The Good Universities Guide

University

Courses: higher education sector

Universities are generally bigger than other types of tertiary institutions. They generally offer a vast range of fields to a large number of students. That means big classes, and it can mean feeling a bit lost.

The pros? The size of universities means that they have plenty of resources and facilities, including sporting facilities, medical services, employment and housing services, cafeterias, clubs and university media publications. Study skills and academic support services should also be readily available at most campuses, along with good libraries.

Entrance requirements centre on academic achievement in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) with alternative criteria for mature age students. However, cut-offs and course prerequisites do vary according to the course and university so it's worth shopping around.

TAFE institutes

Courses: Vocational Education and Training (VET) and higher education sectors

These days TAFE institutes offer different types of tertiary education, including VET and higher education courses. TAFE institutes therefore cater for different interests, and usually many students.

The pros? While TAFE institutes can be large, it is not so easy to get lost as smaller class sizes create a less impersonal atmosphere than at some universities.

VET courses tend to focus on practical, hands-on skills, particularly suited to students looking for career training. As a result, you will often find terrific learning facilities, although sometimes support and recreational services are limited.

Entrance requirements vary from the very inclusive 'no entry requirements’ (for a certificate I), to Year 12 (for a certificate IV, diploma or advanced diploma). Work experience might also be taken into account.

Private tertiary education providers

Courses: Registered training organisations (VET sector), private higher education providers (higher education sector)

Private higher education providers are private providers offering higher education courses that are equivalent to university courses (and recognised by state education departments – for further details see the AQF website).

Registered training organisations are tertiary education providers that are accredited to deliver VET courses. RTOs include private companies, industry bodies, secondary schools, community organisations and private colleges. To check the status of an organisation, visit the National Training Information Service website.

Between them, the two types of tertiary education institutions may offer courses across the full range of subjects and fields, with the general exception of medicine, law and other regulated professions.

The pros? Some private providers specialise in a particular field, and therefore attract students with the same interests. They are often smaller and therefore more intimate and less daunting than universities or TAFEs. Facilities vary according to the size and focus of the provider.

While TAFE institutes and universities attract a large proportion of their funding from government, private providers tend to generate the majority of their funding from course fees, although they can and do tender for government funding as well. However, many private tertiary education providers are now eligible to offer their students FEE-HELP loans, allowing them to defer part or all of their tertiary fees until they are earning an income. See FEE-HELP providers.

Entry requirements will vary depending on whether you study VET or higher education. Entry to VET will usually be the same as at TAFE. Private higher education providers use alternative entry methods such as interviews more than universities.

For more information

All tertiary education providers produce their own publications about their higher education or VET courses. The handbooks containing this information are available at relevant institutions or online. Tertiary institutions also hold information days where staff are available to advise prospective students and provide course information.

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