Vocational Studies

Learn valuable skills from Australia’s leading industry experts while gaining internationally recognised industry qualifications.

Perth’s Vocational Education and Training (VET)

International students in Perth have access to a diverse and comprehensive range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs covering a wide array of disciplines.

Renowned for delivering high-quality, industry-focused training, Perth’s VET courses focus on hands-on learning experiences, industry placements, and practical assessments.

With state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated trainers, you’ll gain the practical skills and knowledge required to transition into your chosen career successfully.

You can enrol in a VET course at a private college or one of the Western Australian government’s colleges through TAFE International WA.

Student stories

Listen to what students from all over the world love most about living and studying in Perth.

Naireeka

"WA has good career options and opportunities for international students."

Phoebe

"I love studying at Kaplan because of the student support and engaging lecturers."

Rithika

"Perth offers the perfect work-life balance."

What to expect from vocational education and training in Perth

If you're a student wanting to jumpstart your career, vocational training courses in Perth may be the way to go. Known as VET (Vocational Education and Training), these courses focus on practical training to prepare you for specific occupations. You can find VET training at accredited Australian institutions like TAFE institutes and private colleges, and some universities offer VET courses alongside higher education options.

Perth VET colleges offer:

A focus on practical vocational skills
A wide range of courses across many industries
Carefully designed courses to meet the current needs of employers
Valuable work experience placement
Industry experts and educators with extensive practical experience
Direct entry into the workforce
Pathways to a Bachelor's degree

It’s best to check the intake dates, study duration, fees and entry requirements with individual VET institutions.

Admission requirements for Perth VET courses

English language proficiency

To enrol in an Australian vocational course, you need to have an Intermediate level of English proficiency. Additionally, some courses may require you to possess an IELTS certificate (with an average score of 5.5 or above) or a Cambridge certificate (FCE or higher).

Academic background

To enter the first level of a VET course, you must have finished at least the third year of high school in your home country.

Student visas

To study a VET course in Perth, you must apply for a Study Visa (Student Visa). The duration of your Student Visa will depend on the length of the course(s) you plan to enrol in.

Vocational training course levels under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)

Thousands of Vocational training courses are available to international students, split into various levels.

Upon completing one level, you can move on to the next. However, your starting point in education depends on your previous qualifications and experience. With the ability to enter at any stage of your education, you don't necessarily have to start with a Certificate I, instead beginning with Certificate III or IV or even a vocational diploma.

For international students, VET training is essential to obtaining a permanent residence visa in Australia.

The levels include:

Certificate II
Certificate III
Certificate IV
Diploma
Advanced Diploma

Perth VET course duration and cost

Duration

Perth VET courses usually last 6-18 months each and can be applied individually or in packages.

Classes typically consist of 20-25 hours of weekly face-to-face sessions.

Cost

The cost of VET courses in Perth varies depending on the course and type of school you choose.

The prices for the courses range from $4,000 to $22,000 per year, which includes training materials. It is common for high-level vocational courses to have higher fees.