Choosing courses and qualifications
The right course can open a door; the wrong one costs time and money. Before you enrol, be clear about what the qualification will do for you, check the provider is legitimate, and compare the real costs. Here's how - including where AI skills fit in.
General information only. This guide is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. It doesn't take your circumstances into account. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed professional.
In short
- Start with the job you want, then find the qualification employers in that field actually ask for.
- Vocational training (TAFE and other registered providers), university and short courses suit different goals.
- Check providers are properly registered, and be wary of high-pressure sales, "free laptops" and guaranteed jobs.
- Fee-free TAFE places are available in priority areas, and the program has been legislated as permanent from 2027.
- AI skills are worth building in almost any field, through short courses and practice, alongside your main qualification.
Start with the outcome
Before choosing a course, answer:
- What job or change do I want this to lead to?
- What do employers in that field actually require? Check job ads and ask people in the role.
- Do I need a formal qualification, or would skills, a licence or a portfolio be enough?
Some careers require specific qualifications or registration (nursing, electrical work, teaching). Others care more about skills and experience.
The main types of study
| Type | Examples | Typical length | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational education and training (VET) | Certificates I–IV, diplomas, at TAFE or other registered training organisations | Months to two years | Trades, practical and technical roles, career changes |
| Apprenticeships and traineeships | Paid work plus structured training | One to four years | Trades and many other occupations; earn while you learn |
| University (higher education) | Bachelor degrees, graduate certificates, masters | One to four years or more | Professions, research, roles requiring a degree |
| Short courses and microcredentials | Skill sets, industry certificates, online courses | Hours to weeks | Filling specific skill gaps, updating skills, testing an interest |
Where to search
- Your Career (yourcareer.gov.au): the government’s careers site, including the national search for vocational (VET) courses and providers that used to be My Skills, and links from occupations to the training that leads to them.
- Course Seeker (courseseeker.edu.au): search university and other higher education courses.
- Your state’s TAFE: for local courses and Free TAFE places.
Check the provider is legitimate
- Vocational providers should be registered training organisations (RTOs) for the qualification they’re offering. Check on the national training register, training.gov.au.
- Higher education providers should be registered with TEQSA, the national regulator.
- International students should check the course is CRICOS-registered.
Red flags: pressure to sign up on the spot, “free” laptops or gifts for enrolling, promises of guaranteed jobs, unclear fees, and a course that’s much shorter than similar courses elsewhere.
Costs and support
- Free TAFE: fee-free places in priority areas, such as care, construction, digital and technology, are delivered through state and territory TAFEs. The program has been legislated as permanent, with places each year from 2027. Check your state’s TAFE for current courses and eligibility.
- State subsidies: many states subsidise vocational courses for eligible students.
- Student loans: eligible students can defer fees through government loan schemes for many higher education and some vocational courses. Understand the repayment terms before signing up.
- Employer support: ask whether your employer will fund or contribute to training.
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL): your existing skills may count towards a qualification, saving time and money.
AI skills: worth building in any field
AI is changing tasks in most industries, so being confident with AI tools is becoming a valuable skill whatever you study:
- Learn the basics: what AI tools can and can’t do, writing good prompts, checking outputs, and privacy and security risks.
- Learn AI in your own field: AI for accounting, marketing, design, health administration, trades businesses and so on.
- Short, practical courses from TAFEs, universities, industry bodies and technology providers are a good way to start. Many are free or low-cost.
- Practise on real tasks at work or in your own projects, and keep examples to show employers.
- Check value: a recognised provider, practical content, and skills you can demonstrate are worth more than a certificate alone.
Studying while working
- Look for part-time, online, evening or blended options.
- Be realistic about time: ask how many hours a week the course really takes.
- Talk to your employer: some offer study leave, flexible hours or funding.
- Start with one subject or a short course to test your capacity.