Vocational Courses in Australia

With world class teaching infrastructure and high standard of living, Australia, over the years, has become an international hub for students to pursue higher education. Besides internationally acknowledged undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications and degrees, Australia also offers vocational education and training in a number of fields that equips the students with skills and know-how of the real work environment. These vocational courses are made available by both public vocational education and training or TAFE (The Australian Technical and Further Education), and privately run colleges and institutions; including number of schools and universities. These courses are specialized in a way that allow the students to make full use of the knowledge acquired in the classroom and apply it in a practical way. And when finished, these vocational courses open up a new doorway for the students into the international market, with an edge over other graduates. Additionally, these courses also cover other aspects of higher education. The further part of the article will throw more light on relevant information related to vocation courses in Australia.

 

Vocational Courses in Australia

 

Course Recognition

The vocational courses offered in Australia meet the industry norms and prepare the students for employment in numerous fields and for further studies. These courses prepare the student to a step high in the corporate ladder, having an edge over others.

 

Course Structure

The Vocational Education and Training in Australia are offered in various popular fields like marketing, finance, computing, tourism, arts etc with qualifications (Certificates, Diplomas, and Advance Diplomas) that are aimed to provide the students with the competitive skills and knowledge in the chosen field. A bifurcation of these qualifications has been provided: Certificates I (4-6 months), Certificate II (6-8 months), Certificate III (12 months), and Certificate IV (12-18 months). The complexity of technical knowledge and skills to perform a varied range of activities, from routine to specialized, that the students are provided with increases with each certificate.

 

Diploma (18-24 months)

Diploma courses are more advanced in their approach as compared to the certificate courses and their study involves depth, breadth, and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to applying the skills and knowledge in various technical and managerial requirements. A diploma holder is also expected to work in teams, manage routine work to complex tasks, and participate in planning and coordination with subordinates, junior level employees, and senior level managers and executives. Some of these diplomas are also offered by universities in Australia.

 

Advanced Diploma (2-3 years)

The advanced diplomas are a few steps ahead than diplomas and their study involves analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation across a broad range of technical and managerial functions. An advanced diploma holder is expected to develop new criteria by applying important fundamental principles and complex techniques across various functions, to play a key role in devising broad plans, budgets, and strategies while taking responsibility for himself/herself and others. Some of these advanced diplomas are also offered by universities in Australia.

 

Subjects of Vocational Courses

Horticultural, Veterinary Services, Gardening, Floristry, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Science, Mathematics, Physics, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Building Design & Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction, Interior Fitting & Decorations, Arts, Fine Arts, Arts & Designs, Air Transport Operations, Aircraft Operations, Airport Management & Ground Services, Beauty Care & Services, Manicure, Pedicure, Salon Work, Hairdressing Services, Education & School Administration, Teaching & Training, Aerospace & Defense, Electrical Engineering, Technology Engineering, Metals Working Engineering, Road Vehicle, Telecommunications, Power & Energy, Vehicle Maintenance, Fashion & Textile Design, Finance, Human Resources, Enterprises, International Business, Office Administration, Tourism & Travel, Food Science, Catering Operations, Hospitality Operations, Archeology, Philosophy, History, Religion, Computer Science, Languages, Literature, Law, Mass Communication & Media, Medicine & Life Sciences, Music, Dance, Theatre, Physiotherapy, Sales & Marketing, Retailing, Sports Management, Therapeutic & Personal Care.

 

Admission Requirements

• Admission to some vocational courses may demand students to have certain subjects as a part of their curriculum during senior secondary education. However, this is not an absolute requirement and may vary according the institution.
• There no minimum qualification for students to enroll in Certificate I course. However, if there are more applicants than the seats available, following may be the requisites:
  • Successful completion of senior secondary certificate or overseas equivalent with some specific subjects is a must in order to get an entry in the vocational course
  • If the senior secondary certificate has not been obtained, then scores for completed vocational education and training (TAFE) and university qualifications may be required.
• Students are required to submit all of the transcripts/mark sheets/certificates of senior secondary education with the marks/grades converted by the school authorities in accordance with Australia’s grading system.
• If the transcripts and other relevant documents are not in English, they must be translated in English and should be bundled with the certified copies of the originals (certified by a person or agency recognized by the law or government of that country).
• Students also need to take the mandatory IELTS English proficiency exam without which the visa will not be granted and subsequently admission will not be allowed. The test is regularly conducted by the British Council in over 120 countries. Again, the minimum score required to apply can be enquired from the university.
• In some universities or institutions providing vocational education, work experience may be a pre-requisite. Therefore, work experience certificates or letters, mentioning the complete work details: key responsibilities and positions held and a detailed CV must also be attached, along with the work related relevant documents.
• Students are advised to contact the Vocational Education and Training department to put forth any queries relating to the admission requirements.

 

Application Procedure

• In publicly run institutions, the session starts from February and in privately run institutions, the session starts in January. Depending on which type of institution the student wants to apply; he/she can begin with filling up the applications 6-8 months in advance to avoid any chaos.
• The application forms can be filled and submitted either on the institution’s official website or through airmail. Either way, the relevant documents and certificates will have to be airmailed (after getting them duly attested by the registrar) to the universities.
• After the institution has accepted the student’s application and have issued a letter of acceptance, the student can then proceed with fulfilling the visa formalities.

 

 

Tuition Fees

Vocational Education and Training like Certificates I – IV, Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas may cost anywhere between AUD $5,000 to $20,000 a year depending the university; whether it’s privately owned or government funded.

Posted in: Study in Australia