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TAFE at School
Get more out of high school
There’s no need to wait until after school to pursue your passion. Choose from a variety of certificate I to certificate III courses from a range of study areas ranging from hospitality to horticulture, early childhood education to engineering, and everything in between. Speak with your VET coordinator today to get started.
How it works
Get a head start on your future with TAFE at School. Gain a nationally-recognised qualification while you’re still at school and graduate job ready, giving you a head start on your career or future study plans.
Completing a TAFE at School course will seamlessly fit around your high school studies, with your TAFE course generally replacing one of your senior schooling subjects and our term dates aligning with Queensland school terms.
Your pathway to a trade qualification
A pre-apprenticeship course can be a great way to see if a trade is the right fit for you before committing to a full apprenticeship. And unlike traditional apprenticeships, you don’t need to find someone to employ you first. A pre-apprenticeship course is also a great way to help you stand out to employers and help you land an apprenticeship once you finish school.
If you love the idea of a hands-on trade career, completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship will allow you to start your training while you're still at school. A school-based apprenticeship can give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to train towards a nationally-recognised qualification and work for an employer (and get paid!) while you complete your high school studies.
If you’re in Year 10 and not sure what you want to study, you can try our Trade Taster program. See if a trade career is for you without needing to commit to a full qualification or apprenticeship. Choose from a range of traditional trades as well as other hands-on areas including agriculture, hairdressing, health or horticulture.
Open up pathways to TAFE and university
Get credit towards your QCE and ATAR
The great thing about TAFE at School courses is they count towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Plus, courses at a certificate III level (or above) will also contribute towards your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). In fact, in some instances completing a TAFE at School course could even help you improve your ATAR.
Learn more
Unlock doors to TAFE or uni
Completing a TAFE at School qualification is a great option if you’re considering continuing your studies at TAFE or university. Completing a TAFE at School course will give you direct entry into any related TAFE Queensland course. And for those wanting a pathway to university, a TAFE Queensland diploma will give you guaranteed entry into a related degree at TAFE Queensland or one of our university partners.
Learn moreUnderstanding ATARs
The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is the national standard for tertiary admissions. It indicates your position relative to other students and is calculated by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) and is used for entry to tertiary study. Completing a Certificate III or higher through TAFE at School contributes to your ATAR.
Information for parents and advisors
There are a number of reasons why students can benefit from completing a TAFE at School course. Whether they want to get qualified sooner, follow their interests, pursue a trade career, or set up a pathway to university, a TAFE at School course can help set them on the right path.
What it costs
Government subsidies such as Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) funding may allow you to study a TAFE at School course for less, or even for free. Students studying diploma and accelerate-to-diploma courses may also be eligible to access a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loan. Or you may be able to access a payment plan to gradually pay off your course throughout your studies. Contact TAFE Queensland to discuss your eligibility for available funding, loans and payment plans.
Find the right career for you
Reach your full potential by matching your personality profile with the study journey that's right for you.
Still not sure? Get in contactTAFE at School guides
Download the latest TAFE at School course guide to find out what courses are available in your area.
How to apply
If you're ready to get a head start on your career through TAFE at School, talk to your VET Coordinator who will be able to talk through your study options and start the application process for you. If you’ve already spoken to your VET Coordinator and have the TAFE at School application code for your preferred course, you can apply online.