TAFE NSW Australia is a vocational education and training provider institute. It is neither a college nor a University. This institute is considered to be the biggest vocational education provider institute. TAFE NSW admissions offer programs to over 3000 international students every year. TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. The difference between TAFE NSW and colleges in Australia are that it focuses more on vocational courses, while the colleges offer mainly academic subjects. The popular courses in this institute are in areas of business, design, accounting, etc. International candidates need to pay an average sum of AUD 2,680 (INR 1,43,119.26) per 10 credit units. Candidates must submit relevant documents such as past academic results, transcripts, English proficiency test scores along with their application form. The institute is known for its diversified environment in Australia as it has students from overseas, aboriginal community or disable students group. International candidates earn a return on investment as the average salary earned by a graduate is AUD 78,000 (INR 41,65,411.18).
- Why to Choose TAFE NSW?
- TAFE NSW Enrollment Data
- TAFE NSW Courses and Fees
- TAFE NSW Application Deadline
- TAFE NSW Application Process
- Documents Required for TAFE NSW
- TAFE NSW Entry Requirements
- TAFE NSW Cost of Living
- TAFE NSW Diversity
- TAFE NSW Scholarships
- TAFE NSW Job Outcomes
- TAFE NSW Alumni
- Comparison Table
- FAQs
Why to Choose TAFE NSW?
The reasons as to why international students should apply to TAFE NSW are plenty. The reason to study at TAFE NSW involves gaining experience on the reality of the workplace. The institute has built-in internships or work placements that enhance a student's careers. International students applying for TAFE NSW vocational training courses must submit their English proficiency test scores of PTE, IELTS or TOEFL. The value that TAFE NSW offers is integrity and excellence in providing world-class training facilities for the students. The notable reasons for choosing this institute are given below:
- Approximately 87% of the students are satisfied with the quality of teaching received here
- It is reported that 82% of the graduates receive employment after the training.
TAFE NSW Enrollment Data
In TAFE NSW, the good news for international students is that it follows an open enrollment policy. TAFE NSW is a government organization and is NSW Government's public provider of vocational education and training institute (VET). It is considered the largest training institute is Australia. Candidates opting for higher education in Australia can apply in TAFE NSW regardless of their academic background or previous qualifications. The number of students enrolled in TAFE NSW is 4,30,000. The TAFE NSW admissions policy operate on a rolling basis for most of the courses. However, candidates should be aware that some highly competitive courses may have specific entry requirements. Factors such as grade point average according to TAFE NSW grading system or prerequisite subjects are considered in such cases.
TAFE NSW Courses and Fees
TAFE NSW offers nearly 1200 courses in areas of design, animation, business, commerce, etc. TAFE NSW average cost ranges from AUD 2,330 (INR 1,24,428.31)—AUD 3,020 (INR 1,61,276.18). The TAFE NSW courses are presented with strong theoretical knowledge, practical experience and industry connections. The college offers mainly bachelor and diploma courses to candidates. The TAFE NSW courses along with fees are given below:
| Program | Fees per 10 credit Unit |
| Bachelor of Interior design | AUD 2,620 (INR 1,39,915.09) |
| Bachelor of Fashion Design | AUD 2,820 (INR 1,50,595.63) |
| Bachelor of 3D Art and Animation | AUD 2,820 (INR 1,50,595.63) |
| Bachelor of IT (Cyber and Network Security) | AUD 2,680 (INR 1,43,119.26) |
| Bachelor of Business | AUD 2,020 (INR 1,07,873.47) |
| Diploma of Creative Practice | AUD 2,000 (INR 1,06,805.41) |
| Bachelor of Property Valuation | AUD 2,070 (INR 1,10,543.60) |
| Diploma of Applied Commerce | AUD 2,590 (INR 1,38,313.01) |
| Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning | AUD 3,020 (INR 1,61,276.18) |
| Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering | AUD 2,330 (INR 1,24,428.31) |
AUD 1 = 53.40 as on 9th November 2023
TAFE NSW Application Deadline
The TAFE NSW application deadlines for international students must be properly looked into. To start at TAFE in NSW offshore candidates need to apply eight weeks before the course starts. Whereas, the onshore candidates should apply four weeks before the course begins. TAFE is free for one course only if the candidate continues to study another course in the same pathway. The academic year at TAFE NSW is divided into two semesters (four terms). TAFE NSW application deadlines are given below:
| Type/Term | Deadline |
| Semester 1 | February 4 |
| Semester 2 | July 21 |
TAFE NSW Application Process
The application process to the top Universities in Australia must be properly looked into. The candidate must login to the “Apply online application system” of the college. Candidates will also have to submit relevant documents along with the application. Candidates need to provide past academic results along with their application to be considered for admissions. All international students must apply within their applied program deadline. To apply for TAFE NSW in Australia candidates need to select the course, checking the eligibility, providing the entry scores. The list of steps is given below:
- Visit the TAFE NSW student portal on the official website: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international/enrol/how-to-apply
- Choose a course and the campus location
- Download and fill up the application form
- Provide the supporting documents TAFE NSW degrees
- International students should submit the scores of PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL
- Submit the application
- Receive the confirmation email of offer letter
- Accept the offer
- Apply for a visa
- Enroll in TAFE NSW
- Create the unique student identifier
Documents Required for TAFE NSW
Along with the online application form, candidates should make sure that they submit all the required documents. The requirement of an Australian student visa to study there is compulsory. Candidates can apply for different kinds of student visas such as Student Visa subclass 500, Training Visa subclass 407 or Training Visa subclass 407. To start at TAFE NSW, candidates should be at least 15 years of age. The documents must be properly signed and then uploaded. The list of documents required include past academic results, transcripts, test scores, etc. The list is given below:
- Past academic results and performance mark sheet
- Academic transcripts
- Personal details and visa pages of passport
- English Proficiency test scores of PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, etc
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) membership card (if held)
TAFE NSW Entry Requirements
The academic entry requirements in TAFE NSW are done on the basis of past academic results and the English proficiency test scores. To study at TAFE NSW, international students need to have a higher school degree or undergraduate degree along with the English language test scores. However, candidates can also study in Australia without IELTS exam. IELTS is required for international candidates that is taken in a test center of the institute. If a candidate doesn’t meet the score requirements, they can choose to study an English Course at a TAFE NSW English Language Centre before the course starts. The TAFE NSW entry requirements for international students are listed below:
| Exam | Score |
| PTE score | 42-65 |
| IELTS score | 5.5-7.0 |
| TOEFL score | 46-94 |
TAFE NSW Cost of Living
International students applying for TAFE NSW for admissions must know the proper cost of living in Australia. The TAFE NSW International body can help an international student find accommodation options in Australia. The Australian government funds the TAFE NSW in many of its program or training facilities. To book homestay accommodation in Australia, candidates have to fill up a service request form with the offer letter. If a candidate prefers to study off-campus then he/she will have to bear different costs of rent, meal, transportation, etc. Candidates can stay in Australia after TAFE if they have the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The extra costs are summarized below:
| Type of Cost | Annual Cost |
| Rent | AUD 28,473.36 (INR 15,20,554.51) |
| Meal | AUD 276 (INR 14,739.15) |
| Transportation | AUD 2640 (INR 1,40,983.15) |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)+ Mobile Phone and Internet | AUD 5,583.84 (INR 2,98,192.17) |
AUD 1 = 53.40 as on 9th November 2023
TAFE NSW Diversity
TAFE NSW provides a very diversified environment to its candidates. TAFE NSW is considered one of the biggest training institutes that has over 4,00,000 students in campus, online or distance mode of education. The institute aims for a sustainable and innovative future with various types of students immigrating to Australia. As reported, TAFE NSW will continue to support the students from diverse communities to achieve the outcomes described in the MPSP Framework. There are 130 TAFE NSW regional campuses managed by the official TAFE NSW body. The TAFE NSW also maintains its respect towards the aboriginal lands on which the campuses are located. The below table shows the diversified data of TAFE NSW:

TAFE NSW Scholarships
TAFE NSW provides scholarships to international scholarships on the basis of merit or contract. TAFE NSW is committed to help the international students by providing various scholarships for international students as financial assistance. The scholarships have different eligibility criteria that candidates need to meet in order to apply. The talent and potential of a candidate is the most important factor upon the selection of a candidate for admission. Candidates can study in Australia for free if they apply for fully funded scholarships. Candidates are then exempted from the tuition fees. The TAFE NSW international scholarships are given below:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
| Tafe NSW International Scholarship | Merit Basis (Applicants who are planning to enroll in a full time vocational program which has a minimum duration of 1 year) | AUD 2,000 (INR 1,06,805.41) |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Applicants will need to sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship. | Varies |
TAFE NSW Job Outcomes
The TAFE NSW jobs are offered to international students in the form of apprenticeship or traineeships. The employability rate in TAFE NSW after training is 82%. The institute arranges for an employment under an appropriate industrial arrangement. The TAFE course which pays the most include mechanical engineering, designing, business, etc. Candidates do possess a chance to build connections with employers and businesses that partner with TAFE NSW institute. The high paying jobs to international students offered after pursuing TAFE NSW courses gives the required professional kick-start that meritorious candidates deserve. Some popular TAFE NSW jobs roles include:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Administration Assistant Manager | AUD 67,101 (INR 35,83,375.07) |
| Communication Specialist | AUD 1,15,637 (INR 61,75,328.88) |
| Senior Engagement Manager | AUD 1,78,566 (INR 95,35,907.86) |
TAFE NSW Alumni
The TAFE NSW alumni members are from established professions and highly reputed. A news that came out in 2021, one of the proud TAFE NSW alumni member now works in a top restaurant in Sydney. The best TAFE NSW in Australia is the Sydney campus. International candidate can also receive scholarships from these famous alumni members. However, candidate’s merit and academic achievements are considered while an alumni grants a scholarship. The TAFE NSW alumni members are given below:
| Alumni | Profession |
| Jennifer Hawkins | Supermodel |
| Kurt Gidley | Rugby player |
| Brett Graham | Chef |
| Grant Walmsley | Jets guitarist |
Sae Institute vs TAFE NSW vs University of Technology Sydney vs University of Melbourne
Here, given below is the comparison between the top Universities in Australia: Sae Institute vs TAFE NSW vs University of Technology Sydney vs University of Western Australia. The comparison is done on parameters such as fees, ranking, acceptance rate etc. International candidates applying to a University in Australia must consider the following points. These parameters will help an international student to have a clear picture of the top institutes. The data is tabulated below:
| Particulars | Sae institute | TAFE NSW | University of Technology Sydney | University of Western Australia |
| Ranking | N/A | N/A | #90 in QS World University Rankings 2024 | #72 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| Programs | More than 30 courses | More than 1200 courses | More than 300 courses | More than 350 programs |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | Open enrollment | 20%-30% | 38% |
| Accepted Exam Score | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
| Tuition Cost | AUD 30,468 (INR 16,35,328.74 | AUD 2,680 (INR 1,43,119.26) per 10 credit units | AUD 40,600 (INR 2138197.69) | AUD 78,800(INR 42,12,349) for each 100 credits |
| Placement (Average Package) | AUD 90,000 (INR 48,24,710.50) | AUD 78,000 (INR 41,65,411.18). | AUD 161397.61 (INR 8500000) per year. | AUD 64833(INR 34,65,726) per year |
TAFE NSW campuses are located in various areas around the state. The institute has nearly more than 130 metropolitan and regional campuses. Candidates can get themselves enrolled in any of the campuses by following the proper application process. International students can enquire about TAFE NSW via mail to GIPA@tafensw.edu.au. The TAFE NSW address varies for each campus. A candidate must note down the proper location of the campus before travelling to avoid any inconvenience or misconfusion.
FAQs
Ques. Is TAFE NSW a college or university?
Ans. Technical and Further Education or TAFE, located in New South Wales (NSW) is a training institute known for its high quality education. The institute follows an open enrollment policy for international students.
Ques. What does TAFE NSW stand for?
Ans. TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. The institute is Australia's largest vocational education and training provider, based in New South Wales.
Ques. Is TAFE free in NSW?
Ans. Not exactly. TAFE NSW provides a rage of government subsidised programs which are available to eligible students. The institute offers more than 120 courses to international students.
Ques. What are the benefits of studying in TAFE NSW?
Ans. There are numerous benefits of studying in TAFE NSW. This is one of the largest vocational education and training provider institute in New South Wales. Candidates can gain experience on training, built-in internships and work placements here.
Ques. How long is a TAFE course in Australia?
Ans. The course duration in TAFE NSW lasts from four months to three years. The institute also possesses a fast track policy for candidates who want to finish their courses at a fast pace.
Ques. Why is TAFE NSW good for international students?
Ans. TAFE NSW is exceptionally good for international students. It is the leading provider of vocational education training in Australia with industry experts that give the real insight of professional world to candidates.
Ques. How many students are in TAFE NSW?
Ans. Each year nearly 4,30,000 students are admitted to the TAFE NSW institute for admissions. International students must provide the scores of English proficiency test scores for admissions.
Ques. IS IELTS to study in TAFE NSW?
Ans. IELTS and other proficiency tests such as PTE or TOEFL are necessary for admissions of an international candidate. The completion of the Upper Intermediate level will provide direct entry into TAFE NSW courses.
Ques. Why Sydney is best for study?
Ans. Sydney provides extra opportunities to build professional connections with the industry professionals and build the network of contact. Sydney is one of the ideal places for higher education in Australia.
Ques. Can I stay in Australia after TAFE?
Ans. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) provides students the opportunity to temporarily live, study and work in Australia after their studies. This helps students to gain practical experience on the professional world and how it operates.













