Situated in the very south-eastern part of Australia, Victoria is the smallest of the country’s mainland states. However, with 5.2 million people it ranks second only to New South Wales in terms of population.

Of these, more than 70 percent live in the general metropolitan area of the state capital of Melbourne.

The coastline with its great landscapes is especially well-known among tourists. Natural attractions such as the spectacular limestone-formations along the equally impressive Great Ocean Road enjoy a world-wide reputation.

Further inland to the east the Victorian Alps and Highlands make for distinctive landmarks with hiking, biking and rafting during the summer months and great skiing in winter. Melbourne, traditionally proud of its rich history, today boasts about four Million inhabitants and still competes with Sydney for the title as the premier city of Australia.

Sure enough it has its fair share of cultural highlights, culinary delights and an active and creative art scene.

It comes as a small wonder that the state’s capital is also home to a significant number of TAFE institutes. As opposed to the other states there is no institution that combines all TAFEs under its roof, no such thing as “TAFE Victoria” exists.

Each TAFE institute enjoys an independent status and is only marginally controlled by a state regulator. All in all, there are 18 different institutions throughout Victoria, education some 425.000 people in about 1.600 courses.