Steps to apply

There are a number of things you will need to do to apply for a course at TAFE NSW. 

These include:

• 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 will need to lodge your TAFE NSW application through a TAFE NSW education agent if you:

• have to submit financial capacity evidence, or
• are 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.

Please note: 

If you are applying for a TAFE NSW course and don’t need to submit financial capacity evidence, you can go to 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:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) agents

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Agents

University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) agents

University of Newcastle (UON) agents

University of Wollongong (UOW) agents

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

Please note that some agents charge a fee for their service. This is a financial arrangement between the student and the agent. TAFE NSW will not be held responsible for any money paid to an education agent.

Prepare your documents

To submit your application, you will 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 will 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 will 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 are applying for a TAFE NSW course or package, download and complete the TAFE NSW International Student Application Form. 

If you are applying for a TAFE NSW to university pathway, you will need to include a TAFE NSW International Student Application Form and a university application. 

You can apply directly using the relevant link below:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) Application

University of Newcastle (UON) Application

University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) Application

University of Wollongong (UOW) 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
• UTS Package Offer Application Form
• 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 two options for submitting an application to TAFE NSW. 

These are:

• an online application, or
• an application via email.

Online applications

If you are applying online, follow these five steps:

1. Find the course or package you wish to apply for
2. Select the 'apply online' button 
3. Register or log in to the portal and continue with the application process
4. Attach all supporting documentation for your application, including the university application form (if applicable)
5. Submit the application.

Please note:

Once you have submitted your application, any additional documentation must be be emailed through to our international admissions team, not uploaded to the portal.

Applications via email

Scan and email the application form and supporting documentation for your application to our international admissions team

Once your application has been received, it will be assessed, and if successful, a letter of offer will be sent to you.

Assessment

TAFE NSW and the university will assess your application against both the:

• course entry requirements, and
• Genuine Student (GS) requirements.

You can find information about the Genuine Student (GS) requirements on the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) website.

Letter of offer

If we need additional documentation or information, we will send you a conditional letter of offer. The letter will provide details about what we require to finish processing your application. You will need to supply this information before we can send you an unconditional letter of offer. 

Your unconditional letter of offer will include a fee invoice. This invoice will need to be paid when you accept the offer. 

Acceptance of offer

To accept the offer, you will need to:

• sign the acceptance form, and
• pay the fees and charges.

There are different ways to pay your fees. These will be detailed on the invoice.

Once you have paid your fees, you will need to email us the:

• signed acceptance form, and 
• confirmation of payment.

If you receive an email with a letter of offer for a university pathway, you will need to accept the offer and pay your fees to the university directly. Once you have accepted your offer and sent confirmation of payment, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter via email.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

When we receive your confirmation of payment and signed acceptance form, we will issue you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course in your offer letter.

Once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from TAFE NSW and the university (if applying for a pathway), you can then apply for your Student Visa.

You can lodge your Student Visa (Subclass 500) application using your Confirmation of Enrolment. Your agent can help you do this if needed.

Use the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) Document Checklist tool below to check your Student Visa requirements.

There are a number of things you will need to finalise before studying in Australia.

These include:

• applying for your Unique Student Identifier (USI), and
• arriving in time for your compulsory orientation sessions.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

When your Student Visa is granted and you have arrived in Australia, you will need to create a compulsory USI. 

A USI is your individual education number that creates a secure online record of the training and qualifications you gain in Australia.

It's part of the enrolment process and is free and easy to create. Visit the USI website.

Orientation

Attendance at the orientation session is compulsory. Ensure you arrange your flight so you arrive in Australia in time to attend your orientation session.

At your orientation session, your enrolment process will be completed. Visit our orientation page for more details.

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

We understand that applying for a course outside your home country can be daunting.

If you need help, contact your International Customer Experience Coordinator or visit our FAQ page.