As an international student living in Tarneit or Melbourne’s western suburbs you are just a stones throw to some great TAFE institutes, vocational colleges and higher education providers.
The decision when it comes to selecting the institution is however more than just finding the nearest campus. What other factors should you think about and what you will have to be considering including course, entry requirements, tuition fees, location, delivery mode (online or on campus) and potential career options that align with your long-term plan for study/migration?
This guide walks you over some of the education options available around Tarneit and some important factors that international students should consider before enrolling.
Why Study Near Tarneit?
Tarneit is a growing suburb in Melbourne’s west, with access to surrounding areas such as Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Wyndham Vale, Williams Landing, Sunshine and Footscray.
Campus near home – for students, choosing one that is closer to their homes can also make life easier every day: less travel time and lower transport cost.
Depending on the course you are then interested in, you mayfind options within the following areas:
- Business and management
- Information technology
- Community services
- Individual support
- Early childhood education
- Nursing and healthcare
- Construction and building
- Automotive
- Electrotechnology
- Hospitality
- English and further study preparation
Top TAFE and College Options Near Tarneit
Victoria also has 16 TAFE providers (12 TAFE institutes, which also operate under other names, and four dual-sector universities) from more than 90 campus locations across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
1. Victoria University – Werribee Campus
Victoria University – Werribee Campus is a leading educational institution that located near Tarneit and other parts of the Western suburbs.
Hopper Crossing Station provided transportation access to the campus area with specialised facilities located on its Werribee campus.
Victoria University is the other provider and as well as higher education, it also runs TAFE courses. One example is its Certificate III in EAL (Further Study) offered at the Werribee campus that aims to empower students through English and study skills for higher education.
Why consider it?
- Accessible from Melbourne’s west
- TAFE and higher education pathways
- Range of vocational and university programs
- Suitable for students looking at further study pathways
International students can check if their selected course is for international students and the current entry combined with visa requirements before applying.
2. Victoria University – Sunshine Campus
Another option for students living in Tarneit and surrounding western suburbs is Victoria University – Sunshine Campus
Provides vocational education and training programs on campus. Current courses include TAFE programs including some areas of electrotechnology.
Sunshine is also beneficial for students combining some vocational education while linking to the west of Melbourne transport network.
Most Suitable For: Students considering trade and vocational and further-study pathways.
3. Education and Training Providers Around Tarneit
Not all overseas students should come down into Melbourne CBD to pick up vocational education degrees.
There are also education and training providers located directly within Tarneit, including:
- Australian Vocational Training (AVT)
- Training College of Australia
Other local trainers could also run business, community services, hospitality, building and other vocational courses; but the location alone should not be the only factor in your choice. International students also need to check whether the particular course and provider is best aligned with their circumstances, and where relevant, student visa suitability.
4. TAFE and College Options Around Werribee and Hoppers Crossing
For students in Tarneit, they can also look to neighbouring suburbs Werribee and Hoppers Crossing.
Industry Skills Training is a Werribee-based provider and Hammond Institute Werribee Campus is another education provider in the area.
On the other hand Werribee can also be supremely convenient for students who live on the western side of Tarneit depending on their location and transport access.
When comparing providers, check:
- Course availability
- Campus location
- Class schedules
- Practical training requirements
- Fees
- Entry requirements
- International student eligibility
- Course duration
5. Colleges in Sunshine and Melbourne’s West
Just another few minutes down the road Sunshine and surrounding western suburbs have more school choice you might want to consider.
For instance, Della International College is based in Sunshine and Harvester Technical College is located in Sunshine North.
These regions bestow more vocational education and training providers to the students.
The appropriate decision will be based not only on the proximity of the provider to your place of residence.
What Should International Students Consider Before Choosing a College?
A college near Tarneit is only the first step. These are crucial factors to consider before accepting an offer.
1. Is the course right for your career goal?
Don’t select a course just because it is fashionable or in proximity.
Think about:
What career do I want? → What qualification do I need? → What further study may be required?
This is especially critical if one of your intentions for seeking out a visa is to eventually search for skilled migration or permanent residence opportunities.
2. Check the course carefully
Look at:
- Qualification level
- Course duration
- Units/modules
- Practical requirements
- Work placement requirements
- Campus location
- Study mode
- Intake dates
Note that course information is subject to change and also bookmark your provider for up-to-date info before you sign-up.
3. Check international student eligibility
There is more to this as not all courses that domestic students can get into are available for international students.
International students should confirm:
- Whether the provider accepts international students
- Whether the specific course is available to international students
- Tuition fees
- English requirements
- Academic entry requirements
- Overseas Student Health Cover requirements
- Student visa requirements
4. Think about your future pathway
When studying in Australia for the purpose of establishing a stable long term career, refrain from viewing the course as a standalone.
Think if this qualification can benefit with;
Course → Further Study → Career → Potential Migration Pathway
Another thing to keep in mind is that simply finishing a specific course will not entitle you to permanent residency. Migration routes are based on Australian immigration laws, your skills and experience, occupation and other qualifying factors.
5. Consider travel time
A halfway decent college which is 10 km away isn’t really more convenient if you have to change transport twice. Before enrolling, check:
- Train access
- Bus routes
- Travel time
- Parking availability
- Class start and finish times
Your study life will also change dramatically depending on how much time you can spend travelling.
TAFE vs Private College: Which Is Better?
There is no universal solution that fits every student.
TAFE
TAFE institutes can offer:
- Industry-focused training
- Practical learning
- Recognised vocational qualifications
- Multiple campus locations
- Pathways into further education
Private College
Private colleges may offer:
- Flexible course options
- Different intake dates
- Smaller campus environments
- A variety of vocational programs
The trick is to compare the specific course and provider, rather than presume that TAFE is automatically better than a private college — or the other way around.
How APG Can Help You Choose the Right Course
Selecting a course in Australia can be difficult especially when you are preparing yourself between your career goals, the return on investment of the course, visa obligations and future opportunities.
Asia Pacific Group (APG): Education and migration services team work with the students to understand their current situations to find a suitable pathway course in line with the future goals and career objectives.
We can assist with:
- Course and college selection
- Admissions
- Student visa guidance
- Course transfers
- PR pathway course guidance
- PTE and English preparation options
- Skills assessment guidance
- Migration pathway advice
So if you are attending Tarneit, Werribee, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing or even just the Melbourne western suburbs and you think about what to analyze next but don’t know then getting recommendations from a education consultant in Tarneit regarding your enrollment would come in convenient.
Final Thoughts
International students in Tarneit have access to an expanding range of education and training opportunities throughout Melbourne’s western suburbs.
You have providers and courses around Werribee and Sunshine, Williams Landing along with surrounding suburbs.
But even if that college is the closest to you, it doesn’t mean it’s your best college.
Before admission, you ought to compare course, provider, fees, entrance requirement and location & future job path. Most importantly, if you are thinking of a course based on the migration benefits, check out current migration conditions and your eligibility instead of hearing some vague chaps saying that such and such course will lead you to PR.
Want to find the one courses near you in Tarneit? Talk to APG about your education and next steps.
