Enrolling in vocational education and training (VET) can help to up-skill, re-skill, get qualified and reach your goals. Study is an investment in your future so make sure you choose the course and provider that is right for you.
Before enrolling
Explore courses and providers on Your Career, the home of Career information in Australia.
If you’re an international student visit Study Australia is the official Australian Government website for international students. This site provides information on courses, institutions and scholarships for international students.
When considering a VET qualification, reflect on your motivations and needs. Ask yourself:
- Does the course align with your career goals or allow you to apply for a license needed to work in that career?
- Do you prefer in-person or online learning, and do you have the equipment for your chosen mode of delivery?
- Does our prior learning, experience and capabilities enable you apply for recognition of prior learning or credits for your course?
- What support will you need to succeed.
Choosing a Provider
Beyond cost and duration, assess whether the provider offers a supportive and inclusive learning experience. Consider:
- if the pre-enrolment information is clear and easily available
- what resources are provided and what must you supply
- if the location is easy to get to
- whether the work placements are arranged or if you need to arrange them yourself
- the student support services available
- the payment terms and refund policies.
When enrolling
Once you've selected a course and provider, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities under the enrolment agreement.
Provider obligations
Training providers must clearly communicate:
- Course title, code, and currency
- Delivery methods, duration, and location
- If another organisation will be involved in training and assessing, you
- information on getting a student identifier
- student rights and obligations (e.g. sourcing their own work placement or providing their own work resources)
- available support services
- any licensing or occupational license requirements, including any relevant industry regulator, state and territory requirements
- complaints and appeals processes
- refund eligibility and cooling-off periods.
Student obligations
Students are responsible for:
- understanding payment terms and refund conditions
- meeting course requirements
- supplying necessary materials or equipment
- managing any VET Student Loan obligations.
During the course
Changes to enrolment
Your provider must inform you promptly if any aspect of your enrolment change, such as course details, cost or duration.
Student Support
Providers must ensure you have access to:
- learning resources and tutorials
- language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) support
- assistive technologies and IT help
- reasonable adjustments to support learning
Providers must create an inclusive learning environment that is culturally safe and flexible, with staff trained in inclusive practices and responsive to diverse student cohorts.
They should also consider the wellbeing needs of their students and promote mental and physical health, offer support services and create a create a respectful, harassment-free environment.
Resources
VET students
- Search for training providers
- Search for training courses
- National Training Register
- Qualification Integrity Regulatory Actions
Overseas students
References
Quality Area 2: Practice Guides
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