2019 International Student of the Year

Dushica Poposki from Macedonia has been named International Student of the Year at the 2019 WA Training Awards,the State's premier awards program for recognising high achievers in the vocational education and training sector. Dushica was awarded the title at this year's WA Training Awards presentation dinner on 13 September.

Dushica worked as a nurse in the Macedonian health system and while visiting Perth, she had a chance experience as an outpatient that inspired her to relocate and train in a different health care system. In Australia, she completed a Diploma of Nursing qualification at North Metropolitan TAFE. She rates the Western Australian vocational education and training system as first-class and encourages other international students to study in Australia.

''I share my positive experience with other people here in Australia and overseas, and advise them to fulfil their dreams,'' Dushica said. ''It's never too late to take action and further your education, '' she added.

With a holistic approach to providing care, Dushica's philosophy is to give emotional and physical support to patients on their recovery journey. She looks forward to combining her nursing experience from Macedonia with the knowledge and skills gained through her studies in Western Australia and ultimately providing the best nursing care to the community.

TAFE colleges in Western Australia deliver a range of courses that are developed in consultation with industry and are reviewed regularly to ensure that students graduate with the skills and knowledge required for a successful employment outcome.

TAFE courses are nationally accredited according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), are competency based and from a training package that is industry approved.

TAFE WA offers the following course types:

• Certificate II
• Certificate III
• Certificate IV
• Diploma
• Advanced diploma

TAFE WA English language teaching programs are accredited by the National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) Australia. English language courses are available for students looking to improve their English language skills and prepare for further study. The ELICOS program at North Metropolitan TAFE is delivered in partnership with Navitas English. Classes are held at the ELICOS Centre located at the Perth (Northbridge) campus in the heart of the cultural and entertainment district.

Jane Goodfellow is a lecturer at Western Australia's North Metropolitan TAFE. She won the national 2017 VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award for her innovative teaching strategies in class. Jane feared she would not be able to teach after losing her hearing but a cochlear implant helped her get back to the classroom.

Jane was able to continue her two decades-long career in VET and is passionate about teaching, making use of blogs, QR codes and apps to help overcome the challenge of hearing student questions and comments in a big class. ''VET is a way for students to achieve their dreams,'' said Jane. ''I'm especially inspired by those who overcome adversity to complete their course, such as those with disabilities, raising children on their own or facing cultural pressures''.

Country specific entry requirements

International students can check all of the country specific entry requirements by visiting the TIWA website.

English language entry requirements

TAFE courses generally require an equivalent of IELTS 5.5 overall (academic) with no band lower than 5.0. Some select courses require higher English scores of IELTS 6.0/6.5.

For certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma courses: IELTS 5.5 - Equivalent English levels accepted

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic score of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.0.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 55 internet-based test (iBT).
• Eiken Grade Pre 1
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – Minimum Level 43 (No band score lower than 36).
• Password score of 5.5
• Successful completion of at least two years of study at an acceptable grade in an English medium course completed within the previous two years.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) minimum of 3 in English A1 or A2
• Completion of the Cambridge First Certificate of English (FCE) – pass in C grade.
• Successful completion of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at upper intermediate level or equivalent at North Metropolitan TAFE or a recognised English college.

For other courses: IELTS 6.0 - Equivalent English levels accepted

• IELTS (academic) 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.
• TOEFL 60 – no band lower than 15 (iBT)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – minimum level 51 with no band lower than 43.
• Password score of 6.0.
• Eiken Grade 1
• Completion of at least two years of study at an acceptable grade in an English medium course completed within the previous two years.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – 51
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Minimum of 4 in English A1 or A2
• Cambridge First Certificate of English (FCE) – pass in B grade
• Completion of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at pre-advanced level or equivalent at North Metropolitan TAFE or a recognised English college.

North Metropolitan TAFE

North Metropolitan TAFE is one of the largest vocational education and training providers in Western Australia, offering ''real work'' environments, expert lecturers and modern technology and equipment to provide international students with job ready skills and positive learning experiences.

Specialty courses include aged care, community services, environmental monitoring, engineering and software development. Extensive facilities include an art gallery, training restaurant, massage clinic, gyms, beauty therapy clinics, prayer rooms, libraries and bookshop.

South Metropolitan TAFE

South Metropolitan TAFE is one of Western Australia's largest and most diverse vocational education and training providers, delivering training to thousands of local and international students every year. Students can get involved and meet new friends in college social activities such as the annual Rottnest Island tour. Study support is also available on campus, to help you reach your study goals.

Specialty courses include engineering, hospitality, maritime, oil and gas, and automotive. Extensive training facilities are available, including the award-winning Bentley Pines training restaurant, the fully operational oil and gas facility, student veterinary clinic, massage clinics, garden centre, pet grooming clinic, libraries and prayer rooms.

Central Regional TAFE

Central Regional TAFE's world class centre of excellence specialises in aquaculture, marine and environmental science and research. Geraldton is a vibrant regional city located on the historic Batavia coast, with scenic rolling hills and breakaway ranges to the east, and Chapman and Greenough Rivers to the north and south.

Geraldton campus facilities include childcare, a training restaurant, library, bookshop, cafe, and well-equipped computer labs. There is on-campus student accommodation available at Pepperell Village.

South Regional TAFE

South Regional TAFE's campuses are based in the beautiful South West region of Western Australia. Students can enjoy spectacular coastal scenery and recreational areas, and a pleasant climate.

Specialty courses include, hospitality, early childhood education and cookery, information technology and nursing. Facilities include training restaurants, student canteen, and a Learning Resource Centre Students attending the Bunbury campus have accommodation options available at Edith Cowan University's Bunbury Campus Living Village.

Student Support

TAFE International Western Australia ​assists students during their study and also prior to the commencement of study.

Students can get information and assistance from TIWA on several issues including:

• health cover issues
• student visa
• courses
• refunds
• processing tuition fee payments
• TAFE orientation program
• airport pickup and transfer
• referrals for further assistance

The International Centre at TAFE colleges can also provide support for study or personal issues including:

• advice on change of course, units or pathways
• monitoring class progress and assistance to achieve study goals
• updating contact details (address, email, mobile)
• identifying suitable accommodation in local suburbs
• safety and welfare advice
• public transport information
• orientation
• class timetables
• student ID cards
• campus facilities and services

Student safety

Perth is a safe city and basic safety precautions apply at night. There are measures in place to ensure that students are safe on campus.

In Australia, police assistance can be accessed 24 hours a day. The Australian police force is well known for being reliable and safe.