Application and Enrolment FAQs
Application and Enrolment
TAFE NSW is Australia's leading provider of vocational and higher education programs with over 500,000 enrolments each year from students worldwide.
We offer hundreds of courses including certificate to diploma, advanced diploma and degree programs across a range of career areas.
Our courses provide practical skills that help you stay current with workforce requirements.
With industry-trained passionate teachers, we will help you achieve your study and career goals faster using the latest technology and world class equipment.
We offer a number of support services to help you through your study journey.
What are you waiting for? Apply today!
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Yes! TAFE NSW offers some of the most hands on, innovative Higher Education (HE) programs in Australia.
Our courses are developed in consultation with industry and academic experts, and are designed to meet employer needs to give our national and international graduates an edge in the market.
Don't just take our word for it
In the latest Government-led graduate survey, TAFE NSW Degrees received an 87% Graduate Satisfaction rating. This means we are rated the second highest in the state by graduates when compared with other NSW universities.
What sets us apart?
- Student satisfaction
We'll help you define your goals and show you how to get there - Gain experience
Built-in internships and work placements - It's personal
Small class sizes - Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Get recognition for previous related studies or experience and fast track your degree - Make connections
Networking and job placement solutions - Study on your terms
Mix it up – some courses allow you to study online and on-campus
TAFE Degree entry requirements vary between courses.
Contact our team to discuss your study and career goals. We'll explore your Higher Education options with TAFE NSW Degrees.
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Vocational qualifications
We have a number of vocational courses that may lead to licences as well, such as:
- Diploma in Building
- Certificate IV in Property Services
And more!
TAFE Degrees
Some of our TAFE Degree courses will provide you with the licence requirements to practice in your chosen field, such as:
- Bachelor of Applied Commerce (Financial Planning major)
- Bachelor of Property Valuation
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- ​​​​​​​Courses
If university is your goal, we offer a number of ways to get there.
- Apply to study a TAFE Degree
Did you know that TAFE NSW offers ground-breaking, industry-ready degrees for international students? We have some of the most hands on, innovative Higher Education (HE) programs in Australia and are connected with over 25,000 employers statewide who are looking for talented, skilled graduates – could that be you? Read more at TAFE Degrees. - University pathways
We can help you work towards achieving the academic entry requirements you need to be accepted into a TAFE Degree program or a partner university, or an integrated program with a number of partner universities. - Credit transfer pathways
Credit transfer pathways enable you to use credit from your TAFE NSW qualification toward our degree program or university course. Credit transfers can also reduce the time you need to study at university and may also reduce the cost of your degree.
Remember, credit entry varies. Check with your selected university or TAFE Degree course for all entry and credit information.
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If you already have knowledge, experience and/or qualifications related to the course you want to study, you may be awarded credit.
VET qualifications
This means you may be able achieve your qualification faster and there may be a reduction in your fees. Recognition at TAFE NSW is defined in two ways:
- Credit transfer
This allows you to receive credit for your successfully completed study - Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL recognises where your other skills and workplace experience meet the requirements of the course
Read about your RPL and credit transfer options.
TAFE Degree qualifications
Recognition of Prior Learning is also available for TAFE Degree qualifications, such as bachelor degrees, associate degrees and Higher Education diplomas.
Contact the Course Coordinator directly to find out how RPL may apply to your previous study and/or workplace experience.
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Recognition at TAFE NSW is assessed in two categories:
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- Credit transfers
RPL
RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning and it means that your previous skills, knowledge or workplace experience (in a related area) may be recognised by TAFE NSW toward an early completion of your study.
Previous experience might include:
- Positions/job roles
- Volunteer position
- Life experience
Speak to your teacher, Course Coordinator or Customer Service team to find out if you are eligible.
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If you would like to apply for Recognition at TAFE (also known as RPL or credit transfer), you will need to take the following steps:
- Talk to your teacher or Course Coordinator about your previous study or experience (they will give you the appropriate form to complete)
- Read, complete and submit the appropriate paperwork
- Provide all available evidence to support your claim for recognition
Your application will be assessed and if awarded, your study timetable and training plan will be adjusted which may result in a reduction in course fees.
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International students can only enrol in CRICOS registered courses and currently, you will have to enrol in an entire course or a package of courses.
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Regardless of your level of study (VET or TAFE Degree), if you would like to change direction part way through your course, you will need to talk to your teachers about the options available to you.
Please note that international students may be required to complete 6 months in the principal course before deciding to change their course as per the Student Visa conditions.
Alternatively, you can also submit an enquiry. Our team will help you find the course that leads to the career you want.
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Please refer to the HOW TO APPLY page on the international website.
After you have applied
- We will email you the outcome of your application and the next steps to take
- It is important to know that our response time is 24 – 48 hours.
Next steps
Depending on the course and campus, your application process may include:
- Assessment for course entry requirement (Check your course details for more information)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Assessment
- Attending interview
- Providing a portfolio, essay or proof of the entry requirements.
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Course entry requirements are located on the specific course information page.
Requirements can include:
- The minimum qualifications
- English language requirement
- Knowledge
- Skills
- Experience
- Attributes you need to successfully complete the course
If you have questions about the requirements for your course, contact us.
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In the first week of your course, you will be given a Student Assessment (VET) or Subject (HE) Guide.
This guide will tell you what type of assessments are required to successfully complete your studies.
If you have any questions about assessments, speak to your teacher or Course Coordinator.
After you have applied, we will let you know the outcome of your application – and the next steps to take – via email.
It is important to know that our response time is 24 – 48 hours.
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We're here to help you get started.
For many courses, you can enrol from the comfort of your own home by following these steps.
It is important to know that application/enrolment processes can vary depending on the course as entry requirements vary (for example, if you choose to study in a course that have additional entry requirements, e.g: TAFE design courses that require a portfolio or TAFE degree courses that require interviews).
Orientation sessions
You must attend a compulsory orientation session before enrolling in any course.
Contact us and we'll help you understand the application/enrolment requirements for your course.
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Enrolment periods are different depending on the course, level of study and campus.
VET and ELICOS students
Check the course page and key dates or contact us and we'll talk you through the requirements and timing for your application/enrolment. Key dates can be found here
Academic calendar for VET and ELICOS
TAFE Degree students
Application closing and enrolment dates are found at Academic Calendar for TAFE Degrees.
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TAFE Degree census date
A TAFE Degree census date is the last day that you can:
- Withdraw from a TAFE Degree subject or course. Please check your TAFE Degree academic calendar for the census dates that apply.
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For vocational students, the TAFE NSW student calendar has all of the key dates you need to stay organised while you're studying, including:
- Term dates
- Student vacations
- Public holidays
TAFE Degrees
If you are studying a TAFE Degree, you'll need the TAFE Degrees academic calendar.
What is a USI?
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a set of 10 numbers and letters created by the Commonwealth Government and is compulsory for students studying nationally recognised courses.
A USI links to an online student account that securely holds your current and past VET training records, including results.
The USI and the USI Registry are managed by the Commonwealth Government.
Why do I need a USI?
You need a USI to enrol into any VET course, including a TAFE NSW course.
A USI also allows you to access your results whenever you need them, like when applying for a job, and view 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.
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It is important to keep your personal details up to date in your Unique Student Identifier (USI) account as 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:
- Log-in
- Select 'Update Personal/Contact Details'
- Proof of ID may be required
More information is available at www.usi.gov.au or call the USI Registry during business hours on 1300 857 536.
To update your TAFE NSW details, log-in to your Student Portal or contact us.
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This is different for every course and class.
Once enrolled, you will receive instructions from your Course Coordinator about what you need to do or bring to either orientation or your first class.
Contact us if you need any further assistance.
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To connect with TAFE NSW International – submit an enquiry or call us on +61 2 9217 4106.
We are here to help you get the answers you need regarding:
- courses
- application and enrolment
- enrolling with a visa
- fees and payment
- support services
- student events
- other general queries
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TAFE NSW is Australia's leading provider of vocational and higher education programs with over 500,000 enrolments each year.
We offer over 1,200 courses including short courses, certificate to diploma, advanced diploma and degree programs across a range of career areas.
Our courses provide practical skills that help you stay current with workforce requirements.
With industry-trained passionate teachers, we will help you achieve your study and career goals faster using the latest technology and world class equipment.
We also offer a number of support services to help you through your study journey.
What are you waiting for? Apply today!
Learn more
Payment and Fees
The TAFE NSW tuition fee is payable in advance every semester. Your letter of offer from TAFE NSW will explain payment details for international students.
You will need to pay the following fees related to your course:
- A registration fee of A$100 (non-refundable)
- A tuition fee – the total course fee can range from:
- A$4,395 to A$15,450 per semester for vocational courses
- A$6,680 to A$11,500 per semester for TAFE NSW Degree courses
The tuition fee listed on course pages is the total fee for the course. Payment is required on a per semester basis. To calculate the semester fee for a course, divide the total course fee by the course duration and then again by two.
(total course fee ÷ course duration) ÷ 2 = semester fee
Course fees include tuition, orientation program, additional study skills tuition, use of multimedia libraries, computers and other campus facilities, and assistance from student advisers and counsellors.
Course fees do not include the cost of textbooks, stationery, uniforms, accommodation, meals, health insurance cover or transport.
Refer to other fees section below and individual course pages for costs related to specific courses.
Once you have commenced your course, from the next semester onwards you will be eligible to apply to pay your course fees in instalments under compassionate and compelling circumstances and subject to approval by TAFE NSW.
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Talk to us.
We want to understand your experience and give you the support you need to get back on track.
Your teaching and Customer Service teams will help you to:
- Access assessment and personal support
- Assess your training needs for the career you want
- Transfer to an alternative course (if possible)
- Apply for any tuition fee refunds you may be eligible for
The sooner we know what's going wrong, the sooner we can help. Contact us today.
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If you are experiencing financial hardship, assistance may be available to help you with instalment payment plans.
Contact us if you would like to discuss your circumstances.
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There are a number of circumstances where a refund may be applied.
Refunds are dependent upon your:
- Course type
- Census date
- Personal circumstances
- Payment method
- Attendance
International students will need to speak directly to their International Coordinator.
Contact us to understand the unique requirements of your refund application.
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Scholarship opportunities exist to make your study options a reality.
A scholarship can provide you with financial assistance to help you meet all or part of your course fees and expenses, learning materials or study costs.
Scholarships are available from a variety of sources including NSW Government funding initiatives, as well as other organisations.
Find out more about the scholarships available to TAFE NSW students across a range of study areas.
Learn more
- ​​​​​​​Scholarships
If I am eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or credit transfer, will my fee be reduced?
Recognition at TAFE NSW is assessed in two categories:
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- Credit transfers
This means that your previous study, skills, knowledge or workplace experience may be recognised by TAFE NSW.
Speak to your teacher or contact us to find out how recognition might relate to your course choice and related fees.
It is important to know that you will need to provide evidence to support your application.
The first step
If you are considering withdrawing because:
- The course is too hard
- The course is not what you expected
- Your circumstances have changed
International students should speak directly to their International Coordinator or international student services team.
The second step
If withdrawal is right for you, tell your teacher and read, complete and submit the form that applies to your qualification:
Don't wait to tell us
If you need to change your study path, contact us as soon as possible to avoid academic and financial penalty.
Student Services and Support
We welcome all international students to study with TAFE NSW as a step toward an exciting global career.
Our international student services are designed to help you succeed in a new country, study environment and culture.
Dedicated international student support includes:
- An international student support coordinator
- Orientation program
- Counselling for academic, career or personal issues
- Accommodation support
- Job preparation and search
- Childcare (where available)
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Every student has individual needs.
We provide equal access to study for students with a disability, injury or long term medical condition.
We offer:
- Qualified Disability Consultants who will support you through your course
- Specialist services in the classroom, tutorial support and reasonable adjustment of the learning facility
- Tailored study plans to help you succeed
Contact us to talk about the options available to you.
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Finding care for your young children, while you're studying, can be challenging.
TAFE NSW has Early Childhood Education and Care Centres located at 17 campuses across NSW. These are open to students, staff and the broader community.
Contact us about childcare options at your campus.
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If your TAFE NSW campus has an Early Childhood Education and Care Centre, contact us directly and we will help you understand the costs involved.
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Do you need help with career and study or a personal matter?
Our counselling team can help you with career direction, course choice and any barriers standing in the way to your goals.
They can also explore personal matters such as anxiety, health, relationships, stress, substance abuse and anything else that may be worrying you.
It is important to realise that you are not alone. No issue is too small or too large to talk to our qualified TAFE NSW counsellor about. Contact the Customer Service team at your campus to book an appointment.
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.
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Of course! It is important to realise that you're not alone. TAFE NSW has qualified counsellors who can help.
For current students
Our team of qualified counsellors can assist you with:
- Workload and time management
- Exams and assessments
- Stress and/or anxiety
- Work issues
- 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
- Personal issues and anything else that may be worrying you
Make an appointment today.
How to make an appointment
The TAFE NSW Counselling Service is a no-charge service for all new and prospective students.
You can make a one-to-one appointment through your Customer Service team at your local campus.
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TAFE NSW offers a no-charge counselling service for current students.
We specialise in helping individuals:
- Clarify their career direction
- Work through and beyond personal matters such as stress, anxiety, and more
No issue is too small or too large to talk to our qualified counselling team about. Contact the Customer Service team on your campus to book an appointment.
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First, let's define what types of certificates are issued at the successful completion of different courses.
Course certificates
- VET or Higher Education qualifications
You will receive a Testamur identifying your qualification
During your study, you will also receive a transcript which lists the subjects/units you have completed.
How can I get my course certificate?
There are a number of ways you can receive your course certificate once you have successfully completed your course and paid your student fees; these include:
- Collect it yourself
From the campus where you studied. Tell us if you would like a third party to collect on your behalf. - By post
Talk to your local Customer Service team about our 'Authority to Post' option. - At graduation
You'll need to check your local graduation dates.
If you attend a graduation ceremony you will receive your course certificate at the event, if you have not received it already.
Talk to your teacher if you have any questions about the details on your testamur or transcript.
All students require a TAFE NSW card.
To get yours, follow the steps below:
- Finalise your enrolment at Orientation.
- 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
- You will be given your card - at many campuses this will be on the spot
Your card will remain valid while you are enrolled and can be used at any TAFE NSW campus.
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A TAFE NSW card is a compulsory form of identification (ID) for all TAFE NSW enrolled students.
Your card will contain your photograph, name and student number, and 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
I have an old TAFE NSW card from previous study, can I use it?
Speak to your local Customer Service team about your existing card. They will let you know if you can continue to use it or if a replacement card is required.
In many instances, it's fine to keep the card you have.
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If your TAFE NSW card is lost, damaged or stolen, visit your local Customer Service Centre to have a new card created. If you are studying fully online, contact us about your options.
Replacement TAFE NSW cards are $20.
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During the enrolment process, you will receive a username and password which gives you access to your 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:
- Log in https://my.tafensw.edu.au/
- Click 'My Details'
- Add or change your information
- Save
If you cannot update your details for any reason, contact us 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.
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TAFE NSW can help International students arrange homestay accommodation for a small fee. There are several different options available for accommodation.
To learn more contact our international support services team.
Attachments
A number of TAFE NSW campuses offer parking for students, some of which include a fee.
Talk to your local Customer Service team about the parking options available.
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Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for any travel discounts.
At many campuses, student events are planned and run by your student association.
Events are a simple way to meet your community and make friends with people from other study areas. Plus, it's fun!
The types of events include:
- BBQs
- Music performers
- Day trips
- Group dinners
- Fundraisers
- Dedications to well-known commemorative days...
- Dedicated international student support events
- .... and more!
Some events are free for students, while others are at a cost.
Find out if your campus has a student association.
A student association is a not-for-profit and non-political organisation that is dedicated to making campus life fun and engaging for the student community.
Not all campuses have a student association; check with your local Customer Service team about what is available at your location.
Student association membership
Members receive a bunch of benefits:
- Discounted textbooks
- Discounted movie tickets
- Discounted parking (where available)
- Discounted gym
- BBQs and social events
- Spaces you can go to relax
Joining a student association is a great way to immerse yourself in student life and take your place in the community.
Membership costs $20. However, most international students will receive automatic membership. Check your eligibility with your international student services support team at your campus.
What are you waiting for? Join today!
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TAFE NSW offers a statewide library network that gives you access to the latest digital and print resources. Plus, our professional library team can help you learn the research skills you need for study.
Library opening hours differ at each TAFE NSW campus and often change during semester breaks.
Check your local TAFE NSW library for their hours.
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 from the comfort of their own home, any time of the day or night.
It is important to know that access to some online resources will require a TAFE NSW username and password.
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I want to say thank you or well done
If we do something well, tell us! The more we learn about great student experiences, the better we can become.
To pass on your message, simply email intadmissions@tafensw.edu.au and we will share the good news with everyone involved.
Something has gone wrong
Talk to us as soon as possible. At TAFE NSW, we want you to enjoy studying in an innovative and safe learning environment. If we fall below that standard, please let us know.
We value your honest feedback and will work with you to resolve any concern that has arisen. Our goal is to fix the issue, so you can stay focused on your study and career goals.
If you can, tell your teacher about the matter first. They can help you explore both the issue and resolution.
Or, you are welcome to complete our online feedback form or contact us directly.
Complaints are treated in-confidence, with respect for all parties involved, and follow a formal process.
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When you enrol, we ask for permission to provide your student details, under certain circumstances, to specific agencies. This is a condition of your enrolment.
We will not otherwise release your private details or results to any other person or organisation unless:
- You provide written consent
- The records are subpoenaed
- It is a legislative requirement
Your records are safe with us.
Do you need help with career and study or a personal matter?
Our counselling team can help you with career direction, course choice and any barriers standing in the way to your goals.
They can also explore personal matters such as anxiety, health, relationships, stress, substance abuse and anything else that may be worrying you.
It is important to realise that you are not alone. No issue is too small or too large to talk to our qualified TAFE NSW counsellor about. Contact the Customer Service team at your campus to book an appointment.
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.
Learn more
In the first week of your course, you will be given a Student Assessment (VET) or Subject (HE) Guide.
This guide will tell you what type of assessments are required to successfully complete your studies.
If you have any questions about assessments, speak to your teacher or Course Coordinator.
Join the Teams International Student Hub at International Student Hub.
IT System Access and Support
We can help!
First, take these steps:
- Click on https://my.tafensw.edu.au/
- Find 'Forgot your password?' on the Student Portal
- Follow the steps
If you still can't log-in to your Student Portal, contact us and we'll show you how.
Remember, when you enrolled into your TAFE NSW course, an email with your Student Account username, password and user instructions was sent to your inbox. Check to see if you have those details and use them to log-in.
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