Study Options
There are many different ways you can study.
Consider studying a non-accredited course or accredited course to prepare for the demands and skills required for an industry or business.
Use the links on the right-hand side to help you as you go and check out the A-Z Resources for further support.

Short courses
Short courses can lead you into your preferred study pathway.
These days there are short courses in almost every topic imaginable!
Many people participate in short courses purely for enjoyment or stimulation, but short courses can also assist you to pathway into another course or even land a new job.
You can chose a short course (such as Introduction to Computers etc) to brush up your skills for work.
For more support in this area , check out the A-Z Resources.
Find out what short courses and training opportunties may be near you
Find out which short courses are offered at Community Adult Education centres
Search for many different training options

Learn Local courses
Learn Local organisations offer courses with direct pathways into Certificate and Diploma courses at Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
They also specialise in helping students gain confidence and the fundamental skills for further training opportunities and employment.
There’s a government registered Learn Local in your community that can help you return to study, improve your reading, writing and maths skills, gain a qualification, get a job or learn something new.
Learn Locals are friendly and welcoming, with qualified teachers who are focussed on helping you succeed.
Learn Local organisations also offer other learning support services such as career advice, financial assistance, childcare facilities and disability support services.
To find out more about these services, contact a Learn Local organisation in your community.
Search your location for suitable courses in your area and hear stories from learners

Traineeships
A traineeship is a great way to learn on the job, gain a qualification and get paid at the same time.
Traineeships are usually not as long as apprenticeships and the conditions are a little different.
The following conditions apply to traineeships:
- An employer agrees to employ and support you for the term of the traineeship, and you agree to follow instruction and attend structured training
- If the business is sold, the new employer does not have to keep you on as a trainee
- Either party may cancel the contract by signing a cancellation form or letter stating the date of cancellation. Mutual agreement is not required.
Find comprehensive information about taking a traineeship in Australia

Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a great way to get hands-on practical skills while you are studying and working.
An apprenticeship is a longer commitment than a traineeship and has strict conditions between the employer and the employee.
The duration of an apprenticeship is 3-4 years depending on the industry area.
The following conditions apply to apprenticeships:
- An employer agrees to employ you for the term of the apprenticeship and to support you in your training for that period of time, and you agree to follow instruction and attend off-the-job and/or workplace-based training
- If your employer sells the business during your apprenticeship, the new employer must continue with the training contract
- Once the probationary period of the training contract has passed, all parties must agree in order for the contract to be cancelled.
- The duration of an apprenticeship will increase if you are doing the apprenticeship part-time or as a school-based Apprenticeship.
For further information about traineeships, check out the A-Z Resources.
Find comprehensive information about being an apprentice in Australia
Take a quiz to see if you are suited to a particular industry
Use this step-by-step guide to assist you on your journey to becoming an apprentice

TAFE / Vocational Education
Tertiary and Further Education (TAFE), now called Vocational Education, allows you to study Certificate courses. These courses can help you to secure a job, earn more money or set up your own business, or can provide pathways into university.
Australian Qualifications Framework
Certificate I
Certificate II
Certificate III
Certificate IV
Diploma
Advanced Diploma & Associate Degrees
Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate & Graduate Diploma
Masters Degree
Doctoral Degree
Learn about the knowledge, skill and application required at each level of the National Qualifications Framework
Discover TAFE and training course information
Find learner information for apprenticeships, TAFE and Learn Local courses

University
Studying at university involves a lot of reading, writing and academic work, as well as practical applications of your new knowledge.
There are two kinds of qualifications that you can study at university.
Degrees (or undergraduate courses)
The first level of a course in higher education.
Post-graduate courses
Further study that you do at university on a specific subject after you’ve completed your degree. Honours degrees, Masters degrees and PhDs are all examples of post-graduate study.
Find information about university
Search for university courses