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Frequently asked questions
Apprenticeships/traineeships
- Where can I find information on getting an apprenticeship/traineeship?
Choose an apprenticeship or traineeship for yourself and speak to your employer or find an employer to provide a job for you, while you learn. Contact a TAFE institute to discuss the best option for you or read more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
- Where can I find information on getting an apprenticeship/traineeship?
Campuses
- Which TAFE Queensland institute is closest to me?
Find the location of your closest TAFE institutes and campuses.
- Which TAFE Queensland institute is closest to me?
Contacting TAFE
- I know what institute I need to contact but have lost their details.
You can find contact details of TAFE institutes on the contact details page.
- I lost my teacher's contact details, how can I reach them?
Contact your institute or the campus you are studying at and ask for your teacher's details.
- I want to send feedback to TAFE?
You can provide TAFE feedback by contacting individual institutes or if you prefer contact TAFE Queensland.
- Who do I contact if I want to make a complaint about the TAFE course or provider?
It is recommended that students discuss their issue with the TAFE Queensland institute or someone from the head of faculty. For further information, please ask for or refer to the institute's complaint procedure.
- I know what institute I need to contact but have lost their details.
Courses and flexible learning
- Can I change my course or transfer to another institute?
Students may be able to transfer to another course or institute in the first two weeks of study. Please contact your campus customer service to discuss your options, the procedures and associated fees.
- I can not attend a TAFE campus. Can I study at home, off campus or on the internet?
Studies by distance or online are available through many TAFE institutes. Use the search function and find the TAFE institute that suits you.
Read more on flexible learning options.
- Can I change my course or transfer to another institute?
Credit transfer, Recognition of Prior Learning
- How do I apply for credit transfer?
If you are seeking credit at TAFE, before enrolling you should always contact the relevant TAFE institute to find out the necessary application procedures.
If you are seeking credit at university for your TAFE studies, before enrolling you should always contact the relevant TAFE institute and the relevant university to make sure you have the correct and up to date information, and to find out the necessary application procedures.
- What is credit transfer, and how can TAFE courses help me get into university?
Credit transfer is recognition for study already completed, which counts towards further study.
For more information visit Recognition of Prior Learning.
- How do I apply for credit transfer?
Financial assistance
- Can I get financial assistance? How do I get VET Fee help?
Assistance may be available for some programs and eligible students in the form of VET fee help.
Please contact a TAFE institute for a list of approved programs or visit Funding and incentives.
- I am interested in enrolling in the free childcare course offered through TAFE, where can I get more information?
TAFE Queensland offers Free childcare courses.
Please contact your local TAFE institute for more information.
- Can I get financial assistance? How do I get VET Fee help?
International enquiries
- Can I study at TAFE Queensland via correspondence if I live overseas?
Yes, however not all courses are available to overseas students and it does depend on the course. Examples of these are child care, aged care, building and water, due to practical components and Australian legislative requirements.
International students in Australia can only study CRICOS registered programs in Australia and must attend full time face to face classes as part of their visa. Contact individual TAFE Queensland institutes for more information.
- I have completed a trade course overseas, am I eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL)?
Anyone with a trade qualification completed overseas may apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Applicants must have permission to study or work in Australia - contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for all visa enquiries.
Please visit the Recognition of Prior Learning section or recognition of overseas qualification on the Training site for more information.
- My wife/husband is in Australia on a temporary visa, while I am working. Are they eligible to access subsided TAFE courses?
Requirements will vary depending on your situation, contact the TAFE Queensland institute where they would like to study. Contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for all visa enquiries.
- What are the requirements for overseas or international students?
Requirements will vary depending on your situation and more details are available in the TAFE international section. Alternatively contact the TAFE institute where you would like to study.
- Can I study at TAFE Queensland via correspondence if I live overseas?
Qualifications
- What is the difference between a statement of attainment and a statement of attendance?
Statements of attainment are issued for a general course which help a student on the road to employment. These courses tend not to offer specific training in a particular occupation but can provide basic skills that improve the student's chances of entering a higher level course or even gaining employment.
Statements of attendance are issued in some course where the student does not wish to be assessed or for course that do not include assessment. For example, lifestyle courses, or courses designed to provide basic skills which could be used to gain entry to another course or to help with employment prospects.
- What is the difference between a statement of attainment and a statement of attendance?
Support
- Can TAFE help if I am having trouble with reading, writing or maths?
Yes. Most institutes have learning support teachers on staff who are able to assist students with study skills and reading, writing or maths.
Additionally, there are access courses specially for people with problems in these areas and special courses for the development of the reading and writing skills of students from ethnic communities.
TAFE also offers bridging courses in some course areas for people who want to bring their skills up to the level required for course completion. TAFE counsellors are able to advise on these course and programs.
- Does TAFE provide assistance to students with a disability?
Yes. If you have a disability and want to do a TAFE course, you can contact your local TAFE institute and speak with their disability services officer. These officers can give advice on:
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suitable courses;
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possible variations to course delivery and assessment to your needs;
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institutes facilities and services; and
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help you can get before and during a course.
Contact the disability services officer before starting your TAFE course to ensure the services and support you may require can be arranged. For example, interpreters, note takers or specialised computer equipment.
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- Can TAFE help if I am having trouble with reading, writing or maths?
TAFE certificates
- I lost my original TAFE certificate. Can I get a reprint of my certificate award?
Yes, you are able to get a reprint of your certificate. Some proof of identification is required and a fee will apply for reprints. For certificates completed before 1991, please contact the TAFE institute where you studied.
- What is the difference between the four levels of certificates?
There are four levels of certificate courses ranging from certificate I to certificate IV. The level determines the breadth, depth and complexity of skills and knowledge that will be developed during the course of study.
Level I will cater for the application of knowledge and skills to a limited range of tasks and roles, while level IV develops a broad range of skills with a wide range of tasks and roles.
All certificates will give you the skills you need to do a specific job. They are tailored to the particular job they are training you for.
Certificates are normally one semester in length (some higher levels take a year) and are ideal for the development of skills for the workplace, allowing you to begin work and start a career as soon as possible.
TAFE certificates are designed to link into higher level certificates or diploma courses. This allows you to keep building your skills and progress in the workplace.
Certificates from prevocational and pre employment courses will help people who are looking to gain an apprenticeship.
Successful completion of these certificates reduces the 'off the job' study period once you start your apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are gained by applying direct to an employer, or, if you are completing a pre employment course, the institute job placement officer will help. Once you commence your apprenticeship, you will be required to complete your certificate study during blocks of training over the period of the apprenticeship.
- I lost my original TAFE certificate. Can I get a reprint of my certificate award?
TAFE diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degrees
- Do TAFE diplomas and advanced diplomas have an Overall Performance cut off point? And what about subject prerequisites?
In selecting students for its high demand courses, TAFE might take into consideration several factors, including academic background, work experience, interview performance, and in some cases, samples of work such as portfolios for art courses.
TAFE does not predetermine cut off points for courses.
For some courses you need to have reached a certain standard in particular subjects, usually English, maths and/or science or complete a special test, submit a portfolio etc.
- What is the difference between a diploma or advanced diploma and a degree?
Degrees are higher level courses than diplomas and advanced diplomas.
This means that somebody with a diploma in, for example engineering would be employed as an engineering associate or design drafter, or perhaps as an assistant to an engineer holding a degree in engineering.
TAFE Queensland's diplomas and advanced diplomas are recognised by relevant professional bodies throughout Australia. Diplomas generally have a nominal duation of two years full-time, advanced diplomas may take an additional semester, and degrees are three years or more.
- Do TAFE diplomas and advanced diplomas have an Overall Performance cut off point? And what about subject prerequisites?
TAFE jobs
- I am a qualified teacher and/or industry professional interested in becoming a TAFE teacher. How do I enquire and apply for positions?
There are different ways to enquire for teaching positions at TAFE. You can contact an institute of your choice and enquire directly or visit our Jobs and careers section for more information.
- I am a qualified teacher and/or industry professional interested in becoming a TAFE teacher. How do I enquire and apply for positions?