Increasing numbers of international students, looking for a quality educational experience while living in a small, caring environment, are choosing to study with the Tasmanian Polytechnic (formerly TAFE Tasmania).

Tasmania: a unique island

Located in the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, Australia’s island state offers a range of diverse experiences in a compact area. Just minutes away from beaches, mountains and natural forests are cities built on rich history and tradition, yet at the heart of each beats the pulse
of a modern and internationally cultured society. 

The friendly, slower-paced atmosphere and lifestyle of Tasmania suits many, and creates a low-stress environment that vastly differs from other major cities around Australia.

While Tasmania is multicultural, a significant number of Tasmanian families have lived on the island for many generations, creating a unique Australian experience. Australia’s heritage was born in Tasmania and evidence of our past lies in the historic buildings and sites that can be found all over the state, all within easy distance of major cities.

Restaurants offering fantastic fresh seafood and produce, friendly bars and shopping all add to the Tasmanian experience. Numerous musical performances, festivals and special events throughout the year, together with the island’s own vibrant arts community, caters for all interests from rock to classical music, yachting to car racing and fine food and wine events.

For more adventurous visitors to the island, activities such as bushwalking, boating, fishing, cycling, surfing and white-water rafting give the opportunity to take advantage of the amazing natural wonders of Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Polytechnic

The Tasmanian Polytechnic is a state-wide, multi-campus, government owned institution, which emerged from TAFE Tasmania in 2009 to better meet the needs of the local community. It combines the best aspects of TAFE Tasmania with an increased focus on student support and development.

The Tasmanian Polytechnic provides vocational training that is nationally recognised. Training is based on tangible career pathways, providing students with exactly the skills industry requires. Employment outcomes for graduates are exceptionally high. Many courses also offer pathways to further study at the University of Tasmania, with credit gained towards specified degrees.

The Polytechnic has multiple campuses throughout Tasmania, although most international students choose to study on the campuses in Hobart (pictured) or Launceston, which are Tasmania’s two biggest population centres.

All campuses have modern facilities and provide free internet access. Computers with multiple language capabilities are available in the well resourced libraries. 

Student Support

With small class sizes, students have a greater individual access to teaching staff. This approach extends beyond the classroom, with international student advisers on hand to support students with their studies in the Tasmanian Polytechnic and living in Tasmania.

International support staff organise a free airport transfer on arrival and orientation sessions that include help with practical issues such as opening a bank account in Tasmania.

Assistance is also provided to ensure students have appropriate accommodation. There are several options to choose from, including homestay, student residence, share house or independent living.

Mainstream Courses

There is a range of certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses available, in areas such as Art and Design, Business and Information Technology, Community Services, Engineering, Hospitality and Tourism, and Science and Nature.

Many courses take advantage of the unique local environment and also the fact that Tasmania is a major tourist destination. In particular, study areas such as land management and hospitality and tourism are ideally placed.

Other examples of this include the Certificate III and Certificate IV in Tourism (Guiding), which includes significant practical experience in the field, visiting National Parks and natural/cultural heritage sites. Adventure recreation students spend a substantial part of their course in areas such as Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair, Freycinet and Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

On successful completion many of the Polytechnic’s courses have generous articulation arrangements with the University of Tasmania. The one year Diplomas of Business and Marketing are a good example – successful completion gains the student credit towards one year of UTas’s Bachelor of Business.