IDP Education

Studying at Tafe

 

The Australian TAFE System of Technical and Vocational Education

The Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) system is the largest provider of tertiary education and training in the Asia-Pacific region. TAFE is a government-owned and nationally operated system of colleges. TAFE qualifications are recognized and transferable internationally.

With well over one million students at more than 200 colleges located across the country, TAFE's contribution to Australian society is highly significant.

With more than 100 years of experience in providing quality programs, TAFE colleges represent a first-class standard of international education.

Why Study at TAFE?

The advantages for students who choose to study at TAFE include:

  • security and stability are guaranteed since TAFE is government-owned and operated.
  • business and industry are directly involved in the design of courses so that TAFE provides the skills and knowledge employers want.
  • TAFE courses provide hands-on, practical training and students have ready access to specialized equipment.
  • many TAFE courses lead on to university courses, some with credit transfer and advanced standing for one and sometimes two years.
  • students can save time and money by gaining credit for courses they have already completed at one level (for example, an Advanced Certificate, Associate Diploma or Diploma) should they decide to move on to a course at a higher level (for example, Associate Diploma, Diploma or Bachelor's Degree at university).
  • classes are relatively small and provide the opportunity for individual help from teachers.
  • TAFE facilities and equipment are modern.
  • most courses can be completed in two years or less.

TAFE provides a range of student support services, including airport greeting, orientation programs, academic and personal counselling, assistance with accommodation, advice on transport options and medical services, and arranging interesting social programs.

Courses Available at TAFE

TAFE provides a wide range of courses, including vocational and further education courses. For international students, TAFE also provides a range of courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages, such as English for Academic Purposes, English for Specific Purposes and General English.

Each year, more than 1.2 million students undertake vocational and further education courses offered in fields such as:

  • agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture and food technology
  • arts, media, graphic design and music
  • biological and environmental sciences
  • building and construction, drafting
  • business studies, accounting, management, marketing, office administration
  • commercial and secretarial studies
  • community services and social sciences
  • computing and information services
  • computer systems, electrical, electronic, manufacturing, mechanical and civil engineering (including surveying and land information systems)
  • English language support
  • fashion design and textile technology
  • foundation studies, matriculation, library studies
  • health, welfare, child care, medical and dental technology, beauty therapy
  • manufacturing
  • marine engineering and maritime studies
  • mining
  • hospitality and tourism
  • transport, aviation and automotive studies

TAFE in Australia is also the biggest provider of off-the-job training to apprentices who are preparing for the following careers: automotive or aircraft maintenance, carpentry and joinery, commercial cookery, electrical wiring/electronics, hairdressing, plumbing, welding and many others. Australian apprentices work three to four days a week and study at TAFE one to two days a week for several years. International students enrol in these courses on a full-time basis and complete their studies more quickly.

TAFE in Australia also provides short courses for students who have already gained a qualification in Australia or another country but want to upgrade their skills. These courses can be as short as one day, or as long as three months, depending on the type of course and the needs of the students.

TAFE Courses Structure and Awards

TAFE courses provide both theoretical and practical instruction. In trade and technician courses, much time is spent in laboratories or simulated workplaces practising the learnt skills and applying the theoretical knowledge gained. Students are also expected to participate in class discussions, carry out projects both individually and in groups, and conduct library research.

TAFE courses are offered at different levels, and a different award is given at each level.

TAFE colleges around Australia have first class equipment and laboratories. Practical facilities simulate the workplace and allow students to become familiar with the latest technologies. Specialist skills centres across Australia provide practical training in diverse fields such as computer-integrated manufacturing, mine management, aircraft engineering and hotel management.

The Academic Year

The Australian academic year runs from February to November. Australian TAFE institutions usually operate on a two semester year. Some institutions offer entry in July or October for some courses.

Entry Requirements for International Students

International students, like Australian students, enter TAFE through different paths. Mature age international students who do not have appropriate qualifications may apply for entry on the basis of their work experience and personal history.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Most courses of study available at TAFE colleges require a minimum score of 5.5 on the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) test (General Training Module) in order to be accepted. However, some courses require higher IELTS scores in specific modules for entry.

TAFE and Overseas Education Systems

TAFE is similar to vocational education and training systems found in countries around the world, such as polytechnics in the United Kingdom, technical institutes or junior colleges in some Asian countries, and community colleges in the United States. Hong Kong and Indonesia have Technical Institutes and Polytechnics. Taiwan has Junior Colleges while Malaysia has Institutes of Technology. However, because TAFE provides a range of education and training programs (including general education, professional, technical and trade training) and also provides credit transfer to university degree courses, it may be different from systems in countries which provide only one or two of those options.

Intensive English Language Courses for International Students

International students needing English language skills can study English at TAFE. TAFE systems throughout Australia provide courses in English for academic or university study as well as courses in English for business or other specific purposes.

Diversity in TAFE

TAFE colleges are located all over Australia, in big, cosmopolitan cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, in smaller cities like Adelaide, Canberra and Darwin, and in regional centres such as Burnie in Tasmania and Cairns in Queensland.

TAFE students and teachers come from many different ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds. At one college, the teachers between them speak 27 different languages, including all the main Chinese dialects. Many TAFE colleges also have counsellors who speak languages other than English. These teachers and counsellors understand what it feels like to be far from friends and family, and make an extra effort to help international students feel comfortable in their new environment.