Vocational Education and Training at Swinburne
VET (Vocational Education and Training) is made up of practical and hands-on TAFE courses to help turn your passion into a career.
Why choose TAFE?
TAFE courses equip you with the skills and experience you’ll need to be job-ready and take less time to complete than a university degree.
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Is a TAFE course for me?
TAFE courses are perfect for those who know what they want and can’t wait to get started.
At Swinburne we have deep industry immersion courses – from certificates to diplomas and even Free TAFE – ranging from Screen and Media to Engineering, to Building Design and Childhood Education.
You might consider a TAFE course if:
- you’ve just finished high school
- you’re returning to work
- you’re looking to upskill
- you’re interested in a career change.
Certificate IV in Screen and Media student Bailey is filming his fellow student as part of his TAFE course on Swinburne's leafy Hawthorn campus.
Why choose Swinburne
Cutting-edge skills and technology
Our hands-on courses utilise technology including VR and simulators, so you can translate theory into practice and gain real-world experience.
Three convenient campuses
Our Hawthorn, Wantirna and Croydon campuses are easy to get to via public transport and car. We’re also close to shops, cafes and leafy green parks.
Connected to industry
Our courses offer guaranteed industry immersion, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application through Work Integrated Learning.
Pathway to university degree
Completing a certificate or diploma can equip you with the skills to enter your chosen field. You can also progress to a bachelor degree, if you meet the entry requirements.
Try TAFE taster events
Want to see first-hand if a TAFE course is for you? Come to one of our on-campus Try TAFE taster events throughout the year and get all your questions answered.
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Try TAFE
Tuesday 21 May 2024, 5.30pm–7pm
Wantirna campusOur Try TAFE event is like a mini open day – designed to give you all the information you need to choose a new career.
Drop into our Try TAFE event to hear about our TAFE courses – from certificates and diplomas and even Free TAFE. Speak directly to our teaching staff and applications team, and then grab a bite to eat on us.
Find a TAFE course to suit you
We offer TAFE courses, including Free TAFE, across a range of study areas such as design, media, business, health, science, education, community services, engineering, and trades.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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Certificate IV in Screen and Media
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Diploma of Community Services
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Diploma of Justice
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Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
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Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechatronics Engineering Design)
Want to explore more courses?
Check out the full range of certificate and diploma courses available at Swinburne. Many of them provide a direct pathway if you choose to progress to higher education, such as a bachelor degree.
Found the perfect TAFE course?
Whether you want to study a certificate or diploma or Free TAFE course, you can fast track your dream career by applying now.
Hear from our students
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Catrina
CERTIFICATE III IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE
‘What I like most about the course is learning from people with industry experience and getting a foot in the door through practical placements.’
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Bailey
CERTIFICATE IV IN SCREEN AND MEDIA
'Choosing Swinburne was a pivotal decision. The seamless pathway allowed me to effortlessly progress from certificate to diploma and advanced diploma.'
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Irene
ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF BUILDING DESIGN (ARCHITECTURAL)
‘The practical coursework and supportive environment not only enhanced my skills but also paved the way for career opportunities.’
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Dorota
DIPLOMA OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
‘I chose to study at Swinburne University of Technology because I wanted to make a complete career change into the community services industry.’
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Raghu
ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING DESIGN)
‘The facilities at Swinburne are fantastic. The teachers were knowledgeable and highly experienced. Plus, they were able to transfer their knowledge.’
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Rose
DIPLOMA OF JUSTICE
'This course has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to further my career.'
Free TAFE, student loans and concessions
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Free TAFE for Priority Courses
Check if you’re eligible for Victorian Government-subsidised training. If so, you can access the Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative to have your tuition fees covered when you study an approved course.
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Skills First program
Skills First is a Victorian Government program that can help you access vocational education and training. If you’re eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
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VET Student Loan
The VET Student Loan (VSL) program helps eligible students enrolled in approved diploma-level courses or above pay the tuition fees of an approved provider like Swinburne.
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Trade Support Loans
Doing an apprenticeship? You may be able to get a Trade Support Loan of up to A$21,078 from the Australian Government to help with your ordinary living expenses.
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Fee concessions for vocational students
Check your eligibility for vocational education fee discounts and concessions of 80% off standard tuition fees for units and courses at Swinburne.
Frequently asked questions
TAFE courses include pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, traineeships, trades, certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas. These courses provide practical, skills-focused training that leaves you industry connected and ready for the workforce.
While many undergraduate degrees will take three years to complete, TAFE courses can be completed in as little as a few hours for short courses, 10 weeks for some certificate-level courses, or up to two years full-time for diploma-level courses.
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine paid work and formal study at Swinburne.
- Pre-apprenticeships (three to six months): Get your foot in the door, try something new and gain some basic industry skills before you start an apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeships (three to four years): Combine paid employment with formal training in fields such as electrotechnology.
- Traineeships (one to two years): Enhance your skills with formal training while you’re working in paid non-trade employment. You can train on campus or at work.
Certificate programs focus on technical and workplace skills, while diploma and advanced diplomas expand on a discipline area with increased focus on professional knowledge. Learn more about these course types.
Fees differ across our TAFE courses, so be sure to check the "fees and scholarships" tab on the relevant course pages.
You may also be eligible for some student loans and concessions, or even a Free TAFE course.
We offer multiple intakes throughout the year for our TAFE courses. Some courses may have different intakes, so make sure to check the "how to apply" tab on the relevant course pages.
Many courses are offered with both full-time and part-time options. Other courses, such as apprenticeships and traineeships are only offered as part-time training as students will be working while they train.
Many courses are delivered in a blended format, combining the best of online learning as well as the benefits of being on campus.
When on campus you'll have opportunities to speak with your teachers face-to-face and make use of the many student support services available.
Some courses are delivered 100% online, where teachers facilitate virtual classrooms and learning and assessment is done through an online portal.
The Victorian State Government supports students by offering Free TAFE (Vocational Education and Training) courses in targeted skill areas including building and construction, business, law, IT, education, and health and community services. View the full list of Free TAFE courses.