Whether you're starting your first course or returning to study after a break, we’re here to help you meet your goals and excel in your studies and beyond. We’ll walk you through the steps to prepare for your study and give you some tips and tricks to help you approach your course with confidence. If you still have questions, check out the extensive FAQs section at the bottom of this page.
Student checklist
Get ready
Before your study begins, check that you:
- received your Welcome to TAFE confirmation email with next steps
- activated your TAFE NSW account
- secure your account with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- can access the Student Portal and online learning platforms
- know how to get your TAFECard
- read the Student Guide 2024 and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Studying on campus
Have you:
- viewed the TAFE NSW Academic Calendar
- received information about your first class including your class timetable
- checked the time and location of your first class
- viewed the campus map and know parking and transport options
- prepared the equipment or technology needed for your first day.
TAFE Digital Students
Have you:
- checked your device meets the minimum equipment and software requirements
- checked you have access to your learning materials
- used the TAFE NSW planner to create a learning schedule.
How to log in to your TAFE NSW account
You’ll use your TAFE NSW account throughout your learning journey. Your account will be your login for the Student Portal and will give you access to the internet and computers on campus.
Use your full TAFE NSW email address to log in on a new device: firstname.lastname1@studytafensw.edu.au
How to activate your account:
- click the account activation link in the Welcome to TAFE email you received when you enrolled
- enter the security code sent to your email address and create a secure password that meets TAFE NSW requirements
- login to the TAFE NSW Student Portal with your User ID and Password
- click on My Details to provide your personal email address for password recovery.
Already have an account?
If you’ve studied with us before you may still have an active account and will be able to log in using these details. If your account is no longer active you will need to call 131 601 or visit your local Student Administration Office to reactivate your account.
Having trouble?
If you’ve forgotten your password, click Forgot your password on the Student Portal login page to reset your password. If you cannot locate your User ID contact us on 131 601 or visit your local Student Administration Office.
Help with technology
The links below let you self-serve to resolve many common issues at a time convenient to you:
- Access to the TAFE NSW Student Portal
- Access to TAFE NSW Learning Management Systems
- Access to Microsoft Office 365 products
- Access to and use of the TAFE Virtual Desktop
- Connecting to Wi-Fi when you are on campus
- Bring Your Own Device connectivity
- Linking your TAFE NSW card to our printers
- Multi Factor Authentication for Students (MFA)
Step by step instructions for various issues can be viewed online in the library guides.
If your attempts to self-serve a solution have been unsuccessful, please call 131 601 (8am – 6pm Monday to Friday) for technology support. Please have your TAFE NSW learner number, login username and email address ready. Find out more about how we can support you with the Be Connected While You Study guide.
Your TAFECard
Your TAFECard is important. It’ll be your identification on campus and during assessments. You can use it to borrow from the library, for photocopying and printing and to access travel concessions (if you’re eligible.) It’s valid for the duration of your enrolment and each time you enrol at TAFE NSW your card will be reactivated, so keep it safe and handy. If your card gets lost or damaged, you can pay a $20 replacement fee to get a new one. If you haven’t got a TAFECard, visit your campus Student Administration Office where they’ll snap your picture and issue your card. If you can’t make it to campus, send us an enquiry with your identification attached and we’ll get it organised.
The NSW Government offers subsidised or concession travel to eligible students. Find out if you’re eligible and apply for your travel concession at Service NSW or visit your friendly campus Student Administration Office for more information.
TAFE NSW Student Guide 2025
The Student Guide has everything you need to know to start well at TAFE NSW.
Download the Student Guide to:
- understand your rights and responsibilities
- learn how we keep you safe
- access student essentials like your student account, concessions and scholarships.
Download the Student Guide 2025
Important dates
Check out term start dates and plan your study (and your holidays) with the 2024 academic calendar. If you’re studying a degree visit the 2024/25 Degrees calendar.
Timetables
Your teacher will send you your timetable before your course starts. You can also find this in your Student Portal.
Your first day: know your campus
Before your first day, get to know your TAFE campus. Discover what your campus has to offer and the unique facilities and services you’ll have access to. Use the campus map to work out how you'll get there and whether parking is available.
It’s also a good idea to find the Student Administration Office where you’ll be able to get your TAFECard, travel concession and important information about your enrolment.
Support services
Whatever your needs or circumstances and however you choose to study, we have the people, resources and facilities to support you.
As a student, you have access to these support services:
- Disability Support Service – Maximise your study potential and change your learning experience to suit you
- Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) support – Take advantage of tutorial and other support and get help with a particular subject or skills
- Aboriginal Student Support – Be connected to identity and build an understanding of Aboriginal languages and cultures in friendly and supportive groups
- Careers, Counselling, and Pathways Service – A free and confidential service designed to help you succeed in your studies as well as in your chosen career
- Library Services – Access our collection of eBooks, eJournals and multimedia resources, grab some quiet study time or book a space for group study
- Children’s Centres – We have 15 friendly and inclusive Children’s Centres designed to create a welcoming place where your children are encouraged to learn and play
Covid-19
TAFE NSW is committed to following NSW Government Covid-19 guidelines. Visit the NSW Government Covid-19 website for more details.
Frequently asked questions
TAFE NSW 's digital services, email, logins and passwords
You can activate your account in six steps:
- click on the link for Account activation in the Welcome to TAFE NSW email you received when you enrolled
- enter your user ID provided in the email e.g. firstname.lastname1
- enter the security code sent to your personal email address
- establish a password that is secure and meets TAFE password requirements
- log in to TAFE NSW portal with your user ID and password
- click on My Details to provide your personal email address for password recovery if you forget your password.
Click on 'forgot your password' to reset your password.
You will need to have previously provided your personal email address, which we will use to send you instructions on how to reset your password.
As a reminder, your student user ID is firstname.lastname.
If you complete this password recovery step, and something doesn't work, call 131 601 for help.
You can log in into the TAFE NSW Student Portal via https://my.tafensw.edu.au using your TAFE NSW User ID (firstname.lastname e.g. john.doe23) and password.
If you are having trouble, here's a guide to help you access the TAFE NSW Student Portal and your Learner Portal.
To get started, use the email link on the Student Portal via https://my.tafensw.edu.au
If you are having trouble, here's a guide to help you access your TAFE NSW email.
By signing in to your Office 365 account, you will be able to access the apps you need to get your work done and collaborate with other students and your teachers.
To access your TAFE NSW Office 365 account, you'll need the following:
- access to a modern web browser (for example Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox)
- your TAFE username and password (provided to you at enrolment)
How to sign in:
- head to https://office.com
- sign in with your TAFE NSW username@studytafensw.edu.au (e.g. jane.smith3@studytafensw.edu.au) and the password you were issued when you enrolled.
To get started with TAFE NSW's Office 365 tools, check out this useful guide.
Here's a guide to help you install Office 365 applications.
Here's a guide about using Microsoft Teams for study at TAFE NSW.
Here are some simple instructions for accessing your OneDrive.
You can get started with this overall Student Guide for Adobe Connect.
The following guides can walk you through how to access your Adobe Connect Room, including from different types of devices and operating systems.
Here's a guide to install the Creative Cloud Suite.
TAFE NSW Wi-Fi is available while on campus. Follow these steps to connect to Wi-Fi or contact your local library services for more information.
Yes, you may borrow a TAFE NSW computer, subject to local availability. The lending period will vary to ensure equal access for all students.
To check local availability, contact your campus library via https://tafensw.libguides.com/contacts
When and how I will study?
Your enrolment needs to be finalised prior to you attending classes. Once your enrolment has been finalised, you will be provided with details about when you can start attending classes.
Your teaching team will provide you with all details regarding your study program.
Your teaching team will provide you with all details regarding your study program.
For the privacy of your fellow classmates, you must not record your lessons.
If you can't attend a class because you are unwell, let your teacher know.
If you have challenges with your study program, please reach out to your teacher to discuss your options.
Your teaching team will provide you with all details of your study program, including the best methods to contact them.
Deferrals, fees and refund options
Please visit Withdrawals and Refunds for more information.
Please visit Withdrawals and Refunds for more information.
Establishing a payment plan
To help manage the cost of your study, TAFE NSW offers a range of pay-as-you-go options, such as payment by instalments. This means you make small regular payments. These options include:
- instalment plans
- split payments.
To apply for a payment plan, please contact us on 131 601. Any payment plan, including the amount and number of instalments, depends on the course you are studying and your individual circumstances.
Struggling to pay your fees
If you have outstanding fees, please contact us on 131 601 as soon as possible to discuss alternate arrangements.
Deferring your studies
If you choose to defer your studies due to personal circumstances, you should talk it through with your teachers first. You may be able to defer for up to a maximum 12 months.
Unfortunately, a deferral cannot extend beyond 12 months.
You will need to withdraw from your current enrolment. You may choose to enrol in the course again, when you are ready to commence your studies.
How to access support services
TAFE NSW Library Services can connect you with resources, support and information to help you study well and do your best:
- Learn how to access library collections and support services by booking an orientation session.
- Refresh your study skills and learn how to research, write and reference.
- Get help with your course by accessing subject and support guides.
- Speak to a librarian on campus or online, view our opening hours and contact details.
Please contact your Local Library manager for more information.
TAFE NSW offers free counselling and career services for all students. You can book a one-on-one personal phone or video session with a TAFE NSW counsellor.
To book a session:
- Visit: http://www.tafensw.edu.au/locations.
- Pick your preferred TAFE NSW location.
- Click the ‘More about this campus’ button.
- Use the phone number or email listed to start a conversation with a TAFE NSW counsellor.
For more information about the range of support services TAFE NSW offers, visit our support webpage.
At TAFE NSW we understand that every student has individual needs. If you are living with an injury, a disability or a health condition, we can provide support for your studies.
If you need:
- More information about the disability support services TAFE NSW offers, visit our Disability Services webpage.
- Further assistance, call us on 131 601 and ask to speak to a Disability Consultant.
Cybersecurity
Yes, provided you access these from the TAFE NSW Student Portal.
All TAFE NSW students have access to the Microsoft Office 365 suite of applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Here's a guide to help you install Office 365 applications.
Additionally, all eligible students have access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications. These can be accessed via the student login, on the Adobe Creative Cloud website.
If you need further assistance to access or install these products please call the Student Technology Service Desk on 131 601 and follow the prompts.
All TAFE NSW students have access to the Microsoft Office 365 suite of applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
The applications can be accessed via the Student Portal. Visit https://my.tafensw.edu.au.
Additionally, all eligible students have access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications. These can be accessed via the student login, on the Adobe Creative Cloud website.
If you need further assistance to access or install these products please call the Student Technology Service Desk on 131 601 and follow the prompts.
To help you stay safe when studying online, you should:
- have strong passwords
- be careful when clicking on links and attachments in email
- monitor your account for suspicious activity
To explore these tips in more detail, or to learn more about online safety and security, please read TAFE NSW's Top 10 Cyber Security Tips for Students.
You will need to have your password reset immediately.
Please delete the email and call 131 601 to reset your password.
Always be careful when clicking on attachments or links in email, they could be phishing messages. If it’s unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don’t click on email, just delete it.
Please consider who is emailing and what they are asking you to do. Many phishing emails will ask you to do something urgently and may ask you to enter your login details.
For more information about online safety and security, read TAFE NSW's Top 10 Cyber Security Tips for Students.
Library staff may be able to answer some student IT queries and can assist you with your information needs.
Please do not share your password with TAFE NSW staff.
If you need further technical assistance please call the Student Technology Service Desk on 131 601 and follow the prompts.