Terms 2024

  • Term 1 - 30 January to 28 March
  • Term 2 - 15 April to 28 June
  • Term 3 - 15 July to 20 September
  • Term 4 - 7 October to 20 December

Public holidays 2024

  • New Year's Day - 1 January
  • Australia Day - 26 January
  • Labour Day - 11 March
  • Good Friday - 29 March
  • Easter Sunday - 30 March
  • Easter Sunday - 31 March
  • Easter Monday - 1 April
  • ANZAC Day - 25 April
  • May Races (Warrnambool) - 2 May
  • King's Birthday - 10 June
  • Friday before the AFL Grand Final - 27 September (TBC)
  • Melbourne Cup (Portland, Hamilton and Colac) - 5 November
  • Christmas Day - 25 December
  • Boxing Day - 26 December

Your first four weeks of TAFE life can be fun but also a bit overwhelming. Here are our tips to make adjusting to life at SWTAFE a little easier for you.

Week 1 - Activate
During your first week of classes it's a good idea to:

  • ensure your access to SWTAFE IT services is working correctly
  • keep up-to-date with the academic calendar
  • buy your textbooks
  • familiarise yourself with your department and classrooms
  • visit the library, student hub and student services
  • familiarise yourself with the Student Portal.

Week 2 - Explore

Start exploring what else is on offer and check out:

  • your campus and the local area, shops and cafes
  • language and learning support resources
  • services for current students.

It's also good to start introducing yourself to other students in your class now that you'll be feeling a bit more settled.

Week 3 - Immerse

You may be feeling more at home but still adjusting and finding a balance between study, work and play. Check out:

  • events and campus life activities.
  • volunteering or leadership opportunities, such as the Student Voice
  • clubs and societies
  • counselling services
  • wellbeing services.

Week 4 - Check in

By now you should be progressing with your studies and have an idea whether you are happy with your chosen course. 

If you want to change your subjects, defer or withdraw, you must do so by the census date. This is the last chance to change your enrolment without financial penalty.

Student Checklist

Please see the Student Checklist as a handy reference when starting your studies with SWTAFE.

The Student Portal

The Student Portal is a very important resource for you while you are studying at South West TAFE. Here, you have access to information that is useful for your studies. You will also be kept informed about campus events and activities. The Student Portal is the main student communication channel, so please log in regularly to keep up-to-date and connected.

Stay connected with the SWTAFE Community

Join the SWTAFE Student Facebook group to connect with other students and stay up-to-date with what's going on at SWTAFE.
Click here to join.

The Student Voice

The Student Voice is a vital part of South West TAFE, ensuring that the student body is heard and can contribute to the South West TAFE community in a meaningful way. Due to the nature of TAFE study, with varying lengths of courses, students are welcome to join the Student Voice just for a short time or stay multiple terms.

A-Z Student Guide

The Student Guide has key information you need as you study with SWTAFE and where to seek help if you need it. Take a look at the A-Z Student Guide here.

Learn more about studying with us
Orientation is all about helping you get familiar with SWTAFE and your course. Explore everything...
Orientation
What is this?
Orientation is all about helping you get familiar with SWTAFE and your course. Explore everything...
Explore this area