Practical
You learn skills you can use straight away.
Thinking of studying at TAFE
Key takeaways
- TAFE offers practical, hands‑on courses that can help you learn new skills, build your confidence and prepare you for work or further study.
- There are many course options available, and applying is usually simple with help available if you need it.
- Fee‑Free TAFE can make studying more affordable and help you move towards your goals.
If you’re finishing school and starting to think about what comes next, TAFE could be an option worth exploring. TAFE offers practical, hands‑on courses that can help you learn new skills, build your confidence and prepare you for work or further study.
What is TAFE?
TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education.
It’s a place where you can learn real‑world skills in a supportive environment.
Studying at TAFE can help you:
- get ready for a job
- learn skills for different careers
- build confidence
- prepare for apprenticeships, traineeships or university
TAFE is available across Australia.
Why study at TAFE?
TAFE is a great option if you want learning that is:
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Flexible
Many courses offer part-time, online, evening or weekend options. -
Supportive
Teachers understand that everyone learns differently. -
Job-focused
TAFE works closely with employers, so what you learn is useful in real workplaces.
What can you study at TAFE?
There are courses in many areas, including:
- health and community services
- construction and trades
- childcare and education business and administration
- digital skills and technology
- hospitality and tourism
- clean energy and environment
- automotive and engineering
And there are lots of different study types, such as:
- short courses
- certificates (I–IV)
- diplomas and advanced diplomas
- apprenticeships and traineeships
There are options for people of all ages and experience levels, including beginners.
Support while you study
TAFE offers support to help you settle in and succeed.
This might include:
- Apprenticeships and traineeships: work and learn at the same time
- Career support: help with job search, resumes and interviews
- Disability support: adjustments for health conditions or disabilities
- Counselling: study skills advice or help during personal challenges
- Libraries and learning centres: extra tutoring and study groups
- Language support: help with English if it isn’t your first language
To find out what support is available to you, contact the Student Support team at your local TAFE.
How to apply for TAFE
Applying for TAFE is usually a simple process, but the steps may vary depending on the course and where you live. Most of the time, you’ll apply directly through the TAFE’s website. For some courses, you might be asked to apply through your state or territory’s admissions centre instead.
Here are the links to help you get started:
Here are the links to help you get started:
Tertiary Admissions Centres
Some TAFE institutes may also ask you to:
Some TAFE institutes may also ask you to:
- submit an online application
- provide documents such as ID or school results
- attend an interview
- complete a language, literacy and numeracy check
- confirm your enrolment online.
Need help applying?
If you’re not sure where to start, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Your school career advisor, trusted teacher or Family Partnership Coordinator can help you:
- understand entry requirements
- choose the right course
- complete your application
- prepare documents
- get ready for interviews or assessments.
Fee-Free TAFE
Fee-Free TAFE is an Australian Government initiative that lets eligible students study certain courses without paying tuition fees. It supports people to train, retrain or upskill for jobs that are needed right now.
Please note that not every TAFE course is free, but many are, especially in areas where more workers are needed.
Please note that not every TAFE course is free, but many are, especially in areas where more workers are needed.
Who can apply?
Eligibility varies, but Fee‑Free TAFE may be available for:
- First Nations Australians
- young people (17-24 years old)
- unpaid carers
- people living with a disability
- people looking for work
- people receiving income support
- people wanting to study in priority job areas
To check eligibility and explore courses in your state, visit the Your Career website.
Remember
You don’t need to have everything figured out right away.
TAFE is just one of many options available after school, and you can take your time to explore what feels right for you.
TAFE is just one of many options available after school, and you can take your time to explore what feels right for you.
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