7 Popular TAFE Courses in Australia for International Students

Technical and Further Education (TAFE) is a vocational training system in Australia, designed to train aspiring students with the practical skills required to pursue a career in a wide range of skilled labour-intensive industries, such as trade, hospitality, business, health, and technology.

Most universities in Australia offer accredited TAFE programmes to enable students in gaining specialised skills and practical knowledge, in line with their career goals. Whether you're an aspiring interior designer/landscape photographer or a future fashion designer with plans for your own fashion line - whichever technical line your career aspirations take you, a TAFE course in Australia could be the platform you need to specialise and showcase your creative pursuits!

Here, we've put together some cool facts about TAFE courses in Australia for international students and why you should do a TAFE course in Australia if you're all about following the call of passion.

Technical and Further Education (TAFE) courses are designed to give students the practical exposure and hands-on experience on the skills that are in demand by employers worldwide. Here's more about TAFE Australia:

• TAFE courses are offered at TAFE institutes, which are public institutions that operate in each state and territory of Australia. These institutes offer a range of courses across various fields, including business, hospitality, healthcare, trades, IT, and creative arts.
• TAFE qualifications are recognised by employers across Australia and provide a pathway to study further at universities or other higher education institutions.
• TAFE courses can also be more affordable than university courses, with many eligible for government subsidies or funding.

1. Practical skills and industry-specific knowledge - TAFE courses provide students with practical skills and industry-specific knowledge that is highly valued by employers. You learn concepts through a combination of classroom-based learning and hands-on training, to better prepare for real-time work environments.
2. Shorter duration and lower cost: TAFE courses are typically shorter in duration than university degrees and are often less expensive than university degrees, which makes them a more affordable option, especially for international students.
3. Flexible study options: TAFE institutes offer a range of flexible study options, such as online learning and part-time study, which lets you balance studies with other personal commitments.
4. Pathways to further study: TAFE courses often provide pathways to further study, such as bachelor degrees or higher-level TAFE courses. This provides you with opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Many TAFE courses also offer practical work experience providing opportunities to network/interact with potential employers/industry peers.
5. Industry connections: TAFE institutes have strong connections with industry, which provide you with valuable networking opportunities and work placements, increasing your chances of securing employment after completing the course.

​Also read - Popular diploma courses in Australia for international students

Here's a list of the seven most popular and in-demand TAFE courses in Australia for international students:

• Doing a TAFE course in healthcare is a great opportunity to put your skills to use in the world's second healthiest nation and one of its best healthcare systems in the world.
• According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook website, the healthcare and social assistance industry is predicted to be the largest employing industry in Australia by 2024, with an estimated employment growth rate of 15.7% between 2019 and 2024. 

• If you're interested in the creative side of IT in areas such as, graphic design, web development, and video production, or if you want to go all technical with programming languages, software design, web design and database development, doing a TAFE course in information technology would be an excellent choice for you.
• You can specialise in multiple areas including cybersecurity, software development, digital media technologies, programming, and website development.

• Business and management is a thriving and technologically-advanced industry with a need for skilled professionals across a wide range of business requirements including strategic planning, team leadership, project management, stakeholder communication, and organisational change management.
• By specialising in people, project, marketing and leadership management, you can hone your management skills and embark on a successful career in any business/industry.

• For careers in hotels, restaurants, event management, and travel agencies, doing a TAFE course in hospitality and tourism management in Australia would offer you a treasure trove of practical knowledge in hospitality in areas like beverage service, bar service, food preparation, cooking techniques, and food safety, as well as in the management side of tourism sector on skills including tour planning, event coordination, logistics, destination marketing and customer service.
• You can specialise in multiple areas including commercial cookery, travel and tourism management, and event management.

Also read - 5 unmissable benefits of doing a cookery course in Australia

• Essential practical skills such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and automotive care are not just life-saving but also in-demand — making it one of the most sought-after professions in Australia on an everyday basis.
• Doing a TAFE course in building and construction, electrical and automobile sector offers you a gateway to specialise in multiple skills such as gas fitting, engine and transmission systems, safety and wiring, and steering and suspension in electrical and electronic systems; surface preparation, painting techniques, and wallpapering in painting and decorating; mortar and render mixing, brick and block cutting, and wallpapering in bricklaying/blocklaying; plant care and propagation, landscape design, and pest and disease control in horticulture.

• Training toddlers and children is something you cannot do without a reserve of practical training, skills and a lifetime's stock of patience. TAFE courses in education and childcare can provide the necessary qualifications and practical experience for those looking to become teachers or childcare workers.
• You can specialise in multiple areas including Early Childhood Education and Care, School Age Education and Care, Training and Assessment and learn care concepts and practical skills, including course programming, planning, leadership, advocacy, classroom support, behaviour management, literacy and numeracy support, child development, pedagogy, and curriculum design. 

• Taking a line out of Tori Amos's popular quote - "There's room for everybody on the planet to be creative and conscious if you are your own person." Doing a TAFE course in Australia would be your launchpad to becoming an artist, fashion designer, wildlife photographer, theatre persona or any other role you aspire to transform into.
• You can specialise in a wide range of creative arts such as graphic design, photography, photo imaging, interior design and decoration, screen and media, music, visual arts, and jewellery and object design to gain valuable practical skills and expertise. 

Also read - Career prospects and job opportunities for international students after studying abroad

TAFE institutes offer a variety of options in fields such as business, education, health, engineering, and more. Here are 5 popular TAFE courses offered by TAFE institutes that could provide a pathway to do a TAFE bachelor course in Australian universities:

• English language proficiency - Demonstrate English proficiency with a required minimum score in IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or any other equivalent.
• Academic requirements - Ensure a minimum GPA according to the requirements specified by the university/course.
• Visa requirements - International students must have a valid student visa to study in Australia. The visa application process may require additional documentation, such as proof of financial support and health insurance.

• TAFE NSW offers a range of scholarships for both domestic and international students.
• The scholarships provide financial support for tuition fees, textbooks, and other course-related expenses. 

• TAFE Queensland also offers scholarships for both domestic and international students. The scholarships cover tuition fees, textbooks, and other course-related expenses.
• Eligibility criteria and application processes vary depending on the scholarship.

Some industries offer Australian scholarships for students who wish to study TAFE courses in that field. For example, the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) offers scholarships for students who wish to study meat processing courses, while the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) offers scholarships for students who wish to study heavy vehicle mechanics.

Here are popular career opportunities you can consider after completing TAFE courses:

• Business: TAFE courses in business can lead to careers in administration, marketing, accounting, human resources, and management.
• Healthcare: TAFE courses in healthcare can lead to careers as nurses, allied health professionals, aged care workers, and disability support workers.
• Hospitality: TAFE courses in hospitality can lead to careers as chefs, cooks, restaurant managers, and event coordinators.
• Trades: TAFE courses in trades can lead to careers as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, and welders.
• Technology: TAFE courses in technology can lead to careers in IT support, network administration, software development, and web design.

Here are some tips for choosing the right TAFE course as an international student:

• Research: It is essential to research the courses available and compare them to your interests and career goals. Check the TAFE institution's website, industry websites, and job advertisements to get a better understanding of the courses and their potential job outcomes.
• Accreditation: Ensure that the TAFE course you choose is accredited and recognised by industry bodies and professional associations in Australia and globally.
• Course duration: Consider the duration of the course as well as the start dates. It is important to make sure that the course duration aligns with your study goals and plans.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the course, including tuition fees, living expenses, and additional expenses such as books and equipment. It is important to have a realistic budget and to ensure that you can afford the course and also check for scholarships/bursaries that you can avail of.
• Location: Consider the location of the TAFE institution and the lifestyle and cultural opportunities available. It is important to choose a location that is affordable and comfortable to live in and also offers opportunities for social and cultural activities.

AECC Indonesia is your one-stop destination to give wings to your study abroad goals. From course counselling and drafting your Statement of Purpose to applying to universities and nailing your visa interview, our expert counsellors will be with you at every step of your study abroad journey to make sure you get the best academic guidance at the right time.

Get in touch with our expert counsellors right away to know more about TAFE courses and partner institutions in Australia!