Explore VET courses, the options available and how to choose one that suits you.
Thinking about studying in Australia? You’ve probably come across VET courses. You might have seen names such as Certificate IV in Marketing or Diploma of Business without being sure what they mean or which one you could study.
Vocational courses let you build skills in a professional field, such as business, cookery, design or technology. There’s a range of levels and course lengths, so you don’t need a particular career background to start exploring. Begin with what you’d like to learn and what you want to do afterwards.
What is a vocational course in Australia?
A vocational education and training course, usually called a VET course, teaches knowledge and skills for a particular industry.
For example, you could study marketing to learn about communication and campaigns, or choose cookery if you’re interested in hospitality. How you learn depends on the programme: it may include classes, projects, practical activities and, in some cases, work placements.
The main difference from an English course is what you’re there to learn. An English course focuses on the language; a VET course teaches a particular subject in English. That means you’ll need to meet the school’s English entry requirement before you start.
What types of vocational courses are available?
You’ll find courses across a wide range of fields. Here are some of the options:
Business and administration
If you’re interested in how a business works, you could study administration, leadership, project management or human resources.
These courses could suit you if you’ve already worked in a business and want to build on your knowledge, or if you’re looking to move into a new area of business.
Marketing and communication
Courses may cover digital marketing, social media, content creation or customer communication. Each programme is different, so look through the subjects before choosing.
For example, if you’re interested in a marketing career, you could look for a course where you’ll build practical skills and work on projects in class.
Hospitality and cookery
If you enjoy cooking or are interested in the food and hospitality industry, you’ll find courses in areas such as commercial cookery, patisserie and hospitality management.
Some programmes include practical training. Before enrolling, ask which placements are part of the course, where they take place and whether there are any extra costs.
Design and technology
There are also options in graphic design, digital creation, programming and information technology.
Alongside the course content, check whether you need any prior knowledge, a particular computer or specific software for your classes.
Sport, wellbeing and caring professions
Depending on the school and city, you may also find courses in fitness, early childhood education and caring for others.
If you want to work in a particular profession afterwards, ask what the qualification allows you to do and whether there are other requirements to meet. Completing a course doesn’t automatically guarantee a job or a professional licence.
Every city has a different course offering, and some courses aren’t available to international students. Once you’ve narrowed down the subjects you’re interested in, compare the options you can actually study on your visa.
Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma: what’s the difference?
As you browse courses, you’ll see names that include Certificate or Diploma. These tell you the qualification level.
|
Level |
What does it mean? |
|---|---|
|
Certificate III |
Training that develops practical knowledge and skills in a particular field. |
|
Certificate IV |
A more advanced level that can build specific skills or prepare you for greater responsibility. |
|
Diploma |
A higher-level qualification, usually with more specialised study, that may also provide a route to further education. |
For example, someone might start with a Certificate III, move on to a Certificate IV and then take a Diploma. That can make sense if they want to build their skills step by step.
You don’t always need to take all three levels, though. Some students can enter a Certificate IV or Diploma directly, depending on the course, their previous education and the school’s requirements.
If you’re already in Australia and need another visa to continue studying, you’ll also need to check the application requirements. Choosing a higher-level course doesn’t, by itself, mean you can apply for your next visa from within Australia.
What do I need to study a VET course?
Requirements vary by course and school, but there are three things to check early on.
1. Your English level
As classes are taught in English, the school needs to check that you can follow them. The level you’ll need depends on the programme and provider.
If your English isn’t at that level yet, you could study the language first. For example, you could plan to start with an English course, then move on to VET once you meet the entry requirement.
Our article “Study English before a vocational course in Australia” explains how this option works.
2. Your previous education or experience
Some courses accept students with no experience in the field. Others may ask for previous study, work experience or a specific qualification.
For example, if you’re interested in a Diploma, the school will review your background and confirm whether you can enter directly or need to complete another course first.
3. Availability to international students
If you’re applying for a student visa, you’ll need to choose a course and provider approved to enrol international students. You can check this on Australia’s CRICOS register.
Before paying, check the course length, start date, timetable and the school’s terms too.
How long does a vocational course take?
It depends on the qualification level and programme. As a guide, certificates can take anything from several months to two years, while a Diploma usually takes one to two years. Some courses are longer or shorter, so always check the dates of the one you’re considering.
Ask how the classes are scheduled too. Two courses of a similar length can have different timetables and holiday breaks.
If you’re planning to work alongside your studies, knowing this will help you plan your week before you enrol.
How much does a VET course in Australia cost?
Fees vary by school, city, subject and course length. A programme that needs specialist facilities or materials, for example, may have different costs from a business administration course.
When comparing courses, ask about:
- The full course fee and enrolment fee.
- Materials, uniforms or equipment you’ll need.
- Any costs associated with placements.
- How much you need to pay to secure your place.
- Whether you can pay the balance in instalments and when each payment is due.
Most schools offer instalment plans, although the terms vary. Before deciding, make sure you know both the upfront payment and the amounts due later.
Alongside your course fees, budget for your visa, health insurance, flights and living costs in Australia.
Can I work while studying a vocational course?
Yes. A student visa lets you work while you study, as long as you follow its conditions.
For most VET students, the limit while classes are in session is 48 hours per fortnight. You can generally work more hours during scheduled course breaks. Before starting work, check your visa conditions and the official dates for classes and holidays.
Working can help with your costs, but arrive with enough money for your first few weeks. Finding a job can take time and will depend on factors such as the city, your English level and your experience.
How do I choose the right course?
Before focusing on price or course length, think about what you want your studies to help you do.
For example:
- To strengthen your career prospects, look for a course related to your experience or the field you’d like to work in.
- To change careers, check the school’s entry requirements and what you’ll learn on the course.
- If you need to improve your English first, consider a plan that combines English and vocational study.
- If you want to keep studying afterwards, ask what options you’ll have when you finish and check your visa conditions.
Once you have a shortlist, compare the subjects, school, location and total cost. That will help you choose a course that fits your goals and the time you want to spend in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a university degree to study a VET course?
Not necessarily. Some courses don’t require a university degree, although each programme has its own entry requirements. The school will review your education and experience to confirm whether you’re eligible.
Can I take a vocational course if my English isn’t good enough yet?
You can study English first, then start your vocational course once you reach the school’s required level. Dates and conditions will depend on the programmes you choose.
Is a Diploma the same as a university degree?
No. A vocational Diploma and a university degree are different qualifications. In some cases, a vocational course can help you enter higher education or give you credit towards a degree, but this depends on the arrangements between providers and the programme.
Can I stay in Australia after my course finishes?
It depends on your visa’s expiry date and conditions. If you want to keep studying and need another visa, you’ll need to check the current requirements and where you can apply from.
Find a course that suits you
Whether you know what you’d like to study or have a few ideas and aren’t sure where to start, tell us what you have in mind. At Australian Way, we’ll help you compare courses and schools, check the entry requirements and put together a budget for your stay.
