Australia is renowned for its internationally-recognised vocational training qualifications and training institutes. Other than being renowned for its universities, Australia is also well-known for its internationally-recognised vocational training qualifications and training institutes.
Under the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, international students can apply to study at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, private colleges and selected universities - attaining qualifications ranging from certificates to advanced diplomas.
Undertaking VET courses provides you with practical training and experience in a stimulated work environment.
Career courses for international students are required to be certified as Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) approved. Such CRICOS-approved courses come under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which ensure that the career courses undergo quality checks.
VET qualifications also create pathways towards higher education and credits exemption in a relevant course. International students undertaking vocational training in hospitality and tourism can follow-up with a degree in management or business.
Applying for career-related courses
If English is not your first language, you are required to have an English score of at least 5.5 to 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination to be considered for a placement in a VET programme.
When applying for your preferred VET course in Australia, you are to submit your academic transcripts from your last education institution and IELTS results from an approved IELTS centre. If your academic transcripts are not in English, you also have to submit a translation of the results from a certified translator.
Once your application is approved, you will be sent a Letter of Offer and Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment for your visa application. You must apply for your visa from your home country.
Popular VET courses for international students such as computer studies, nursing, design, hospitality and tourism require applicants to be over 18 years old. International students are only allowed to study on a full-time basis.
What to expect
A career-related course lasts from a year to three years, depending on the course selected. Tuition fees for hairdressing, makeup and beauty courses start from $5,000 to $8,000 per semester, while a hospitality and tourism course costs from $9,800 to $18,000.
Career-related courses may require you to undertake a six weeks to three months internship programme in a relevant company within your field of education.
You may also be required to purchase uniforms and materials for the course, and these may not be included in the tuition fees.