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Entry requirements

Learn about the entry requirements for TAFE courses in Victoria, including age limits, English language skills, previous study, visa or residency status, and course-specific needs.

On this page

To enrol in a TAFE course in Victoria, you might have to meet certain conditions. These can vary depending on the course and TAFE you choose.

Minimum age

Most TAFE courses are open to students aged 16 and older.

If you are under 17, you will need to be granted an exemption from school attendance to study at TAFE. This requires correspondence or a certificate signed by the School Principal or a Department Regional Director.

English language skills

To show you have the skills you will need to succeed in your course, you might need to complete a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN and LLND) assessment.

If you’re an international student, you’ll need a minimum English language skill level, which varies for each course and each TAFE.

Visit the Support programs page for more information.

Previous education

To do some courses, you might need to complete Year 10, 11 or 12, or a higher-level course such as a certificate or diploma before you can enrol. If you haven’t met the formal education requirements, you may still be eligible based on relevant work experience or previous learning.

Citizenship, residency or visa status

You don’t need to be an Australian citizen to study at TAFE, but your eligibility for government-subsidised courses may vary depending on your residency status and the specific TAFE.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens are generally eligible for all types of government-subsidised courses in Victoria.

Temporary visa holders, such as asylum seekers, may be eligible for subsidised training and Free TAFE in certain situations. Check with the TAFE you’re interested in for more information.

International students outside of Australia can apply to study at TAFE. It is likely you will need to apply as an international student.

International students often need to meet extra requirements, including:

For information and advice about studying as an international student, visit Study Melbourne.

Documents

You’ll need to provide documents to support your application. These might include:

Course-specific requirements

Depending on your course, you might need to:

Your TAFE institute will provide you with details of your course requirements during enrolment.

Get enrolment advice

If you don’t meet the requirements for your TAFE course, you might still have options. For advice, contact the TAFE and Training Line.

Ready to apply?

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How to apply

Learn how to apply for a TAFE course in Victoria. Explore courses and campuses, check entry requirements and funding, then apply and enrol in your chosen course.

Updated 8 September 2025

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