Vocational study in Australia is becoming a smart choice for many young Vietnamese people because of the high settlement opportunities, short study time and attractive income after graduation. However, to be best prepared, you need to clearly understand what the cost of vocational study in Australia in 2025 includes, and how much it varies by industry and state.
I. Overview of vocational study costs in Australia
Vocational study in Australia is becoming the optimal choice for many Vietnamese students thanks to its short study time, high employment opportunities and clear settlement path. However, one of the important issues to consider before making a decision is the cost of vocational study in Australia.
Compared to university, the cost of vocational training (VET - Vocational Education and Training) in Australia is often significantly cheaper, ranging from 8,000 - 22,000 AUD/year depending on the field of study, degree and location. In addition to tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses such as living expenses, visa fees, OSHC insurance, etc.
To save maximum costs, Gerimmi now has reputable partners in Vietnam that provide Australian-standard vocational training and are sponsored by Australian businesses. Contact Gerimmi now for free consultation!
II. Factors affecting the cost of vocational study in Australia
1. State and city of study
Study abroad in big cities likeSydney, Melbourne will be more expensive due to the high cost of living. If you choose to study in states likeTasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, you can save up to 30 - 40% of the cost, and are given priority for settlement. The area of study also affects employment opportunities and visa policy support.
2. Registered training level
Costs vary depending on the level of study.Certificate III & IVusually lasts 6 - 12 months, tuition from8,000 - 15,000 AUD/year, suitable for beginners.Diploma/Advanced Diplomalonger, tuition from13,000 - 25,000 AUD/year, can transfer to university. Determining the right level of study saves time and money.
3. Career choice
The field of study directly affects tuition fees. Fields such as healthcare, IT, restaurant - hotelOften requires extensive practice equipment, tuition from 13,000 - 22,000 AUD/year. On the contrary, the industries construction, welding, mechanical, tilinglower cost, from only8,000 - 15,000 AUD/yearChoosing the right major is not only based on your interests but also on your finances and career goals.
4. Type of training facility
Choosing to study at a public (TAFE) or private (RTO) institution also affects costs.RUNusually stable, reputable, reasonable tuition.RTOFlexible study schedule, easier entry but may cost a little more. Depending on personal goals and financial capacity to choose the right one.
5. English proficiency of students
If not achievedIELTS 5.5 or PTE 42, you need to learn more English in Australia with tuition fees from 250 - 400 AUD/week, increasing the total cost. Therefore, improving your English in Vietnam before going to Australia is a way to help you save a few thousand AUD and shorten your study time.
6. Living & personal expenses
The cost of living in Australia varies 1,500 - 2,200 AUD/month, including housing, meals, travel, insurance, etc. If studying in Vietnam for 1 year according to the schedule visa 407, you can save up to 200 - 300 million VND, reducing financial pressure before going to Australia for internship.
II. Average tuition fee table by training level (Cert III, IV, Diploma)
Education level |
Study time |
Average tuition fee/year |
Note |
Certificate III |
6 – 12 months |
8.000 – 13.000 AUD |
Often the first step to a practical career |
Certificate IV |
6 – 12 months |
10.000 – 15.000 AUD |
Enhance skills, possibly leading to Diploma |
Diploma |
1 – 2 years |
13.000 – 22.000 AUD |
University transfer possible |
Advanced Diploma |
1.5 – 2 years |
15.000 – 25.000 AUD |
More advanced than Diploma, more specialized |
III. Cost of studying abroad according to hot majors in 2025
Training industry |
Study time |
Average tuition fee/year |
Earnings after graduation |
Settlement opportunities |
Construction – Masonry |
1 – 2 years |
10.000 – 14.000 AUD |
56,000 AUD/year |
High |
Mechanical – Welding |
1 – 2 years |
9.000 – 13.000 AUD |
56,000 – 65,000 AUD/year |
High |
Tiling – Ceramic tiles |
1 – 2 years |
9.000 – 14.000 AUD |
56,000 – 60,000 AUD/year |
High |
Nursing – Health Care |
1.5 – 2 years |
14.000 – 22.000 AUD |
60,000 – 74,000 AUD/year |
Very high |
Information Technology (IT) |
1.5 – 2 years |
16.000 – 22.000 AUD |
70,000 – 90,000 AUD/year |
Medium – High |
Restaurant – Hotel |
1 – 2 years |
13.000 – 20.000 AUD |
50,000 – 60,000 AUD/year |
Medium |
IV. Compare apprenticeship costs by state
State/Territory |
Tuition fees/year |
Cost of living/year |
Estimated total cost/year |
Note |
New South Wales (Sydney) |
14.000 – 22.000 AUD |
25.000 – 30.000 AUD |
39.000 – 52.000 AUD |
Highest cost in Australia |
Victoria (Melbourne) |
13.000 – 20.000 AUD |
24.000 – 28.000 AUD |
37.000 – 48.000 AUD |
High demand for jobs |
Queensland (Brisbane) |
12.000 – 18.000 AUD |
22.000 – 26.000 AUD |
34.000 – 44.000 AUD |
Pleasant climate, stable tuition fees |
South Australia (Adelaide) |
10.000 – 17.000 AUD |
20.000 – 24.000 AUD |
30.000 – 41.000 AUD |
Low cost, priority settlement |
Western Australia (Perth) |
11.000 – 17.000 AUD |
21.000 – 25.000 AUD |
32.000 – 42.000 AUD |
Priority areas, attractive policies |
Tasmania (Hobart) |
10.000 – 16.000 AUD |
18.000 – 23.000 AUD |
28.000 – 39.000 AUD |
Lowest cost, visa priority |
Regional areas (rural areas) |
9.000 – 15.000 AUD |
18.000 – 22.000 AUD |
27.000 – 37.000 AUD |
High settlement opportunities, easy to find a job |
V. Cost of living for vocational study in Australia by state
State/Territory |
Rent Cost (AUD/month) |
Food (AUD/month) |
Transportation, electricity, internet (AUD/month) |
Total living expenses/month |
Total/year (estimated) |
New South Wales (Sydney) |
1.200 – 1.800 |
350 – 450 |
200 – 300 |
1.750 – 2.550 |
21.000 – 30.600 |
Victoria (Melbourne) |
1.100 – 1.600 |
350 – 450 |
180 – 250 |
1.630 – 2.300 |
19.560 – 27.600 |
Queensland (Brisbane) |
1.000 – 1.500 |
300 – 400 |
180 – 250 |
1.480 – 2.150 |
17.760 – 25.800 |
South Australia (Adelaide) |
900 – 1.300 |
280 – 400 |
170 – 240 |
1.350 – 1.940 |
16.200 – 23.280 |
Western Australia (Perth) |
950 – 1.400 |
300 – 400 |
180 – 250 |
1.430 – 2.050 |
17.160 – 24.600 |
Tasmania (Hobart) |
850 – 1.200 |
280 – 380 |
160 – 230 |
1.290 – 1.810 |
15.480 – 21.720 |
Other Regional Areas |
800 – 1.100 |
250 – 350 |
150 – 220 |
1.200 – 1.670 |
14.400 – 20.040 |
WE. Additional costs to consider
When planning your finances for your vocational study abroad journey in Australia, many students only focus on tuition fees and living expenses. However, there are a number of other mandatory additional costs and necessary expenses that you should not ignore.
1. Visa, OSHC, documents, equipment
- Australian student visa application fee (Visa subclass 500)
To study vocational training in Australia, you need to apply for a subclass 500 visa with a fee of about 710 AUD/person. This fee is paid to the Australian Department of Immigration and is non-refundable if rejected. In addition, you may incur additional costs for health examinations, X-rays and document translation, depending on the government's approval requirements.
- Compulsory health insurance (OSHC)
OSHC is compulsory health insurance for international students in Australia, helping you reduce the cost of medical treatment. OSHC costs around AUD 500 – 650 per year, depending on the provider. Without OSHC, you will have to pay all of your medical costs yourself – which can be very expensive in Australia.
- Cost of study materials
You will need to purchase materials such as textbooks, e-books, and learning software depending on your major and university, with fees ranging from AUD 200 to 400 per year. Some courses include materials, but most will have to pay extra for textbooks and online learning resources.
- Cost of equipment and learning tools
Vocational training requires practical equipment such as uniforms, trade kits or technical equipment. Fees usually range from 300 – 800 AUD, depending on the field of study such as construction, mechanics, health care or beauty.
2. English test fee, service fee
- English test costs (IELTS, PTE)
To apply for an Australian vocational study visa or to attend a vocational course, you are required to have an international English certificate such as IELTS or PTE. The current test fee in Vietnam is about 4,750,000 - 5,200,000 VND/time (equivalent to 300 - 340 AUD). If you do not meet the required score, you may have to retake the test, resulting in additional costs. Some schools require a minimum IELTS 5.5 or PTE 42, depending on the course.
- Consulting service & document fees
When registering to study vocational training in Australia, you may need to use the services of a consulting center to support you in preparing documents, choosing courses, applying for COE letters, applying for visas and interview guidance. Service fees range from 5 - 20 million VND depending on the unit, whether the service includes interview training and financial checks or not.
Conclusion
The cost of vocational study in Australia is not fixed but varies depending on the field of study, the state of residence and your personal lifestyle. Understanding the tuition fees, living expenses and other expenses will help you build a study abroad itinerary that fits your family's finances. Make a specific plan and choose a strategic field of study to optimize costs.