More than 5.1 million students were enrolled in nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) in 2025, with overall participation remaining high while qualification enrolments declined.
Qualification enrolments fell by more than 5% in 2025, with declines across all jurisdictions and major training provider types, including TAFEs, community education and private training providers.
The decline in qualification enrolments was driven primarily by lower enrolments in Certificate III and Certificate IV courses, particularly in government-funded training. The largest declines by training package were in community services, business services, and tourism, travel and hospitality.
NCVER Managing Director John King said the results highlight strong VET participation and changing patterns in how training is being undertaken.
‘VET continues to engage a large number of Australians, with overall participation remaining at record levels. At the same time, fewer students are undertaking full qualifications. Enrolments in shorter courses and stand-alone subjects also grew in 2025,’ Mr King said.
Short course and stand-alone subject enrolments were strongest in fee-for-service training, indicating these forms of learning are playing an increasingly important role in skills development.
Participation also increased among school students, people living in regional and remote areas, and people reporting disability.
The 2025 data show a VET system that continues to reach a broad and diverse cohort of learners, alongside participation across a range of training types.
Background:
Total VET students and courses 2025 reports the number of students and enrolments in nationally recognised VET on a government-funded or fee-for-service basis, noting many students enrol in more than one type of training.
This publication provides an estimate of the extent and nature of nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) delivered in 2025 by Australian registered training providers (RTOs). Vocational education and training by nature is diverse, spanning a wide range of learning engagements from full-time programs across multiple years, short courses, to stand-alone subjects that were not delivered as part of a nationally recognised program. Student participation can also be wide ranging, with some students receiving training from multiple training providers within the same year.
Download the report: Total VET students and courses 2025.
Enquiries: Elise Stone P: +61 8 8230 8443 E:communications@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.