Study Spectra
Foundation or pathway, Health and nursing. TAFE NSW, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia.
Vocational Pathway: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (108535E) + Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (108537C) - Loftus is a foundation or pathway program in health and nursing at TAFE NSW, a public institution in Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia, founded in 1883.
First-year tuition is listed at 8,150 AUD and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Feb 2027.
Applications to TAFE NSW typically receive a decision in 2 days and 34 minutes, based on recent applications.
Plan for about 37,860 AUD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. The visa application charge and the living-cost figure are set by the government and have changed in recent years. Tuition varies widely by provider and course. Use the Home Affairs pages for the current visa charge and funds requirement.
Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.
| Item | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition, first year | 8,150 AUD |
| Living costs, first year (school estimate) | 29,710 AUD |
| Application fee (one time) | Free |
| Estimated first-year total | 37,860 AUD |
Our directory lists 71 foundation or pathway programs in health and nursing at 9 schools in Australia. Their median first-year tuition is 22,514 AUD, and the middle half cost between 8,150 AUD and 38,000 AUD.
At 8,150 AUD, Vocational Pathway: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (108535E) + Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (108537C) - Loftus is 64% below the median, in the most affordable quarter. The full range runs from 8,150 AUD to 48,000 AUD.
If budget matters, these foundation or pathway programs in health and nursing have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in Australia.
| Program | School | Tuition (1st year) |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Pathway - Masters Qualifying Program (9354) (095623E) Transfer to Master's in Griffith Health | Griffith College - Mount Gravatt, Mount Gravatt | 15,000 AUD |
| Graduate Pathway - Masters Qualifying Program (9354) (095623E) Transfer to Master's in Griffith Health | Griffith University - Mount Gravatt, Mount Gravatt | 15,000 AUD |
| Pre-Master's Pathway - 1 Semester - Master of Public Health (117718A) | The University of Adelaide College - Adelaide, Adelaide | 24,000 AUD |
| Foundation Program - General (109156H) + Bachelor of Biomedical Science (059125M) | Edith Cowan College - Joondalup, Joondalup | 27,000 AUD |
| Foundation Studies - Health (FS022SHH) (108492M) | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) - Training, Melbourne | 28,500 AUD |
| Foundation Program (Extended) (089917G) + Diploma of Health Sciences (059996G) | Deakin College, Burwood | 34,133 AUD |
Working back from a Feb 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. The main intakes are February or March and July, with some providers adding more. Plan your application several months ahead.
| By | Step |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | Shortlist programs, check entry requirements and book your English test. |
| June 2026 | Prepare your statement of purpose, references and transcripts, then apply. |
| August 2026 | Receive offers, compare total costs and accept one. |
| October 2026 | Pay the deposit, gather funds evidence and apply for the student visa. |
| January 2027 | Book travel and accommodation once the visa is approved. |
TAFE NSW sets the exact entry requirements for Vocational Pathway: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (108535E) + Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (108537C) - Loftus. For a foundation or pathway, applicants usually need the following.
Providers and the visa accept a range of tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academic, with minimums that depend on the course and provider.
Students from India need a Student visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia. Department of Home Affairs decides the application.
The subclass 500 visa requires an enrolment at a registered provider, health cover for the stay and evidence that you are a genuine student with enough money. Policy settings for international students have changed often, so use the Home Affairs pages as the source of truth.
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Eligibility depends on the qualification, the visa stream and age limits, and settings have changed, so read the current requirements.
Check the eligibility rules for each scholarship before you apply. Some are applied automatically, others need a separate application.
First-year tuition is listed at 8,150 AUD. Living costs are extra; TAFE NSW estimates 29,710 AUD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.
This program lists no application fee.
The earliest intake currently open is Feb 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.
It is listed as a foundation or pathway. Check with the school what qualification it awards and whether it leads to further study or work rights.
You need a Student visa (subclass 500), decided by Department of Home Affairs. Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.
Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to TAFE NSW, then help with the visa. The first call is free.