Education & Training (ASVET)
Who may be able to access the service?
Our Education program provides a referral, information and advisory service for people who are eligible for the Victorian Government’s Asylum Seeker VET Program (ASVET). This program provides people seeking asylum on eligible visas with access to subsidised Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.
Eligibility for ASVET has been expanded.
Who is now eligible?
From 1 July 2023, eligibility to participate in the Asylum Seeker VET Program is for individuals or dependants of individuals, who:
- hold any Humanitarian, Protection, or Refugee Visa in Australia, or
- have applied for a Humanitarian, Protection or Refugee visa and hold a bridging visa for this purpose
- have made an application under s.417 or s.48b of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), which is yet to be determined and hold a bridging visa.
Please note that individuals MUST have study rights, and work rights are required for programs that include work placement.
Anyone requesting ASVET information who has an eligible visa can be referred to the ASVET team for an appointment, whether they are an existing ASRC client or not.
Please note that the ASRC does not provide individuals with funding to cover education or training costs. All subsidised ASVET funding is paid directly by the State Government to training providers.
Who is able to access this service?People who: |
Who will NOT be able to access this service* |
|---|---|
| A person who: - hold any Humanitarian, Protection, or Refugee Visa in Australia, or - have applied for a Humanitarian, Protection or Refugee visa and hold a bridging visa for this purpose - have made an application under s.417 or s.48b of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), which is yet to be determined and hold a bridging visa | Anyone who does not hold the visas listed, or who has not yet applied for the visas listed |
| Eligible visa holders with any level of English should be referred to the ASVET team for an appointment. Some courses will require certain levels of English. This will be discussed in the appointment | This service is open to anyone with an eligible visa |
| 17 years of age or older | Less than 17 years of age |
| Residing in Victoria. We provide face to face and remote services for people living across metropolitan Melbourne. We can provide remote (phone or online) support for people living in regional Victoria | Not residing in Victoria. We do not provide services for people outside of Victoria |
* If this is you, you may be able to access other services listed here.
What does this service offer?
Our Education service works alongside our other Vocational and Empowerment Pathways services to support people seeking asylum to develop their skills and make progress toward their goals in education, work and life.
The Education program supports people seeking asylum and refugees to:
- Explore foundational skills for future study and work
- Receive information and advice to help you find the right vocational course for your needs and goals
- Find and enrol in vocational training
- Feel prepared and supported throughout the referral and enrolment process
How to access the service?
We offer in-person and telephone appointments with Education advisors.
By Phone:
Interested in ASVET?
Call the ASRC on (03) 9274 9807 or (03) 9274 9834 to make an appointment with an Education Advisor. This service is available to both members of the ASRC and non-members.
Telephone service available Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
In-Person
Please come to one of our Centres and our team can discuss your circumstances and the options available to you.
Opening hours
Service hours may vary depending on staff capacity but these are the days and times we are open (excluding public holidays). Please note, the service is paused during lunch times on the open days.
ASRC Footscray
Level 2, 214-218 Nicholson St. Footscray
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11.00am to 3.30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11.00am to 3.30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
ASRC Refugee Resource Hub Dandenong
205 Thomas St. Dandenong
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.30am to 3.00pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
What you need to provide:
- Signed consent form including agreeing to ASRC’s Rights and Responsibilities agreement (completed with a worker at the ASRC)
Visa document and, where needed, consent to access your visa status
What we use this for:
- Consent to access services in line with ASRC’s relevant policies and procedures
- Confirm Visa status and right to work and study
What other services could I try?
Services: The ReConnect program assist people to overcome the barriers preventing them from engaging in education, training and employment. It provides support into further study or employment pathways.
Web: https://www.vic.gov.au/reconnect-programService: Jobs Victoria provides personal support for people who face challenges finding work. The service offers help with applications, interviews, training or changing careers.
Web: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/find-support-in-your-local-area
Web: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/personalised-support/advocates
You can also call the Jobs Victoria Hotline on 1300 208 575, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm.
Connect with us
Need help from the ASRC? Call 03 9326 6066 or visit us: Mon-Tue-Thur-Fri 10am -4pm. Closed on Wednesdays.