Study at TAFE

TAFE Queensland (Technical and Further Education, Queensland) is the state government's provider of vocational education and training, and adult learning.

There are 13 TAFE institutes over multiple campuses around Queensland.

Courses

TAFE offers more than 800 programs from short courses to Bachelor degrees. To enrol, you must be at least 15 and meet entry requirements. Work placement and training are often part of a TAFE course.

Areas of study include:

• business and financial services
• information and communication technology
• community services
• hospitality, travel and tourism
• arts, entertainment and design
• horticulture, primary industries, environment.

You can also complete Year 11 and 12 studies at TAFE.

Read more about TAFE pathways.

What course to choose?

TAFE liaison officers can advise on subjects that best suit you. They can also help you plan a career path and suggest courses that will help you get the job you want. Read more on career choices.

Things to consider when choosing a course include:

• your previous study
• work experience (including unpaid work)
• your interests—what you like to do
• what job you want in the future.

Find out how TAFE courses helped others with further study and employment.

Enrolling in TAFE courses

1. Search for your course to find out what you need to be accepted.

   • TAFE may consider your academic record, work experience or portfolio for art courses or high demand diploma and associate degrees.

2. Enrol.

   • For full-time associate degrees and some diploma and certificate courses—apply through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). If you miss out on a first offer, you may be able to enrol in a part-time course and later transfer to full-time study.

   • For part-time advanced diplomas, certificates and short courses—apply to a TAFE Queensland institute.

3. Find out if your previous study or skills can count as credit towards your TAFE course. This is known as recognition of prior learning (or RPL).

Read more about nationally recognised TAFE qualifications. 

Getting into university

You can improve your tertiary selection rank by completing TAFE certificate, diploma or advanced diploma courses.

TAFE has credit transfers with a number of Queensland universities.

Apprenticeships

Read more about apprenticeships and traineeships.

Course costs

TAFE Queensland offers government funded and full fee paying courses. Costs will vary depending on the course you select. You may have to pay for books and materials as well as course fees.

Read more about study costs and financial help or check with your nearest campus.

Some TAFE institutes offer scholarships and bursaries for current and new students.

Check with your local TAFE for time to pay. Time to pay means you don’t have to meet all costs up front but you do have to pay a deposit.

Student loans and fees

Gold Coast and Southbank institutes offer student loans (VET Fee-Help) on some advanced courses (usually diploma level and above).

Ways to study

You don't have to study full time or attend a campus.

Online courses are available at TAFE institutes.

TAFE Open Learning offers online and correspondence courses.