Vocational Education And Training (VET) In Australia: How Much Does It Cost?

When it comes to studying overseas in Australia, there are many routes international students can choose to pursue their dream careers.

While students can pursue a university degree and others attend ELICOS courses to improve their English language proficiency, many others choose to attend vocational education and training (VET).

VET training is a very popular pathway for students looking to directly enter the workforce in a sector that they desire or to gain foundation skills to eventually enroll in a university course down the road.

What Is VET & Why Pursue One

A VET equips students with workplace occupational skills that are more hands-on and practical with less emphasis on theoretical knowledge. This means after graduation from your VET course, you are immediately employable and get into the action in your chosen industry.

VET programs can cover a spectrum of industries from media and tourism to information technology and manufacturing. This allows students to enter a spectrum of exciting careers through the route of professional training instead of traditional learning such as coursework or research.

Additionally, upon completion of your VET course, you will also be able to use your certificate or qualification to apply for higher education pathways such as pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an Australian university.

How Much It Cost To Pursue Your VET In Australia: 4 Things To Know

1. Earning Your Certificate & Diploma

Students looking to pursue a VET will be pleased to know that there are many types of courses and qualifications that range from the basic to full diplomas. Here are three common VET courses you can enrol in:

Certificate I to IV: These courses teach you industry-specific skills plus basic competency training and knowledge in communication, literacy and numeracy. The course can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years with part-time study arrangements possible.

Diploma: These are full-time courses that will prepare students for paraprofessional careers in various industries that could including accounting, media and engineering. Diplomas typically last between 1.5 to 2 years and are more intensive than a certificate.

Vocational Graduate Certificate/Diploma: Students will be able to boost their skills and knowledge through graduate courses that are specific to their industry to access greater career opportunities in their chosen field. The graduate diploma can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete.

2. Selecting Your VET Provider

When choosing your provider, you need to ensure your VET courses are conducted by a Registered Training Organisation which you can check over here as well as required to be registered with the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). This helps to ensure your education is accredited as well as meets the highest quality standards for your technical training.

While many universities and private colleges today offer VET courses on their campus, you can also head to Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes that are specifically set up to provide VET courses to students.

If you are on a pathway to higher education such as a degree, taking a VET course in a university might help you gain exemptions or easier entry once you graduate.

But whichever you choose, ensure that it is accredited, in a city that you want to study in and is reputable in your chosen industry.

3. The Costs Based On The Programs & Duration

The costs of your VET program will depend on the institution, program and duration. However, the tuition fees will vary greatly depending on the duration of your course.

For example, a certificate IV in accounting in Gold Coast could cost only AUD 6,000 while a full diploma in Canberra could cost AUD 7,000 and an advanced diploma could be as expensive as AUD 26,000.

The longer the duration and the more intensive the curriculum, the higher the cost of your program. However, you want to ensure you take the right course to better help achieve your career goals. For example, if you want the flexibility to start work and also continue your studies in a university, a diploma might be a good choice.

4. Find Your Dream VET Course With The IDP Course Finder

Thankfully, to find the right VET program and easily browse through different institutions, types of courses and durations in Australia, you can easily use the IDP course finder here.

You will gain key information including how long the course will be and how much the course will cost in total, allowing you to select the right VET course for you to reach your education and career aspirations.

Pursue Your VET Course In Australia With IDP

Studying for your VET course can help you open a world of possibilities in exciting industries.

You’ll get the opportunity to immediately work and immerse yourself in the sector while still having the flexibility to pursue further education down the road.

However, you will need to plan ahead and work out your costs & needs to determine which VET course is suitable for your current career aspirations and budget.

We can help you through this process!

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors that can offer tailored guidance and assist you throughout your journey.

Get started with your free counselling session today.