All courses have prerequisites that must be met by all applicants. It is important that you check the prerequisites for your course before you apply.
Subject credits may be awarded to students who can supply evidence of successful completion of previous studies. These must be provided along with your application.
Important update
From 23 March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirements and new English Language requirements will apply to student visa applications. All student visa applications submitted on or after this date will be assessed under the GS requirements.
International course pages on Holmesglen’s website are currently being updated to reflect the changes.
The main prerequisites include the following:
1. Must be 18 years of age
International students applying to study at Bendigo TAFE must be 18 years of age to commence the course.
2. Australian Year 12 or equivalent
The majority of courses require the successful completion of the Australian Year 12 or the equivalent overseas qualification.
You can view here for overseas equivalent qualifications.
Applicants who do not meet the academic prerequisites but have relevant work experience may apply for mature age entry.
If your qualification is not listed and you would like to know if you meet the minimum entry requirement please contract international@bendigotafe.edu.au.
3. English
International students applying to Bendigo TAFE must provide evidence of their English language proficiency before they can be admitted into the course. The following table is a guide to acceptable forms of English language proficiency:
Please refer to the table below to find out what other English tests or qualifications are recognised to enter the program you are applying for.
| Test Qualifications | IELTS
5.0 | IELTS
5.5 | IELTS
6.0 | IELTS
6.5 | IELTS
7.0 |
|---|
| Completion of Bendigo TAFE's English Language placement test and scoring the relevant IELTS equivalent | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| TOEFL iBT | 35-45 | 46-59 | 60-78 | 79-93 | 94-101 |
| PTE Academic | 36 | 42 | 50 | 58 | 65 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | 41-46 | 47-51 | 52-57 | 58-66 | 67-73 |
| OET | D | C | C | C+ | B |
| Australian Year 12 Certificate or qualification at Certificate IV or higher level completed in the last two years | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| At least one year of University studies in Australia in the last two years | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Evidence of at least 5 years of studies in an English speaking country (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, USA, South Africa or Ireland) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Note: Your English test must be taken no more than two years before the course starts.
4. Additional Entry Requirements
Some courses require additional entry criteria; you may need to provide the following:
· Undertaking Bendigo TAFE’s BKSB LLN numeracy assessment
· Attend an interview
· A Victorian Police Check
· An International Police Check
· A Working With Children Check (WWC)
· Requiring prescribed vaccinations
· Demonstrating previous work experience
5. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
The GTE requirement applies to all student visa applicants and is an integrity measure to ensure the student visa program is used as intended and not as a way for international students to maintain ongoing residency in Australia.
When assessing whether an applicant is a genuine temporary entrant, the Department of Home Affairs considers their circumstances as a whole. Ministerial Direction 69 sets out a number of factors that are taken into consideration in determine whether an applicant meets the GTE requirement. A broad summary of the factors taken into account include:
· Circumstances in home country (or country of residence)
· Potential circumstances in Australia
· Value of the course to the applicant’s future
· The applicant’s immigration history
Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence or information about:
· Previous study
· Gap in previous study
· Current employment (if applicable)
· Ties to home country or country of residence
· Economic circumstances in home country or country of residence
When applying to Bendigo TAFE you may be asked to complete a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or the International Student Eligibility Checklist Form. This must be completed by the applicant providing as much details and supporting documents as possible. Your answers to the GTE criteria are very important and will have an impact on the outcome of your application, pleased ensure that you prepare this carefully.
6. Financial Capacity
All applicants will need to demonstrate that they have enough money that is genuinely available to pay for course fees, travel and living costs for themselves and all accompanying family members while they are in Australia.
Bendigo TAFE may require applicants to complete a Financial Declaration and provide proof of funds during the assessment.
