ASVET Information for Training Providers

The Asylum Seeker Vocational Education and Training (ASVET) program is a Victorian State Government funded initiative which supports eligible people seeking asylum, and refugees, to gain access to Skills First Victoria VET courses.

The ASVET initiative covers applicants who wish to complete VCE, Foundation Studies, and VET Certificate levels 1 to IV, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas. Applicants undertaking VCE, or courses at Certificate levels 1 to IV, are eligible for a subsidised Skills First place, as well as a concessional tuition fee rate.

Applicants undertaking diplomas are eligible for a Government-subsidised place with tuition fees at the domestic student rate. Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas do not have concession rates.

Skills First Victoria
As part of the ASVET initiative, all Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) – including TAFEs, Learn Locals and Private RTOs – are able to directly enrol eligible people to access subsidised places.

The ASRC can provide eligible applicants with a letter of referral if requested.

The ASRC VET program is also providing advice to people seeking asylum and refugees on temporary visas on  possible course options.

Free TAFE  for Priority courses

• People seeking asylum, and refugees, who are eligible for Skills First training, will also be able to access free tuition in priority non-apprenticeship courses, delivered through TAFEs across the state.
• Further government-subsidised apprenticeship pathway courses (sometimes called pre-apprenticeships) will also be free to eligible people seeking asylum.

Eligibility

To enrol a student in a Skills First VET course, including Free TAFE for Priority courses, the following criteria must be met:

• people must hold one of the following eligible visas
  • Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV)
  • Temporary Protection Visa (TPV)
  • Bridging Visa Class E (BVE)
  • Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) Visa (subclass 449)
  • Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa (subclass 786)
• people holding eligible visas must always have study rights
• work rights are required for courses that include work placement

All applicants must:

• have a proficient level of English to participate in the chosen course
• be able to pay for: course concession fees (where applicable), course materials, student amenity fees, and transport costs
• live in Victoria

For any further eligibility requirements or limitations please check your Skills First contract, or contact your contract manager at the DET.

Verification process

To confirm the applicant’s current visa, RTOs must use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) website. Only RTOs registered as a VEVO organisation will have access to VEVO.

Registration can be completed online using the above link. Registration enables organisations to verify the type of visa an applicant holds, and the status of their study, and work rights.

Please ensure you have the following information ready about the applicant:

• ImmiCard or passport number
• Name
• Date of birth