TVETipedia glossary
Find and compare definitions of key terms that are relevant in TVET policy and themes. Learn more.
UNEVOC International Centre for TVET
UNEVOC International Centre for TVET
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Find and compare definitions of key terms that are relevant in TVET policy and themes. Learn more.
United Kingdom:
See Technical and Further Education Act 2017
Australia:
TAFE is a government-run system in Australia that provides education after high school in vocational areas like beauty, design, childcare, accounting, business, recruitment, IT, and many more.
While university teaches a broad range of theories, TAFE focuses on specific skills for a particular workplace. For example, a Certificate IV in Aged Care teaches all the skills needed to work in aged care – either at a client’s home or an aged care facility.
TAFE is usually taught at TAFE Institutes around Australia, although an increasing number of courses are available online. There are also blended learning options, combining both online and face-to-face learning.
What is VET and how is it different to TAFE?
VET stands for vocational education and training. TAFE is just one part of VET, which covers all vocational training in Australia. While TAFEs are run by the government, there are also similar institutions run by private businesses. These are known as colleges, training providers or course providers.
Source: What is TAFE (Technical and Further Education)? (accessed 5/2025)
