Calendar
Our academic year is made up of two semesters (four terms) and includes vacation breaks in the middle. English language course sessions start every five weeks.
Closing dates
Courses with portfolio requirements
Applicants for courses with portfolio requirements require longer processing and campus assessment.
Other courses
Offshore applicants should allow two months before the course starts, to allow visa processing and flights to Sydney.
Onshore applicants should apply no later than one week before the course starts.
Many popular courses however, will reach full capacity and require early payment to secure your place and to avoid disappointment.
Certificate and Diploma courses
Certificate and Diploma courses
| Semester 1 (February intake) | Semester 2 (July intake) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Application closing date | 28 October 2012 - Courses with portfolio requirements | Application closing date | 24 May - Courses with portfolio requirements |
| 07 January - Offshore applicants | 17 June - Offshore applicants | ||
| 28 January - Onshore applicants | 08 July - Onshore applicants | ||
| Term 1 | 04 February - 14 April | Term 3 | 15 July - 22 September |
| Autumn vacation | 15 April - 28 April | Spring vacation | 23 September - 07 October |
| Term 2 | 29 April - 30 June | Term 4 | 08 October - 15 December |
| Winter vacation | 01 July - 14 July | Summer vacation | 16 December - 02 February 2014 |
Late applications may be considered. Read more about Certificate and Diploma courses.
Degree courses
| Semester 1 (February intake) | Semester 2 (July intake) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Application closing date | Bachelor of Design (Interior Design): 23 November 2012 | Application closing date | Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) and Bachelor of 3D Art and Animation are not available for Semester 2 intakes |
| All other degree courses: 18 January | Other degree courses: 21 June | ||
| Term 1 | 25 February - 14 April | Term 3 | 29 July - 22 September |
| Autumn vacation | 15 April - 28 April | Spring vacation | 23 September - 09 October |
| Term 2 | 29 April - 23 June | Term 4 | 10 October - 01 December |
| Winter vacation | 24 June - 28 July | Summer vacation | 02 December - 23 February 2014 |
Late applications may be considered. Read more about Degree courses.
English language courses
| Session 1 | 02 January - 01 February | Session 6 | 24 June - 26 July |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 2 | 04 February - 08 March | Session 7 | 29 July - 30 August |
| Session 3 | 11 March - 12 April | Session 8 | 02 September - 04 October |
| Session 4 | 15 April - 17 May | Session 9 | 08 October - 08 November |
| Session 5 | 20 May - 21 June | Session 10 | 11 November - 13 December |
Read more about English courses.
Courses
International students can choose from over 300 courses in Sydney and regional locations.
Search from
Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Bachelor Degree.
Select from these options to see which courses meet your needs.
For further general information about qualifications, work placement, articulation, facilities and equipment, assessment methods and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) visit about TAFE NSW.
Calendar
Do you need help?
Ask a question online or contact
DEC International or an authorised agent
for help with choosing a TAFE NSW course or enrolling.
Downloads

Find out about TAFE NSW Institutes, study options, the study experience, and how to apply.
Full Course List 2013
Brochure and Course Guide
English courses
Certificate & Diploma courses
Higher Education Flyer
Associate Degree of Accounting Flyer
Degree courses
See more and translated documents
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ESOS Framework
The Australian Government wants international students to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding study experience in Australia.
Read more about the ESOS Framework.
Agent search
DEC International has a worldwide network of representative agents who can help you complete and submit your application to study.
These representatives must provide you with accurate and up-to date information and advice regarding programs, courses, application procedures, living and studying in Australia. They can also assist with your visa application. If you wish to apply through an agent it is recommended that you use an agent on this list. If you choose to use another agent who is not published on this list, then TAFE NSW is not responsible for the accuracy of the advice provided to you.
TAFE NSW English Language Centre agents
TAFE NSW English Language Centres also engage agent representatives and details of these agents can be found on the English Language pages for each of the listed Institutes. These agents may recruit students for intensive English language courses but not for any other courses at TAFE NSW.
- Crows Nest (Northern Sydney Institute)
- Kingscliff (North Coast Institute)
- Liverpool (South Western Sydney Institute)
- Newcastle (Hunter Institute)
- Port Macquarie (North Coast Institute)
- Ultimo (Sydney Institute)
- Wollongong (Illawarra Institute)