TAFE Queensland is the state's public training provider, with campuses from Brisbane's South Bank to Cairns and Townsville. International students mostly come for diplomas in nursing, hospitality, cookery, IT and early childhood education. Some diplomas give credit into partner university degrees. Teaching is practical, often in training kitchens, simulated wards and workshops.
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Official website: tafeqld.edu.au
Public vocational education provider
Brisbane
Across Queensland
A$12,000 – A$20,000
International students, diplomas and certificates
A$28,000 – A$32,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on tafeqld.edu.au before you apply.
Diploma of Nursing
DiplomaDuration
18 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
CertificateDuration
18 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
Diploma of Hospitality Management
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
Diploma of Information Technology
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
DiplomaDuration
18 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
Practical diplomas taught in training kitchens and simulated wards.
Campuses across Queensland, not just Brisbane.
Credit into partner university degrees.
Diploma of Nursing graduates can register as enrolled nurses in Australia.
Cookery and hospitality graduates work in Brisbane and Gold Coast kitchens and hotels.
Check whether your course leads to a Temporary Graduate visa before you enrol.
Undergrad
Most programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Selected programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
Brisbane is warm most of the year, built along a winding river with the CityCat ferries running up and down. South Bank's parklands and free lagoon are next to the TAFE campus there.
Rent has risen fast. The city is preparing for the 2032 Olympics, with more building and transport work under way.
CoE from TAFE Queensland
Proof of funds for fees and living
Overseas Student Health Cover
English test at required level
Genuine Student statement
Valid passport and health check
TAFE Queensland takes applications year-round. Apply at least three months before your intake, and earlier for nursing, which has limited places.
Most courses start in February and July, with some extra dates.
The Student visa, subclass 500. TAFE Queensland issues a Confirmation of Enrolment after you accept and pay the deposit; the application itself needs proof of funds, health cover (OSHC) and a Genuine Student statement.
Nursing, kitchen management, hospitality, IT and early childhood are popular. Entry usually needs Year 12 or equivalent and IELTS 5.5, with 7.0 for nursing.
TAFE Queensland offers few scholarships to international students. Check its website and Study Queensland for current offers.
