Steps to apply

To apply for a course at TAFE NSW as an international student, you need to complete a few steps.

You’ll need to:

• find an agent, if required
• gather the right documents
• prepare and submit an application
• accept your offer letter
• apply for a Student visa
• prepare for your studies.

You must apply through a TAFE NSW education agent if you need to provide financial capacity evidence. You also need to use an education agent if you’re applying for a TAFE NSW to university pathway.

Financial capacity evidence

You will need to submit your financial capacity evidence with your Student visa (subclass 500) application. You can check your visa requirements using the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) document checklist tool.

Note: If you’re applying for a TAFE NSW course and don’t need to provide financial capacity evidence, go straight to Step 2.

TAFE NSW to university pathway

To apply for a TAFE NSW to university pathway, you must use an education agent, regardless of whether you need to submit evidence of financial capacity. The education agent must represent both TAFE NSW and the university you’re applying to.

To find an education agent through a university, use one of the following links:

• Charles Sturt University (CSU) agents
• University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) agents
• University of Newcastle (UON) agents
• University of Wollongong (UOW) agents
• Australian Catholic University (ACU) agents

Alternatively, find an education agent through TAFE NSW by following our link below.

Note: Some agents charge a fee for their services. This is a private financial arrangement between the student and the agent. TAFE NSW is not responsible for any fees paid to an education agent.

Prepare your documents

To submit your application, you’ll need to include:

• a certified copy of your current passport
• a certified copy of academic transcripts or certificates
• a certified copy of English Language Test results e.g. IELTS or equivalent
• a portfolio or essay based on course entry requirements (if applicable).

Apply within Australia

If you are currently in Australia, you’ll also need to include:

• a copy of your current visa
• a copy of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) held with a previous education provider (if applicable)
• a copy of your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card (if applicable).

Documents not in English

If you have documents that are not in English, you’ll need to provide official English translations of these documents. These translations must be certified by an authorised translator in Australia or overseas.

Documents can be certified by:

• an official from the organisation that issued the original document
• a government official
• a Public Notary
• a Justice of the Peace.

If you're applying for a TAFE NSW course or package, download and complete the TAFE NSW international student application form [PDF 478 KB]. If you’re applying for a TAFE NSW to university pathway, submit a TAFE NSW International student application form and a university application. 

You can apply directly using the relevant link below:

Charles Sturt University (CSU) application
University of Newcastle (UON) application
University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) application
University of Wollongong (UOW) application
Australian Catholic University (ACU) application

Your agent can help you complete your university application if needed.

University pathways

For pathways with UTS, an agent must submit to TAFE NSW on your behalf, the:

• TAFE NSW international student application form [PDF 478 KB]
• UTS package offer application form [PDF 424 KB]
• supporting documents.

For pathways with ACU, UON, and UOW, your education agent must submit separate applications and liaise directly with TAFE NSW and the university.

There are 2 ways to submit an application to TAFE NSW: online or via email.

Online applications

If you’re applying online, follow these 5 steps:

1. Find the course or package you want to apply for.
2. Click the ‘apply online’ button.
3. Register or log in to the portal and complete your application.
4. Attach all supporting documents, including the university application form if required.
5. Submit your application.

Note: After submitting your application online, any additional documents must be emailed to our international admissions team. Do not upload them to the portal.

Applications via email

Scan your application form and all supporting documents, then email them to our international admissions team.

Once we receive your application, it will be assessed. If successful, we’ll send you a letter of offer.

Assessment

TAFE NSW and the university will assess your application against the course entry requirements and the Genuine Student (GS) requirements. You can find more information about the Genuine Student (GS) requirements on the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) website.

Letter of offer

If we need more information or documents, we’ll send you a conditional letter of offer. This will explain what’s required to complete your application. You must provide this information before we can issue an unconditional letter of offer. Your unconditional letter of offer will include a fee invoice, which must be paid when you accept the offer.

Acceptance of offer

To accept your offer, you must sign the acceptance form and pay the required fees and charges. The available payment options are listed on your invoice. After you have paid your fees, email us your signed acceptance form and confirmation of payment.

If you receive a letter of offer for a university pathway, you must accept the offer and pay your fees directly to the university. Once your acceptance and payment are confirmed, you’ll receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) by email.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Once we receive your signed acceptance form and confirmation of payment, we will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course listed in your offer letter. After you receive your CoE from TAFE NSW and, if applicable, from the university for a pathway course, you can apply for your Student visa.

You can lodge your student visa (subclass 500) application using your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Your agent can assist you if needed. Use the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) document checklist tool to check your student visa requirements.

There are a few things you’ll need to finalise before you start studying in Australia. This includes applying for your Unique Student Identifier (USI) and arriving in time to attend your compulsory orientation session.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Once your student visa is granted and you arrive in Australia, you must create a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Your USI is a personal education number that securely records the training and qualifications you complete in Australia.

A USI is free and required for enrolment, and it’s quick and easy to create. Visit the USI website to get started.

Orientation

Attendance at the orientation session is compulsory. You must arrange your travel to arrive in Australia in time to attend. Your enrolment will be finalised at the orientation session. Visit our orientation page for more information.

If you have questions, contact your International Customer Experience Coordinator.

Applying from overseas can feel daunting. Our team can help. Contact your International Customer Experience Coordinator or visit our FAQs.