TAFE NSW Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to support and guide you throughout your journey with TAFE NSW and answer any questions you have.
Whether you are considering applying for a course, have already enrolled, or are seeking support during your studies, we’re here to help.
Why TAFE NSW?
TAFE NSW is one of Australia's leading vocational and higher education providers. We have more than 400,000 students enrol with us every year. We offer certificates, diplomas and degrees across various career fields.
You’ll be taught by experienced, industry-trained teachers who believe in practical delivery methods. You'll use the latest technology and equipment while keeping up to date with industry trends.
We also pride ourselves on the support we offer to our students because we want to see you succeed. Ready to start? Enrol today.
Application and enrolment
You can enrol or apply online by following the prompts in our online enrolment portal on your course page. You can also call our Customer Support team on 131 601, or enrol in person at one of our TAFE NSW campuses.
First, please check the entry requirements for your course. If there are no entry requirements, you can enrol immediately. If your course has entry requirements, you will need to ensure you have the required qualifications, skills, knowledge or experience before you can apply.
Course entry requirements are located on the specific course information page.
Requirements may include:
- minimum qualifications
- English language requirements
- knowledge, skills and experience.
You will need to submit evidence that you have met the entry requirements with your application. This may include certificates and academic transcripts, or a letter from your employer.
For vocational students, the Academic Calendar has all the key dates you need to stay organised while you're studying, including:
- term dates
- student vacations
- public holidays.
After you have applied we will let you know the outcome of your application via email. The email will also detail the next steps for you to take.
Please be aware that our response time is between 24 to 48 hours.
Learn more about the application and enrolment process.
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a set of numbers and letters created by the Commonwealth Government assigned to you as a record of your studies. You can create a USI number or access your academic records via your existing USI at the USI Registry.
Your USI and the USI Registry are managed by the Commonwealth Government.
It is compulsory for students studying any nationally recognised course at TAFE NSW, including a VET course, to have a USI. Your USI allows you to access your student record account and to view your results and academic records from other training providers (since 2015).
You can contact the USI Registry directly or contact us and we'll help you get set-up.
It is important to keep your individual details up to date in your Unique Student Identifier (USI) account. It holds a copy of your nationally recognised study records from TAFE NSW and other VET training organisations within Australia (since January 2015).
Your TAFE NSW details should match those in your USI account.
To update your USI account:
- Select 'Update Personal/Contact Details'
- Proof of ID may be required.
To update your TAFE NSW details, log in to your Student Portal or [contact us](https://tafensw.custhelp.com/app/contact-us/enquire/).
Student services and study support
You are never on your own when you study with TAFE NSW. Your teachers are available to support you all year round, except during the Christmas and New Year break.
You can contact your teacher:
- by phone during business hours from Monday to Friday
- via email, anytime and your teacher will reply by the next business day
- through closed Facebook groups where teachers and students can connect.
We offer early childhood education and childcare services for students, staff and the public. Our passionate and experienced educators provide the best possible start in life, caring for children aged from 6 weeks to 6 years.
See the TAFE NSW difference for yourself and visit one of our 15 Children’s Centres across the state. Contact your closest Children's Centre to book a walk-through or chat with our friendly educators about your child’s care today.
Learn more about our Children's Centres.
If your query is specific to a unit you are studying, contact your unit facilitator via email. Their contact details are on every unit. If you require over-the-phone support, you can request an appointment.
Our counselling team can help you with career direction, course choice and answer other questions you may have.
How to make an appointment
You can make an appointment through your customer service team at your local campus.
Learn more: Counselling and career development services
If you need help right now and a TAFE NSW counsellor isn't available, contact your local medical service or hospital or call LifeLine on 13 11 14.
Yes, of course! At TAFE NSW, we have qualified counsellors available for you to speak to.
At TAFE NSW, we offer a free counselling service for all current and prospective students.
Counsellors can assist you with:
- stress and/or anxiety
- home life and family difficulties
- financial or legal problems
- physical or mental health concerns
- drug and/or alcohol use, or gambling problems
- health and sexuality
- problems or concerns that may be worrying you
- workload and time management
- exams and assessments
- work issues.
How to make an appointment
You can make an appointment through your customer service team at your local campus.
Learn more: Counselling and career development services
If you need help right now and a TAFE NSW counsellor isn't available contact your local medical service or hospital or call LifeLine on 13 11 14.
There are a few ways you can receive your course certificate once you have successfully completed your course.
These include:
- Collecting it yourself from the campus where you studied. Let us know if you would like someone else to collect it on your behalf.
- Receiving your course certificate by post. Talk to your local customer service team about our 'Authority to Post' option.
- Receiving your course certificate at your graduation ceremony or arranging to pick it up prior. You'll need to check your local graduation dates.
Contact your teacher if you have any questions about the details on your course certificate or transcript.
A TAFE NSW card is a compulsory form of identification (ID) and all enrolled TAFE NSW students must have one. Your card will contain your photograph, name and student number.
Your TAFECard is used to:
- record membership of the library and student association
- give you access to parking, photocopying facilities and secure areas such as computer labs
- sit examinations.
To get yours, follow the steps below:
- Take your enrolment form and supporting documents to the customer service centre at your campus.
- Ask for your TAFE NSW card.
- Have your photo taken.
Your card will remain valid while you are enrolled and can be used on any TAFE NSW campus.
During the enrolment process, you will receive a username and password which gives you access to the TAFE NSW Student Portal. It is important to keep your details up-to-date in the portal so that we can contact you about your course or in case of an emergency.
To update your details in the Student Portal:
- Click 'my details'
- Add or change your information
- Save.
If you cannot update your details for any reason, [contact us](https://tafensw.custhelp.com/app/contact-us/enquire/) and we will show you how.
Important notes
- To change your name or date of birth, you will need to provide evidence to your local customer service team.
- Your student details in the portal and on the USI Registry must be the same. Make sure to update both records when making changes.
At many campuses, your student association plans and runs student events. The events are a great way to interact with your community and make friends with people from other study areas. Plus, they’re fun!
The types of events include:
- BBQs
- music performances
- day trips to explore the area
- group dinners
- fundraisers
- tributes to well-known commemorative days
- dedicated international student support events.
Some events are free for students, while others are at a cost.
TAFE NSW offers a state-wide library network that gives you access to the latest digital and print resources. Our librarians can help you learn the research skills you need to study. Our online library is open 24/7.
Our Library Network Catalogue gives all TAFE NSW staff and students access to a range of trusted digital texts and databases. It is important to know that access to some online resources will require a TAFE NSW username and password.
Library opening hours differ at each TAFE NSW campus and often change during semester breaks.
Check your local TAFE NSW library for library facility hours.
Learn more:
Enrolment and getting started with TAFE Digital
TAFE Digital doesn’t operate by semester, so in most cases you can enrol in your course anytime.
- Firstly, you will need to verify your email address, then you will be issued a TAFE NSW email address.
- We will email you your enrolment confirmation, student username, and initial password, which you must change.
- You can then log in and access your online services and resources.
- We will provide a training plan to help you get organised so you can complete your course by your enrolment end date. You will need to factor in any specified dates, such as work placement hours, if these are a course requirement.
Good online study habits will help you complete your work on time, increase motivation and reduce anxiety.
Tip 1: Set up in a quiet place at home where you won’t be interrupted. Or, for a change of scenery, head to your local library or a library at any TAFE NSW campus.
Tip 2: Check your internet connection is reliable before starting your online studies. Remember that you need a webcam, headphones, and a microphone for virtual classes, so make sure any technical requirements are also working.
Tip 3: Plan to study at regular times each week to reduce the risk of a last-minute panic. It is surprising how quickly you progress through your course if you study regularly. For example, set aside 2-3 hours of study, 3 times per week.
Tip 4: Manage your time. Writing down all your assessment dates in your diary or calendar helps you plan and prioritise tasks.
You will work from our website's learning platform. Your course information will tell you what assessments you have and provide instructions on how to upload them so they can be assessed.
You may be asked to send a video or audio evidence for an assessment. To do this, you can upload it to YouTube, Vimeo, or Dropbox and upload the URL to the course website.
Your teacher/assessor will provide feedback on your assessment and will let you know if you have met the requirements. If you have not met the requirements, you will have one extra attempt to resubmit your assessment and get it to the required standard. If you fail in your second attempt, a fee may be charged for an assessor to mark your third submission.
VETRes is an online shop where you can find textbooks, CDs, DVDs, teacher guides and learner workbooks. The resources are catalogued by industry sector, training package and unit code.