TAFE NSW Institutes

Technical and Further Education (TAFE), based in New South Wales (NSW), is known for its high-quality education. TAFE NSW is the largest vocational education and training provider in Australia. International students at TAFE NSW can choose from over 120 courses, including certificates, diplomas and degree programs, as well as intensive English language courses and pathways to leading Australian universities.

Spread across over 30 campus locations across NSW, it enrols more than 430,000 students, including over 3,200 international students each year.

TAFE NSW ensures that international students make affordable investment in their studies including scholarships and financial assistance programs offered by the Australian Government. Students get adequate hands-on learning through the industry-aligned programs at the institution, making them job-ready and in demand by industry.

TAFE NSW's small class sizes help students receive close attention from the high-qualified faculty whilst enjoying the company of many like-minded people in their classrooms.

International students receive end-to-end support from the institution's support team which provides services related to personal and academic counselling of students. The International Students Office ensures that each student's queries are answered and helps them access other on-campus benefits.

The application process for international students at TAFE NSW involves the following steps:

1. Applicants must first choose the right program.
2. Applicants should make sure to meet entry requirements for the preferred program.
3. Download and complete the application form – for TAFE NSW to university pathways, applicants should download the respective university application form and submit it along with the application.
4. Prepare certified copies of documents. A certified copy is a copy of the original document signed and dated by the organisation that issued the original document, a government official, public notary or Justice of the Peace, or an agent of TAFE NSW, confirming that they have sighted the original.
5. Submit the application via email.
6. The institute assesses the application and issues an offer letter with an invoice.
7. Student must confirm acceptance.
8. TAFE NSW will issue a confirmation of enrolment (COE).
9. Student must apply for a VISA and enrol at TAFE NSW.

TAFE NSW scholarships

TAFE NSW helps international students gain qualifications to meet their personal and professional goals – by awarding students AUD$2,000 towards their tuition fees.

Australian government scholarships

The Australian Government invests millions of dollars in international scholarships annually. The Australia Awards Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships, and Australia Awards Scholarships are available to eligible international students.

Australia Awards scholarships:

The Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, offers Australia Awards Scholarships, which provide financial support for citizens of specific countries to study in Australia.

The Australia Awards scholarships have specific eligibility requirements and the student's study program must relate to their country's priority areas for development.

With so many TAFE NSW locations to choose from, students can find the perfect one to suit their lifestyle. Students who enjoy the hustle and bustle of a thriving city lifestyle can enrol at TAFE NSW Ultimo, St Leonards or Randwick, where they can enjoy everything Sydney has to offer.

Located to the west of the Sydney CBD, the Western Sydney region is one of NSW's diverse cultural hubs. Enrol at TAFE NSW Nirimba or Kingswood to enjoy this region.

If students prefer pristine golden beaches, then TAFE NSW Kingscliff (less than an hour's drive from Byron Bay and the famous Gold Coast) would be ideal.

Perhaps students would like to experience the rolling hills of NSW wine country? If so, enrolling at TAFE NSW Newcastle or Kurri Kurri would be the best choice.

For an amazing combination of both hills and beaches, TAFE NSW Wollongong and Shellharbour cater to students' needs.

TAFE NSW alumni have benefited from their study experience and have been placed in a variety of jobs. Few of the testimonials on graduate outcomes include:

Cassiano Garcia

Course/s: Diploma of Hospitality Management and a Diploma of Financial Planning

Campus: Brookvale and Meadowbank

Nationality: Brazilian

"I chose TAFE NSW because I needed a course that would give me knowledge and real practice at the same time. Both industries (Finance and Hospitality) are very competitive so I knew that I needed to do something about it to get my foot on the door. Both times it was very successful and worth my time and money.

My time at TAFE NSW was amazing. I learned by having fun. First becoming a Chef and working in a real kitchen at TAFE NSW, which gave me so much confidence to join the workforce. I have still a good relationship with quite a lot of people from TAFE NSW including teachers, staff and students."

Paul Maduabuchi Ezidiegwu

Course/s: Certificate IV and Diploma in Telecommunications Network Engineering as well as an Advanced Diploma in Network Security (IT).

Campus: Lidcombe

Nationality: Nigerian

"My experience in TAFE NSW was phenomenal. With good teachers and an enabling environment, I was informed in ICT beyond my expectations.

My journey started back in Africa where I used to run an IT company. However, I decided to acquire more knowledge in ICT. My experience in TAFE NSW was phenomenal. With good teachers and an enabling environment, I was informed in ICT beyond my expectations."

Jacquelene Tan

Course: Diploma of Dental Technology

Campus: Randwick

Nationality: Malaysian

"Before TAFE NSW, I had studied in universities. In my opinion, TAFE NSW is the best place for someone who appreciates hands-on training which prepare them to be more job ready.

Teachers here are very supportive and experienced at their own field. The teaching includes both theory and hands-on, practical which really helped me in my career."

TAFE NSW has a range of study options available. Students can start with an English language course then take up a certificate or diploma course, finishing with a bachelor's degree.

Students can opt for these programs along with English language courses that are available from beginner to advanced levels:

TAFE NSW to University pathways

International students looking to study in Australia's top universities and earn credit can choose TAFE NSW to university pathway programs and enter a bachelor's degree.

Why choose this?

• Students get to graduate, earning double qualifications – a TAFE NSW diploma as well as a bachelor's degree from a top university.
• By paying low semester tuition fees, students choose a more reasonably priced way to enter a bachelor's degree program.
• Students with good academic records and applied practical skills get well equipped.
• Students are employable on graduation.

Which universities offer this program?

• Australian Catholic University
• University of Technology Sydney
• Torrens University

Diploma and advanced diploma courses:

These courses are for students who seek broader subject knowledge and paraprofessional skills. Study options range from agriculture, building design, international business, graphic design, hospitality management and human resource management.

Certificate courses:

Students who aim at theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for specialised work skills can opt for these courses. Certificate III and IV courses are available in a variety of subjects including accounting, beauty services, early childhood, education, design fundamentals, hospitality and tourism.

Degree programs:

Degree programs at TAFE NSW offer students opportunities to acquire and apply knowledge in a professional context. They are also trained in effective communication, critical analysis, teamwork and leadership skills. The degrees prepare graduates for professional careers and are designed to form study pathways to higher levels.

All TAFE NSW degree and diploma programs require a Year 12 or equivalent. Apart from general entry requirements, students are advised to check for additional country/course specific entry requirements.

Certificate courses – Most courses require Australian Year 10 or equivalent and some courses require Australian Year 12 or equivalent.

Advanced diploma, diploma and pathways programs – Completion of an Australian Year 12 equivalent or certificate 3 or 4 qualification.

Bachelor's degrees – Year 12 qualification or equivalent or Certificate 4 qualification or equivalent, or completion of minimum of one-year full-time study in a degree programme at a higher education institute.

English language requirements:

• Most certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses require an IELTS 5.5 or equivalent. Some courses may require an IELTS 6.0. Visit the TAFE NSW website for more details on entry requirements.
• Bachelor degree courses require an IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each section or equivalent.
• Diploma of Nursing requires an IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in each section or equivalent

Visit the university website for COVID related information.