Australia's vocational education and training (VET) institutions offer a wide range of programmes aimed at helping students enter the workforce, or hone their professional skills. Courses cover a wide range of disciplines, including business and management; science and technology; design and arts; and tourism and hospitality.
Courses are provided by public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes, private colleges and a number of schools and universities.
Benefits of studying at a VET institution
Australian institutions undergo rigorous quality checks and the courses from a VET institution are designed to meet the demands of industry, setting you up for a fulfilling career in your chosen field.
Courses are based on a mix of classroom learning and training, allowing students to practice their skills in real situations.
Qualifications are nationally – and often internationally – recognised. While a course from a VET institution is structured to qualify you for a particular career, the qualification can also lead to higher education pathways.
Depending on the course, universities in Australia may accept your qualification for entry onto a degree, or even count the qualification toward your degree.
The average tuition costs for these courses vary, from $5500–$18 000 per year, making studying at a VET institution often cheaper than studying at a university.
Types of courses available
Students can study for certificates and diplomas at VET institutions, including:
Certificates I-IV, which vary in length between a few weeks or six months
Diplomas, which require 18 months to 24 months of full-time study
Advanced Diplomas, which provides a higher level of practical skills and vary in length from 24 to 36 months.
Vocational certificate/diploma, which requires six to 12 months of full-time study.