TAFE NSW Institutes

With a reputation for providing high quality teaching and education, Technical and Further Education New South Wales (TAFE NSW) has over 30 locations across the state for international students to choose from. TAFE NSW is the biggest training and vocational education provider in Australia with over 3,700 international students studying at the institution each year. Located in picturesque New South Wales, with the world-renowned city of Sydney at its heart, students can study in a cosmopolitan and dynamic region.

TAFE NSW offers students the opportunity to select from over 120 courses offered at various levels including certificate, diploma, and bachelor's degree. Further, students can pursue English language courses and pathway programs that prepare them for enrolling in degree courses at Australian universities.

Students at TAFE NSW benefit from highly qualified faculty and small class sizes that enable personalised attention. One-to-one training from academics is regular and contributes to the unique learning environment. TAFE NSW ensures that students are exposed to best practice and industry knowledge embedded in programs, preparing them for the world of work after graduation.

International students are well looked after with excellent support services and structures. This includes personal counselling, academic and career development, study skills program and English language support. A comprehensive student orientation program is also provided, and students are encouraged to join the Student Association in order to have access to events and activities on campus. The International Students Office, with dedicated international customer experience coordinators, looks after the welfare of international students, with everything from answering queries to helping students settle into life on campus.

The application process for international students at TAFE NSW involves the following steps:

1. Applicants must first choose the right program.
2. Applicants should make sure to meet entry requirements for the preferred program.
3. Download and complete the application form – for TAFE NSW to university pathways, applicants should download the respective university application form and submit it along with the application.
4. Prepare certified copies of documents. A certified copy is a copy of the original document signed and dated by the organisation that issued the original document, a government official, public notary or Justice of the Peace, or an agent of TAFE NSW, confirming that they have sighted the original.
5. Submit the application via email.
6. TAFE NSW assesses the application and issues an offer letter with an invoice.
7. Student must confirm acceptance.
8. TAFE NSW will issue a confirmation of enrolment (COE).
9. Student must apply for a VISA and enrol at TAFE NSW.

All TAFE NSW degree and diploma programs require a Year 12 or equivalent. Apart from general entry requirements, students are advised to check for additional country/course specific entry requirements.

Certificate courses – Most courses require Australian Year 10 or equivalent and some courses require Australian Year 12 or equivalent.

Advanced diploma, diploma and pathways programs – Completion of an Australian Year 12 equivalent or certificate 3 or 4 qualification.

Bachelor's degrees – Year 12 qualification or equivalent or Certificate 4 qualification or equivalent, or completion of minimum of one-year full-time study in a degree programme at a higher education institute.

English language requirements:

• Most certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses require an Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree courses require an Academic IELTS 6.5 (with no individual band less than 6.0) or equivalent.
• Diploma of Nursing requires an Academic IELTS 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0) or equivalent.

Visit the TAFE NSW website for more details on entry requirements.

TAFE NSW scholarships

TAFE NSW helps international students gain qualifications to meet their personal and professional goals by helping them access a wide range of scholarships and financial support mechanisms.

Australian government scholarships

The Australian Government invests millions of dollars in international scholarships annually. The Australia Awards Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships, and Australia Awards Scholarships are available to eligible international students.

Australia Awards scholarships:

The Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, offers Australia Awards Scholarships, which provide financial support for citizens of specific countries to study in Australia.

The Australia Awards scholarships have specific eligibility requirements and the student's study program must relate to their country's priority areas for development.

With so many TAFE NSW locations to choose from, students can find the perfect one to suit their lifestyle. Students who enjoy the hustle and bustle of a thriving city lifestyle can enrol at TAFE NSW Ultimo, St Leonards or Randwick, where they can enjoy everything Sydney has to offer.

Located to the west of the Sydney CBD, the Western Sydney region is one of NSW's diverse cultural hubs. Enrol at TAFE NSW Nirimba or Kingswood to enjoy this region.

If students prefer pristine golden beaches, then TAFE NSW Kingscliff (less than an hour's drive from Byron Bay and the famous Gold Coast) would be ideal.

Perhaps students would like to experience the rolling hills of NSW wine country? If so, enrolling at TAFE NSW Newcastle or Kurri Kurri would be the best choice.

For an amazing combination of both hills and beaches, TAFE NSW Wollongong and Shellharbour cater to students' needs.

TAFE NSW alumni have benefited from their study experience and have been placed in a variety of jobs. Few of the testimonials on graduate outcomes include:

Salome Escobar

Course: Diploma of Nursing

Campus: TAFE NSW Castle Hill

Nationality: Colombia

"I came to Australia with a strong passion for nursing and a desire to grow professionally. After completing an English course, enrolling in the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW became one of the best decisions I've made.

The course is incredibly hands-on and practical, giving me the skills I need to succeed in real clinical settings. My goal is to become a registered nurse in Australia, and thanks to the strong foundation I've gained at TAFE NSW, I feel ready for the next step."

Luis Miguel Sabino Da Silva

Course: Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Campus: TAFE NSW Granville

Nationality: Portuguese

"The supportive environment at TAFE NSW helped me settle in quickly and feel confident from day one. The course combines real-world training with strong academic foundations, helping me grow both professionally and personally.

My advice is to make the most of the support available at TAFE NSW, connect with your teachers and embrace every learning opportunity. TAFE NSW offers excellent pathways into further study and the workforce."

TAFE NSW has a range of study options available.

Students can opt for these programs along with English language courses that are available from beginner to advanced levels:

TAFE NSW to University pathways

International students looking to study in Australia's top universities and earn credit can choose TAFE NSW to university pathway programs and enter a bachelor's degree.

Why choose this?

• Students get to graduate, earning double qualifications – a TAFE NSW diploma as well as a bachelor's degree from a top university.
• By paying low semester tuition fees, students choose a more reasonably priced way to enter a bachelor's degree program.
• Students with good academic records and applied practical skills get well equipped.
• Students are employable on graduation.

Which universities offer this program?

• University of Technology Sydney
• University of Newcastle
• University of Wollongong
• Charles Sturt University

Diploma and advanced diploma courses:

These courses are for students who seek broader subject knowledge and paraprofessional skills. Study options range from nursing, information technology, building design, business, graphic design, hospitality management and human resource management.

Certificate courses:

Students who aim at theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for specialised work skills can opt for these courses. Certificate III and IV courses are available in a variety of subjects including, information technology, beauty services, early childhood, design fundamentals, hospitality and tourism.

Degree programs:

Degree programs at TAFE NSW offer students opportunities to acquire and apply knowledge in a professional context. They are also trained in effective communication, critical analysis, teamwork and leadership skills. The degrees prepare graduates for professional careers and are designed to form study pathways to higher levels.