What is TAFE and how is it different from university?

What is TAFE and how is it different from university?

You might have found yourself wondering how a certificate or diploma is different from a degree. Both uni and TAFE will get you ready for what’s next, but the big question is: what is right for you?

Whether you’re in VCE or just started high school, it’s never too early to find out what your university or TAFE (Technical and Further Education) options are. You might have even found yourself wondering, “What is TAFE?” and “What are pathways?”   

A bachelor’s degree isn’t the only choice for those interested in studying. 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.    

What is university? 

For high school students, university usually means a bachelor’s, associate or honours degree. These are also known as undergraduate courses, and typically take up to four years of full-time study to complete. When people think of university study, they often think of a bachelor’s degree, but other options include 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). At RMIT, these degrees are designed to kickstart your career by giving you a strong foundation of knowledge and industry experience.  

RMIT also offers postgraduate courses, including master's, graduate certificates or graduate diplomas. These courses are specifically for students who have already completed tertiary studies and are looking for further qualifications. Postgraduate courses give you the in-depth skills needed to become a leader in your field. 

So, what is TAFE?     

TAFE, also known as vocational study, includes certificates and diplomas. Some can be completed in as little as six months, while others involve two years of full-time study. Generally, vocational study is designed to help you start your career sooner. RMIT’s TAFE courses give you the skills to work in a technical or specialist career, such as computer science, construction, dental studies, and youth work.   

One misconception that you might have heard about TAFE is that it only involves courses for different trades, like plumbing or building. 

RMIT’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Vocational Education Mish Eastman says that vocational education is essential for helping fill skills shortages in Australia’s fastest growing industries. 

“When our high school students hear their parents and other adults talk about the TAFE experience, it’s of a TAFE that existed 20-30 years ago. This is a long way from the contemporary [vocational] experience, which has undergone an enormous and very positive change. 

“Trades are an important and necessary part of the [vocational] system. However, they're not the only part. Many people don't realise the [vocational] system provides meaningful and lifelong career opportunities in many areas of economic significance such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, health, dental, community services, entrepreneurship, IT and cybersecurity.” 

While TAFE is a great standalone option, it’s also a great way to pathway into a university course in a diverse range of study areas, if you have one in mind.   

Making your decision

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

If you have a specific skillset in mind, you enjoy learning by doing, and you want to enter the workforce sooner, then TAFE could be the best option for you.  

If you like to deep dive into research and enjoy independent learning, then university may be more your style. You may also need a university degree if your desired career is highly specialised, such as law or psychology.  

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. 

Students sometimes feel pressured to study something with a high entry requirement even if it’s not what they’re interested in. If you're in high school, keep in mind that there’s no such thing as ‘wasting’ a high ATAR. You should always apply for what interests you, rather than what you feel pressured to study.   

Expand all sections

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 either option can lead to a personally and financially rewarding career.   

At RMIT, there’s even the option to transfer between the two types of study! This is known as a pathway. It’s a great way to test whether you enjoy your area of interest and want to continue studying by starting with a vocational qualification. If you’d like to continue studying the same field, you could credit your completed qualification towards a degree, which can even reduce the time it takes to complete your undergraduate study. RMIT offers Guaranteed Pathways for students who know they’d like to do this – and upon completion of their vocational study, they’ll automatically gain entry into the relevant bachelor’s degree.  

Pathways are also a good option for students who want to study a degree but don’t quite meet the entry requirements straight after high school. 

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  

RMIT student, Vinisha

Seven soft skills you need on your résumé

Including examples of soft skills in your résumé is one of the most effective ways to stand out to employers, but which skills are most in demand?

uni-life-learn-the-lingo-landscape_SEH.jpg

Your guide to VTAC and RMIT terms

Uni lingo can seem like an entirely different language sometimes, but with this glossary, you’ll be fluent in no time.

A game design student using a VR headset with handheld controllers while another student watches

What does hands-on learning look like at RMIT?

Ever wondered what hands-on learning looks like in your dream course? Practical learning is more than just work experience – discover what hands-on learning means at RMIT.

aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information