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TAFE application process

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1  Find a course

You can choose from over 100 TAFE courses. Visit our online course catalogue for detailed information.

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2  Check the entry requirements 

You must be 18 years or older in the calendar year that you study at TAFE.  

Our certificate and diploma level courses have specific admission requirements including English proficiency. These are listed on each course page in our course catalogue.

If you do not meet English requirements, you can apply for your TAFE course and TIWA will assess your English level. Make sure you meet the other entry requirements of your chosen course before you proceed to the next step in the application process. 

Application and acceptance deadlines 

Deadlines for submitting applications to TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) for admission to TAFE courses depend on your passport nationality, and if you are applying from Australia or offshore. 

There are deadlines for accepting offers and making fee payment, giving you enough time to get your student visa and arrive before your orientation and classes start.

3  Apply online(opens in a new tab)

In most countries you can apply directly. In some countries you need to use a registered TIWA education agent, due to visa processing conditions. After reviewing your application, TIWA can ask you to submit through an education agent.

Apply using an education agent 

Your TIWA fees will be the same whether you apply directly to us, or through an agent. Education agents can also help you apply for your student visa. Find an approved education agent near you

Receive your Letter of Offer

When we receive your application and supporting documentation, we assess your eligibility to study your selected course/s. If you are eligible and there are student places available, we will send a Letter of Offer – directly to you, or to the agent you nominated on your application form. 

If we have not received all of the required supporting documentation from you, for example certified copies of certificates, then your Letter of Offer will have conditions listing the information you still need to provide. 

Placements in popular courses such as engineering and nursing are limited, so make sure you return your acceptance and payment as quickly as possible. 

Your placement is subject to availability at the time of acceptance and payment. You must allow sufficient time before your program starts to get your student visa and arrange travel to WA. You normally need three to six months to do this. 
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4  Accept your offer and pay 

To accept your Letter of Offer, you must return your signed Letter of Acceptance with the items stated:


5  Receive your confirmation of enrolment, apply for your student visa 

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Subject to availability of places, after you have signed and returned the Letter of Acceptance, made full payment and met any conditions, TIWA will provide you with a confirmation of enrolment (CoE) which you will need in order to apply for a student visa at the Australian High Commission or Embassy in your country(opens in a new tab). You must have a student visa in order to enter Australia and commence your studies. 

The latest and most accurate information on obtaining your student visa can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website(opens in a new tab)

If you are from India and Nepal and relying on bank loans to fund your studies, you must ensure the loans are from banks approved by the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs). View approved banks in Nepal and India(opens in a new tab)

If you need help to obtain your student visa and other aspects of moving to Australia, you might like to use the services of one of TIWA’s approved agents near you.

View more information on our Get your student visa page

Overseas Health Cover 

The Australian Government needs you (unless from an exempt country(opens in a new tab)) to have Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) to issue your student visa. Please view our OSHC page for more information 

6  Receive your visa and come to Australia to commence your studies 

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When your student visa has been granted, you are ready to come to WA to begin your course. Please note the orientation dates for your course as you will be provided with important information to study successfully and make the most of your time here. 

You must arrive in WA before your course starts, or your enrolment may be deferred to the next available intake and you may have to return home. 

Your enrolment 

Please read the following documents and be aware of the rules that apply to your enrolment.

Our Start planning guide for TAFE students [PDF 1 MB](PDF document - opens in a new tab) provides additional information to help you start planning for your studies.

Last updated on October 20, 2023