As you’ve probably figured out by now, university and TAFE are the two most common options for tertiary study. You can also study at Independent Tertiary Colleges or the Australian Defence Force Academy.
A tertiary qualification will improve your knowledge and skills in a specific area and it can make you more employable. VTAC’s ABC of Applying guide (new window - scroll down to 'ABC of Applying') makes a good comparison of the different options for tertiary study.
University
Studying at uni means a lot of academic work as well as practical application of what you learn. In certain professions employers will only hire you if you have the relevant university qualification. Careers in nursing and teaching are examples of this.
In other industries, like media or fashion, a uni degree is not required but it can give you an advantage over other job applicants.
Entrance to a university degree is typically based on your ENTER (your ranking in the results of all the students who study for their VCE that year) and your results in relevant Year 12 subjects.
Some universities set entrance exams for certain courses or interview students as part of the selection process. Entry requirements may be different for mature age students.
Check out the Education Network Australia (EdNA) website for a list of links to all Victorian Universities (new window) as well as a brief overview of each uni and the courses it offers.
TAFE
Studying at TAFE will give you practical knowledge and skills. Industry representatives help to develop the coursework so you’ll learn the skills employers want you to have.
While some TAFE courses have no entrance requirements many require that you finish up to Year 10 or Year 12 at school. For other courses you may also need to have industry experience or be employed in a particular area.
Some VE&T subjects and School Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships give you credit points towards TAFE courses.
To find out more about TAFE, including what courses are out there and how to find them, check out our Get Skilled Up! section.
Independent Tertiary College
Independent Tertiary Colleges (ITCs), like TAFE institutes, teach practical skills to prepare students for jobs in a particular industry. The difference is that most of the courses offered at Independent Tertiary Colleges do not receive government subsidies.
Courses take between one and four years to complete full-time and fees vary depending on the institution.
VTAC has a list of independent tertiary colleges (new window) that you can check out to see what sort of courses are on offer at ITCs.
Australian Defence Force Academy
Another option for tertiary study is to join the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
If you join the Army, Navy or Air Force you get paid to study for a degree at the Australian Defence Force Academy. You can also complete an apprenticeship or traineeship with the ADF.
Make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you sign up. Studying at ADFA requires a committment of a minimum of six years of military service, which means you could be called on to serve in war zones and as part of other military operations.
To find out more visit the ADFA website (new window).
