Tafe Australia

June 21, 2008

In Australia the majority of publicly funded colleges are managed by the state governments.

Generally these publicly funded institutions are administered by the TAFE sector of higher education.

TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education and has grown over the last ten years into the largest vocational educational provider in Australia.

These TAFE institutes can be found all across Australia in the major cities through to regional centres in the outback.

TAFE has been teaching students for over 100 years and there are now more than 1,000,000 students studying at over 200 colleges across Australia. TAFE colleges provide an internationally recognized standard of international education that offers security and stability as all courses are guaranteed by the Australian Government.

Credit: Tourism Australia Copyright

About TAFE

TAFE (The Australian Technical and Further Education) is the largest provider of tertiary education and training in the Asia-Pacific region. TAFE is the government-owned system of colleges that provides recognized qualifications that are recognized internationally. Their facilities include first class equipment,
specialist skills centres and laboratories. Many TAFE colleges refer to themselves as institutes as opposed
to colleges.

International students require English language skills in order to study at TAFE but TAFE offers a wide range of English courses as an entry point for overseas students. TAFE institutes across Australia offer English courses for academic or university studies.

Working with Australian businesses

The Australian business and industry sectors are heavily involved in the structure of the courses to ensure that students graduate with the skills that employers are seeking. All TAFE courses offer practical training that can lead onto higher education studies at Australian Universities.

TAFE courses are offered at different skill levels with unique awards being accredited at each level. Most TAFE courses can be undertaken in two years or less and credits can often be applied towards university degrees.

TAFE offers courses including:

-agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture and food technology
-arts, media, graphic design and music
-biological and environmental sciences
-building and construction, drafting
-business studies, accounting, management, marketing, office administration
-commercial and secretarial studies
-community services and social sciences
-computing and information services
-computer systems, electrical, electronic, manufacturing, mechanical and civil engineering
-English language support
-fashion design and textile technology
-foundation studies, matriculation, library studies
-health, welfare, child care, medical and dental technology, beauty therapy
-manufacturing
-marine engineering and maritime studies
-mining
-hospitality and tourism
-transport, aviation and automotive studies

The background of TAFE students and teachers is diverse and encompasses a truly global mix. Many TAFE
colleges have teachers from overseas who not only speak foreign languages but also understand the requirements of overseas students having gone through the TAFE system themselves. This makes it easier for international students to orientate themselves into the Australian TAFE system.

Written by admin · Filed Under TAFE Australia | 2 Comments