Vocational Education and Training in Australia
Pathways to University – Preparation for the Workforce

Further Education and Training in Australia
Set yourself apart. In Australia’s vocational education and training institutions you will gain career-focussed skills that are valued and sought by employers. You can step directly into a career or use your vocational studies as a pathway to university.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a vital part of Australia’s education system. Vocational providers offer a wide range of internationally recognised programs across a vast range of disciplines.

Programs are delivered by public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes, private colleges and a number of schools and universities. All institutions accepting international students are required to meet special requirements under Australian government legislation ensuring high educational standards.

PATHWAYS TO UNIVERSITY
The majority of international students and many Australian students proceed from VET institutions to Australian universities, often with academic credit.

TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED
Australia has a reputation for adopting new technologies at a faster rate than in most other countries and has one of the highest rates of internet access in the world. Similarly, Australia’s further education and training institutions make use of the latest technology in the teaching environment and in the technical knowledge developed by students.

WORKFORCE PREPARATION
Further education and training graduates are skilled employees, problem solvers and decision makers ready to face the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s world.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PREPARATION
Many VET providers also run accredited English language programs to prepare students for further studies.

A large range of study programs are available in VET institutions. A small selection includes:

• Business and Management
• Science and Technology
• Fashion Design and Arts
• Graphic Design
• Television Production and Communications
• Community Service and Health
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Engineering and Building
• Sport and Recreation
• Horticulture and Land Management

Recognised Qualifications
An Australian qualification gives you a competitive edge. Employers, governments and other education systems recognise the high quality of our education and training.

VET courses and training undertaken by international students in Australia on a student visa are covered by the Australian Qualifications Framework. This is a national system established by the Australian Government that links courses and qualifications.

The Framework provides guidelines for learning outcomes, pathways, assessment and accreditation of qualifications such as Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. This allows students to move easily between levels of study and institutions, receiving credit for previous study.

The Framework simplifies international comparison and recognition. You will be assured of a valued and widely recognised qualification.

Quality Assurance
The safeguards Australia offers to international students are unmatched in the world. Rigorous assurance measures reflect our commitment to quality and excellence in education. Ongoing checks and controls by government, educational institutions and professional bodies ensure that standards are maintained.

Australian educational institutions must be Government registered and meet high standards of quality and ethical practice to enrol international students. These standards apply equally to public and private institutions and cover issues such as curriculum, teaching staff qualifications, facilities and specialist equipment.

Australia also has legislation to protect and safeguard the fees paid by international students.

The National Quality Training Framework ensures Australia’s national vocational education and training system provides high quality, industry relevant training and qualifications recognition.

Living in Australia
Students from all over the world come to Australia to take advantage of our world-class education and enjoy our friendly hospitality and cultural diversity.

Australia provides a safe environment in which to learn and travel. With one of the highest standards of living in the world, Australia offers modern transport systems, convenient telecommunications and excellent health services.

Accommodation and Support Services
Living costs in Australia are very affordable compared to many other countries. Students can choose from a range of accommodation options including rental accommodation, hostels, residential colleges and homestay with Australian families. Institutions assist students with advice on the cost and availability of accommodation in their area.

Educational institutions provide a comprehensive range of support services to international students including orientation, student welfare and counselling, English language and Academic support.

Australia – Malaysia Vocational Education and Training Symposium: 5 November 2007
The inaugural Australia – Malaysia Vocational Education and Training Symposium 2007 was part of a regional tour by a senior vocational education and training (VET) delegation from Australia that included representatives from the Australian and State Governments, training providers and industry representatives.

Approximately 80 representatives from the Malaysian Government, local training providers and industry attended the one day symposium which included presentations by each of the Australian delegates and representatives from the Malaysian Government and the Selangor Human Resource Development Corporation (SHRDC).

The event presented an opportunity to showcase the Australian VET sector and the partnership between government, training providers and industry towards its development and growth. It also brought together the Ministries of Human Resources (MOHR), Education (MOE) and Higher Education (MOHE) to clarify their respective roles in the provision of VET in Malaysia.

The objective of the event was to develop a familiarity with the Australian and Malaysian VET sectors, build networks for ongoing communication and identify opportunities for future collaboration. The symposium was a significant milestone in establishing a platform of engagement with the Malaysian VET.

Further Information
You can find out more about studying in Australia at the official Australian Government website for international students: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au