With hundreds of courses to choose from, 130 locations to explore and study options to suit everyone, the possibilities are endless when you join us at TAFE NSW.
Before you start
There are a few things you’ll need to do before you can start your enrolment or application.
- Check if your course has entry requirements. You can find these when you choose your course and your campus location. You’ll need to provide evidence for entry requirements, so make sure you have this ready to go.
- You’ll need a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you don’t have your USI handy, you can search for it, or if you’ve never had one you can create one. Want to find out more about your USI or how to create one? Watch this video.
- Check your course fees. If you would like to apply for a fee concession or exemption, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements. Read more about fee concession or exemption.
- If you are a visa holder, there may be visa conditions related to studying with TAFE NSW. Please have your visa evidence available before you enrol.
With the basics covered, you're ready to start
Ways to study
Did you know there are many ways to study with TAFE NSW? To suit your lifestyle and needs, you can choose to:
Study on campus
Study online
Complete workplace training
Combine ways to study
Study by virtual classroom
Enrol | Apply | Enquire Explained
When you choose your course, you may notice a button that prompts you to either Enrol Now, Apply Now or Enquire Now. These buttons change depending on your course choice. We've put together this guide to help you know what to expect
What does 'Enrol' mean?
- If your course has an ENROL button on the course page, this means there are no entry requirements and you can enrol now.
- Check your emails to stay up to date with the progress of your enrolment.
- To finalise your enrolment and officially join us at TAFE NSW, you'll need to pay your course fees or have any relevant fee waivers or exemptions approved and applied.
What does 'Apply' mean?
- If your course has an APPLY button on the course page, this means there are entry requirements and you’ll need to provide evidence with your application.
- Your application will be individually assessed by our team. Check your emails to stay up to date on your application progress.
- If your application is successful, you'll need to pay your course fees or have any relevant fee waivers or exemptions approved and applied.
- Don't forget to officially accept your offer.
What does 'Enquire' mean?
- If your course has an ENQUIRE button, this means that your course is not currently open for enrolment.
- Submitting an enquiry means that we can let you know as soon as your course re-opens so you can be the first to know about the next intake.
- Check your emails to stay in the loop.
Are you an Apprentice or Trainee?
- If you are an apprentice or trainee, your course will have an ENQUIRE button.
- Submitting an enquiry means that our apprentice and traineeship team can get in touch with you to guide you through the enrolment process.
- Check your emails to stay up to date with the progress of your enquiry.
Need more information? View or print this handy step by step guide on applying or enrolling at TAFE NSW.
Congratulations! You've been accepted into your course.
Get set up for success on your first day with these must-read tips and tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
To enrol at TAFE NSW, you need to be at least 15 years old. There are some exceptions including apprentices and trainees and students who gain approval from TAFE NSW and their high school Principal to study as part of the TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program. It’s best to talk to your high school careers advisor or give us a call on 131 601 to talk about your interests and why you are considering TAFE.
There are a few different options available to you, including:
- Speaking with your high school careers adviser and discussing how you can continue at school and enrol in TAFE through a TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, or a School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT). Your school can arrange your enrolment in these programs.
- Leaving school to take up a formal apprenticeship or traineeship with TAFE NSW as your Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
- Staying at school and enrolling in a qualification (other than TVET and SBAT). You’ll need a letter of approval from your principal to say that your chosen course won’t interfere with your school studies and you’ll need to pay full fees as concessions and subsidies are not available.
- Getting approval from your high school principal to leave school and complete the Year 10 equivalent via a Certificate II qualification. You’ll need approval so that your equivalent course can be approved for Smart and Skilled subsidised training. Please ask your school to reach out to us on 131 601 so we can assist with the enrolment process.
If you are a NESA-registered home schooling student with a current Certificate of Home Schooling Registration, you can apply for any TAFE NSW course where you meet the foundation requirements. You can start your enrolment online and we’ll be in touch with you to obtain a copy of your NSEA Certificate of Home Schooling and complete your enrolment.
Home schooled students with a current certificate from NESA, who also meet the Smart and Skilled eligibility criteria, are eligible for subsidised training at TAFE NSW, under Smart and Skilled.
You can enrol at TAFE NSW and may still be eligible for subsidised training, if your Certificate of Home Schooling Registration expired less than three months ago, and you have applied to have it renewed. You need to provide your renewed certificate when it is issued by NESA.
If you would like more information, please email the EducationandTrainingStrategy@tafensw.edu.au.
Once we’ve fully processed your application, and your enrolment and fees have been finalised you are able to start your classes. Look for a confirmation email from us with all the details you need to get started. If you had to apply and provide evidence for your course, you will receive an email letter of offer. You’ll need to formally accept your offer before you can start your classes.
If you can’t see the course you were interested in, or if you interests have changed and your not sure what direction to choose, why not speak with our Counselling and Career Development team? We offer a range of study options and career pathways, and our qualified counsellors can help you:
- gain practical skills to get your dream job
- undertake university studies
- take a passion and turn it into a business
- prepare yourself for that next career move
- improve your confidence when returning to the workforce
You can also reach out to us on 131 601 for more information on what’s available to study at TAFE NSW.
The application process is slightly different for our international students. Please visit our international how to apply page for more information.
- Fees
- Payment and funding
- Recognition of prior learning and credit transfers
We use a range of methods to deliver our courses including online, face-to-face, distance, work placement and blended delivery. This reflects our need to be flexible and to meet current industry and community demands. It’s important to know that we reserve the right to amend and update delivery methods and they may change from what has been advertised.
Your teacher will keep you informed of any delivery method changes and we’ll also email you to notify you of any changes.
You’ll need a device to connect to the class from home – preferably a laptop or computer. You can use a mobile phone but it isn’t ideal for long periods.
There are more details in the Getting Ready for Virtual Classroom Guide. It provides a general summary of what to expect, what students will typically need to get ready, and some troubleshooting tips.
For support accessing virtual classrooms, please call the TAFE NSW Student Technology Service Desk on 131 601 and follow the prompts. Further information on the services provided by the TAFE NSW Student Technology Service Desk can be found on this Information Sheet.