TAFE Tasmania - Study at TAFE Tasmania
What is TAFE Tasmania ?
TAFE Tasmania is the Australian Training Provider for the Year - a high quality vocational education and training organisation providing a wide range of nationally accredited courses to meet the learning needs of individuals, business enterprises and industry.
In Tasmania, TAFE has been providing extensive, vocational training since 1888. All courses are Government approved and registered and are now part of a National curriculum. Successful completion of TAFE courses can lead to more advanced study at TAFE or credit towards university courses.
TAFE Tasmania's facilities include modern libraries, computer laboratories, simulated workshops, hospitality kitchens and cafeterias. We also have excellent residential accommodation.
TAFE Tasmania offers accredited training courses within the following program areas:
- Business
- Information Technology
- Natural Resources
- Engineering
- Community Services
- Hospitality
- Tourism
- Natural Therapy
- Science
Modern, well-equipped campuses and study centres are located in the following
- Campbell Street (Hobart City)
- Clarence (Eastern Shore, Hobart)
- Drysdale Campus (Hobart City)
- Alanvale (Northern Suburbs, Launceston)
- City Campus (Launceston City)
- Drysdale (Launceston City)
- Devonport
- Burnie
Our qualified, experienced and helpful teachers can assist you in deciding on a course of study that suits your particular needs. Our teachers provide expert individual tuition, and can guide you through self-paced learning resource packages. You can either study 'online' using the latest in information technology, or attend classes on one of our many campuses. Your training can take place in any of our first-class facilities, or in a workplace environment.
Why study at TAFE Tasmania - International student program
TAFE Tasmania has provided education and training to full-fee paying international students since 1987. Currently we have enrolled more than 150 international students representing twenty different countries.
In Tasmania, an international student at TAFE Tasmania will:
- study at a Government approved institution
- receive quality education and training in small classes, with attention to individual learning needs
- have access to the latest technology
- study in modern facilities
- be in classes with a mix of Australian and international students
- enjoy a secure and friendly lifestyle
- live in a beautiful and clean environment
- enjoy low cost accommodation and the lowest cost of living in Australia
- as graduates of Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses gain entrance and credit at Australian universities
Special services for International Students
- The TAFE International Student Program has a commitment to providing quality education and support. We provide all international students with:
- Free airport collection
- Assistance with finding short and long term accommodation
- Institute orientation
- City and campus orientation
- English language support
- Personal and social counselling
- Study and career counselling
- Academic support
- A range of social and sporting activities
Course Progression
Arrangements have been made in most fields of study for successful students of Tasmanian TAFE Institutes to gain credit towards a University degree.
Tasmania
Tasmania is an island state located off the south-east tip of Australia. It is similar in size to Sri Lanka and Java and approximately twice the size of Taiwan.
Tasmania has a small population of fewer than half a million people. The climate is temperate, without extremes of heat or cold. Tasmanians enjoy four distinct seasons. The average daily temperatures range from 12 C in winter, to 23 C in summer.
Tasmania is world famous for its natural beauty, national parks and wilderness areas which attract many international visitors each year.
It also has an established reputation for quality natural produce and seafood.
Tasmania has the world's cleanest air, and rain water.
In quality of life Tasmania is unequalled with a friendly, secure environment, the lowest crime rate in Australia and no traffic jams or pollution.
City sophistication, with theatres, restaurants, night clubs and sporting facilities, is found in the main population centres:
Hobart
Few cities in the world can equal this capital city's spectacular setting. Hobart's population (approximately 195,000) lives in a city which combines the charming 'old' with the exciting 'new' against a backdrop of Mount Wellington, the sea and the Derwent River. Hobart offers the advantages and facilities of a big city, without the drawbacks.
Launceston
Situated on the Tamar River, Launceston is Tasmania's second largest city with a population of around 94,000. It is described as 'The Garden City' because of its many attractive gardens and parks. Historic buildings add character to this modern city which offers a variety of recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational services.
Devonport
With a population of 25,000, Devonport is situated on the Mersey River and is the main centre of a rich and picturesque agricultural region. It is the port for the 'Spirit of Tasmania' the overnight ferry linking Tasmania with mainland Australia. Devonport has many sporting, recreational and educational facilities and a comprehensive shopping area.
Burnie
With a population of approximately 22,000, Burnie is a modern city situated on a busy, deep-water port. It services a productive rural area and also supports an extensive industrial base.
Like Devonport, Burnie features a thriving shopping centre and excellent sporting, recreational, entertainment and educational facilities.
Overview
Being the state’s only institute for technical and further education TAFE Tasmania is nowadays represented by more than 30 campuses. Unsurpisingly, TAFE Tasmania
– with its about 35.000 students and over 450 courses on offer – is the largest registered training organisation in the state. Nevertheless, it is very remarkable that this institute has won the award “National Training provider of the Year” twice! The first time was in 2000 and the second time in 2002.
Teachers, who know the industry and its future needs, train their students on TAFE campuses, but also at the workplace or with the help of Online Access Centres or computer based learning.
Location
Tasmania, Australia’s island state, is situated 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland. Every day ferries depart from Melbourne heading for this beautiful green island which has a size of around 68.000 square kilometres. Also known as the “Natural State” almost 37 percent of Tasmania’s landscape consists of protected nature areals such as national parks and reserves. The about 500.000 Tasmanian inhabitants are proud of the relatively unspoiled nature of their island.
Hobart, the state’s capital, is located in the south-eastern part and is home to more than 200.000 Tasmanians.
The climate on the island is quite variable. Summers – which last from December till February – reach an average maximum temperature of 21°. Winters – which last from June to August – do not exceed 12°. And even temperatures below 0° are not uncommon in a Tasmanian Winter.
Campuses
All in all students are taught on over 30 different campuses within Tasmania. They are spread all over the state so that learning facilities and education on campus is easily accessible for everybody. These are some of the bigger locations:
In the South
- Hobart City Campus
- Bathurst Campus
- Clarence Campus
- Bender Drive Centre
- Claremont Link Centre
- Drysdale Institute Hobart Campus
In the North
- Launceston City Campus
- Alanvale Campus
- Wellington Campus
- Thynes Centre
- Inveresk, Academy of the Arts
- Drysdale Institute Launceston Campus
In the North West
- Burnie Campus
- Freer Farm
- Devonport Campus
- Smithton Campus
- Drysdale Institute Devonport Campus
On the West Coast
- Queenstown Campus
All campuses feature free internet access as well as computers with multiple language capabilities. Furthermore, services and facilities include libraries, cafeterias, bookshops, Child Care Centres and Student Residences.
Accomodation
TAFE Tasmania offers its students Residences which are equipped with furniture, laundry facilities, games roomes and student lounges.
International students who want to live and learn in Tasmania can also consider the opportunity of a Homestay. While the student lives with a Tasmanian family, he or she gets to know people, country and culture very well. Other possibilities are Hostels and Backpackers (rather for a temporary stay) or the rental of an apartment.
Students
More than 35.000 students are educated by TAFE Tasmania each year. The number of international students is with just 300 rather small which guarantees an individual and high-quality consultation of eyeryone.
Main Program Areas
Over 450 courses – that’s a wide variety to choose from! To summarize: Here are the Main Program Areas:
- Art, Craft, Design
- Automotive
- Bakery & Butchery
- Business
- Clothing, Textiles & Design
- Community Services
- Construction
- Cookery
- Customer Contact
- Electrotechnology
- Engineering
- Environment
- Hair & Beauty
- Health
- Hospitality
- Information Communication Technology (ICT)
- Languages
- Library & Museum Technology
- Local Government
- Metals
- Natural Resources
- Tourism
Student Activities
People who love nature and outdoor-activities will find themselves a perfect home on Tasmania. Hiking through the national parks of the island is a common activity to spend some great quality time. Different kinds of tracks for different kinds of hikers are available throughout Tasmania. Some of the most popular walking tracks are quite a challenge.
The Overland Tracks runs for 65 kilometres from Cradle Mountain to St Clair through the Tasmanian wilderness inland. Whichever walk you choose, do not forget your raincoat as Tasmania is well-known for its heavy rainfall.
Thanks to the incomparable nature you will forget your wet shoes very quickly. And of course, there are lots of other possibilities to spend your free time.
Hobart, for example, offers all the entertainment and conveniences of a modern city. Australia’s oldest theatre, “Theatre Royal”, or diverse events such as the annually Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race can be inspiring alternatives.
Application
Sounds like your place to be? The friendly people at AA education will be more than happy to provide information and assist you on your way to Gordon Institute of TAFE. Just email us to receive the application form and help with the usual administrative hurdles.
Tasmania
“Natural State”, “Island of Inspiration”, “Southern England” – Tasmania has many nicknames. While the last one refers to the island’s similarity to the pre-industrial England, the first two result from its barely spoiled nature. Almost 37 percent of the 68.000 square kilometres are national parks or nature reserves.
The about 500.000 Tasmanian inhabitants mostly live near the coastal rivers which are the Derwent, Tamar and Mersey Rivers in the northern part of the island. Hobart is the state capital and the biggest city on Tasmania. Other important cities are Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.
The vegetation is very diverse and ranges from dry areas over farmland to evergreen rainforests and rugged mountains. Some of the domestic flora species are unique to Tasmania as are some of the domestic fauna species. The Tasmanian Devil might be the most popular.
Its appearance is reminiscent of a little dog but more muscular. The animal’s mostly black fur has some white patches. Its name refers to the vicious character and has made it well-known all over the world.
The climate on the island of Tasmania is temperate. This is one reason why many retired Australians settle down in this part of their country. It has also become a popular holiday destination among Australians and all over the world.
Northern Tasmania - Launceston campus
- Location : Launceston CBD
- Course offerings : Business, IT, Multimedia
- Facilities : Library, cafe, International Student Advisor's office
- English language centre
- Location : opposite main city campus
- Facilities : common room including kitchen
Drysdale campus
- Location : 2 min from Launceston CBD
- Courses : Tourism & Hospitality
- Facilities : Training restaurant, specialist library, cafe, restaurant
- Inveresk Academy of the Arts
- Location : 10 min from Launceston CBD, 3 min from University of Tasmania campus
- Courses : Community Studies, Music, Engineering
- Facilities : Student residences, cafe, childcare centre, library, bookshop, tennis
- courts, large campus grounds
Southern Tasmania - Hobart City campus
- Location : Hobart CBD
- Courses : Business, Clothing & Apparel, Engineering, Science
- Facilities : Library, cafe, International Student Advisor's office
- English language centre
- Location : opposite Hobart city campus
- Facilities : Specialist library, common room with kitchen
- Drysdale campus
- Location : Hobart CBD
- Courses : Tourism & Hospitality
- Facilities : Specialist library, training cafe & restaurant, accommodation training facility
Clarence campus
- Location : 10 min from Hobart CBD
- Courses : Art & Craft, Design, Community Services, Horticulture, Conservation
- Facilities : Library, cafe, childcare centre, student residences, large grounds
There are four options for international students in finding suitable accommodation with TAFE Tasmania:
1. TAFE residences
These are located on or near the TAFE campuses. The Hobart and Launceston residences are a mere 15 minute journey by bus from the city centre.
2. Home stays
This option is very popular with international students since it allows them to live with a Tasmanian family and enjoy some fine Aussie hospitality.
This option includes full meals and boarding. There is also the 'room only' arrangement. Home stay families are selected keeping strict requirements in mind.
3. Hostels
Hostels and backpackers are close to TAFE campuses at Launceston and Hobart. These are independently run businesses and may have special student discounts. This option could also allow for a temporary stay until private rental accommodation is arranged.
4. Rental
TAFE Tasmania does not directly arrange such accommodation for international students but assistance with the application procedure may be available from the International Student Advisor's offices.
Unfurnished accommodation require the occupant/s to provide for themselves and they are also a more expensive option.
Working in Tasmania
Many international students are successful in finding part-time, casual or unskilled work while they are studying. But offers of employment are not guaranteed and students cannot realistically expect to finance their education and stay in Australia through such work. Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of the student in finding work.
Obtaining a work permit
Applications need to forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). A fee of A$60 applies and which entitles you to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during semester and no limits during public holidays and vacation periods.
Obtaining work
Important steps in applying for work include preparing resumes and making presentations at interviews. Employers normally prefer candidates with competent English language skills. TAFE Tasmania provides many courses to do with job seeking and CV preparation.
Australian taxes and superannuation contributions
A tax file number (TFN) is required for work in Australia. In addition, superannuation contributions may also be required on your part which can be refunded on departure from Australia.
Rates for casual part-time employment depend on a variety of factors such as age and experience.
The following may be able to assist you in your search for work :
- Employment notice boards on campuses
- Personal contacts
- Local newspapers
- Internet job search
An up-to-date curriculum vitae and an appropriate performance in interview situations are – naturally – important requirements when seeking for an employment. However, international students with good knowledge of the English language might have fewer problems to find an adequate part-time job.
Students who are interested in staying in Tasmania after finishing their studies have the opportunity to apply for a Skilled Sponsored visa or a Skilled Regional Sponsored visa. For both visa schemes it is necessary that applicants fulfils the following conditions:
The occupation must be in demand in Tasmania. That means it must be listed on Tasmania’s Skill Shortage list or on Tasmania’s Regional Sponsored Occupations (SRSO) list.
- Applicants must have a job offer from a Tasmanian employer.
- Applicants must have appropriate English language skills. (Specified requirements are enlisted on the website of the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development and Tourism.)
- Applicants must have at least AUD $20.000 in transferable assets when settling in Tasmania. Relocation Costs are not part of this amount.
- Applicants must have demonstrated links to Tasmania such as family and friends or earlier visits of the island.
- Because of (changing) requirements and some administrative hurdles you have to overcome it is highly recommended to seek the help of a registered migration agent.
Two English Language Centres are part of TAFE Tasmania. Both, the one in Launceston and the one in Hobart, offer different courses which aim to improve the English language skills of international students, working holiday makers as well as individually interested people. In the first place, the participants acquire English skills which enable them to live and travel in Tasmania/Australia, but they can also go on to further study.
Course duration varies from four to 40 weeks and students can be taught at most 25 hours a week.
The following list overviews the courses you can attend at both English Language Centres:
Intensive English Programme
This course covers all language skills that are needed to cope with every-day-life situations when living and learning in Tasmania. Students can gain a Statement of Achievement and the Australian Certificate 2 and 3 in Spoken and Written English.
For this course students have to enrol for a minimum duration of four weeks. The morning classes are shared with migration students while the afternoon classes are for international students only and contain a more individual teaching.
Working Holiday English Option:
Tailored for working holiday makers, this course aims to improve the English language skills of the participants. It also prepares them to work in Tasmania, e.g. they learn how to write a resumé when applying for a job.
Launceston English Language Centre also has a holiday special on offer:
Summer School Programme
This special course introduces students to the northern part of Tasmania while acquiring general English language skills. Over 5 weeks the participants are taught 12 hour of English a week.
The following course is available at Hobart English Language Centre only:
English + Vocational Studies
Designed for students who want to attend a TAFE Mainstream course and do not have the required level of English language skills, this course is an intensive course over 20 weeks with 25 hours of English lessons every week.
