Tropical North Queensland TAFE has nine campuses and is the largest provider of vocational education and training in Cairns and the Tropical North Queensland region. It was voted Queensland’s Public Training Provider of the Year 2009.

Here, you will enjoy all the benefits of studying with a government-owned organisation, while living and learning in a safe, attractive and diverse environment. Some 200 international students from 40 countries enrol in vocational courses at the Institute each year. Over 13,000 Australian students enrol across our nine campuses and study face-to-face, online or through flexible delivery.

Accommodation

The Institute does not have on-campus accommodation. We are, however, able to help you to find appropriate homestay, share, student hostel or backpacker accommodation at a good cost and often in walking distance of TAFE. The cost of living in Cairns is less than in a capital city. You can buy fresh fruit and vegetables from our local farmers’ market every weekend. There are no commuter trains either – most students catch the bus, ride a bicycle or walk.

Cairns and around

Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular tourism destinations with over three million visitors a year. It is the only place in the world where two World Heritage Areas meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics. Visitors can access a wide variety of low-cost tourism activities. The Outback is within easy reach, while around the city a diverse array of experiences are available including amazing terrain, abundant wildlife, excellent fishing, white water rafting, snorkelling, bushwalking, diving, swimming, windsurfing, shopping, galleries, live music and theatre performances. 

Courses available

Graduates of our diplomas can apply to universities and may be granted up to 12 months credit in a related degree course. Certificate and diploma courses include: 

Cookery, bakery, hospitality

Fashion design

Horticulture

Information technology – networking

Massage

Nursing

Employment Opportunities

On a student visa you are able to work up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session, and full-time during holidays. Some courses include vocational placement (unpaid work experience) which is organised by us. Our region thrives on the tourism and horticulture industries and, depending on skills and work experience, students can find work as waiters, bar staff, chefs, porters, baristas and farm hands, as well as at tourism attractions and information desks.