Your top 10 questions answered: CDU TAFE

Considering a vocational education and training course, but have some lingering questions? Here, CDU TAFE answers your top 10.

1. How much does a TAFE course cost?

At CDU TAFE, the amount you pay will depend on whether you’re a domestic or international student, what course you’re studying and where you live. In good news, there are financial support options to help you with the cost of study.

Read more: What does it cost to study a Certificate or Diploma?

2. How long will my course take?

This depends on the course you choose and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. If you’re studying full-time, you could study for six months or up to three years. If you’re studying part-time, we can help to structure your course to suit your professional and personal commitments. Usually, we’ll aim to have you finishing your course within four years.

3. What are the weekly time commitments?

This will depend entirely on the course you choose. It can range from an hour or two a week to an intensive, five-day block of study. First you’ll need to select the course you’re interested in and then contact us for more details.

4. What course should I choose?

We’d like to say the answer is easy, but it’s not. You’ll need to consider your professional goals, your personal passions, your existing experience and qualifications, and your lifestyle. As a start, you might like to figure out the difference between a Certificate I, II, III, IV and Diploma and then browse courses by study area. If you’ve got something in mind, but need to chat through your options, we’re here to help. Get in touch today.

5. Should I study a Certificate or Diploma?

This will depend on your work history, previous qualifications and professional goals. Remember, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which can fast-track your studies and see you start with a higher level qualification.

Read more: What’s the difference between a Certificate I, II, III, IV and Diploma?

6. Can I study while I work and/or manage family commitments?

Yes! In fact, a lot of our students do. To help manage the demands of studying, you may choose to complete your course part time, so you can keep working, earning and fitting in family and friends. Some TAFE courses also have an online component, which makes it easier for you study where, when and how it suits you.

7. Can I study a TAFE course online with CDU?

This will depend on the course you choose. It’s best to choose your course and then ask us if it’s available online.

8. I live in the bush or a remote area. Can I still study?

This will depend on what course you choose. Our courses are offered across 8 campuses in the NT. Our main campuses are in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice and Katherine, but we also teach in Jabiru, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Yulara. Some of our courses are also offered online, which means you can study from home provided you have a reliable internet connection. Find your course to see where it’s offered.

Sometimes, if we have enough people interested and it’s logistically possible, we can teach in other locations. If have a group of friends or colleagues who want to study at a location other than our campuses, get in touch with us to see what’s possible.

 9. What happens if I start studying and struggle to keep up?

Don’t fret! Because you’ll be studying with the NT’s largest provider of training courses, you’ll have access to a range of support services. While you’re studying, you can reach out to:

• CDU’s Student Central team, which is a one-stop service for students. The team is trained and ready to help you with all the administrative requirements of studying
• Our Equity Services team, who provide support with counselling, disability, careers and employment, study skills and grievances
• The Office of Indigenous Student Support for discrete academic, pastoral and advocacy services and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• CDU’s free Learner Support Services for help with completing your theory work (provided you meet the eligibility requirements).

10. Why should I choose CDU TAFE over other training providers?

We don’t like to brag, but since you asked, we:

• are the 2018 NT Training Provider of the Year (and the largest provider of training courses in the NT)
• let you choose from more than 160 courses across 20 study areas
• give you the flexibility to study part-time or full-time to suit your lifestyle
• employ industry experts to teach you
• offer student loans, scholarships and financial support options
• offer training at 150 locations across the NT

Your next step is to find the right course. Browse CDU TAFE’s Certificates and Diplomas by study area. If you need some help choosing, get in touch with our team today. We’re here to help!