TAFE Courses and Vocational Education

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TAFE or University: Which is Right for Me?

Once you've made the decision to study and decided what you want to learn, you need to work out where. Is vocational education or a TAFE course right for you? Or is university the way to go?

On the surface, TAFE and university courses may look similar. Both are accredited and nationally recognised. They'll provide you with career-oriented training and practical work outcomes. Many university and TAFE courses are developed in partnership with industry to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to get the job you're after. But the actual study process and experience can be as different as night and day.

For some professions, the choice is easy. If you're looking to become a doctor or lawyer, you'll need to go to university, while a TAFE qualification will suit those seeking careers in hairdressing or building. But for other fields such as design, fashion, IT, business and tourism, the decision isn't as clear-cut.

Test the Waters with a TAFE Course

A TAFE course is a great way to 'test the waters' before you jump head-first into a university degree. It's not only cheaper, it's also quicker. Your TAFE qualification will take between one and three years to complete, while a bachelor degree usually takes between three and five years full-time.

If you decide to move on to university, a TAFE course can help you out. It will help you meet the entry requirements by demonstrating you can study and are up to the challenge of a degree. Many universities will also recognise your TAFE course and credit it towards your degree, reducing your study duration.

You'll also graduate from TAFE ready to step straight into the workforce. Your TAFE qualification will help you get a job while you decide if you want to continue on to a university degree.

Certificate, Diploma or Degree?

At TAFE, you can study towards a certificate of various levels (I, II, III or IV), a diploma or an advanced diploma. Each of these qualifications has different course durations, learning outcomes and industry recognition. Find out more about these different TAFE qualifications and what they can do for you.

At university, you study towards a bachelor degree or postgraduate qualification that provides broad education, such as the Bachelor of Arts, or specific professional outcomes, such as the Bachelor of Education (Primary).

While the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) ranks bachelor and postgraduate degrees above TAFE qualifications, different careers require different levels of training. Your choice of career will determine the qualification you need.

For instance, if you're interested in a career in accounting, the Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting) will qualify you for entry-level roles such as payroll clerk or bookkeeper, while the Diploma of Accounting can lead to careers such as office manager and senior financial clerk. In comparison, the Bachelor of Accounting leads to higher level roles such as accountant or finance manager.

The Study Difference

You won't be handled with kid gloves at TAFE, but it can be a much more nurturing environment than university. You have smaller classes, with hands-on training and practical assessments along the way so you know you're on the right track. Your TAFE course will give you industry-specific skills and knowledge to help you get started in your chosen career.

At university, your tutors and lecturers will guide you on what to read, what to focus on and how to research, but you're responsible for your own learning and preparation.

University study provides you with the ability to explore. It gives you a broader education, teaching you to research, think problems through, consider alternate opinions and options, devise logical solutions and communicate your ideas effectively. To put it simply, you'll learn to "think outside the box" - an ability greatly sought after by employers.

While university is traditionally more theoretical, many courses include work placements to give you solid industry experience. In addition, university courses typically include essays, assignments and examinations that are designed to ensure you can apply the knowledge you have gained.

University is often considered harder than TAFE, but it's just a different learning style. And if it has been a while since you last studied, don't worry! Both TAFE institutions and universities provide you with essay and assignment-writing support when you need it. If you think you need a helping hand, just ask.

Get the Facts Before Deciding

Ultimately, your decision will depend on your career goals and lifestyle. Whatever you decide, get all the facts about your preferred course and institute before you apply. Make sure you're aware of all your options, and choose the course that best delivers the outcomes that you want.

If you need more advice, SEEK Learning consultants can help. We're experts in matching courses with career goals. Contact us now for help in choosing the right course.