International VET students are generally happy with their training

Some 85 per cent of international students who complete a VET qualification in Australia are happy with course quality, according to a survey from the estimable National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

Students at community colleges were most satisfied with their training (96 per cent) and those at TAFE least (85 per cent). Among the 59 per cent of students in work before training, 21 per cent were employed at a higher skill level after training.  TAFE produced the most promotions, 27 per cent of completers there were employed at a higher level, compared to just under 20 per cent for private and community providers.

However, 94 per cent of internationals reported at least one barrier to finding work after completing – nearly half of them nominating not having permanent residency or a work visa.

While not directly comparable, the overall satisfaction rating for international students in VET is 9 per cent higher than that of undergraduates, reported in the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching for 2018.