Your questions answered
What is open learning?
Why choose TAFE Open Learning?
Can I take my time or fast-track my studies?
Qualifications and learning outcomes explained.
How can I fit learning around my lifestyle?
Will my previous experience count towards my program?
Will my program be nationally recognised?
Can I go to university after completing my studies?
How much will it cost?
Am I eligible for a Centrelink Allowance?
When can I start?
How do I enrol?
How long will my program take?
How will I get my learning materials?
What if I need help?
What is Open learning?
Open learning is a flexible way to study. From a vocational qualification to short courses for personal development, studying via open learning will help you overcome many of the barriers to further education such as location, time, age, previous studies and cost.
Why choose the TAFE Open Learning
TAFE Open Learning promotes a way of learning that is more flexible, convenient and accessible. Now you can choose to study when you want, at a time and a place that suits you. This flexibility offers you a real learning choice to help you make the most of your time. You can:
- enrol at any time of the year
- learn at your own pace (you usually have 6 to 12 months to complete the course from the date you enrol)
- complete the assessment when you are ready and within your enrolment time frame.
Your learning materials are delivered to you via post or accessed via the internet. Depending on your chosen course, your study materials may include books, videos, CDs, DVDs and learning guides. With the support of your tutors and teachers, your learning guides lead you through your study materials. The format and delivery of courses take into account a range of learning styles.
Can I take my time or fast-track my studies?
Most programs offer opportunities to fast-track your studies. As study is flexible, the time you take to complete the program will depend on the level of program you choose and the time you have available for study. Programs vary in duration.
As a guide, Certificate and Diploma-level programs can take up to two years for a full-time study load or four years for a part-time study load.
Accelerated learning gives you the opportunity to fast-track your progress through the training program at a quicker rate than usual. You still need to complete all the designated assessments. No special applications are required and normal enrolment fees apply.
Qualifications and learning outcomes explained
Information on the awards TAFE Queensland issues are listed below:
Vocational Graduate Certificates and Diplomas
Developed by relevant industry, enterprise, community or professional bodies, these programs provide high-level employment-related skills and knowledge to meet training needs at professional levels.
Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas
Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas are widely respected by employers, providing high-level, practical employment skills. These qualifications usually take two years full-time study or four years part-time study. In many cases your Diploma or Advanced Diploma will allow you to articulate to further study at university. You may be eligible for credit towards your university qualification.
Certificates
Certificate programs will help develop skills in specific career fields, enhance your employment skills, or provide a stepping stone if you are seeking to re-enter the workforce or change your career path. There are four Certificate levels (I to IV). You can enter at any level, depending on your skills and experience. Many certificate programs provide credit in the next level of qualification.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships offer formal training with on-the-job skill development in a specific vocational area or trade.
If you are seeking to start an apprenticeship or traineeship TAFE Open Learning only offers selected apprenticeship and traineeship programs that have been approved for either flexible or open learning. For more information visit the Apprenticeships Info website.
Statement of Attainment and Statement of Completion
A Statement of Attainment is awarded to students who successfully complete a selection of courses from a full award program.
Statements of Completion are awarded to students who successfully complete a program that offers no formal qualification.
Short Courses
Short courses are an ideal way to accelerate your professional skills, upgrade your trade skills or simply pursue a personal interest. You receive a Statement of Completion upon successful completion of a short course.
How can I fit learning around my lifestyle?
Open learning with TAFE Queensland is flexible; it fits in with your lifestyle. There are no classes to attend, so you set your own schedule around your existing life commitments whether it be at home, at work, on holidays, during the day or at night.
The friendly staff at your TAFE Institute will assist you with your choice of study program and are happy to help you establish a learning plan that suits your needs.
Will my previous experience count towards my program?
If you have previously undertaken study and/or have work or life experiences, you may be able to reduce your study time using the following options.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) acknowledges your current skills and knowledge regardless of how, when or where you achieved them. Your skills will be assessed to ensure they meet today's industry standards.
RPL can fast-track your qualification by identifying what training you still require in order to complete the qualification. In some cases, RPL can be used to complete the full qualification.
Credit transfer
If you are able to provide documentary evidence that equivalent units of competency or modules have been achieved in a previous accredited program, then credit transfer may be granted.
Contact our Customer Care Centre team about these options on 1800 657 387.
Will my program be nationally recognised?
The accredited qualifications awarded by TAFE Queensland are nationally recognised. TAFE works closely with industry to ensure their programs are relevant and meet the future needs of employers. TAFE programs provide leading-edge skills that can take you into the workplace, upgrade your existing skills, or prepare you for further study.
Can I go to university after completing my studies?
Many TAFE Open Learning programs offer a pathway to university studies. You may be granted credit by universities for courses towards your degree. Get in touch with our Customer Service Contact Centre for details on 1800 657 387.
How much will it cost?
When you find what you are looking for through TAFE Open Learning, you can enrol in one unit at a time with the many of the programs. Please refer to your price list in the course search area for a breakdown of cost per unit.
For those who are eligible, a concession rate on tuition fees is available on some programs.
Am I eligible for a Centrelink Allowance?
If you are studying the prescribed full-time study load and meet other eligibility requirements, you may qualify for Commonwealth Government payments under the Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance schemes. To check program eligibility details call the Customer Service Contact Centre on 1800 657 387.
When can I start?
TAFE Open Learning programs require no formal classes attendance and no semester start/finish dates, so you can start your program at a time that suits you. Our programs offer a flexible enrolment period so you can enrol at any time of the year.
How do I enrol?
At TAFE Open Learning, it's easy to enrol in a program that suits your learning needs. Call the Customer Service Contact Centre today for your enrolment information package on our Free call number 1800 657 387.
How long will my program take?
As study is flexible, the time taken to complete the program will depend on the level of program you choose and the time you devote to study.
Programs vary in duration. Some short programs may take as little as one day to complete. As a guide, Certificate and Diploma-level programs may take up to two years for a full-time study load or four years for a part-time study load. Many programs offer an opportunity to fast track your studies.
Each time you enrol in a unit, you have 6 to 12 months to complete that unit, depending on the program structure. Some programs have shorter durations that are scheduled by the particular teaching teams,please refer to your brochure information for your enrolment durations.
How will I get my learning materials?
When you learn with TAFE Open Learning, your learning materials are either posted to you or accessed via the Internet. Depending on your chosen program, the materials may include books, videos, CD-ROMs along with your Learning Guides. With the support of your tutors and teachers, your learning guides lead you through your course material. The format and delivery of courses take a range of student learning styles into account.
What if I need help?
To help you meet your learning goals, a range of support services are available with your enrolment at no additional cost. These include:
- Qualified teaching staff with industry experience (teachers and tutors) to guide your study.
- Indigenous student support.
- Disability services.
- Student career and personal counselling.
- Computer facilities.
Other languages