Cheapest TAFE and VET courses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane is information that took me weeks to piece together when I was helping a friend explore vocational education options. University websites give you clear fee schedules. TAFE websites? They make you click through dozens of individual course pages, each with different fee structures, material costs, and durations. It’s exhausting.
My friend ended up enrolling at TAFE Queensland for a Diploma of Hospitality Management at around $5,440 for six months. Meanwhile, another student I know paid nearly $18,000 for a similar qualification at a Melbourne institute because he didn’t know cheaper options existed. Same qualification level. Same career outcome. A $12,000 difference.
That price gap is why I’m writing this. The information exists, but it’s scattered across dozens of websites, PDF brochures, and education agent pages. So here’s everything I’ve compiled about the cheapest TAFE and VET courses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane for international students, with actual fee ranges, specific providers, and how to find the best value for your situation.
Understanding TAFE and VET Costs
Before diving into specific prices, let’s understand what you’re actually paying for and how the pricing works.
What’s Included in TAFE Fees
When TAFE institutions quote fees, they typically include tuition only. But your total cost includes several components.
Tuition fees are the main cost and what most price lists show. This is the actual cost of instruction and assessment.
Materials and equipment fees are often listed separately. Some courses, especially trades and hospitality, require uniforms, tools, or equipment that add $500 to $2,000 to your total.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for all international students. Budget approximately $640 to $700 per year for single coverage. TAFE NSW quotes around $643 annually as a guide.
Application and enrolment fees vary by institution. Some charge $100 to $300 upfront for processing your application.
Ancillary fees cover things like student services, technology access, and administration. These are usually a few hundred dollars per year.
When comparing courses, always look at total cost, not just the headline tuition figure.
VET Qualification Levels
TAFE offers different qualification levels, each with different durations and price points.
Certificate III is the entry-level vocational qualification. Duration is typically 6 to 12 months. These are often the cheapest options and prepare you for operational roles in your field.
Certificate IV is a higher vocational qualification taking 6 to 12 months. It prepares you for supervisory or more specialised roles and costs slightly more than Certificate III.
Diploma takes 1 to 2 years and prepares you for paraprofessional or technical roles. This is where most international students aim, as it provides a solid qualification with reasonable career prospects.
Advanced Diploma takes 1.5 to 2 years and is the highest common TAFE qualification. It prepares you for junior professional or management roles.
For detailed information on these levels, see my guide on Certificate III and IV in Australia: what they mean and how they help.
Why VET Is Cheaper Than University
VET and TAFE programs cost a fraction of university degrees. A two-year Diploma might cost $26,000 to $34,000 total. A three-year Bachelor degree at a mid-tier university costs $90,000 to $120,000 total.
The reasons for this price difference include: shorter course durations, more standardised curriculum (less research overhead), larger class sizes in some programs, government funding structures, and a focus on practical skills rather than academic research.
For a complete comparison of pathways, read my guide on TAFE vs University in Australia: which is better for you.
Melbourne: Cheapest TAFE Options
Melbourne has several public TAFE institutes that accept international students. Prices vary significantly between institutions and courses.
The Main Melbourne TAFE Providers
Box Hill Institute is located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs with multiple campuses. They offer a wide range of courses from IT and business to trades and hospitality.
Holmesglen Institute has campuses across Melbourne and is one of the larger providers. They tend to be mid-range to slightly expensive, especially for health and nursing pathways.
Melbourne Polytechnic operates across northern Melbourne with campuses in Preston, Heidelberg, and other locations. They offer trades, business, and creative arts programs.
Kangan Institute focuses on automotive, health, fashion, and business programs. They have campuses in Broadmeadows, Docklands, and other locations.
Chisholm Institute is based in Melbourne’s southeast with campuses in Dandenong, Frankston, and Berwick. They offer a broad range of programs.
Melbourne Price Ranges
After reviewing course lists and fee schedules from these providers, here’s what you can expect.
Very cheapest 6-month courses: Around $6,500 to $8,000. These are typically shorter Certificate III or Certificate IV programs in areas like business administration, basic IT, or hospitality operations.
Typical 1-year Certificate IV or Diploma: $13,000 to $17,000. This is where most international students land. Programs in IT, business, hospitality management, and community services typically fall in this range.
Higher-cost programs: $18,000 to $22,000+ per year. Nursing pathways, allied health, some design and creative programs, and courses with significant practical components cost more.
Specific Melbourne Course Examples
Let me give you concrete examples from Box Hill Institute’s international course list.
Certificate IV in Cyber Security costs approximately $10,920 for one year. This is at the lower end for IT qualifications and provides a pathway into cybersecurity careers.
Certificate IV in Information Technology costs approximately $13,430 for one year. This covers general IT skills including networking, support, and basic programming.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery costs approximately $15,460 for one year. Hospitality courses tend to be more expensive due to kitchen time and materials.
Shorter 6-month programs like Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (Patisserie specialisation) run around $7,800 to $10,000 for the half-year duration.
Holmesglen tends to sit in the higher range, with annual VET tuition typically between $16,000 and $25,000 depending on the program. Their nursing and health pathways are particularly popular but more expensive.
Melbourne Polytechnic, Kangan, and Chisholm show similar patterns, with many trade and hospitality programs falling in the $13,000 to $17,000 per year range for international students.
Finding Melbourne’s Best Value
For the absolute cheapest options in Melbourne, focus on:
Business and administration courses at any of the major TAFEs. Certificate III and IV in Business, Office Administration, and related areas tend to be among the cheapest.
Basic IT support courses rather than specialised programs. General IT certificates cost less than cybersecurity or programming specialisations.
Shorter duration programs if your goal is to enter the workforce quickly. A 6-month Certificate IV costs less total than a 2-year Diploma, though it provides a lower qualification level.
Box Hill and Chisholm tend to offer competitive pricing compared to Holmesglen, which sits at the higher end.
Sydney: Cheapest TAFE Options
Sydney’s vocational education is dominated by TAFE NSW, the state’s public provider. Private colleges also operate but with variable quality and sometimes questionable practices.
TAFE NSW: The Main Provider
TAFE NSW is Australia’s largest vocational education provider, operating dozens of campuses across Sydney and regional New South Wales. They run a huge number of CRICOS-registered courses for international students spanning business, IT, hospitality, childcare, trades, design, and more.
Their international student guide and fee schedules show tuition listed per subject or per course. The structure can be confusing, but the overall pricing is competitive with other states.
Sydney Price Ranges
Here’s what you can realistically expect at TAFE NSW.
Lower-cost certificates: $10,000 to $14,000 per year equivalent. Business administration, basic IT support, hospitality certificates, and some retail courses fall in this range.
Popular diploma programs: $14,000 to $18,000+ per year. Early Childhood Education, Community Services, various design programs, and trade qualifications typically cost more.
Higher-cost specialisations: $18,000 to $22,000+ per year. Nursing pathways, engineering-related programs, and courses with expensive equipment or materials.
Private VET Colleges in Sydney
Sydney has numerous private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that advertise lower prices than TAFE NSW. Some quote fees as low as $8,000 to $10,000 per year.
The appeal: Lower sticker prices and sometimes more flexible scheduling.
The risks: Quality and support vary enormously. Some private colleges have faced visa-risk issues, poor attendance enforcement, sudden closures, or qualifications that employers don’t respect as much as TAFE credentials.
If you’re considering private VET colleges, research carefully. Check their history on the CRICOS register, look for student reviews, and verify they’re still operating with good standing. The cheapest option isn’t valuable if the qualification doesn’t help your career or if the college closes mid-course.
My recommendation: Unless you have specific reasons to choose a private college (particular specialisation, location, schedule), TAFE NSW offers better value when you factor in reputation, stability, and employer recognition.
Specific Sydney Course Examples
From TAFE NSW’s international course listings:
Certificate III in Business is among the cheaper options, designed to prepare you for entry-level administration and office roles.
Certificate III in Information Technology provides foundational IT skills for help desk and support positions at competitive pricing.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is popular but costs more due to placement requirements and industry demand.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery trains you for kitchen roles with practical components that add to the cost.
For detailed course information, TAFE NSW’s international pages show specific fees and durations for each CRICOS-registered program.
Finding Sydney’s Best Value
For the cheapest legitimate options in Sydney:
Stick with TAFE NSW unless you have strong reasons to consider private colleges. The reputation and stability are worth any small price premium.
Focus on business and basic IT if minimising cost is your priority. These fields tend to have lower tuition than trades, health, or creative programs.
Consider regional TAFE NSW campuses if you’re flexible on location. Some regional campuses may have lower demand and occasionally offer incentives, plus regional study can benefit migration pathways.
Check for current promotions as TAFE NSW occasionally offers scholarships or fee reductions for international students in specific programs.
Brisbane: Cheapest TAFE Options
Brisbane offers some of the most competitive TAFE pricing in Australia. TAFE Queensland is the main public provider and publishes clearer price information than many other states.
TAFE Queensland: Excellent Value
TAFE Queensland operates across Brisbane and regional Queensland. Their international course guide provides straightforward pricing that makes comparison easy.
From their published fee schedules and education agent data, Brisbane emerges as genuinely cheaper than Melbourne and Sydney for many programs.
Brisbane Price Ranges
Here’s what TAFE Queensland offers.
Short 6-month certificates: $5,400 to $7,500. This is notably cheaper than equivalent programs in Melbourne and Sydney. Some hospitality, IT, and business certificates fall in this range.
Full-year Diploma or Certificate IV: $13,000 to $17,000. Comparable to Melbourne but often at the lower end of this range.
Higher-cost trades and technical programs: Some automotive, engineering, and health programs cost more, especially those with significant equipment and materials requirements.
Specific Brisbane Course Examples
Let me give you concrete examples from TAFE Queensland’s pricing.
Diploma of Hospitality Management costs approximately $5,440 for 26 weeks (6 months). If you stack two semesters, that’s roughly $10,880 for a full year. This is remarkably cheap for a Diploma qualification.
Certificate III in Information Technology costs approximately $7,080 for 26 weeks. This provides foundational IT skills at a very competitive price.
Diploma of Information Technology (various specialisations) costs approximately $14,160 for one year. This is solid value for a Diploma-level IT qualification.
Certificate III in Engineering (Technical) costs approximately $7,080 for 26 weeks.
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology costs approximately $16,300 for one year. Automotive programs tend to cost more due to workshop time and equipment.
Why Brisbane Is Often Cheapest
Several factors make Brisbane more affordable for VET study.
Lower operational costs in Queensland compared to Sydney and Melbourne translate to lower tuition fees.
TAFE Queensland’s pricing strategy seems deliberately competitive to attract international students.
Less demand pressure than Sydney and Melbourne means less ability to charge premium prices.
Regional campus options in Queensland can offer even better value.
Private VET Colleges in Brisbane
Like Sydney, Brisbane has private RTOs that may offer fees in the $8,000 to $10,000 per year range. The same cautions apply: variable quality, stability concerns, and employer recognition issues.
TAFE Queensland offers such competitive pricing that the argument for choosing private colleges is weaker here than in more expensive cities.
Comparing Costs Across Cities
Let me summarise the realistic price ranges across all three cities.
6-Month Certificate Programs
Brisbane (TAFE Queensland): $5,400 to $7,500. Clearly the cheapest option for short programs.
Melbourne: $6,500 to $8,000. Slightly more expensive than Brisbane but still accessible.
Sydney (TAFE NSW): $8,000 to $10,000. The most expensive for short programs, though private colleges may offer lower prices with associated risks.
Full-Year Diploma or Certificate IV Programs
Brisbane (TAFE Queensland): $13,000 to $17,000, often at the lower end of this range.
Melbourne: $13,000 to $17,000, typically mid-range within this band.
Sydney (TAFE NSW): $10,000 to $18,000 depending on field, with popular programs often toward the higher end.
Two-Year Total Investment
For a complete two-year Diploma program:
Brisbane: Approximately $26,000 to $34,000 total tuition.
Melbourne: Approximately $26,000 to $34,000 total tuition.
Sydney: Approximately $28,000 to $36,000 total tuition.
These figures are tuition only. Add OSHC (approximately $1,300 for two years), materials fees (varies by course), and living costs to calculate your true total investment.
For living cost comparisons, see my guide on cost of living in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth for international students compared.
Cheapest Fields of Study
Some fields consistently cost less than others across all cities.
Business and Administration
Certificate III and IV in Business, Office Administration, and related areas are typically among the cheapest programs at any TAFE. These courses don’t require expensive equipment or materials, and class sizes can be larger.
Typical cost: $10,000 to $14,000 per year.
Career outcomes: Administration officer, receptionist, office manager, customer service representative.
Basic Information Technology
General IT certificates and diplomas (not specialised cybersecurity or programming) offer good value. These prepare you for help desk, IT support, and junior system administration roles.
Typical cost: $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
Career outcomes: IT support technician, help desk analyst, junior network administrator.
For IT career pathways, see my guide on common requirements for IT jobs in Australia that recruiters look for.
Community Services
Certificate III and IV in Community Services, Individual Support (Aged Care), and related areas are reasonably priced and lead to in-demand occupations.
Typical cost: $12,000 to $16,000 per year.
Career outcomes: Aged care worker, disability support worker, community services assistant.
For aged care specifically, see my guide on aged care and disability support courses in Australia.
Hospitality (Certificate Level)
Entry-level hospitality certificates are relatively affordable, though Diploma-level programs and commercial cookery cost more due to kitchen time.
Typical cost: $10,000 to $14,000 per year for certificates; $14,000 to $18,000 for Diploma and cookery programs.
Career outcomes: Food and beverage attendant, front office staff, cook, kitchen supervisor.
For hospitality courses in detail, see my guide on hospitality and cookery courses in Australia: fees, jobs, workload.
More Expensive Fields
Some fields consistently cost more due to equipment, materials, or practical placement requirements.
Nursing and Health Pathways
Nursing, allied health, and medical-adjacent programs are among the most expensive VET options. They require clinical placements, uniforms, equipment, and compliance checks.
Typical cost: $18,000 to $25,000 per year.
Automotive and Engineering Trades
Programs involving workshops, vehicles, heavy equipment, or specialised tools cost more. The materials and equipment fees can add significantly to base tuition.
Typical cost: $16,000 to $22,000 per year.
Creative Arts and Design
Fashion, graphic design, interior design, and similar programs often have higher fees plus significant materials costs for projects.
Typical cost: $16,000 to $22,000 per year.
For trade course options, see my guide on popular trade courses for international students: carpentry, automotive.
How to Find the Cheapest Option for Your Situation
Let me give you a practical process for finding the best value.
Step 1: Choose Your City
Consider living costs alongside tuition. Brisbane’s lower TAFE fees combine with lower rent and living costs to make it potentially the cheapest overall option. Melbourne and Sydney offer more job opportunities but cost more to live in.
For city comparisons, see my guide on Adelaide vs other Australian cities for international students.
Step 2: Identify Target Providers
Melbourne: Start with Box Hill Institute, Melbourne Polytechnic, Kangan Institute, and Chisholm Institute. Check Holmesglen too, but expect higher prices.
Sydney: Start with TAFE NSW. Consider private RTOs only with careful research into their reputation and stability.
Brisbane: Start with TAFE Queensland. Their pricing is transparent and competitive.
Step 3: Find International Course Lists
Every TAFE has an international student section on their website with course listings and fees.
TAFE Queensland publishes an International Course Guide PDF that lists fees, campuses, and durations clearly.
TAFE NSW has an international courses section where you can filter by field and view individual course fees.
Melbourne TAFEs require more clicking through individual course pages, but international fee information is available.
Look for the “International Students” or “Study with Us (International)” section on each provider’s website.
Step 4: Compare Total Study Cost
Don’t just compare annual fees. Calculate total cost for your complete study period.
If Course A costs $13,000 per year for two years, that’s $26,000 total.
If Course B costs $15,000 per year for 1.5 years, that’s $22,500 total.
Course B is cheaper despite the higher annual fee.
Also factor in:
- Materials and equipment fees listed on course pages
- OSHC for your total study duration (approximately $640 to $700 per year)
- Any application or enrolment fees
- Living costs in that city for your study duration
Step 5: Verify Career Outcomes
The cheapest course isn’t valuable if it doesn’t lead to employment. For each course you’re considering:
Check the career outcomes listed on the course page. What jobs does this qualification prepare you for?
Research those jobs on SEEK or Indeed to see if they’re actually hiring and what they pay.
Consider pathways to further study if you might want a Bachelor degree later. Does this Diploma give credit toward university?
For understanding career pathways, see my guide on moving from TAFE to university in Australia: step-by-step pathway.
Step 6: Check Visa Requirements
For a student visa, your course must be CRICOS-registered and typically requires 20+ contact hours per week. Verify that any course you’re considering meets these requirements.
Shorter courses (under one year) may have implications for post-study work visa eligibility. Consider whether course duration affects your longer-term plans.
For visa considerations, see my guide on choosing the right course for Australian student visa with long-term thinking.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Don’t get caught out by costs not included in headline tuition figures.
Materials and Equipment
Trade courses, hospitality, nursing, and creative programs often have significant materials costs. A commercial cookery course might require:
- Chef’s uniform and aprons: $200 to $400
- Knife set: $200 to $500
- Textbooks and resources: $200 to $400
- Other equipment: varies
Always check the course page for “additional costs” or “materials fees.”
Placement and Compliance
Courses with work placements may require:
- Working with Children Check: approximately $80 to $100
- Police check: approximately $50
- Vaccinations and health checks: varies
- First Aid certification: approximately $100 to $150
These are often mandatory and not included in tuition.
Repeat and Supplementary Fees
If you fail a unit and need to repeat, there are usually additional fees. If you need supplementary assessment, some institutions charge for this.
Living Costs
The biggest “hidden” cost is living in Australia while you study. Your total investment includes:
- Rent: $800 to $1,400 per month depending on city and accommodation type
- Food: $280 to $400 per month
- Transport: $100 to $180 per month
- Utilities and phone: $80 to $150 per month
- Personal expenses: varies
For detailed living cost breakdowns, see my guide on cost of groceries in Australia for a single student: weekly and monthly budgets.
Private Colleges: When They Make Sense
I’ve been cautious about private RTOs, but they’re not all bad. Here’s when they might be appropriate.
When Private Colleges Can Work
Specific niche programs not offered at TAFE. Some private colleges specialise in particular industries or offer unique programs.
Scheduling flexibility if you need evening or weekend classes that TAFE doesn’t offer.
Location if a private college is significantly more convenient than the nearest TAFE campus.
Legitimate cost savings if the college has a good reputation and track record despite lower fees.
How to Verify Private Colleges
Check CRICOS registration at cricos.education.gov.au. Verify the college and specific course are registered.
Search for news about the college. Have there been closures, scandals, or complaints?
Look for student reviews on forums, Facebook groups, and education review sites.
Check how long they’ve operated. Newer colleges are higher risk than established ones.
Verify employer recognition. Will employers in your target industry respect this qualification?
Ask about completion rates. How many students actually finish the course?
If you can’t verify these things confidently, stick with TAFE.
For guidance on avoiding problematic providers, see my guide on finding budget-friendly courses in Australia without scams.
Scholarships and Fee Reductions
While less common than for university study, some TAFE scholarships and fee reductions exist.
TAFE Scholarships
Some TAFEs offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students. These typically reduce tuition by 10% to 25%.
Check the “Scholarships” section of each TAFE’s international student pages. These change each intake period, so check close to when you plan to apply.
Early Bird Discounts
Some institutions offer discounts for early application or early payment. These might save $500 to $1,500.
Agent Scholarships
Education agents sometimes have access to fee reductions negotiated with specific institutions. If you’re using an agent, ask what scholarships or discounts they can access.
For general scholarship information, see my guide on best scholarships in Australia for international students.
Making Your Decision
Let me give you a framework for choosing the best option.
If Minimising Total Cost Is Your Priority
Choose Brisbane. TAFE Queensland offers the cheapest fees, and living costs in Brisbane are lower than Sydney and Melbourne. The combination makes Brisbane the most affordable overall option for VET study.
Choose a short program in business, basic IT, or community services. These fields have the lowest tuition.
Consider the trade-off: Fewer job opportunities than Melbourne or Sydney, though Brisbane’s job market is growing.
If Balancing Cost and Opportunity
Consider Melbourne. More expensive than Brisbane but offers a larger job market. Mid-tier Melbourne TAFEs like Box Hill and Chisholm offer reasonable value.
Choose a Diploma in a field with good employment prospects. The extra investment over a Certificate may pay off in career outcomes.
If Career Opportunities Are Priority
Consider Sydney or Melbourne despite higher costs. The job markets in these cities are larger, with more employers and more opportunities.
Invest in quality. Choose TAFE NSW or established Melbourne TAFEs. The credential recognition and industry connections may be worth the higher fees.
If PR Pathway Matters
Consider regional options. TAFEs outside major cities may offer migration advantages through regional study and work requirements.
Choose occupations on skilled lists. Research whether your target occupation is on skilled occupation lists for potential migration pathways.
For regional study benefits, see my guide on regional study and possible benefits for future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the absolute cheapest TAFE course for international students?
The cheapest options are typically 6-month Certificate III programs in business administration, basic IT support, or hospitality operations at TAFE Queensland in Brisbane. These can cost as little as $5,400 to $7,080 for the 6-month duration. Melbourne and Sydney have slightly higher minimums around $6,500 to $10,000 for equivalent short courses.
Is TAFE Queensland really cheaper than TAFE NSW?
Yes, based on published fee schedules. TAFE Queensland’s pricing is generally 10% to 20% lower than TAFE NSW for comparable programs. Combined with Brisbane’s lower living costs, Queensland offers genuine savings. However, Sydney has a larger job market, so consider employment prospects alongside tuition costs.
Are private VET colleges safe for international students?
Some are reputable, but many carry risks. Issues include sudden closures, poor quality instruction, inadequate student support, and qualifications employers don’t recognise. Always verify CRICOS registration, check for news about the college, and research student reviews. When in doubt, choose public TAFE institutions for stability and recognition.
Can I work while studying TAFE?
Yes, international students on student visas can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. TAFE schedules are often more compact than university, with classes concentrated on certain days, which can make part-time work easier to manage.
Do employers respect TAFE qualifications?
Yes, in appropriate fields. Australian employers understand and value TAFE qualifications for trades, hospitality, aged care, childcare, IT support, and similar practical roles. For these fields, employers often prefer TAFE graduates because they’re job-ready. TAFE qualifications are less relevant for professional roles that require university degrees.
How do I know if a course leads to a job?
Check the “career outcomes” section on the course page, which lists typical jobs graduates get. Then search those job titles on SEEK or Indeed to see actual job postings, required qualifications, and salary ranges. If you see plenty of job postings asking for your target qualification, that’s a good sign. If you see few postings or they all require degrees, reconsider.
Final Thoughts
Cheapest TAFE and VET courses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane range from around $5,400 for short Brisbane programs to $17,000 or more for specialised Diplomas in expensive cities. The difference in total cost between the cheapest and most expensive options can exceed $20,000 over a two-year program. That’s real money worth researching carefully.
Brisbane consistently offers the best value on tuition alone. Melbourne provides a middle ground with reasonable prices and strong job opportunities. Sydney costs more but offers the largest job market for many fields.
Don’t choose based on price alone. Consider the career outcomes, employer recognition, and your longer-term goals. A slightly more expensive program that leads to better employment might be worth the extra investment.
Take time to research properly. Open the international course guides, compare specific programs, calculate total costs including living expenses, and verify career outcomes before committing.
If you’re still deciding between TAFE and university, read my comprehensive comparison in TAFE vs University in Australia: which is better for you. And for overall study planning, see my guide on choosing the right course for Australian student visa with long-term thinking.
Cheapest TAFE and VET courses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane exist, and finding them is possible with systematic research. The effort you put into finding the right program at the right price will pay off throughout your time in Australia.