Comprehensive Guide & Required Documents for International VET Students in Australia

Thursday 13 February 2025

This guide provides an overview of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia for international students, covering course types, visa requirements, tuition fees, living costs, and necessary documents for admission and visa application. It also offers tips on choosing CRICOS-registered courses and financial preparation.

Comprehensive Guide & Required Documents for International VET Students in Australia

1. Introduction to VET in Australia

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia provides practical, job-focused education designed to prepare students for employment or further academic study. International students can enroll in CRICOS-registered VET courses, which range from Certificate I to Advanced Diplomas in various fields like business, IT, hospitality, healthcare, and trades.

This guide covers:
✔ Types of VET courses
✔ Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements
✔ Tuition fees & living costs
✔ Required documents for admission & visa application

2. What is VET? Understanding the Course Levels

VET courses are hands-on programs focusing on technical skills, industry knowledge, and workplace training. These courses are delivered by TAFE institutes, private colleges, and Registered Training Organizations (RTOs).

VET Course Levels & Duration

Qualification	Duration	Purpose
Certificate I & II	6 months – 1 year	Basic entry-level skills for employment
Certificate III & IV	1 – 2 years	Skilled work preparation and trade certification
Diploma	1 – 2 years	Higher technical skills, potential university pathway
Advanced Diploma	1.5 – 2 years	Higher-level qualifications for specialist or managerial roles

3. Visa Requirements for International VET Students

Most international students enrolling in a VET course require a Student Visa (Subclass 500 – VET Sector).

🔹 Eligibility Requirements:
✔ Must enroll in a CRICOS-registered VET course
✔ Must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution
✔ Must demonstrate Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) status
✔ Must show financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living costs, and OSHC (health insurance)
✔ Must maintain full-time study and academic progress

💡 Note: If your VET course is part of a package program (e.g., Certificate IV + Diploma + Bachelor’s Degree), your visa should cover the entire study duration.

4. Tuition Fees for VET Courses (2025 Estimates)

VET Course Level	Estimated Annual Fees (AUD)
Certificate I – II	$5,000 – $15,000
Certificate III – IV	$10,000 – $18,000
Diploma	$12,000 – $25,000
Advanced Diploma	$15,000 – $30,000

📌 Note: Fees vary depending on institution, course duration, and location. Some courses may have additional materials, equipment, or licensing fees.

5. Estimated Living Costs for VET Students (2025 Requirements)

As of 2025, the Australian Government has increased the minimum financial requirements for international students applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses for at least 12 months in Australia.

💡 Updated Government Financial Requirements (2025):
✔ Single Student: Minimum AUD $29,710 per year
✔ Student with Partner: Minimum AUD $41,300 per year
✔ Student with Partner & One Child: Minimum AUD $50,800 per year

🔹 Important: These figures represent minimum financial thresholds. Actual expenses may vary depending on location, lifestyle, and accommodation choices.

Estimated Living Costs for International VET Students

Expense Type	Estimated Annual Cost (AUD)
Accommodation (Rent, Homestay, or Shared Housing)	$12,000 – $24,000
Food & Groceries	$5,000 – $8,000
Transport (Public Transport & Fuel)	$1,500 – $3,500
Study Materials & Equipment	$500 – $1,500
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)	$600 – $1,200
Miscellaneous (Personal & Social Expenses)	$3,000 – $6,000
Total Estimated Cost Per Year	$22,000 – $45,000

📌 Note: Living costs are higher in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne compared to smaller cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth.

Financial Proof for Visa Application

To meet visa conditions, students must provide evidence of financial capacity, which may include:
✔ Bank statements showing sufficient funds
✔ Sponsorship letters from family, employers, or government bodies
✔ Scholarship confirmation letters (if applicable)

💡 Tip: The Australian Government requires students to have enough funds to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC before granting a visa. Insufficient funds may result in visa rejection or delays.

Exclusive Support from MyCourseFinder

💡 Need help arranging financial documents for your visa?
At MyCourseFinder.com, we assist students in:
✅ Understanding financial capacity requirements
✅ Finding affordable VET courses & tuition options
✅ Applying for scholarships & sponsorships
✅ Securing exclusive OSHC discounts

6. Required Documents for VET Admission & Student Visa

A. Documents for VET Course Admission

✅ Completed Application Form (provided by the institution)
✅ Passport Copy (valid for at least 6 months before travel)
✅ Academic Transcripts & Certificates (translated into English if necessary)
✅ English Proficiency Test Results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL if required)
✅ Statement of Purpose (SOP) (if required by the institution)
✅ Work Experience Documents (if applying for certain Certificate IV or Diploma courses)

💡 English Proficiency Requirements for VET Courses:

IELTS: 5.0 – 6.0
PTE Academic: 42 – 50
TOEFL iBT: 46 – 60
Some institutions offer ELICOS (English Language) courses if students do not meet language requirements.

B. Documents for Student Visa (Subclass 500 – VET Sector)

✅ Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered VET provider
✅ Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement (explaining why you are studying in Australia)
✅ Financial Proof (bank statements, sponsor letter, scholarship offer)
✅ OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the entire visa duration
✅ Previous Visa History (if applicable)
✅ Work Experience & Employment Letters (if applicable)

📌 Note: If you are including a partner or dependent children in your visa application, you must also provide relationship proof, marriage/birth certificates, and additional financial evidence.

7. Work Rights for VET Students in Australia

✔ Allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying
✔ Full-time work rights during holidays and scheduled breaks
✔ Some courses (e.g., Hospitality, Health & Aged Care) require mandatory industry placements
✔ If taking a packaged course (e.g., Diploma + Bachelor), work rights may differ at each stage

💡 Tip: Many students in trade courses (e.g., automotive, plumbing, construction) find job opportunities through industry placements.

8. How to Choose a CRICOS-Registered VET Course

At MyCourseFinder.com, you can explore all CRICOS-approved VET courses across TAFE institutes, private colleges, and RTOs.

✔ Step 1: Visit MyCourseFinder.com
✔ Step 2: Search by VET course name, institution, or CRICOS code
✔ Step 3: Compare tuition fees, course duration, and job outcomes
✔ Step 4: Check institution rankings, student support services, and visa eligibility

💡 Tip: Be cautious of unregistered institutions—only CRICOS-approved VET courses qualify for student visas.

👉 Find your VET course today at MyCourseFinder.com! 🚀

9. Final Thoughts & Next Steps

📌 Key Takeaways for VET Students:
✔ Choose a CRICOS-registered VET course to qualify for a student visa
✔ Check entry requirements (English proficiency, work experience, academic qualifications)
✔ Budget for tuition fees, living costs, and OSHC before applying
✔ Meet visa conditions (full-time study, work limits, academic progress)

💡 Need help with VET course selection, visa processing, or OSHC?

MyCourseFinder.com offers:
✅ Verified CRICOS VET institutions
✅ Student visa & GTE statement assistance
✅ Exclusive discounts on OSHC & student insurance

👉 Start your VET journey today with MyCourseFinder.com! 🚀