• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Compliance and Risk
      • Finance
      • Payroll
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Veterinary Nursing
      • Arts
      • Dance
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Photography
      • User Experience Design
      • Web Design
      • Building and Construction
      • Carpentry
      • Plumbing
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Business Development
      • Business Operations
      • Change Management
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resources
      • Leadership and Management
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • PRINCE2
      • Product Management
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Supply Chain Operations
      • Aged Care
      • Alcohol and Other Drugs
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Individual Support
      • Youth Work
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Education Support
      • Training and Assessment
      • Manufacturing
      • Conservation and Land Management
      • Health Science
      • Horticulture
      • Sustainability
      • Beauty
      • Hairdressing
      • Lash
      • Makeup
      • Nail Technology
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Fitness
      • Health
      • Health Administration
      • Health Services Assistance
      • Massage
      • Mental Health
      • Naturopathy
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Personal Training
      • Pharmacy
      • Practice Management
      • Psychology
      • Sports Management
      • Celebrancy
      • Hospitality
      • Retail
      • Agile
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • AWS
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • CompTIA
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • IT
      • ITIL
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Software
      • Systems Administration
      • Web Development
      • Government
      • Legal
      • Work Health and Safety
      • Digital Marketing
      • Digital Media
      • Marketing
      • Social Media Marketing
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
    • ACT
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • Queensland
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Short
    • Diploma
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Associate Degree
    • Bachelor
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Graduate Diploma
    • Masters
  • Resources
  • Workforce Training
  • Contact us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Affiliates
  • About us
Homepage 
ResourcesCareers in AustraliaEducation in AustraliaHow to StudyStudy in AustraliaTAFE in Australia
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Education and Training
  4. Do You Want to Study at TAFE? Here’s 5 Reasons to Consider
Published 3 Aug 2023

Do You Want to Study at TAFE? Here’s 5 Reasons to Consider

Avatar photo Rebecca Fox

Browse Courses Today

If you want to study to further your employment or career prospects and are looking at TAFE, stop.

Well, not entirely, but don’t just make your mind up without at least considering the alternatives. And by alternatives, I mean Private Training Providers.

Your education is an investment. Not only does it help to ensure the future of your career success and prepare you for the challenges you’ll face in the workforce; but it also gives you a stamp of approval, a way for an employer to see you’ve put in the hard yards and that you’re prepared for what lies ahead.

Given that, it’s easy to assume that all educators provide you with similar options and are equal in quality. But, that’s rarely the case. This article is going to help show you that. One thing you’ll notice, TAFE isn’t all as it’s cracked up to be, and despite being the most well-known brand in education; that doesn’t make it the best when it comes to VET study.

Your Options When Studying

When it comes to assessing your study options, most students will consider the two biggest in Australia: TAFE and University. But in reality, we have so much more choice than just choosing one or the other. Private colleges in Australia, or Private Training Providers as they’re offically called; are in fact the biggest educator, and an option a lot don’t consider.

What is a Private College?

A Private College is a Private Training Provider other than TAFE, University and community educators. They, like other providers, deliver Vocational education and Higher education to students across Australia.


0

Registered Private Training Providers in Australia

What is TAFE?

TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. TAFE is a Government-run system of education that focuses on vocational courses– Certification and Diplomas and trains for workplace skills


0

TAFE Institutes in Australia


For Vocational Education and Training, or VET study; TAFE is the most well-known, but also is wrapped up in a bit of stigma when it comes to graduate outcomes. The reason why? The TAFE name is often plagued with complaints of overcrowded classrooms, poor educational content and greedy providers. Strangely enough, a lot of people assume that the name TAFE refers to all study at this level, but it’s actually not.

TAFE, put very simply, is the public, government-funded portion of the Vocational sector. The Private portion, is the 5,000+ Private Providers dotted throughout the country. One thing to make very clear, is that TAFE isn’t the only option when it comes to government-funded courses, quite the opposite actually.

1. Funding

By now, most of us have heard that Vic TAFE made 50+ courses ‘free’, but one thing that’s worth noting is that the publicity they received by doing so was ultimately the goal. There are a few elements to the Free TAFE initiative to look at closely. First, eligibility is harder than you might think. For instance, when it was announced that ‘all’ apprenticeships were free from July 1st this year, what they really meant was that apprentices that had enrolled since the month prior were eligible, not current apprentices. Another worthy mention with the VIC Free TAFE Scheme– it’s only available for 30,000 students statewide and with over 150,000 TAFE students in Victoria, that is a very small proportion.


So, what funding courses can Private Providers offer you?

Most Private educators have government-subsidised training options for the majority of their courses. The Victorian Government, for instance, under the Skills First initiative, provides subsidies on over 1,500 courses, where you can have thousands of dollars wiped off the cost of a course. And unlike the ‘Free’ TAFE initiative, Government-funding is available in every state and territory and across virtually every subject area.

Victoria


  • Skills First Initiative

Browse VIC Courses

New South Wales


  • Smart and Skilled

Browse NSW Courses

Queensland


  • Certificate III Guarantee
  • Fee-Free for Year 12
Browse QLD Courses

Western Australia


  • Jobs and Skills

Browse WA Courses

South Australia


  • WorkReady

Browse SA Courses

Northern Territory


  • JobSkills

Browse NT Courses

2. Employment


There’s no point going to the effort of studying if it doesn’t help you in your employment or career goals. After all, that is essentially the point of education. You wouldn’t make an investment in something that you know isn’t going to result in much, and your education shouldn’t be any different.

When it comes to employment outcomes after study, Private Education Providers are winning the race. They rate higher than even University at delivering employable skills in their graduates and helping them land a job.


Private Provider


TAFE


0%

Employed After Training

0%

Employed After Training

0%

Improved Their Employment Status
After Training

0%

Improved Their Employment Status
After Training

Browse Courses Today

3. Graduates

There’s no point going to the effort of studying if it doesn’t help you in your employment or career goals. After all, that is essentially the point of education. You wouldn’t make an investment in something that you know isn’t going to result in much, and your education shouldn’t be any different.

0%
Of Graduates from Private Providers undertook training for employment purposes

When it comes to employment outcomes after study, Private Education Providers are winning the race. They rate higher than even University at delivering employable skills in their graduates and helping them land a job.


0,500

Graduates From Private Colleges in 2017

0,200

Graduates from TAFE in 2017


Average Number of Students Per TAFE

17, 615 students

Average Number of Students Per Private Provider

775 students

One of the best indicators of quality when it comes to education, is the average salaries seen by graduates. Plenty of evidence suggest that your salary can be dependant on the reputation of the institute you attend.


Private Provider
Graduates

$0,400

Median Salary

TAFE
Graduates

$0,200

Median Salary

4. Satisfaction


There is no greater indicator of the quality of an educator, than the feedback received by past students. After all, who better to rely on than people who have gone through the same course you’re planning on? An interesting finding by the NCVER Student Outcome Survey, was just how different responses were between Private Providers and TAFE students.

Some of the feedback was around areas of satisfaction with training, whether they would recommend this training to others and whether they would recommend their providers. Based on these three areas, graduates from Private Providers came out better in all three outcomes.

Private Providers


TAFE


0%

Of Graduates Are Satisfied
with Their Training

0%

Of Graduates Are Satisfied
with Their Training

0%

Of Graduates Recommend
Their Training

0%

Of Graduates Recommend
Their Training

0%

Of Graduates Recommend
Their Provider

0%

Of Graduates Recommend
Their Provider


While it doesn’t seem like much, it does give an indication of the quality of education you can expect from these two very different VET educators. And if anything, it just further demonstrates that Private Providers are even better for graduates than TAFE. So when it comes to your decision to pursue study, TAFE should not be the only avenue you consider.

Browse Courses Today

5. Reason for Study

Understanding the motivations of students looking to study through either TAFE or a Private Colleges is really important in determining what you can expect from your study. The NCVER Student Outcome Survey reveals that the highest reason to study at both institutes is to get a job. While this is a pretty predictable reason, what is interesting, is that those that want to use VET study to get into Higher Education choose Private Educators much more frequently than TAFE.


*Further study refers to returning to study at a level above the current qualification, usually at Higher Education institutes such as University.

This could be based on a myraid of reasons, from smaller class sizes, more time spent with tutors or a more personalised learning experience. What’s even more interesting, is that for graduates who are motivated to study to use this as a pathway to University; 67% of graduates from Private Providers go on to do so; compared to only 48% who study at TAFE.

Additionally, for those looking for personal development, 71.4% graduate from Private Providers, while only 54.5% do so through TAFE. Overall, Private Providers have shown through the NCVER data to have higher rates of graduates motivated to study to:

  • Upskill to Better Their Employment Prospects
  • Personal Development
  • Access Higher Education or Further Study

Private Educators have proven to outperform in areas of funding, employment, graduate outcomes, satisfaction and reasons for study. So what’s stopping you from considering these quality educators when it comes to your study? Browse courses today and experience the quality for yourself.

Browse Courses Today
Avatar photo
Rebecca Fox
Rebecca Fox

Navigator Illustration
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
gator tooltip icon
Our course navigator helps refine thousands of courses into a personalised list that suits you. Click to answer each question, so we can provide you with the best possible courses, tailored to your preferences.
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!

Try our navigator tool and find the right course.

Start Here
Navigator Illustration

Latest Articles


Top 10 High Income Skills of 2025 (Based on Real Data)

High-income skills allow you to future-proof your career, making you valuable to any employer. Our d...

Avatar photo
Michael Yi
Nov 29, 2024
Read More

21 Legit Ways to Make Money Online Fast (& Slow) in 2025

Need to boost your income? We compare the best ways to make money online, short- and long-term, that...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Nov 26, 2024
Read More

Online Teaching Jobs You Can do From Home — No Degree Needed

Teaching is a rewarding job where you get to use your accrued wisdom and experience to help others o...

Avatar photo
Michael Yi
Oct 13, 2024
Read More

Want to Read More?


Who is eligible for JobTrainer? [FAQ]

JobTrainer is an Australian Government initiative in response to COVID-19 that partners with partici...

Avatar photo
Candlefox
May 27, 2022
Read More

ACT Australian Apprenticeships (User Choice)

The User Choice (ACT) program, also known as the ACT Australian Apprenticeships, is a funding policy...

Claudia Reiners
Mar 30, 2020
Read More

Australia’s Fastest Growing Jobs Series: Jobs in Victoria

Looking for a job in Victoria that’s promised to boom in your area? Look no further, whether y...

Claudia Reiners
Nov 29, 2018
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
  • chevron-left
  • Popular Subjects
  • Study Locations
  • Qualification Type
  • Popular Blogs
  • chevron-right
  • Community Services
  • Accounting
  • Aged Care
  • Child Care
  • Counselling
  • IT
  • Business Admin
  • Business
  • Disability
  • Education
  • Project Management
  • Marketing
  • Allied Health
  • Building and Construction
  • Fitness
  • View More
  • New South Wales
  • Northern Territory
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • View More
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Bachelor
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma
  • Masters
  • Short
  • Graduate Certificate
  • View More
  • 5 Low-Stress Jobs to a Create Perfect Work-Life Balance
  • 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree
  • 12+ Best Side Hustles in Australia: Money Makers
  • What Are The Most Enjoyable Careers? Top 12 Fun Jobs
  • 22 Jobs You Don't Need Experience For: Learn While You Earn
  • TAFE, VET and AQF – Acronyms in Australian Learning
  • Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
  • Government Funded Courses and Subsidised Training
  • Never Too Late: Studying at TAFE as a Mature Age Student
  • Study at TAFE | Guide to TAFE Courses in Australia
  • 35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today
  • The Top Careers That Earn Over $100K Without a Degree
  • Top 10 High Income Skills of 2025 (Based on Real Data)
  • What is TAFE (Technical and Further Education)
  • View More

Newsletter sign up

We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
Courses
  • All subjects
  • Online courses
About Us
  • About tafecourses.com.au
Contact us
  • Contact
  • Advertise your course
  • Become an affiliate
Resources
  • Our blog
  • Workforce training
Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Certified B Corporation
Tafecourses Facebook Tafecourses Instagram
Certified B Corporation
Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
In the spirit of reconciliation, tafecourses.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Copyright © 2025 Tafecourses.com.au
All Rights Reserved.

Newsletter Sign Up

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

By downloading this template I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
Back to Top