Cheapest TAFE courses in Australia for international students by state was one of those searches I did repeatedly. I needed real numbers, not marketing promises. I needed to know what was actually affordable, and I needed it broken down by state because location affects everything.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve watched friends choose TAFE courses based on cost, and I’ve seen how those choices worked out. Some found great deals and saved money. Some found that “cheap” TAFE courses had hidden costs. Some realised that the cheapest option wasn’t always the best value.
So here’s everything I know about finding the cheapest TAFE courses in Australia, broken down by state, with real numbers and honest advice.
The Reality Check First
Let me start with this, because I wish someone had told me: TAFE is cheaper than university, but it’s still not cheap.
The cheapest TAFE courses are still expensive. You’re looking at $5,000 to $15,000 per year for course fees, plus living costs. That’s still a lot of money.
But TAFE is significantly cheaper than university. University degrees cost $20,000 to $45,000 per year. TAFE courses cost $5,000 to $15,000 per year. That’s a big difference.
The key is finding the right balance between cost and value. The cheapest TAFE course isn’t always the best value. But TAFE is generally better value than university if you want practical, job focused training.
New South Wales: Sydney and Beyond
Sydney is expensive, but TAFE is still cheaper than university.
TAFE course fees in NSW are usually $6,000 to $12,000 per year, depending on the course. Certificate courses are usually cheaper. Diploma courses are usually more expensive.
Living costs in Sydney are high, around $20,000 to $25,000 per year. So a one year TAFE course might cost $26,000 to $37,000 total. A two year course might cost $46,000 to $62,000 total.
Regional NSW is cheaper. TAFE course fees are similar, but living costs are lower, around $15,000 to $18,000 per year. So total costs are lower.
But here’s what to watch for: job opportunities are more limited in regional NSW. If you need to work part time, regional areas can be challenging.
Victoria: Melbourne and Regional
Melbourne is similar to Sydney: expensive, but TAFE is still cheaper than university.
TAFE course fees in Victoria are usually $6,000 to $12,000 per year, depending on the course. Certificate courses are usually cheaper. Diploma courses are usually more expensive.
Living costs in Melbourne are high, around $20,000 to $25,000 per year. So a one year TAFE course might cost $26,000 to $37,000 total. A two year course might cost $46,000 to $62,000 total.
Regional Victoria is cheaper. TAFE course fees are similar, but living costs are lower, around $15,000 to $18,000 per year. Regional cities like Geelong or Ballarat are cheaper than Melbourne.
I know students who chose regional Victoria TAFE and saved significant money. But job opportunities are more limited, especially for international students who can only work part time.
Queensland: Brisbane and Beyond
Queensland is generally cheaper than NSW and Victoria, both for TAFE fees and living costs.
TAFE course fees in Queensland are usually $5,000 to $11,000 per year, depending on the course. Certificate courses are usually cheaper. Diploma courses are usually more expensive.
Living costs in Brisbane are lower than Melbourne or Sydney, around $18,000 to $22,000 per year. So a one year TAFE course might cost $23,000 to $33,000 total. A two year course might cost $41,000 to $56,000 total.
Regional Queensland is even cheaper. Living costs are lower, around $15,000 to $18,000 per year. But job opportunities are very limited, especially for international students.
South Australia: Adelaide
Adelaide is one of the cheapest capital cities for both TAFE fees and living costs.
TAFE course fees in South Australia are usually $5,000 to $10,000 per year, depending on the course. Certificate courses are usually cheaper. Diploma courses are usually more expensive.
Living costs in Adelaide are significantly lower than Melbourne or Sydney, around $16,000 to $20,000 per year. So a one year TAFE course might cost $21,000 to $30,000 total. A two year course might cost $37,000 to $50,000 total.
The trade off? Fewer job opportunities. Adelaide is a smaller city with a smaller job market. But if you can find work, you’ll save a lot of money.
Western Australia: Perth
Perth is similar to Adelaide: cheaper than Melbourne or Sydney, but with a smaller job market.
TAFE course fees in Western Australia are usually $5,000 to $10,000 per year, depending on the course. Certificate courses are usually cheaper. Diploma courses are usually more expensive.
Living costs in Perth are lower than Melbourne or Sydney, around $16,000 to $20,000 per year. So a one year TAFE course might cost $21,000 to $30,000 total. A two year course might cost $37,000 to $50,000 total.
But Perth is isolated, which means flights to other cities are expensive, and you might feel cut off from the rest of Australia.
Tasmania: Hobart
Tasmania is usually the cheapest state for both TAFE fees and living costs.
TAFE course fees in Tasmania are usually $4,000 to $9,000 per year, depending on the course. Certificate courses are usually cheaper. Diploma courses are usually more expensive.
Living costs in Hobart are the lowest of any capital city, around $12,000 to $16,000 per year. So a one year TAFE course might cost $16,000 to $25,000 total. A two year course might cost $28,000 to $42,000 total.
The trade offs? Very limited job opportunities, especially for international students. Hobart is a small city with a small job market. And it’s isolated, which means flights are expensive and you might feel far from everything.
I know students who chose Tasmania TAFE and loved the low costs. I also know students who chose Tasmania and struggled with isolation and lack of job opportunities.
Certificate vs Diploma: The Cost Difference
This is important, because the level of qualification affects cost.
Certificate courses are usually cheaper. Certificate III or IV courses usually cost $4,000 to $8,000 per year. They’re shorter, usually six months to one year, so total costs are lower.
Diploma courses are usually more expensive. Diploma courses usually cost $8,000 to $12,000 per year. They’re longer, usually one to two years, so total costs are higher.
Advanced Diploma courses are the most expensive. They usually cost $10,000 to $15,000 per year. They’re longer, usually two years, so total costs are highest.
The key is choosing the right level for your goals. Don’t do a Diploma if a Certificate is enough. Don’t do a Certificate if you need a Diploma.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Course fees aren’t the only cost. Here’s what else adds up:
Materials and equipment can cost $500 to $2,000 per year. Some TAFE courses require tools, equipment, or materials. Check what’s included and what you need to buy.
Student services and amenities fees are usually $200 to $400 per year. These are mandatory fees.
Living costs vary massively by location. Rent in Sydney or Melbourne can be $15,000 to $20,000 per year. In Hobart, it might be $8,000 to $12,000. That’s a $7,000 to $12,000 difference per year.
Transport costs add up. In cities with good public transport, you might spend $1,000 to $2,000 per year. In cities where you need a car, it’s much more.
Health insurance (OSHC) is mandatory and costs $500 to $700 per year. This is the same regardless of which TAFE you choose.
How to Actually Compare Costs
Don’t just compare course fees. Compare total costs: course fees plus living costs plus other expenses.
Use TAFE websites to find exact course fees. Don’t trust third party websites, as fees change regularly.
Check living cost estimates, but add 20% to be safe. TAFE institutes often underestimate living costs.
Talk to current students about real costs. They’ll tell you what actually costs money that you might not expect.
Consider the full course, not just one year. A $2,000 difference per year is $4,000 over two years. That’s significant.
Think about opportunity costs. If you choose a cheaper TAFE but can’t find part time work, you might need more family support. If you choose a more expensive TAFE but get better job outcomes, it might be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheaper TAFE courses worse quality?
Not necessarily. Some cheaper TAFE institutes have excellent teaching and good job outcomes. The price difference is often about location and overheads, not teaching quality. That said, do your research. Check graduate employment rates, talk to current students, and make sure the course is right for you.
Can I get scholarships for TAFE?
Sometimes yes, but TAFE scholarships are less common than university scholarships. Check with specific TAFE institutes about scholarship availability.
Should I choose the cheapest TAFE?
Not necessarily. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Consider job outcomes, course quality, location, and whether the course will help you achieve your goals. But if you’re on a tight budget, cheaper options can still give you a good education.
How much can I save by choosing a cheaper TAFE?
It depends on the TAFE institutes you’re comparing. You might save $2,000 to $5,000 per year by choosing a cheaper TAFE. But remember to factor in living costs, as these vary by location too.
Are regional TAFE institutes cheaper?
Usually yes, both for course fees and living costs. But job opportunities are more limited, especially for international students. If you can find part time work, regional TAFE can save you significant money.
Can I work part time to cover TAFE costs?
Yes, but be realistic. You can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester, which might earn you $800 to $1,200 per fortnight depending on the job. That’s $20,800 to $31,200 per year, which helps but won’t cover everything. You’ll still need savings or family support.
Final Thoughts
Finding the cheapest TAFE courses in Australia by state isn’t just about course fees. It’s about total costs: course fees, living costs, and other expenses. And it’s about value: whether the cheaper option will still help you achieve your goals.
Don’t choose based on cost alone. But don’t ignore cost either. Be realistic about what you can afford, and be honest about what trade offs you’re willing to make.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Do your research, compare total costs, and talk to real students. They’ll give you the real numbers that marketing materials won’t.
If you’re still planning your TAFE journey, check out my guides on what is TAFE in Australia and how to compare course fees in Australia. And if you’re comparing specific TAFE institutes, use their official websites for exact fees, but also talk to current students about real living costs. They’ll tell you what actually costs money.