Vocational training courses in Australia for International Students
Vocational training courses in Australia, called VET (Vocational Education and Training), is a professional education system that focuses on the practical preparation for students to work in their selected occupations. Thanks to such education, you will be ready to enter the labour market with the appropriate preparation, skills and knowledge. It is a great solution for people who want to start a new career in a chosen profession, raise their qualification or return to the job market after a long break.
Due to the fact that qualification training in Australia is often compulsory, VET training is a great option for international students to quickly start working within your dream job. In addition, schools are prepared to deal with local employment conditions in a short time compared to other forms of education.
VET training is offered by accredited Australian educational institutions such as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private colleges. In addition, VET courses are also offered by some universities in addition to higher education courses.
If you are in Australia and would like to know more about your vocational course options, please contact us!
Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Levels
There are thousands of Vocational training courses available in Australia. They are divided into levels which, after completing one, unlock the next degree level. However, your education adventure in Australia does not always have to start with Certificate I, it rather depends on your previous education and qualifications. The courses actually quite often start from Certificate III or IV or in some cases even with a vocational diploma. The duration of the VET courses are typically anywhere between 6-18 months each and can be applied for separately or packaged together.
For foreign students, VET training is one of the first steps of a pathway for a permanent residence visa in Australia. When choosing a field of study, you can verify whether the profession you chose is on the list of the most desirable professions in the country.
Check below the details and criteria for each level of the VET sector:
Certificate I
Certificate I course offers you with knowledge and skills in a specific industry field at a basic level.
It will provide you with an initial introduction to your work profession, the application of knowledge and skills in the work environment, as well as knowledge about further stages of learning and development opportunities.
During your VET training at the Certificate I level, you will learn industry-specific knowledge and skills in communication, literacy, numeracy and teamwork.
Certificate II
Graduates on Certificate II level will possess basic knowledge and skills in a specific field of industry as well as factual, technical and procedural knowledge.
Participation in the course will provide you with basic cognitive and communication skills as well as develop the ability to evaluate and take specific actions in the workplace.
After completing VET training at the Certificate II level, you will be able to solve basic problems using correct tools, methods and materials in the work environment.
Certificate III
After completing VET training at the Certificate III level, graduates will have a wide range of theoretical, procedural and technical knowledge, allowing them to perform routine professional activities.
Participation in the Certificate III course will provide you with industry skills and broaden our knowledge of communication in order to be able to independently make decisions and accept limited liability.
After completing VET training at the Certificate III level, you will have a number of cognitive, technical and communication skills that will allow you to freely solve more complex problems using the correct tools, methods and materials in the work environment.
Certificate IV
Certificate IV is the last step before starting a vocational diploma. After completing the Certificate IV level, graduates will have the extensive substantive and technical knowledge and will be able to perform specialist work in a chosen profession.
After completing VET training at the Certificate IV level, you will have a wide range of communication, cognitive and technical skills that will allow you to carry out complete routine activities as well as provide solutions to unpredictable problems in the workplace.
Not in Australia yet? Get in touch to start planning your best study options!
Diploma
Diploma level of education develops students’ specialised skills to be applied in a variety of industry work contexts.
The Vocational Diploma prepares you for an industrial, entrepreneurial, and professional career. During the Vocational Diploma course, you will develop specialised skills that you will be able to apply in various industry work contexts.
After completing the Vocational Diploma, you will be able to independently evaluate and analyse information, and provide solutions to complex problems based on the acquired knowledge and skills.
Diplomas typically take between one to two years of full-time study.
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma provides you with an advanced level of practical and substantive skills in various fields, such as construction, IT, engineering, accounting and management. Some of these courses can be completed at the university level.
Advanced Diploma graduates have broad cognitive, communication and technical skills. They are able to analyse information, interpret and determine solutions to complex problems as well as transfer knowledge to other colleagues.
Possible options to study
Vocational training courses are an extremely popular form of education in Australia among international students. Therefore, there are hundreds of providers and everyone can find the right course for themselves. Vocational courses are conducted at different levels of education, so no matter if you are just starting your adventure or already have a qualification in your chosen field, you will find the right school for you!
To make it easier for you to find the course that you want, we have divided them into the following 6 categories. If you want to know more about your options, please contact us.
- HEALTH, which includes Nursing, Public Health, Mental Health, Nutrition, Massage, Medicine, Veterinary, Dental, Aged Care, Childcare, Community & Social Services. Find out more health courses.
- MANAGEMENT, which includes Business Management, International Business, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness Management, Project Management, Leadership and Management, Banking, Marketing, Sustainability. Find out more Management courses.
- IT, which includes Cyber Security, Data Management, Blockchain, Machine Learning, Software Development, Website Development, IT general, Networking, Business Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Game Programming, Telecommunication. Find out more IT courses.
- DESIGN & MEDIA, which includes Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Landscape, Acting, 3d & Animation, Music & Audio, Digital Media, Film & Media. Find out more Design and Media courses.
- HOSPITALITY, which includes International Hotel Management, Travel & Tourism, Events, Hospitality, Patisserie & Baking, Commercial Cookery. Find out more Hospitality courses.
- TRADES & SPORTS, which includes Automotive, Building &Construction, Wall & Floor Tiling, Horticulture, Hairdressing, Carpentry, Beauty, Sports Development, Fitness, Yoga, Education. Find out more Trade and Sports courses.
Duration
The duration of the VET courses are typically anywhere between 6-18 months each and you can be applied for them separately or package a few together.
Classes are usually 20-25 hours a week face-to-face.
Fees
The costs of VET training in Australia vary widely depending on the course that you choose, in which city and the type of school. Prices range from AU$4,000 to AU$22,000 per year, including training materials. High-level vocational courses tend to be associated with higher fees.
Description of lectures and assessments
While you are in Australia on a student visa, your main task is to study. Never the less, VET courses in Australia usually have mixed class schedules which allow students to work on the side. Classes are usually held during daytime or evenings, but sometimes even on weekends. Classtimes vary between schools but are generally between 20-25 hours a week including self-study.
The courses are divided into different units or subjects. To obtain credit from a given unit you must submit the required assignments. The assignments can consist of a theoretical part in the form of questions and answers or an essay and at times even a practical part of the project or case study.
During the classes, a wide range of teaching methods are used to provide students with interesting and engaging classes, during which they easily and quickly acquire knowledge.
General intake requirements
In order to be accepted for VET training, foreign students must meet the basic conditions, which differ slightly depending on the school and the course.
First of all, you must have a valid passport 🙂 Additionally, you are required to have a completed degree of minimum Australian year 10, 11 or 12, depending on what level you want to start your education at. Another important condition is proof of the English language. Most of the schools require an IELTS certificate at the level of min. 5.0 or its equivalents such as PTE or TOEFL. Some schools conduct internal English tests, accept certificates of completion of the General English course in Australia or even overseas.
If you want to know more about the requirements for the course of your choice, please contact us.
Vocational training courses in Australia, called VET (Vocational Education and Training), is a professional education system that focuses on the practical preparation of students to work in selected occupations. It is a very popular and attractive alternative for people who do not want to study for long years in University but start a professional career quickly.
Because Australian employers often require a qualification, VET training is a great option to quickly start working in your dream job. In addition, schools are prepared to deal with local employment conditions in a short time compared to other forms of education.
VET training is offered by accredited Australian educational institutions such as Technical And Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private colleges. In addition, VET courses are also offered by some universities in addition to higher education courses.
There are thousands of VET courses in Australia, that can be divided into the following categories:
- Health, which includes Nursing, Public Health, Mental Health, Nutrition, Massage, Medicine, Veterinary, Dental, Aged Care, Childcare, Community & Social Services. To find out more click HERE.
- Management, which includes Business Management, International Business, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness Management, Project Management, Leadership and Management, Banking, Marketing, Sustainability. To find out more click HERE.
- IT, which includes Cyber Security, Data Management, Blockchain, Machine Learning, Software Development, Website Development, IT general, Networking, Business Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Game Programming, Telecommunication. To find out more click HERE.
- Design & Media, which includes Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Landscape, Acting, 3d & Animation, Music & Audio, Digital Media, Film & Media. To find out more click HERE.
- Hospitality, which includes International Hotel Management, Travel & Tourism, Events, Hospitality, Patisserie & Baking, Commercial Cookery. To find out more click HERE.
- Trades & Sports, which includes Automotive, Building & Construction, Wall & Floor Tiling, Horticulture, Hairdressing, Carpentry, Beauty, Sport Development, Fitness, Yoga, Education. To find out more click HERE.
For a full list of vocational training courses available in Australia click HERE.
Which vet training is the best for you depends primarily on your preferences and in which areas you feel at ease. Before making your decision, you should answer a few simple questions:
- What are you really interested in?
- Where would you like to study?
- What’s important to you?
- How do you like to study?
- What are your career prospects?
- What’s your budget for the course?
Once you know all the answers or if you want to discuss the questions with us, contact us by clicking HERE and we will help find the perfect school for you!
In Australia, each state has an individual skilled occupations list depending on the labor market shortages. To check whether your chosen profession is on one of the lists, click HERE.
Based on our many years of experience and on what vocational education and training courses our students sign up for, we have divided them into 6 groups:
- Health
- Management
- IT
- Design & Media
- Hospitality
- Trades & Sports
To find out more on demand courses in Australia click HERE.
Whether you should do a VET course depends on your goals. Undoubtedly, this type of course involves a lot of benefits.
- If you are interested in short term courses to enhance your carer goals, this is a great solution!
- If you want your classes to be more practical than theoretical during your studies, your competences are assessed rather than written essays and exams, this is the perfect course for you!
- If your budget is limited and you can not afford long-term studies at the university, then VET is for you!
- If you don’t want to go through too complicated University requirement processes, VET training sounds perfect!
- If your English isn’t perfect yet, but you dream of learning in Australia, it’s a great solution!
- If you are planning further education in the higher education sector, completing VET training will open the door to the next stages of education in Australia. Additionally you might earn credits to your University studies.
- This is a great introduction to adapt to the Australian education system, which differs significantly from other countries in the world.
Vocational training courses in Australia, called VET (Vocational Education and Training), is a professional education system that focuses on the practical preparation of students to work in selected occupations. Thanks to such education, you will be ready to enter the labor market with the appropriate preparation, skills and knowledge. It is a great solution for people who want to start a new career, improve their qualification or return to the market after a long break.
Because Australian employers often require a qualification, VET training is a great option to quickly start working in your dream job. In addition, schools are prepared to deal with local employment conditions in a short time compared to other forms of education.
A vocational qualification is a practical course that can be completed any time in your lifetime; straight after high school, as a preparation to university or even as an addition to your full degree. Vocational training courses are designed to help you acquire a specific set of skills and knowledge required in a given sector. There are hundreds of Vocational training courses available in Australia, so everyone can find the right course for themselves. You can read more about Vocational courses HERE.
The level of your qualifications is determined by the AQF Levels, which are between 1-10. The first 6 levels are for VET courses, while the next levels between 7 to 10 are for higher education.
There is no real difference between TAFE and VET courses.
VET is a form of vocational education that allows students to quickly acquire professional qualifications and specific skills for all types of employment. Australian TAFE is the largest provider of vocational education and training and is available in all states and territories.
The biggest difference is that TAFE offers government funded courses. Tafe courses are high quality and the number one choice in the VET training among Australians. There are dozens of private colleges offering VET courses, which are more often the choice of overseas students. They are available all over Australia, under different schools and programs and usually cheaper than TAFE.
The main difference between TAFE (Technical And Further Education) and University are AQF levels. TAFEs provide learning at levels 1 to 6, while University at levels 7 to 10 where:
- Level 1 – 4 – Certificate I – IV
- Level 5 – Diploma
- Level 6 – Advance Diploma
- Level 8 – Bachelor Honors Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate
- Level 9 – Master Degree
- Level 10 – Doctoral Degree
Another difference is the duration of the course. Typically, TAFE courses last between 6 to 24 months, while University degrees start from 24 months.
School prices also vary, the cheapest TAFE school courses start at AU$6,000 per year, while the cheapest University degrees start at AU$7,000 per semester.
Vocational training courses play a very important role in both the education and job market in Australia.
In a relatively short time and at low cost, they will prepare students for their profession. The courses are practical, which means that students can start work immediately after completing the course.
The courses are of a traditional non-academic nature and entirely related to a specific profession. Classes are focused on a practical approach rather than theoretical, which makes you a specialists quickly!
Vocational courses in Australia, called VET (Vocational Education and Training), are training courses offered by accredited Australian educational bodies. They have strong practical content and are oriented to train you for a specific profession.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications have been developed with the specific goal of preparing students with skills for work. VET is designed to help people to join or re-join the workforce, move into a new career or gain additional skills in their existing career.
It takes approximately eight years of advanced schooling to become a veterinarian. Most people attend an undergraduate college or university for four years and then go on to veterinary school for another four years.
VET courses, particularly at the diploma and advanced diploma level, can often lead to higher education courses such as bachelor degrees. Most VET courses are part of national training packages that are updated regularly in consultation with relevant industry bodies.