Explore vocational education in Australia for international students, including VE courses, qualifications, costs, entry requirements, visas and pathways.
Explore vocational education in Australia for international students, including VE courses, qualifications, costs, entry requirements, visas and pathways.
Vocational education and training (VET) in Australia is practical, job-focused study that leads to nationally recognised qualifications. International students can study vocational education courses at registered training organisations or public colleges, known as TAFEs, and at private colleges, as long as the provider is registered to teach international students.
This guide explains how vocational education works in Australia, the qualification levels, who provides it, how long courses take, what they cost, the visa and entry requirements, and where a qualification can take you.
Vocational education courses in Australia are accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the same system that governs university degrees. This means that certificates and diplomas are recognised nationally, to a consistent standard, regardless ofwhich provider delivers it.
Vocational courses are built around practical, hands-on training, often delivered by teachers with direct industry experience in the field. Depending on the course, you can expect smaller class sizes in some courses, workshop or studio-based learning, and assessment based on demonstrating a skill rather than sitting exams or writing essays.
Many vocational courses also include work-integrated learning such as work placements, projects with real clients, or simulated workplaces, so you graduate with practical experience alongside your qualification.
The qualification you choose will depend on your previous education, experience and career goals.
Introductory training that develops basic skills for particular industries or areas of work to more specialised training that can prepare you for skilled work in a particular occupation.
Develops further specialised knowledge and skills for skilled or paraprofessional work and may provide a pathway into higher education.
Provides advanced vocational knowledge and skills and may also provide a pathway into a related university degree.
Course duration, entry requirements, practical training and progression options can vary between qualifications and providers, so check the details of the specific course you're considering.
Many vocational qualifications are designed around the skills and knowledge used in particular occupations.
Depending on the qualification, you may complete practical training, projects, work placements or other forms of workplace learning as part of your course.
Some vocational qualifications can provide a pathway into a related bachelor's degree. Depending on the course and university, you may receive credit or advanced standing for previous study.
The amount of credit is not automatic or the same across all institutions. Check the specific pathway and credit arrangements for the course you’re considering before enrolling.
VET is delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs). These include public TAFE institutes, private training providers and some universities. International students also need a provider that is registered to teach overseas students.
In everyday conversation, “TAFE” and “vocational education” are often used to mean the same thing, and you’ll see them used interchangeably. Technically, though, they aren’t the same.
VET is the broader sector. It covers nationally recognised job-focused training in Australia, delivered by many types of providers. TAFE is one of those provider types. So, all TAFE study is vocational education, but not all vocational education is TAFE.
When you’re researching courses, you may see “TAFE”, “VE” and “vocational education” used side by side. For most students, the difference doesn’t change what you study or the qualification you get, but it helps to know the terms if you’re comparing providers.
Outside Australia, vocational education at this level goes by other names; simply as VET in India, Pendidikan Kejuruan or Balai Latihan Kerja (BLK) in Indonesia, Zhiye Jiaoyu in China and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) more globally.
No, TAFE and university are two different education sectors with different purposes. TAFE focuses on practical, job-ready skills; university focuses on academic and research-based learning,typically through bachelor's and postgraduate degrees.
Some universities in Australia, including RMIT, are dual sector institutions, meaning they offer both vocational and higher education courses. Studying both at one institution can make it easier to move between them if your goals change, or if you decide to pursue further education.
For certain courses, completing a diploma or advanced diploma at RMIT can count as a credit toward a related RMIT bachelor’s degree, which can reduce total study time and tuition costs. The amount of credit varies by course, so check the pathway details for the qualification you’re considering.
Course length depends on the qualification level. As a general guide:
These timeframes can vary between providers and courses, and part-time study options may extend them further, so it's worth checking the specific duration listed for any course you're considering.
Intake dates also vary. Some RMIT vocational courses have multiple intakes a year, while others have limited start dates. Check the course page for current intake dates. If you’re applying from overseas, allow enough time for your application, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and student visa before your start date.
International students pay course fees upfront, and these vary depending on the course, qualification level and provider. As a general guide, VET qualifications can cost anywhere from AU$6,000 to over AU$40,000, plus the cost of visas, materials, equipment, uniforms, Overseas Health Student Cover (OSHC) and living expenses. For fees on your preferred course, check the individual course page for the most up-to-date information.
No, Australian government loan schemes such as VE Student Loans and HELP are only available to domestic students and citizens. The same applies to Free TAFE; the scheme is only available to Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens who meet the eligibility criteria. Some independent providers offer loans to international students coming here to study, or students may be able to accessa loan in their home country.
To study a vocational qualification in Australia on a student visa, you'll generally need to meet these core requirements:
Most providers require evidence of English language ability, such as an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE score, though the required level can vary by course and qualification.
Entry requirements differ by course and qualification level. Some certificate courses have minimal prerequisites, while diplomas and advanced diplomas may require completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) or a related Certificate III/IV.
International students studying in Australia need a valid student visa, which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen provider, along with evidence of financial capacity, health insurance and other visa conditions set by the Australian Government.
Entry requirements vary between courses and providers, so it's best confirmed directly through your chosen institution and the Department of Home Affairs before you apply.
If you completed your previous education outside Australia, RMIT may assess your qualifications against Australian entry requirements. You may need to provide academic transcripts or other evidence.
CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the Australian Government register of institutions and courses that can enroll international students on student visas.
When researching a course, check the course's CRICOS information and confirm that it is suitable for your intended visa and study arrangements.
Vocational education (VET) |
University |
|
Main focus |
|
|
Typical qualifications |
|
|
Learning style |
|
|
Typical outcome |
|
|
Vocational education may suit you if you want practical training, are interested in a particular occupation, or prefer learning through projects and hands-on activities. It can also be an option if you want to complete a vocational qualification before progressing tofurther study.
University may be more appropriate if your intended career requires a university degree or you want a more academic or research-focused course.
Before choosing, compare the specific qualification, entry requirements, course content, costs, duration and progression options rather than choosing based only on whether a course is labelled vocational or university.
Join a community of students from over 196 countries who call RMIT home. Browse courses and discover what it’s like to study in the heart of Melbourne, Australia’s best city for international students^.
Thinking of studying in Australia? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your big move.
Studying in Australia is an investment in your future – which is why planning ahead of your journey is so important.
Learn how to apply to study at RMIT University as an international student
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
