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I am an International student. (sub class 500).
An International Student is someone who holds, or plans to hold, a student visa (sub class 500) for study in Australia.
Whether you would like to improve your English language skills, study for a career or complete a degree, TAFE NSW is your first choice for practical, real world skills that translate into career success.
Learn english with TAFE NSW
We offer intensive English language courses across NSW. Improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and be prepared for future study, your dream job and your life in Australia as a speaker of English.
TAFE NSW is Australia's largest training provider, with:
- English language, vocational and degree courses
- Over 130 years of quality education
- Current and industry relevant courses
- Strong trust among employers about the quality of our graduates
- Strong industry connections
- An excellent reputation
- Over 40 locations to choose from
Career advice and inspiration
Your TAFE NSW qualification will take you places – it can be the platform for a great career or the basis for further study with us, elsewhere in Australia, or overseas.
TAFE NSW English language programs can set you on the path to a rewarding career. Vocational Education courses such as certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas are available in a range of course areas including hospitality, IT and children's services. TAFE NSW Degrees are designed to give you the foundational knowledge and technical skills you need to excel in your chosen industry.
Testimonials
Stories of people inspired by TAFE NSW to change their life.
Ron Rocio
You'd never feel like a stranger at TAFE NSW. You'd feel the genuine care of the entire academic team. I gained lifelong mentors, both in the professional and the personal sense.
Farhana Dawood
The teachers’ encouragement, support and sharing of knowledge and experiences has helped me get a deeper understanding of the industry requirements and career direction.
Avinash Gurram
The teaching methods of Skillmax are very engaging and interactive. The content of the course is useful for every newly arrived migrant in understanding Australian job market, and every topic has i…
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!
Learn more
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
Learn more
- 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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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
Learn more
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