VOCATIONAL COURSES
In Australia there are Vocational Education & Training courses (VET) that allow you to combine theory and practice to gain qualifications recognized by the country’s industry.
These courses are usually taken before a degree (bachelor), however, if you already have this degree, you can take vocational courses to change your career or expand your skills related to your current profession, gain practical experience or develop your personal interests.
Quite often, these courses are considered for revalidation of studies in case you want to do a degree in Australia, gaining time and experience at the same time.
These courses are offered in TAFE institutions (Technical and Further Education) and in some universities that have this division of studies.
There are more than 4,000 institutions offering VET courses and the levels and their average durations* are as follows:
- Certificate I (3-6 months)
- Certificate II (6-12 months)
- Certificate III (6-12 months)
- Certificate IV (1 year)
- Diploma (1-2 years)
- Advanced Diploma (2-2.5 years)
- Vocational Graduate Certificate (6 months)
- Vocational Graduate Diploma (1-1.5 years)
* The duration depends on the registration of each program per school, as per its CRICOS code.
These certificates prepare the student both to work and to continue their studies at a higher level after high school generally. Certificates I and II recognize the basic skills and knowledge of an industry. Certificates III and IV prepare the student with practical training.
The diplomas teach the student to use the knowledge obtained in the certificates but in a more complex way. Students acquire more managerial skills and apply more advanced techniques in a practical training.
Advanced diplomas help the student acquire greater responsibility in the desired industry or at their current employment.
These are courses for undergraduates allow them to expand knowledge in a certain area of specialization or acquire new skills or update existing ones. They are usually taken after bachelor completion or as entry/exit point for masters programs.
Advantages OF STUDYING VOCATION COURSES
- The skills learned in these courses are those that employers need, which increases the chances of getting a job in less time
- Increase opportunities to improve current job position and / or salaries
- The instructors of these courses have extensive professional experience
- Students seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree can take these courses to expand their skills and practice their English in the academic environment before pursuing another higher education program.
MAIN STUDY AREAS
- Business
- Community and health services
- Information and communications technology
- Arts and design
- Engineering and construction
- Tourism and restaurant industry
- Agriculture, fishing, livestock and forestry
- Sports and recreation
Requirements and costs for VET programs
High school or equivalent (Australian year 10 -12) depending on the program
Minimum English IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
Costs vary for the duration and quality of the school or even for promotions. They can range from $ 5,000 AUD to $ 18,000 AUD per year. The average tuition in Australia is $ 10,000 AUD per year.
