TAFE International WA

WA TAFE colleges' international centres offer students excellent support for study-related or personal issues. TAFE colleges offer a range of activities, both on and off campus, which provide students opportunities to meet other international and local students in a fun and relaxed environment, thus helping them settle into Australian life and culture.

Dedicated to employment-focused education, TIWA is also well equipped to ensure that students are job-ready upon graduating. Studying at TAFE is enjoyable and stimulating, while providing superb preparation for future success.

Perth, the capital city of WA, is a vibrant and diverse destination that has much to offer. Students can enjoy a dynamic mix of nightlife, restaurants and cultural experiences, making it an exciting place to live and study. Those who crave a truly unique study experience can even opt to study outside of the metropolitan area at any one of TAFE's regional campuses.

TIWA's dedication to international student success and teaching excellence makes them an ideal choice for international students.

TIWA is highly regarded for the quality of its teaching, with lecturers chosen based not only on their knowledge but also on their practical experience of working in the field. TIWA offers courses tailored towards the working world and having industry experience incorporated in them – this is crucial for giving students the necessary information they need to transition into their chosen career. Students get a feel for their future role, learn while on the job, and begin to network and create ties that will serve them once their qualification is complete.

TIWA is also a specialist provider of education to international students, helping new arrivals adapt quickly to their environment and flourish. With Perth and Western Australia classified as a ‘regional centre', international students have more opportunities for work after studies.

International students can choose from more than 100 courses delivered across 23 campuses throughout Perth and WA. These courses are split across various subject areas and are all led by expert lecturers who have experience of working within industry. Study areas include the following:

• Accounting and Business
• Animal Care and Aquaculture
• Automotive, Engineering and Surveying
• Aviation
• Building and Construction
• Creative Industries
• Digital Media and Information Technology
• Early Childhood Education and Community Services
• Environmental monitoring and laboratory technology
• Health and Beauty
• Hospitality, Cookery and Tourism
• Maritime
• Nursing

Courses at TIWA are complemented by the necessary equipment and facilities to give students real, hands-on experience in preparation for their future career, preparing them to step immediately into industry upon graduation.

TIWA also offers study pathways starting from the certificate level all the way to an advanced diploma. In partnership with top Western Australian universities, TIWA has established competitive pathways that international students can explore, from TAFE diplomas to higher education degrees. The pathways provide students with more options to meet university entry requirements, with credit recognition for any prior TAFE studies.

The entry requirements for study at TAFE vary depending on a number of factors, including students' chosen subject area, the level at which they want to begin study (certificate or diploma) and their home country's educational system.

Generally, students who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 10 will be ready for a Certificate III qualification, while those who are educated to the equivalent of Australian Year 12 will be able to enter at Certificate IV or Diploma level. For some courses, students may need to submit a portfolio of their work to be considered for course entry.

English language requirements

As well as the necessary high school or college education requirements, students are also required to speak English, as all courses are taught in this language. As a standard, all students must have the equivalent of Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band lower than 5.0. Some courses may have higher requirements.

TIWA provides students with reliable support throughout the duration of their courses, both before students arrive and for the duration of the students' time in Australia.

TIWA can provide information on a wide range of topics including:

• Courses that the student may wish to apply for
• Student visas and mandatory health cover
• Tuition fees, including details on processing payments and the refund process
• Airport pickup and transfer on arrival
• The TAFE Orientation Program

Staff at the international centre can assist students with things like advice on courses, monitoring attendance and academic progress, and help in case the student is lagging behind in their studies.

For any other personal or study issues, TIWA will be able to refer the student to the necessary body. Students can get in touch with TIWA either by sending a message online or by calling them. Specific support on studying is also available at the international centre on campus.

Student Safety

Perth has low crime rates, and TAFE campuses are environments where safety is even greater. Despite low crime rates and modern, well-lit locations, students are advised to be mindful of their safety. TAFE institutions are protected by the local Australian Police, and students should contact the police with any queries or concerns about safety as they are available 24 hours a day. International students can seek support from the concerned services team, who can address their concerns and direct it to the relevant department.

TAFE International Western Australia works to ensure that all international students are able to get the most out of their time in the country, have a great lifestyle and live safely. TIWA provides a series of safety tips for students to help them adjust to life in Perth. Alongside advice on living in the city, these also cover notes on how to swim and surf safely and how to prepare for any trip into the outback.

Students will have access to all the essential facilities for learning while at TIWA, such as contemporary lecture theatres, fully equipped labs and seminar rooms, and private breakout areas for independent and group study.

As a learning institution tailored towards specific industry courses, TIWA aims to offer students exposure to the technology and equipment that they will be using upon graduation. TAFE institutions work closely with businesses and industry leaders to ensure that their resources and facilities are relevant and up to date.

There are various quality accommodation options that students can opt for as their choice if they want to be in a student environment close to their place of study. These are generally in high demand, so students should make sure they plan ahead to secure their accommodation.

A number of private accommodation options are available including homestays, where students can live with an Australian family for a few weeks or longer.

TIWA is offering international students AUD 5,000 to study at TAFE in regional Western Australia, through the WA Regional TAFE International Student Bursary. The bursary can go towards paying for costs such as books, technology, accommodation, food, student fees – anything to assist students' lives and TAFE studies in Western Australia.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the regional bursary on offer, applicants must:

• be an international student on a subclass 500 visa
• commence studies in 2026
• maintain a continuous enrolment over a year at least in a regional course pathway
• maintain ongoing residency in the nominated regional location for the given duration of their bursary period
• meet requirements, both academic and English language proficiency, prior to commencement of each course.

The regional bursary offers international students access to potential migration pathways that could help extend their stay in Australia and provide them with a genuine Australian life experience.