About Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is Australia's industry-focused tertiary education sector, offering practical skills and qualifications from Certificate I through Advanced Diploma. VET qualifications are widely recognised by employers and provide a strong pathway to employment or further study.
For international students, VET is an attractive option due to shorter duration, lower fees, and excellent post-study work rights through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). VET graduates can apply for an additional 1-2 year 485 visa and may qualify for permanent residence through GSM programs.
What VET Qualifications Are Available
VET qualifications range from short skillsets to Advanced Diplomas:
- Certificate I-IV: Entry-level skills for specific jobs (3-12 months)
- Diploma: Comprehensive skills for skilled occupations (1-2 years)
- Advanced Diploma: Specialised skills, often equivalent to first year of Bachelor degree (1.5-2.5 years)
- Vocational Graduate Certificate/Diploma: Post-Diploma specialisation (6-12 months)
Popular VET Courses for International Students
High-demand VET courses among international students include:
- Commercial Cookery / Hospitality: Certificate III, IV, Diploma
- Information Technology: Diploma of IT, Networking, Cybersecurity
- Business Management: Diploma, Advanced Diploma
- Accounting: Diploma of Accounting, FNS40222 / FNS50222
- Early Childhood Education: Diploma of Early Childhood
- Automotive, Construction, Electrotechnology: Trade qualifications
- Health and Community Services: Aged Care, Disability, Nursing
Top VET Providers
Major VET providers in Australia include:
- Government TAFEs: TAFE NSW, TAFE QLD, RMIT TAFE, Melbourne Polytechnic, TAFE SA, TasTAFE
- Private RTOs: Box Hill Institute, Holmesglen, Chisholm Institute, Think Education, Lonsdale Institute
- Specialist providers: Le Cordon Bleu (culinary), SAE (creative media), Australian College of Nursing
VET Pathway to Permanent Residence
Many VET occupations are on the relevant skilled occupation lists, providing a pathway to GSM permanent residence:
- Cookery, hospitality, automotive, construction trades → 482, 186, 494 (employer sponsored)
- IT, business, accounting, early childhood → 189/190/491 (points-tested) with relevant skills assessment
- Aged care, nursing → 482/186 and 189/190 with positive skills assessment
Ausking's migration and education teams work together to plan a VET-to-PR pathway for your specific occupation.
Tuition Fees for VET
Indicative annual tuition fees for international VET students in 2026:
- Certificate III-IV: AUD 4,000-10,000
- Diploma: AUD 8,000-18,000
- Advanced Diploma: AUD 12,000-22,000
Duration is typically 0.5-2 years full-time. Some providers offer packaged programs with English language preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VET right for me?
VET is ideal if you want practical skills, faster completion, lower tuition fees, and a clear pathway to employment or further study. Many international students choose VET as an affordable first step into the Australian education system.
Can I get PR with a VET qualification?
Yes, if your VET qualification is in an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list. You can then apply for a skilled visa (189/190/491) or be sponsored by an employer (482/186).
Apply for a VET Course
Our education counsellors can advise on the best VET course for your career goals and Visa pathway.
Phone: +61 (03) 9670 7567