Overview
The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 restricts a person or body using the terms 'TAFE' and/or 'technical and further education' in a company or business name, in a description of activities, operations or services in connection with a person or body's operations in and from Victoria.
The restriction does not apply to a recognised TAFE institute or recognised university, or to a person or body operating a TAFE institute.
The Minister may give approval to use the terms 'TAFE' and 'technical and further education' in the name of a person or body, or in connection with its activities if:
- the person or body is established by or operates in association with one or more TAFE institutes, recognised TAFE institutes or recognised universities
- it is unlikely that a reasonable person would think that the person or body using the terms in its name or in connection with its activities is a TAFE institute.
Implications
If you are not a TAFE institute, university, person or body operating a TAFE institute and you wish to start using the term 'TAFE' or 'technical and further education' in your name or in connection with your activities, you must apply for approval to do so as soon as possible.
You may not start to use either term in your name unless approval is granted. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Applying for approval to use the terms
To apply for approval to continue to use or start to use either of the terms in your name, or in connection with your activities, please complete the Ministerial approval application form.
You can request a copy of the application form from tafegovernance@djsir.vic.gov.au.
This form can be used by a person or body to apply for Ministerial approval to use ‘TAFE’ or ‘technical and further education’ in its name, or in connection with its activities, operations or services.
Completed application forms should be forwarded to:
Tertiary Education Governance
Higher Education and Skills Group
GPO Box 266
Melbourne VIC 3001
Applications cannot be lodged online and must be mailed. As applications may take some time to process, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
If your application is approved, you will be informed in writing and the approval will be gazetted as required by the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.
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