TAFE or Uni - Which one is better

TAFE or Uni - Which one is better TAFE or Uni Which one is better?Posted July 5, 2019, by EleshaTAFE or Uni - which one is better? Well, there are lots of things to consider when deciding between the two From what career youd like to pursue, your learning style and how you plan to pay the tuition fees. Other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) can make great further education options too.Lets take a look at the different study paths to help you decide which one is right for you.What is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions are Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) which are run and financed by state and territory governments.RTOs offer the following qualifications -Certificate I, II, III, and IVDiplomaAdvanced DiplomaVocational Graduate CertificateVocational Graduate DiplomaTAFE is just one kind of RTO. There are also private colleges and online course providers that offer highly specialised, industry-focused knowledge a nd training and are a great alternative to studying at university or TAFE.Whats The Difference Between University and TAFE?Trade vs ProfessionTraditionally, trade vs profession was a key difference between the two - TAFE was for trades like electricians, builders, hairdressers, mechanics, etc while University for professions such as engineering, law, medicine, architecture, etc.The decision was pretty easy if you wanted to become an electrician, you went to TAFE and if you wanted to be an Engineer, you went to University.While some of these differences are still relevant, there is a lot mora cross over. These days TAFE (and fellow RTOs) offers a scope of trades including IT, retail, aged care childcare, cosmetics, management, tourism, engineering, and business.In the past University was the only path to complete a degree and TAFE offered a certificate or diploma qualification only - this has also changed. You can now earn associate and bachelor degrees for certain professions throug h TAFE.Vocational Training vs Academic StudyThe learning environment of TAFE is more focused on delivering practical, job-specific skills. Training emphasises skills and knowledge required for a particular trade like plumbing or hairdressing or a specific job function, like data entry or typing.University, on the other hand, offers a more academic learning experience. Academic education is focused on knowledge that is educational, schobelastungic and theoretical. This isnt always the case though, some Universities focus on practicality and employability in their course options.TAFE offers a variety of online course options and completingundergraduate and postgraduate coursesonline with some of Australias leading Universities is also possible.Entry RequirementsAustralian University degrees have varying levels of standard entry requirements into undergraduate (bachelor), postgraduate (master) and research degrees.If you want to go to University fresh out of year 12, your Australian Te rtiary Admission Rank (ATAR) will be the main criteria for entry into the majority of undergraduate University programs. As you continue to further your study, subsequent degrees will have higher entry requirements.TAFE also has minimum entry requirements no matter the qualification you plan to study but many courses have a lower minimum requirement than University degrees. Entry requirements can vary from English language, academic prerequisites or an additional portfolio.FundingHow will you pay for your course? When deciding where to study the financial aspects definitely require careful considerationMost students who choose the University path will have access to HECS - Higher Education Contribution Scheme. Essentially, HECS allows you to accumulate your University fees as a loan that you late repay through the Australian Taxation Office once your income hits a certain level.Funding for TAFE isnt as broad and while there is financial assistance and government subsidised training available, it depends on the course you choose. Funding also varies depending on where you study so be sure to check opportunities in the state or territory relevant to you.TimeThe time commitment required for each qualification might play a role in your decision making. Usually, a bachelors degree takes 3 - 4 years to complete and a masters degree will take another 2 years approximately.A Certificate through TAFE may take 6 -12 months full time to finish, 1 - 2 years for a diploma while apprenticeships and traineeships can last anywhere from 3 - 5 years.Can TAFE Get Me Into University?Yes You can complete a Tertiary Preparation Certification (TPC) through TAFE which is a qualification equivalent to Year 12.The TPC will allow you to gain a Tertiary Entrance Score which is equivalent to an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and can be used to apply for entry to universities across Australia.Some TAFE Institutes around Australia also offer higher education degrees.No matter wh ere you choose to study, weve got some awesome study tips for you and mistakes you definitely dont want to make ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searches10 best jobs for the futurebest career aptitude testwhat is vocational education and training key featureswell developed written and verbal communication skillsbest careers for the next ten years CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineEleshaRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCoachingCommunity ServicesMaking lives betterAre you a compassionate and nurturing person with a passion for helping people overcome difficult situ ations? 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