University or TAFE?

University or TAFE?

If you’re in high school, you may be beginning to think about what’s next. You might be asking yourself what’s the best option for you, university or TAFE?

It might be a few years away, but it’s never too early to find out what your university or RMIT TAFE 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 even exciting options like university pathways!  

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, 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 (Technical and Further Education), also known as vocational study, includes certificates and diplomas. These courses can vary in length from 12 months to as little as 6 months. RMIT’s TAFE courses give you the skills to work in a technical trade career. TAFE is also a way for a student to progress into a university course when they complete their initial studies. 

Making your decision

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

“If you are looking to learn a trade, TAFE is probably the best option,” said Cody Moore, a Student Recruitment Officer at RMIT University, “[but] if you want to be, for example, a scientist, you will need to go to uni and study for longer.” 

If you have a specific trade or technical skillset in mind, then TAFE has you covered. But if you like to deep dive into research and enjoy independent learning, then university may probably be more your style. 

“Uni will generally have more theory in classes, and less hours on campus,” said Annika Forstmanis, also an RMIT Student Recruitment Officer. “TAFE involves more face-to-face class time, yet less theory.” 

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 either 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. 

“There’s no such thing as ‘wasting’ ATAR points,” said Ms Moore, adding that students who obtain high ATARs should be motivated by what interests them rather than any pressure to study certain courses based on what their ATAR allows them. 

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.   

What to know about university pathways 

“Take every opportunity you can to visit university or TAFE campuses, talk to staff and current students, so you make sure you decide what is the best option for you,” is the advice from Ms Moore.  

RMIT’s Open Day event, NextFest, is the perfect opportunity to discover exactly what’s on offer, whether you’re interested in an undergraduate course or a TAFE option. Open Day is also an opportunity to explore our campuses where you may be inspired to study a course after seeing the next-level facilities and learning spaces.   

You don’t have to make the decision 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