University, TAFE or private provider?
Every institution is different, but those of the same type have a few things in common. Find out what to expect at universities, TAFEs and private providers.
The courses on offer
By now you will probably know that universities offer higher education courses. TAFE institutes offer both VET and higher education. Private providers are divided into registered training organisations (RTOs — offering VET) and private higher education providers.
The range of fields at universities and TAFEs is widest, whereas private providers will often focus on one or a small selection of fields, such as aviation, design or business.
University will be the only option if you want to study a field, such as medicine, law or dentistry.
The campus environment
Universities generally have plenty of learning resources (big libraries, for example) and a range of services and facilities such as:
- recreation and sporting facilities
- medical services
- career, employment and housing services
- cafeterias
- clubs and societies
- academic assistance
- university media and publications.
TAFE institutes also offer a wide range of services.
Large private providers may offer similar facilities to universities and TAFE institutes, while small specialist institutes may also offer some great, purpose-built learning facilities.
Getting in
University entrance requirements centre on academic achievement; for example, in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) or as demonstrated through the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) for mature age students. Cut-offs and prerequisites vary according to the course and university so it's worth shopping around.
TAFE entrance requirements vary from the non-existent (for certificate I), to Year 12 (for certificate IV). Entry to TAFE bachelor degrees may require that you meet a cut-off score or prerequisites.
Private higher education providers may have formal entrance requirements, such as a test or an interview but they generally do not focus as much on tertiary entrance scores. They are generally easier to get into than courses at university. Similarly, RTOs will often have more relaxed entry requirements for their VET courses than TAFE institutes.
How much will it cost?
Course costs will vary depending on the education sector and field of study, and whether a students’ place is government subsidised. See Degree costs and loans or VET costs and loans for more information.
Overall experience
Although there are some that are smaller and more intimate, universities generally offer a vast range of fields to a large number of students. That means big classes and sometimes feeling a bit lost. Although, 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. If it’s an intimate environment you are after, you may also find it at smaller private institutions.
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