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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

TAFE Queensland

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Entry-level qualification in early childhood education and care with foundation skills for working as an educator. Minimum requirement for early childhood settings in Australia with strong job growth.

Multiple Queensland locations including Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and South West, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland

9-18 months

Free to $5,410

Certificate I in Skills for Education and Training Pathways

TAFE Queensland

Certificate I

Enhance your communication, language, literacy and numeracy skills to prepare for further study or workforce entry with expert support tailored to your learning needs.

Multiple locations across Queensland including Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and South West, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland, and Central Queensland

1 year

Free

Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology

TAFE Queensland

Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology

Launch your engineering career with this specialised trade qualification. Gain manufacturing industry skills across welding processes, manual handling, technical drawing interpretation, and mechanical measuring.

Greater Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland (Acacia Ridge, Eagle Farm, Nambour, Bundaberg, Bowen, Mount Isa)

Not specified in content

$1.60 per nominal hour (funded apprentices/trainees); concession rates available; fee-for-service rates for non-funded

Certificate III in EAL (Access)

TAFE Queensland

Certificate III in EAL (Access)

A government-funded English language course for adults learning English as an additional language, designed to build core skills for daily interactions, community engagement, and further study or work opportunities.

Multiple locations across Queensland including Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and South West, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland, and Central Queensland

2 years

$3,140

Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

TAFE Queensland

Certificate II

Entry-level qualification in retail cosmetics sales. Gain hands-on experience in makeup application, beauty product advice, and customer service to launch a career as a retail cosmetics assistant.

Multiple Queensland locations including Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and South West, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland

4 terms

Varies by study mode

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology

TAFE Queensland

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology

Gain entry-level skills in cabinet making and timber technology through hands-on training. Complete as an apprenticeship while working and training simultaneously to become a qualified cabinetmaker or wood machinist.

Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and South West, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland

2 years

$26,800

Certificate III in School Based Education Support

TAFE Queensland

Certificate III in School Based Education Support

Entry-level qualification preparing you to work as a teacher aide or education support worker in school settings, with foundation skills in literacy, numeracy, and student support.

Greater Brisbane (Bracken Ridge, Mt Gravatt), Gold Coast (Robina), Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba, Nambour), Wide Bay Burnett (Gympie, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg), North Queensland (Cairns, Townsville Pimlico)

9 months (full-time); 1 year (part-time); Average 18 months (online self-directed)

$0 (Fee-Free TAFE for eligible students); $1,170 (Concession); $1,590 (Subsidised); $4,905 (Full Fee)

Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

TAFE Queensland

Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Entry-level qualification to work as a park ranger or on land conservation projects. Develop specialised skills in plant identification, ecosystem management, and field operations.

Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland

6 months to 1 year

$3,170

Certificate II in Skills for Education, Training and Employment Pathways

TAFE Queensland

Certificate II in Skills for Education, Training and Employment Pathways

Develop communication, literacy and numeracy skills to enter the workforce or undertake further study. Gain confidence and Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3 qualification.

Multiple TAFE Queensland campuses across Queensland including Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and South West, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland, and Central Queensland

1 year (full-time); up to 3 years (part-time)

Free

Certificate III in Plumbing

TAFE Queensland

Certificate III in Plumbing

A trade qualification that equips you with the skills and experience needed to apply for your QBCC plumbing licence and work as a qualified plumber in Queensland.

Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and South West, Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland

4 years (as part of apprenticeship)

Eligible apprentices and trainees meeting Queensland state funding requirements are charged a set fee per nominal hour at $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students holding a current Health Care Card or identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Non-funded apprentices and trainees are charged a fee for service cost to be confirmed prior to commencement.

Certificate III in Beauty Services

TAFE Queensland

Certificate III in Beauty Services

Entry-level beauty therapy qualification covering lash and brow services, makeup design, manicure and pedicure services, and salon operations. Minimum requirement to work as a beauty therapist or makeup artist.

On campus with some online

6 months

$4,430

Certificate III in Nursery Operations

TAFE Queensland

Certificate III

Gain nationally recognised nursery operations skills and hands-on experience in plant production, handling flowers, shrubs, and vegetables in wholesale and retail environments.

Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay Burnett (Nambour, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay)

Varies by delivery mode

Free apprenticeships for under 25s

From foundation training to research excellence - your future starts here

Newcastle has emerged as a significant educational hub that combines academic excellence with practical career preparation. The city's education sector reflects its broader economic transformation - moving beyond traditional industries to embrace innovation, research, and knowledge-based career development.

University of Newcastle

Higher education excellence

University of Newcastle

One of Australia's leading research-intensive universities, the University of Newcastle offers comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple faculties. With specialisations in medicine, engineering, business, education, science, and creative arts, the university has built particular strength in health innovation, renewable energy research, and social equity studies.

Modern campuses with global exposure

The university's top 200 global ranking reflects its research excellence, while modern campus facilities, extensive student accommodation, and comprehensive support services create an environment where students can focus on academic achievement. The integration between university research and Newcastle's growing knowledge economy creates unique opportunities for students to engage with real-world applications of their studies.

International student experience

Newcastle offers international students affordability without compromising quality. Living costs are far lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, averaging $380–$620 per week. Its coastal lifestyle, safety, and welcoming community create an ideal study setting, supported by housing, career, and student services. Part-time work, internships, and graduate pathways foster lasting career opportunities. Here’s more information about studying in Newcastle and the Hunter region: Study NSW — Newcastle & Hunter Region

International student experience

Vocational education & training

TAFE NSW

TAFE NSW

TAFE NSW is the region’s leading vocational education provider, offering practical, industry-focused training across multiple campuses. Programs cover construction, healthcare, IT, hospitality, automotive, manufacturing, and business. Strong employer connections and apprenticeship pathways support real career outcomes, while flexible study options - full-time, part-time, online, or evening - suit diverse student needs. Learn more at TAFE NSW

TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence

TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence

TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence , exist across NSW connecting industry and education partners to deliver innovative microskills, microcredentials, and higher apprenticeships - both free and paid opportunities.

The Centres of Excellence are a joint initiative between the federal and state government under the National Skills Agreement and will build on partnerships between TAFE NSW , universities and local industry to pilot qualification models that deliver a parity of status between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education.

The Newcastle campus at Tighes Hill, will offer education and training to support net zero and sustainable manufacturing. Find out more at TAFE Centre of Excellence - Hunter .

Specialised professional development

Newcastle is home to many registered training organisations offering specialised programs in high-demand fields such as engineering, nursing, project management, construction and leadership. Find a training provider .

Specialised professional development

Newcastle is home to many registered training organisations offering specialised programs in high-demand fields such as engineering, nursing, project management, construction and leadership. Find a training provider .

Newcastle student lifestyle - campus life and coastal living

A lifestyle that suits you

Find out more about living in Newcastle