What is TAFE and how is it different from university?

What is TAFE and how is it different from university?

If you’re in high school, you might be wondering what TAFE is. Both uni and TAFE are great options for what’s next, but the big question is: what is right for you?

No matter where you are in your study journey, it’s never too early to find out what your university or TAFE (Technical and Further Education) options are. It can be especially important to prepare for your future when you have burning questions like, “What is TAFE?” and “What are pathways?”  

University isn’t the only option for those wanting to study after Year 12. There are other options influenced by your interests and personality – and they can all help you reach your dream career!  

Four students walk on campus talking

What's the difference

Before you decide whether university or TAFE is for you, you first need to know the differences between the two.   

University for high school students usually means a bachelor’s, associate or honours degree. These are also known as undergraduate courses. At RMIT, these degrees are designed to kickstart your career by giving you hands-on learning and industry experience.  

So, what is TAFE?    

TAFE, also known as vocational study, includes certificates and diplomas. These courses can vary in length from 6-12 months. RMIT’s TAFE courses give you the skills to work in a technical trade career, such as construction or youth work.  

While TAFE is a perfectly viable stand-alone option, it’s also a great way to pathway into a university course, if you have one in mind.   

Making your decision

Deciding whether to go to university or TAFE should be based on your passions and hopes for the future.   

If you have a specific trade or technical skillset in mind, then TAFE has you covered. It’s a great option for those looking to gain the skills for an apprenticeship. The fields you can work in with a TAFE qualification range from aged care to building to bookkeeping. 

If you like to deep dive into research and enjoy independent learning, then university may be more your style. For those looking to become scientists, lawyers, teachers or any number of other non-trade careers, a university degree is for you. When people think of university study, they often think of a bachelor’s degree, but there are other options too, ranging from associate degrees (which take less time than a bachelor’s degree) to honours degrees (which take more time and include additional research or placement components). 

Another key difference is that university classes have more theory and less hours on campus. TAFE courses involve more face-to-face work, less theory and can be completed quicker than a degree. 

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As a parent, guardian or carer, you might be wondering how you can help your teen find what’s right for them. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • An ATAR isn’t the only way into uni. If a student doesn’t get perfect exam results, it’s not the end of the line for their university goals. 
  • A great way to support your teen is help them understand their options. Talk to them about their career goals and how they can reach them through study. 
  • RMIT has equitable learning and disability services than can provide support to your teen, whether they’re planning to study TAFE or a uni course. 
A student with a clip board wearing a high visibility vest

What to know about university pathways 

RMIT offers both university and TAFE courses, and both can lead to personally and financially rewarding careers.  

Even if you score a high ATAR, that doesn’t necessarily mean university is the right path for you, and if you score a low ATAR, that doesn’t mean TAFE is your only option.  

Students sometimes feel pressured to study something with a high entry requirement even if it’s not what they’re interested in, especially those that achieve a high ATAR. There’s no such thing as ‘wasting’ ATAR ranks – students should always apply for what interests them rather than what they feel pressured to study.  

Some students start at TAFE and then progress on to a university degree after completing a diploma or advanced diploma. If this sounds like the option for you can lock this in by choosing a university pathway option.   

University pathways are an alternate way to gain entry to a university course by first completing a TAFE qualification first. RMIT has an easy-to-use tool to help you discover our university pathways. The RMIT Pathway Finder allows you to search for an option based on your dream career.

Need help locking in your choice?

Depending on the time of year, we may be running campus tours! These are an ideal way to explore the facilities that university and RMIT TAFE students have access to. Just getting a vibe of the spaces and the differences between them might make your choice easier.  

If there aren’t any upcoming campus tours you can also check out the virtual tours of our awe-inspiring study spaces.  

Still undecided? You don’t have to make the decision choice alone! If you have any questions about course options at RMIT or want to know more about a university pathway, then get in contact with the Study@RMIT team who can help you discover what’s next after high school.   

 

 

Story: Jacob Johnston  

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information