range of support services designed to help students prepare for success. Complete a SIBT diploma, and progress directly into second year of a bachelor university degree. So no time is wasted.
SIBT's student population is made up a diverse range of students from both Australia and all over the world. In 2019, there are approximately 450 students studying a Diploma or Foundation program at SIBT. There are 3 intakes per year: March, July or October.
TAFE NSW
Every year they welcome over 3,800 international students from more than 90 countries to the TAFE NSW community. It is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic community who values learning new skills, being connected and achieving their career goals.
Whether you would like to improve your English language skills, study for a career, or complete a degree, TAFE NSW is your first choice for practical, real world learning that translates into career success.
For over 130 years, they have been committed to providing excellence in education, standing apart as an organisation, through their trusted reputation as the Government’s public provider of vocational education and training (VET). This means you can be assured that our nationally accredited courses are government guaranteed.
As an international student at TAFE NSW, you will be safe and supported throughout your journey, with programs designed to help you succeed. You will enjoy being trained in small, personalised classes, learning practical and theoretical knowledge, and being taught by dedicated teachers who are experts in their fields.
There are many opportunities for students to networkwith industry experts, with work placements also being a common feature of many of their certificate and degree courses. TAFE NSW enjoys an 83% satisfaction rate amongst their graduates* (which is well above the national average), as well as an 85.9% satisfaction rating among NSW employers^, for the training they provide to the students.
With locations across New South Wales, from the pristine coastline to the cosmopolitan, bustle of Sydney, wherever you choose to study, you’ll find a rich and rewarding experience waiting for you at TAFE NSW.
TAFE Queensland
TAFE stands for “Technical and Further Education”. TAFE Queensland is Queensland's largest, most experienced training provider. They deliver practical, industry-relevant training across a range of industries from entry-level certificates to bachelor degrees, at more than 50 locations in Queensland.
TAFE Queensland is a ‘public’ training provider contributing to the Queensland Government’s educational priorities for aligning skills development with industry demand and global trends.
To do this, TAFE Queensland has 70 campuses around the State of Queensland catering to around 112,000 students and and has 13 campuses offering international programs.
- TAFE Queensland is made up of six regions,
- TAFE Queensland Brisbane
- TAFE Queensland Skills Tech
- TAFE Queensland Gold Coast
- TAFE Queensland East Coast
- TAFE Queensland South West
- TAFE Queensland North
TasTAFE
CRIOCS provider code 03041M
We have over 200 courses on offer and provide training on campus, in the workplace, in the community and online.
- ELICOS
- Arts& Design
- Automotive
- Building& Construction Trades
- Business& ICT
- Early Childhood, Education& Foundation Skills
- Hair& Beauty
- Health& Community Services
- Metal Trades
- Plumbing& Electrical
- Primary Industries, Horticulture& Environment
- Science& Engineering
- Tourism, Hospitality& Food
Why TasTAFE?
1. Industry links
TasTAFE has built strong and trusted bonds with Australian employers and industry bodies over many decades. TasTAFE is focused on teaching the skills that industry needs, so that students graduate job-ready and with maximum employability.
2. Real work experience
Most TasTAFE courses contain a comprehensive real-world industry work placement. This gives our students the opportunity to build valuable real-world experience and contacts through working in a high quality organisation in their chosen field.
3. Individualised support
TasTAFE has dedicated International Student Advisors and English Language Support Teachers who will assist you with an airport pickup, finding accommodation, your life as a student and finding employment. Tasmanian Government Education also operates a 24/7 emergency contact line for international students to ensure help is always available.
4. Government owned and operated
TasTAFE is Tasmanian’s only government owned and operated education provider, guaranteeing high quality, stable and secure education. Employers throughout Australia and the world recognise and value TasTAFE graduates because they are confident in the quality of TasTAFE teaching, facilities and qualifications.
5. Pathways to university
TasTAFE partners with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to deliver Diploma + Bachelor Degree Pathways. Students benefit from the practical skills training and work placements of TasTAFE, and then expand their theoretical knowledge through university study. Our University Pathways allow students to commence their study journey with lower English requirements and at a lower price, while earning two valuable qualifications and increasing their employability.
Taylor College
Their campus environment is flexible, benefitting regular interaction with leading local universities. This environment helps students adapt to a new study culture, so when you start university you are prepared for success in your chosen degree.
Programmes at Taylors College are designed for international students, combining practical and academic knowledge with the English language skills you will need to succeed in your studies. You will be carefully guided by expert teachers who will give you the right support and advice to achieve your goals.
Taylors College High School Program
Located in the heart of Sydney, Taylors College offers an international high school education specially designed for Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students who want to go far in life.
- Year 10(Junior Secondary)
- Year 11(Preliminary Higher School Certificate)
- Year 12(Higher School Certificate)
- Academic English Programme
Taylors College Perth
Located on the campus at the University of Western Australia in Perth. Taylors College Perth will give you the right support to prepare you for entry to the top 10 universities in Australia (QS University Rankings 2019).
- UWA Foundation Programme
- Diploma of Commerce
- Diploma os Science
- Academic English Preparation
Taylors College Sydney
Taylors College Sydney programmes provide a range of pathways to study at the prestigious University of Sydney, ranked in the top 50 universities in the world (QS University Rankings 2019).
- The University of Sydney Foundation Programme
- High Achievers Preparation Programme
- Academic English Programme
UNSW Global
UNSW Global provides leading university pathway programs, comprehensive language courses and flexible English language teacher training. They also equip educators with cutting-edge assessment solutions to support highly targeted learning strategies.
A strong legacy of innovation underpins everything we do. They were the first provider of foundation studies in Australia, offering students a seamless transition to university.
Pathway Programs
If you do not meet the entry requirements for UNSW, you can choose from multiple pathway options that will help you get into a bachelors degree at UNSW Sydney – one of the world’s top 50 universities. QS World University Rankings, 2020
All programs are on campus so you start your university experience from day 1 along with 60,000 UNSW students.
- Foundation Programs
- Diplomas
- Diploma in Business
- Diploma inComputer Science
- Diploma in Engineering
- Diploma in Science
- English Language Courses
La Trobe Sydney
Foundation Studies Program
This course is your pathway to a Diploma or Bachelor program at La Trobe University Sydney Campus. The Foundation Studies Program is a university preparatory course, which focuses on building the language and study skills required to succeed at university.
Diploma of Business
This is an introduction to the world of business, as well as a pathway for students who may not meet the direct entry requirements to La Trobe University bachelor degree courses.
Diploma of Information Technology
Study in one of Australia’s fastest growing industries and begin to explore some of the big issues in IT, including hacking, privacy and security. The Diploma of Information Technology provides a broad introduction to computing, after which you will progress to a more specialised area during your degree.
Undergraduate
- Accounting
- Business
- International Business
- Information Technology
Postgraduate
- Professional Accounting
- Project Management
- International Business
- Pre-Master courses
Western Sydney Uni
The International College operates under a joint venture model between Western Sydney University and Navitas. The joint venture was formed to bring together the strengths of Navitas, a publicly listed company with 20 years’ experience in recruiting and teaching international students, and Western Sydney University, combining operational and teaching delivery ‘best practice’.
University Foundation Studies
University Foundation Studies prepare students for university study, both academically and socially, by offering courses that provide an introduction to the knowledge and skills needed for Australian university study. Completion of University Foundation Studies guarantees direct entry into the first year of the corresponding Bachelor degree at Western Sydney University.
Diploma Program
The Diploma/Bachelor# program is recommended for students who do not meet the Academic and English entry requirements needed to go straight into a university undergraduate degree*. All Diploma/Bachelor programs are designed in collaboration with Western Sydney University. This means the educational outcomes for students undertaking a Diploma/Bachelor at The College or International College are equivalent to those of first year students studying an undergraduate degree at Western Sydney University. Completion of a Diploma/Bachelor guarantees direct entry into the second year of the corresponding Diploma/Bachelor degree at Western Sydney University.
ACADEMIC PATHWAYS PROGRAM
International College offers a range of pathway courses in the following fields:
University Foundation Studies
≥ Business
≥ Health Science & Nursing
≥ Science
Diploma programs
≥ Arts
≥ Business
≥ Engineering
≥ Information and Communications Technology
Airways Aviation
Their certified EASA, CASA, ICAO and IATA courses couple the most advanced practical & theory techniques to match the rapidly increasing demand for:
- Commercial Pilots
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
- Ground Handlers
- Cabin Crew
Airways Aviation comprises a global group of academies that has in excess of 30 years education & training experience along with a history of renowned industry partnerships & associations.
Each relationship plays an important and sometimes unique role in the development of our education & training programs. The Airways Aviation Group remain committed to applying only industry best practices whilst it also assists others to raise their quality and deliverables to our benchmark EASA and CASA standards.
Two campus here in Australia- Gold coast and Lismore and the courses we recommended,
- Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane)
- Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)
- Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service)
- Flight Instructor Rating & Grade 3 Endorsement – Aeroplane
- Bachelor of Business (Aviation Management) and Commercial Pilot Licence
- Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations)
- Private Pilot Licence
