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Preparing for study

With so many types of courses on offer, it can be hard to know where to start. This resource will help you navigate the options.

There are many different courses to choose from, such as short courses, pre-accredited courses, micro-credentials and accredited courses. Here is a short introduction to studying in Australia and where to find courses within Victoria.

Types of courses:

Short courses

These courses usually provide an introduction to a topic or general skills. They may be online, in-person or blended delivery and often range from a few days to a few weeks. They may not have any pre-requisites for learning and are often fee-for-service so may not be eligible for funding. You may receive a certificate of attendance on completion.

Pre-Accredited courses

Pre-accredited courses are funded by ACFE (Adult, Community and Further Education Board) and are delivered over a minimum of 20 hours. These are often run in Learn Local Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres and are aimed at strengthening workplace skills and offer an introduction to further study. These courses will provide you with a certificate of attendance. To find out more about Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre’s pre-accredited courses, click on the link here: Pre-accredited courses.

Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials are short courses that may teach a particular industry-specific skill. They may be sponsored to cover some or all of the cost of the course. These may be delivered in-person or online and often provide a certificate that may be recognised by industry.

Accredited courses

Accredited courses are nationally recognised qualifications and usually have entry requirements or pre-requisites for learning. These may be offered over a few months or years, full or part time, and may be in the form of vocational education VET certificate courses, industry accreditation, academic or vocational diploma courses and Bachelor degrees. Accredited courses also cover Graduate Certificates, Masters programs and PHD courses. For more information on the types of accredited courses that are covered by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) follow the link here: AQF.edu.au/aqf-levels

To apply for accredited courses, there are a few things that you will need:

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

You will need a USI for accredited study or training including VET courses. This is a unique number that you keep for life and give to your study provider whenever you apply for an accredited course, apply for Commonwealth financial assistance and to access your VET transcript or statement of attainment.

You will need identification when you first apply for your USI. Acceptable forms of ID are listed at the following website.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy Needs (LLN) testing

You may be required to sit a short test to assess your language, literacy and numeracy skills. This is often required for students who do not hold an Australian year 12 or VCAL qualification issued by the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) or equivalent in other states and territories, or do not hold a Certificate IV and above. Many training providers use the Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) test, which assesses your skills under the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

The following video gives you more information on the BKSB test:

Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) | TAFE Queensland

Identification required

You will usually be required to produce identification to apply for your course or for applying for Skills First funding or student loans. For example:

  • For all students a USI is required.
  • For students under 20 proof of age may be required. This is usually in the form of Learner/Driver Licence, Australian Birth Certificate or Proof of Age card.
  • You may be required to produce ID such as passport, citizenship, permanent residency or visa.
  • Concession cards if applying for reduced fees.

Your training provider, TAFE or University will tell you which ID you will need to produce to apply for your course.

Additional Resources

Where to find TAFE courses in Victoria

TAFE Victoria – if you’re thinking of studying a new course, consider the flexibility of a TAFE course. See what your options are in Victoria.

Government resources

These websites contain information on accredited courses and apprenticeships:

Other useful resources

  • Compare undergraduate courses from top universities and higher education institutions across Australia, including entry requirements and ATAR: CourseSeeker.edu.au
  • Browse hundreds of nationally recognised and accredited TAFE courses – University and IT, Diploma, Certificate, Short and
    Online Courses at Training.com.au