Education in Australia – Tertiary Education

Tertiary education includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET).

Types of Tertiary Education:

University Degrees (also known as “Higher Education”)

• Admissions to universities in Australia are based on the prospective student’s academic achievement and the completion of a series of exams during Secondary Schooling in Year 12.
• Most universities also offer entry pathways for Mature Age Students (over 21 years of age), some regardless of ever having achieved a Year 12 Certificate. You should contact individual universities for more information.
• Open Universities Australia (OUA) also offers flexible online higher education to students.
• University fees can be quite substantial, with one full time year of study usually costing more than $10,000.

VET programs

• Vocational Education and Training programs can be delivered by Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutions and private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
• The various state-administered institutes of TAFE across the country are the major providers of VET in Australia.
• TAFE institutions generally offer short courses, Certificates I, II, III and IV, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in a wide range of vocational topics.
• RTOs are privately operated. They offer short courses similar to TAFEs and also specialised courses such as specific training for employees in a particular industry.