VET courses
Australia's vocational education and training (VET) providers offer a wide range of training options in the popular fields of computing, business studies, marketing, tourism and hospitality. Our VET courses provide students with skills, called national industry competency standards, that employers have identified as critical to their work needs. These standards form the basis of assessment and students graduate as soon as they demonstrate their achievement. Commencement dates can vary for these courses.
| qualification |
duration |
career path |
| Certificate I |
4-6 months |
competent operator |
| Certificate II |
6-8 months |
advanced operator |
| Certificate III |
about 12 months |
qualified tradesperson or technician |
| Certificate IV |
12-18 months |
supervisor |
| Diploma |
18-24 months |
para-professional |
| Advanced diploma |
24-36 months |
junior manager |
Almost all Australian secondary schools also offer vocational education programs in addition to the standard school curriculum. These programs are based on the same competencies and lead to a recognised national qualification.
Read more about these qualifications in the Australian Qualifications Framework page.
Other courses available
Many institutes also provide accredited English language training and Foundation Studies for entry to university Diploma and Bachelor Degree courses.
VET institutes in Australia also have considerable international experience designing and delivering specialty courses for large or small groups.
Academic year
Public
The public vocational education and training, or TAFE Institutes, year runs from February to December. TAFE courses vary from short half-day courses to full-time courses lasting three years. Most courses begin at the start of the academic year, however, there are some courses that have a mid-year intake.
Private
English language training, business and other private institutions run classes from January to December with a short break during the Christmas-New Year period.