TAFE has fewer entry requirements. Average cost of a Bachelor's Degree in Australia is around $30,000 while TAFE (and other VET) courses range from about $400 TO $22,000 per year.
Is It Easier to Get Into TAFE or University? Generally, it is easier to get into TAFE over University. TAFE and other RTOs are very accessible and have fewer entry requirements than universities. At the Certificate level, you will require no prior education, while some diplomas may require past study.
TAFE focuses on vocational courses, such as engineering or nursing, while universities offer more traditionally academic subjects like law or history. TAFE courses have shorter study times than at uni. For example, the average bachelor's degree can take up to four years full-time.
On average, TAFE students earn $2,000 more than University graduates in half the time of a Uni degree. They also tend to have higher pay rises as the focus on practical experience is considered more important to entering the workforce.
One of the most common disadvantages that people cite when completing a TAFE/vocational course online is the lack of social interaction. This is especially relevant for extroverted, sociable students who want to make friends and have a great time.
TAFE and VET qualifications take from 6 months to 2 years, unlike university degrees which take 3 years minimum full-time. And while bachelor degrees can often cost over $30,000, TAFE and VET courses are usually much cheaper, especially as the fees for government-subsidised students are often heavily reduced.
Is it reliable to study TAFE courses in Australia? Absolutely yes. TAFE is a highly regarded and well structured government education facility teaching courses at the certificate and diploma level. Courses are generally more suited to hand on type work and teaching.
If you are on the hunt for a job, then TAFE NSW can get you there quicker than going to university. It's true! According to statistics, a whopping 86% TAFE NSW graduates gain employment within just six months of graduating!
TAFE NSW Course Fees
AUD$4,395 to AUD$15,450 per semester for vocational courses. AUD$6,680 to AUD$11,500 per semester for TAFE NSW Degree courses.
Currently TAFE NSW offers Diploma to Degree programs with some "partner" universities. This means it's possible to enrol in a TAFE NSW Diploma or Advanced Diploma as well as a related university Degree course at the same time.
Our courses are recognised for their hands-on approach to skills training, with built-in internships and work placements to enhance your employability and career prospects. You can learn industry-relevant skills in on-the-job roles, and in some instances, even start earning while you're still learning.
TAFE is a government-run system in Australia that provides education after high school in vocational areas like beauty, design, childcare, accounting, business, recruitment, IT, and many more.
What does TAFE stand for? The acronym TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. TAFE NSW is Australia's largest vocational education and training provider based in New South Wales.
Reasons to study in Australia:
More than 15 Nobel laureates have come out of Australian universities. The country boasts its innovative research facilities and advanced infrastructure. With a diverse population, Australia is home to 200+ languages and dialects.
Diploma of Leadership and Management
At A$8,004 a year, the Diploma of Leadership and Management offered by the Swinburne University of Technology is one of the cheapest courses available in Australia.
Abolition of university fees
During the early 1970s, there was a significant push to make tertiary education in Australia more accessible to working and middle class Australians. The Whitlam Labor government abolished university fees on 1 January 1974.
Supermodel Jennifer Hawkins, champion rugby league player Kurt Gidley, Michelin-starred chef Brett Graham and Screaming Jets guitarist Grant Walmsley are all proud graduates of Hunter TAFE in NSW. And mining magnate Nathan Tinkler qualified as an electrician at nearby Muswellbrook TAFE.
The most common qualification levels delivered at TAFE Queensland range from a Level 1 to a Level 7.
Are there any jobs that pay over $200K a year in Australia? The jobs most likely to pay more than $200,000 per year are in the medical industry and financial services. A CEO of a private company is likely to earn above $200,000 and does not require a university degree.
TAFE qualifications – the basics
Generally speaking, the higher a TAFE qualification, the longer it takes to complete. Certificate II and III courses can usually be finished in less than six months. Diploma courses can take up to three years to complete.