Cost of TAFE courses set to rise

Cost of TAFE courses set to rise Cost of TAFE courses set to risePosted August 1, 2013, by Julia WattersThe Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released a draft report on proposed price and fee changes to government-funded Vocational Educational Training (VET) courses provided by TAFE. TAFE has often been seen as the more economical option for higher education, so the increase in fees and introduction of a HECS-style loan scheme for certain diplomas and advanced diplomas is causing concern. The projected new funding model is more closely aligned with how the government currently funds university students. Under this structure, students will cover 40 per cent of their post-school educational costs while the government contributes the remaining 60 per cent. According to IPART chairman, Dr Peter Boxall, the new model has been designed to preserve the number of government-subsidised VET places available in NSW. He argues that without fee increases, the NSW Govern ment would provide around 61,000 fewer subsidised VET places in 2014/15. This is not the only blow that TAFE students have received in recent times, with a 9.5 per cent increase in fees occurring in early 2013. Paul Wappett, CEO of TAFE course provider Open Universities Australia (OUA), asserts Its really important that we have viable and credible providers because the need for quality vocational training is just as important as the need for quality higher education. Any measure that will result in a strong VET sector would be welcomed. IPART is currently calling for submissions and will be doing so until 27 August 2013. If successful, the changes will be implemented by July 2014.Breakdown of the proposed fee changesApproximately 16 per cent of students who pay the standard fee will see a fee decrease.Approximately 24 per cent of students will face increases of up to $500 per qualification.Approximately 37 per cent of students will face an increase of between $500 and $1500 per qualification.Approximately 22 per cent of students studying in high-cost areas will face increases of more than $1,500 per qualification. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice Administrator CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJulia WattersRelated ArticlesBrowse moreChild CareCommunity ServicesIncreasing demand in the helping professionsThe health care and social services industry is Australias largest employment sector, and over the next five years its expected to provide more jobs than any other industry.ProductivityWorkplace cultureThe Impact Of Music On Work Performance (+A Productivity Playlist)Digital streamer Spotify has teamed up with workplace music expert Dr. Anneli Haake to tell us what our 9 to 5 listening habits mean for our productivity. In the workplace, is silence really golden?Workers rightsWorkers with disabilitiesDealing with disability in the workplaceIf you have a disability or mental illness, entering the workforce can present tricky challenges.