About Our Courses

Qualifications

TAFE NSW offers Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Certificate programs. On your offer letter it will state the qualification you will obtain when you successfully complete all course requirements.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national framework that identifies the qualifications available in three sectors of education: schools, vocational education and training, and higher education.

AQF qualifications are used throughout Australia and have been developed in conjunction with industry and the community. They help you move through and between different education levels and systems and specify and standardise the outcomes achieved.

Each qualification is based on the level of outcome and not on the length of the course. For example, some Certificate 4 courses are quite short but have an entry requirement, or prerequisite, such as the completion of a related Certificate 3 course.

In NSW, the Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB) is the recognition authority that accredits VET courses. All AQF courses offered by TAFE NSW are nationally recognised. A National Code number is listed on course information indicating national recognition so you can be sure all our courses have official approval.

Articulation

TAFE NSW has credit transfer or articulation agreements with a number of Australian universities.

In most study areas, TAFE NSW Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications will help students get to university and give you between one and two years credit towards a degree. You will need to apply to individual universities to obtain details of credit transfer.

Mode of study

Courses at TAFE NSW are delivered by a mix of teaching modes. Most courses are delivered through face-to-face teaching, but a course may also include learning through simulated workplaces, job placement or supervised study.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods vary with each course. Students are required to complete class work, assignments, practical components and project work throughout the course. Students may be assessed using a combination of continuous assessment and examinations. Assessment outcomes may be competency-based, based on marks and grades or based-on a combination of both. More details about assessment for your course will be provided after enrolment.

Facilities, equipment, learning and library resources

TAFE colleges are equipped with up-to-date, industry-standard facilities and equipment. Practical workshops enable students to gain skills required in the workforce. In some courses, teaching takes places in real workplaces such as restaurants or hair and beauty salons, or simulated workplaces such as applied science laboratories.

Library membership is free to all TAFE students. Your TAFE card is your library card and it automatically gives you borrowing privileges at a network of more than 100 TAFE NSW libraries. The National Reciprocal Borrowing Scheme entitles you to register for reciprocal library services at participating TAFE libraries across Australia.

Learner support may be available to assist you with literacy, numeracy, English as a Second Language (ESL), maths, science, computing or communication skills.

Learner support is provided depending on your needs. There are drop-in centres, small groups, team teachers, one-to-one tuition, or even distance learning or help via the internet.

International students with a disability must state their disability on the application form and provide details of the support they require for study. TAFE NSW will assess the need and may request additional information. Depending on the needs of the student, there may be an additional cost payable for the support required. Once this cost has been identified, the applicant will be advised of the details of the cost and the service.

Careers advice

TAFE NSW offers free career and education counselling to current students. Our counsellors have an extensive knowledge of TAFE NSW programs and services, and other education pathways to assist you make an informed decision about future studies at Australian universities or your career options. The International Student Coordinator at each college can put you in touch with careers advisers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

TAFE NSW will consider recognition of your previous studies towards the course you wish to complete at TAFE. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

This may mean your course can be completed more quickly than the normal course duration.

In order to be considered for RPL you must provide evidence of your previous studies when you submit your application. Satisfactory evidence may include academic transcripts, formal qualifications and official descriptions of the courses you have studied e.g. from a college handbook.

If you provide RPL documents with your application, your request will be referred to the relevant faculty. The International Students Centre will advise you of the outcome within 2-3 weeks.

If you are unable to provide these documents with your application you can do so later, even after you enrol and commence your studies. If you are granted RPL after you have started your course and it reduces the length of your course, it may also affect the length of your student visa.

Under current regulations if you are granted RPL for certain units of study within a semester, you may still be required to undertake a full-time study load.

Monitoring of course progress

TAFE NSW monitors and assesses the course progress of each international student in accordance with the DEST/DIAC Course Progress Policy. If we assess that you are at risk of not making satisfactory course progress, TAFE NSW will take steps to assist you.

For further information please refer to the following documents:

ESOS Framework information (PDF 45kb)
DEST- DIAC Course Progress Policy (PDF 50kb)
TAFE NSW Course Progress Policy (PDF 19kb)
Suspending a Student Enrolment (PDF 16kb)
Complaints and Appeals (PDF21kb)