What is a short course?

It's a course that doesn't take long to complete! A short course is a great way to gain the skills you need quickly. Whether you're looking to start or re-enter the workforce, gain specific training or get skills you need to move ahead, a short course is a great way to focus your learning and to gain confidence.

How long is a ‘short’ course?

Short courses vary in duration, from just a few hours to a few months, depending on which course you enrol in. What short courses all have in common is they're the fastest way to learn what you need.

Are there ‘free’ short courses?

Some short courses can be partly or fully subsidised by the NSW Government. That means you may not need to pay any fees. There are courses to upskill people in small business and digital skills, and also course areas that have skills shortages – including related to trades like hairdressing.

There is a number of short courses that are fully subsided in these subject areas:

• Adult Education, Literacy, English, Numeracy
• Food Handling
• First Aid
• Mental Health
• WHS

What 'qualification' does a short course give me?

A TAFE NSW short course is great for your CV. They give you specific skills for a competitive advantage: from licencing requirements to sought-after, bespoke knowledge. Short courses can help you develop extra skills or prepare you for further study.

• Statements of Attainments - hundreds of short courses are statements of attainment. These are a record of completion of one or more units of competency from a nationally recognised, AQF course.
• All TAFE NSW short courses - have the quality and status of TAFE NSW: the largest training and education provider in Australia.

How many short courses to choose from?

From Design to ADF preparation, there are hundreds of short courses to select from, including in these categories:

• Aboriginal Education
• Animal Studies
• Art and Design
• Beauty
• Business
• Community Services
• Construction and Trades
• Defence Force Preparation
• Digital & IT
• Environmental Studies
• First Aid
• Hospitality
• Sales and Retail
• Tourism

What short courses are there for my business skills?

There are short courses you can do for fun and interest. But most TAFE NSW short courses are created with employers and industry to give you the best career skills. These include short courses in:

• Accounting online study available
• Business and Leadership online study available
• Finance online study available
• Marketing & Communications online study available
• Microsoft courses

What about training for my team?

TAFE Enterprise offers a range of short courses that are perfect for quickly upskilling your team. Taught by experienced trainers, your staff will gain skills, adding instant value to your business.

How old do you have to be to study a short course?

People of many ages study short courses, but you need to be a least 15. A short course can set young people apart from the competition and give you a real taste of an industry area.

If you are aged 15 or 16 and want to study a short course, you'll need permission from your parent/guardian, and you might need written permission from your school principal, so it's a good idea to check with us first. There are other courses - such as Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) - where you must be 18 or older.

When do I study the short course?

Short courses are run at times and in ways that best suit students. Depending on the course and your needs, they are offered online, on weekends, in the evenings or during the week. They also start throughout the year so always check with us for the latest.

How do I enrol?

It’s easy to enrol. Go to view the short courses on offer, find one that interests you, and follow the link. 

Enrol now