How to plan both courses before you travel.
Looking to take a vocational course in Australia, but need to improve your English first? You can arrange both courses before you travel, starting with English and moving on to VET once you meet the language and other entry requirements.
At Australian Way, we’ll help you choose a vocational course, then work with the schools to plan your English study, course dates and enrolments. This is what we mean by an English and VET course package.
How English study prepares you for VET
VET stands for vocational education and training. These courses teach practical skills in subjects such as business, marketing, technology, tourism and hospitality. Qualifications include Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma, each with its own level and entry requirements.
Your English course helps you get ready to follow lessons, join in discussions and complete assignments. How long you study English will depend on your starting level and the requirements of your chosen VET course.
For example, say you want to study a Certificate III in Business. We’ll arrange an English assessment with the school, use the results to work out how much English study you need, and coordinate the Business course start date. We’ll also explain how the school will check that you meet its English requirements.
Would an English and VET package suit you?
It can be a good option if you know what you want to study but need more confidence in English. Perhaps you work in communications and want to study marketing, or you’d like management skills to use in a business. That will help us choose the English course that fits what you want to study.
Think about what you’d like to do with the training afterwards, too. Do you want to build on what you already know, specialize in something or explore a career change? We’ll talk it through with you and compare what each course could offer.
If you’re not sure which VET course you want to take, we’ll start there. We’ll help you explore the options before you commit to two courses, so the package fits your goals and the time you can set aside for study.
Step 1. We find the right VET course for you
We’ll ask about your interests, previous study and plans, then compare course content and practical activities. Courses with similar names can cover quite different things.
We’ll also check what previous study or experience each school asks for and make sure the course is on CRICOS, Australia’s register of courses for international students. That helps us find options that suit your background.
Step 2. We plan your English course
Once you’ve chosen your VET course, we’ll use your assessment results to find the right English preparation. That could mean general English, academic English or exam preparation, depending on the course’s entry requirements.
Before you book, we’ll explain how many weeks of English are planned, the level you’ll need and how the school will check it. We’ll also find out what you could do if you need longer to reach that level.
School and visa English requirements are different
The school sets its own English entry requirements. Depending on the school, you may be able to meet them by passing its English test or reaching the required level on your English course.
Booking an English and VET package doesn’t automatically mean you need an official English test for your visa. That depends on your passport country, the school and your circumstances. We’ll check what you need and explain which documents to provide before you apply.
Step 3. We coordinate the dates of both courses
We’ll work with the schools on the dates: when your English course finishes, when VET starts and when you need to show you’ve met the English requirement. We’ll also send you campus details and class timetables to help you plan your arrival.
If the dates don’t line up or you need longer to improve your English, we’ll look at the options with the schools. You’ll know how any changes would affect your schedule and costs before you decide.
Step 4. We arrange the enrolments
Each course needs its own Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) if you want both included in your visa application. We’ll arrange enrolment with the schools and check that the paperwork and dates match your course package.
We’ll also explain what documents you need to show you can afford your studies and living costs. Enrolling secures your course place; your visa application is assessed separately. You still need to meet Immigration’s requirements, including explaining why you’ve chosen these courses.
Step 5. We explain how much the package costs
Costs vary by school, city, subject and course length. You can find general English courses from around 250 AUD a week, so the total depends on how many weeks you need.
For some business, marketing and similar VET courses, expect to budget around 4,000 to 14,000 AUD for the whole programme. Courses such as cookery or carpentry can cost more, so this isn’t an upper limit. We’ll confirm the full fee and duration for each course we recommend.
Enrolment fees and materials are extra, along with any equipment or exam fees your course requires. Your quote will show what’s included, what you need to pay upfront and whether you can pay in instalments. You’ll also need to budget for health insurance, your visa application, flights, accommodation and day-to-day living costs.
Step 6. We get your plan ready before you travel
If you’re applying from outside Australia, you can arrange the English and VET courses together and include your full study plan in the application. The courses need to work together, and you’ll need to meet the requirements.
Since 2 October 2026, only certain applicants have been able to apply for another student visa while in Australia. We’ll check your situation before arranging your course package. If you decide to change your plans later, we’ll check what’s possible before making changes to your enrolments.
How to prepare for the move from English to VET
Use your English classes to practise the things you’ll do on your VET course: following instructions, explaining ideas, asking questions and giving presentations. Once you’ve chosen a subject, learning some of its vocabulary will make the classes easier to follow.
On a VET course, you’re learning a new subject in English. Reaching the entry level is one part of getting ready; it also helps to know what the classes and workload will be like. We’ll ask the school about timetables, activities and assessments so you know what to expect.
If you choose Business, for example, we can find out whether you’ll work on company case studies, projects or presentations, and how much study you’ll need to do outside class. That gives you a clearer picture of your week and helps you compare courses beyond their names and prices.
If you’re struggling to keep up with your English course, let the school and our team know before your VET course starts. That gives us time to review your progress and talk through your options with the school.
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks of English do I need before VET?
It depends on your current English level and your chosen course’s entry requirements. We’ll arrange an assessment with the school and explain how much preparation you’re likely to need.
Will I have to take an English test?
You won’t necessarily need an official test. The school must check your English level, but it may accept its own test or the results of your English course. We’ll also check whether you need an official test for your visa and let you know before you apply.
Do I have to pay for both courses in full when booking?
It depends on the school. Before you book, we’ll explain what you need to pay upfront, any instalment options and when each payment is due.
Can I have both courses arranged before travelling?
Yes, as long as the courses work together and you meet the requirements. We’ll arrange the dates and enrolments and give you a breakdown of the costs for both courses.
Tell us what you’d like to study and your current English level. At Australian Way, we’ll help you put together an English and VET package and arrange your enrolments and health insurance. Our advice is free, with no obligation to book.
