Australia's vocational and technical education (VTE) providers offer a wide range of training options in the popular fields of computing, business studies, marketing, tourism and hospitality. VTE courses provide students with skills, called national industry competency standards, which employers have identified as critical to their work needs. These standards form the basis of assessment and students graduate as soon as they demonstrate their achievement. Commencement dates can vary for these courses.
Qualification |
Duration |
Career path |
Certificate I |
4-6 months |
competent operator |
Certificate II |
6-8 months |
advanced operator |
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 |
Almost all Australian secondary schools also offer vocational education programs in addition to the standard school curriculum. These programs are based on the same competencies and lead to a recognized national qualification.
Many institutes also provide accredited English language training and Foundation Studies for entry to university Diploma and Bachelor Degree courses.
VTE institutes in Australia also have considerable international experience designing and delivering specialty courses for large or small groups.
The public vocational and technical education, or TAFE Institutes, year runs from February to December. TAFE courses vary from short half-day courses to full-time courses lasting three years. Most courses begin at the start of the academic year; however, there are some courses that have a mid-year intake.
English language training, business and other private institutions run classes from January to December with a short break during the Christmas-New Year period.
Students need a sufficient level of English language proficiency and must meet minimum academic requirements to study in Australia. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.
English language proficiency is now a requirement when applying for a student visa (see table below). The IELTS is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for student visa purposes. Some visa Assessment Levels accept the IELTS entry levels required by the education institution.
Australian education institutions can only accept students with an appropriate level of English proficiency. Institutions set their own English language requirements and may have different IELTS entry levels for the proposed level of course than those required for a student visa. You should check the entry requirements with your proposed institution.
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Education sector |
Assessment level |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
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Independent ELICOS |
As accepted by the education provider |
As accepted by the education provider |
As accepted by the education provider. Max. 50 weeks ELICOS |
Min. overall band score of 5.0 IELTS. |
Schools |
As accepted by the education provider |
As accepted by the education provider |
As accepted by the education provider. Max. 40 weeks ELICOS |
Max. 30 weeks ELICOS |
Vocational and technical education |
As accepted by the education provider |
As accepted by the education provider |
Min. overall band score of 5.5 IELTS or Overall band score of 4.5 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS |
Min. overall band score of 5.5 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 20 weeks ELICOS |
Higher education |
As accepted by the education provider |
As accepted by the education provider |
Min. overall band score of 6.0 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS |
Min. overall band score of 6.0 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS |
Masters/Doctorate |
As accepted by the education provider |
As accepted by the education provider |
Min. overall band score of 6.0 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS |
Min. overall band score of 6.0 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS |
Non-award foundation studies |
As accepted by the education provider |
As accepted by the education provider |
Min. overall band score of 5.5 IELTS or Overall band score of 4.5 IELTS plus |
Min. overall band score of 5.5 IELTS or Overall band score of 4.5 IELTS plus max. 20 weeks ELICOS |
AusAID or Defence sponsored |
Evidence of having support of the AusAID Minister or evidence of having support of the Minster for Defence. |
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* IELTS test to have been conducted not more than 24 months before the day on which the application was made
Undergraduate courses require an Australian Senior School Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent of Australian high school matriculation, such as three passes at GCE A Levels in appropriate subjects. Some courses may also have certain pre-requisite subjects.
Entry to postgraduate courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Demonstrated research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.
Usually there are no other entrance exams to VTE institutions. However some courses may have certain pre-requisite subjects or demonstrated work experience.
Entry requirements can vary between schools throughout Australia. Academic performance and ability is taken into consideration during the selection process. Some schools are more selective in their student intake and place higher emphasis on academic or sporting excellence. School enrolments may be limited simply because the availability of spaces is at a premium.
If your English language proficiency score is not high enough, there are many English language courses with starting dates throughout the year to prepare you for further study in Australia. All Australian universities have their own English language centre or have links with English language colleges.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for further study you can enroll in secondary school in Australia. If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enrol in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course. Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. It is recommended that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses.