TAFE - Technical & Further Education
TAFE institutes provide an accessible, affordable and flexible option for everything from training for your first job and updating your skills for a new job or promotion, to starting study as a mature-age student.
TAFE institutes offer:
- up-to-date training, with courses directly related to specific jobs and careers
- more than 40 different study areas, e.g. animal studies and natural resources, computing and information systems, transport
- flexibility and recognition - you can begin your studies at TAFE, obtain credit for the work you have done and then apply for university admission. Alternatively, if you are a university student, you may return to TAFE to gain the vocational skills you need.
Approximately 425,000 people access vocational training and education through 19 TAFE institutes in Victoria.
Top 5 reasons to try TAFE
TAFE provides a modern, accessible, affordable and flexible option for your training needs.
For more information see: Top five reasons to try TAFE
Courses available
The most popular study choices are:
- business-related studies, including computer skills for business, clerical and administrative subjects
- community services and health, including training for nursing, counselling, welfare and personal care
- generic skills, including programs developing job preparedness, language, literacy and numeracy skills.
To find a TAFE course go to the TAFE course directory (http://www.tafe.vic.gov.au/). The TAFE Courses Directory includes detailed information on over 1600 courses offered in Victoria, from accountancy to youth work.
You may also contact a TAFE directly to find out what courses are on offer. The Department's Office of Training and Tertiary Education provides contact details for all Victorian TAFE institutes (http://www.skills.vic.gov.au/tafe_students/tafe_locations). Alternatively, you can call the TAFE Course Line on 03 9637 2222 and 1800 809 834.
Choose a TAFE that’s right for you
There are 18 TAFE Institutes and universities with TAFE divisions right across Victoria, each with its own academic focus, campus locations and unique student culture. Choosing an institute that best suits you will ensure your time at TAFE is enjoyable and rewarding.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements on TAFE courses vary depending on the course.
Many TAFE courses require satisfactory completion of VCE (Year 12 of secondary school). Other courses may accept school leavers who have successfully completed Year 10 or Year 11 and mature-age students. Some may require that you are employed or have previous work experience in a relevant area. Others may have educational requirements such as a particular subject or subjects.
Some courses do not have any specific educational conditions.
The TAFE course directory (http://www.tafe.vic.gov.au/) includes information in the course description about entry requirements, or contact the TAFE directly for further information.
Study online or off-campus
There are opportunities to study online or off-campus.
For more information about online courses, see: TAFE Virtual Campus (http://www.tafevc.com.au)
Student welfare
Whether you are going straight from school or returning to study you will be faced with new challenges and changes to your lifestyle. Victorian TAFE Institutes offer a variety of services to students to help you successfully adapt to your new circumstances. Your TAFE’s Student Services Officer is there to assist you to negotiate problems you may experience as a student.
Get involved at TAFE
Like university, TAFE provides students with great opportunities to get involved in a wide range of social, sporting and cultural activities. So whether you are interested in theatre, film, skiing, tae kwon do or politics, you will find a club or society at TAFE to suit your interests.
More information
- Frequently Asked Questions provides answers to questions about studying at TAFE
- Short Courses Victoria (http://www.shortcourses.vic.gov.au/) is a database of short courses that can enrich your life, expand your interests, improve your outlook or make you more employable
- Victorian TAFE Association (http://www.vta.vic.edu.au) represents TAFE institutes and liases with government at State and Federal Levels on issues affecting Victoria’s TAFE institues and multi-sector universities.
- Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) (http://www.vtac.edu.au) provides information that allows you to work out what is the best TAFE, university or independent tertiary college to apply to, distance education or external courses, enrolment times and procedures, scholarships and TAFE or university fees.