The Good Universities Guide

Tertiary institutions come in all shapes and sizes. So, it’s not just a matter of finding out what you want to study and where, but also deciding on the way you want to approach your learning experiences. This means choosing between three main types of tertiary institutions.

First things first, it is worth reviewing a few of the basics. All education beyond high school is known as tertiary education. Tertiary education is offered in the higher education sector (University) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. There are very few VET postgraduate courses and they are offered only at TAFE institutes, not private tertiary education institutions. So, if you are considering postgraduate study, you will have the following three options:

Universities

TAFE institutes

Private higher education providers

University

Programs: Higher education sector

Universities are among the biggest tertiary institutions. Although there are some that are smaller and more intimate, universities always offer a vast range of fields to a large number of students.

Apart from offering many different courses, universities generally have plenty of learning resources (e.g. big libraries) and a range of services and facilities.

University postgraduate entrance requirements centre on academic achievement in previous degree study. Sometimes, professional experience will also be necessary, particularly for some masters degrees. However, requirements and course prerequisites do vary according to the course and university so it's worth shopping around.

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TAFE

Programs: Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector

These days TAFE institutes offer different types of tertiary education, including VET and higher education undergraduate courses. They are also home to the few VET postgraduate courses that are available around the country.

While TAFE institutes can be large, it is often said that it is not so easy to get lost among the big numbers of students, with smaller class sizes, and usually, more time in class, creating a less impersonal atmosphere than at some universities.

VET courses often focus on practical, hands-on skills, particularly suited to students looking for career training. As a result, there will often be good learning facilities and staff who are practitioners in their industry.

Entrance requirements to postgraduate qualifications at TAFE institutes will generally be more flexible than those at universities. While universities emphasise bachelor and honours degrees for entry, many VET postgraduate courses will be open to those who have only diploma or advanced diploma courses. Sometimes substantial relevant work experience will suffice for an applicant without any (or with minimal) previous tertiary experience.

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Private higher education providers

Programs: Higher education sector

What are private higher education providers?

In some states and territories, private providers offer higher education courses that are equivalent to university courses, and which are recognised by the state's education department or office. These courses are displayed on the relevant state or territory Register of Accredited Courses. For further details see the AQF website

What do they offer?

Private tertiary education providers offer postgraduate courses in a range of subjects and professional areas, with the general exception of medicine and law. There are some that are specialist institutions, focusing on postgraduate studies in particular fields, such as creative arts and business.

If you know what you want to do, this could be an appealing option. And some of the specialist institutes have a very good reputation in their field.

Larger institutes may offer similar facilities to universities and TAFE institutes, while specialist institutes may also offer some great, purpose-built learning facilities. At the other end of the spectrum, small institutions may offer students little more than the programs themselves.

For more information

All tertiary education institutions also produce their own publications about their postgraduate courses. The handbooks containing this information are available either directly from the institution or from its website. Tertiary institutions also hold information days (open days) where staff are available to advise prospective students and provide course information.

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