iTafe - TAFE Courses
TAFE (Technical and Further Education) courses are provided right across Australia and are run by the relevant State Government or Territory Government. The TAFE colleges and institutes are also funded by these governments, unlike higher education which is primarily financed by the Commonwealth Government.
TAFE courses offer mainly vocational tertiary education and are available in a very wide range of subjects with literally hundreds of courses in fields including construction, IT and computers, engineering, hospitality, social work, tourism, arts, crafts, design and many, many more.
With TAFE courses it is generally possible to achieve qualifications up to Advanced Diploma, and in some states up to degree level.
Those who go on to university can often use their TAFE studies partly as a credit towards a Bachelor degree.
To give you an idea of the range of TAFE courses available, we have listed a partial selection below.
Arts: Aboriginal, ceramics, costume, digital image & media, fine arts, graphic design, printing and visual arts.
Business: accounting, advertising, financial services, human resources, management, marketing, project management and public relations.
Construction: architectural technology, building & construction, carpentry, civil design, interior decoration, painting & decorating, rigging and scaffolding.
Hospitality: barista and bar skills, events, hotel licensees, responsible gambling and alcohol certificates, restaurant licensees and tourism.
Social Work: alcohol and other drug counselors, community services, mentoring and youth work.
Applying for a TAFE course
Many TAFE courses have entry requirements that may be based on your previous experience and knowledge, and any skills or qualifications you may already have.
It is easy to check any requirements on the course’s online listing at the college or institute you wish to attend.
TAFE courses are generally available on first-come, first served basis.
Before you enroll, it is possible that you may need to submit an application: again, this information will be available online.
TAFE fees
Fees for TAFE courses are usually paid when you enroll, and payment can normally be made by EFTPOS, credit card, cheque and money order.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may be exempt from having to pay fees and anyone receiving disability support may also be eligible for fee exemptions or concessions.
TAFE qualifications
TAFE courses are highly beneficial to you if you are looking to progress in your career or change career entirely, or if you are aiming to go on to university.
Qualifications are available at various levels, some of them as follows.
Certificate I through to Certificate IV: from basic job preparation and foundation skills up to advanced and supervisory skills.
Diploma and Advanced Diploma: in depth and wide ranging training that will enable you to enter your chosen career with the sufficient skills.
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma: it is only possible to attain these qualifications once you have completed an Advanced Diploma or Degree.
Online TAFE study
TAFE courses can offer a mix of online and class learning and in some cases certain courses may be able to be taken entirely online.
Online study - or eLearning - can save the student considerable time as learning materials can be accessed at a time and from a place convenient to the student. This is particularly beneficial to the student who has work or family commitments, and to those who would need to travel longer distances to study in the classroom.
Communication remains open between the student and their teacher and peers via email and through dedicated online forums.
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