Should I Go to TAFE Or Uni After High School?

What tertiary study option is best for you?

While it might seem like everyone else has everything figured out at the end of high school, a lot of us actually don’t and that’s okay!

If you’ve reached the end of Year 12 and you’re not sure what you want to do next , but you’re considering studying, there are options.

It can be difficult tossing up between TAFE and university 'cos they’re both so different yet so similar.

Well, here’s a breakdown on TAFE and uni so that you can choose the right pathway for you, if you’re keen to get back into studying.

Which type of qualification should I get?

One of the biggest differences between TAFE and uni is the types of qualifications that both institutions offer.

Typically, a TAFE will allow you to complete a course anywhere from a basic skill set course all the way up to a diploma, whereas a uni offers qualifications from a diploma level to a Master's degree or a PhD.

Every job requires a different level of education, so you'll have to figure out if you'll need a degree or a diploma to achieve your career goals, and whether TAFE or uni has the course that best suits you.  

For example, if your dream job is to work in the food industry as a pastry chef, you'll be able to get the qualifications you need at TAFE.

Getting a TAFE qualification will make you just as job ready as someone graduating from uni; you don’t need a PhD in pastry to be a killer chef.

Does it matter what kind of job I want?

Short answer: Yes. Whether you should go to TAFE or uni does depend on what job you'd like to have in the future, as not all uni courses are offered at TAFE and vice versa. 

For example, if you’re aiming to become a surgeon, you can certainly start at TAFE and work your way up, but you will eventually have to complete your training at a uni. 

It may be different depending on where you are in the world, but typically in Australia, most TAFEs or VET institutions don’t offer high level courses.

While you can go to TAFE for veterinary nursing or photography, some careers like medicine require a Bachelors, Master's or even a PhD before you can get into the workforce.

How long will I have to study for?

How long you'll take to complete your studies will definitely be a contributing factor in your choice between TAFE and uni.

Typically, certificates, diplomas and short courses at a full-time workload can last anywhere from just a few months to about three years.

University courses, however, are slightly longer. Most Bachelor's degrees last for a minimum of 3-4 years at a full-time workload.

If you’re wanting to also do a graduate diploma, Master's or PhD, you’re looking at another 1-2 years of study at least. 

Ultimately, if there is a dream job you want to go for, the time it takes to get the skills and experience you need is totally worth it. So, don’t stress if you’re studying a little bit longer than your peers.

So, how much will it cost?

Getting qualified unfortunately isn’t cheap, so sometimes the cost of starting out is the most important thing you need to consider.

In general, TAFE and VET courses won’t be as expensive as uni courses because their study lengths are usually shorter.

Exact costs will vary depending on your education provider and course specification, but in general vocational courses at TAFE will cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand.

On the other hand, university courses will generally cost somewhere between a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands and potentially higher, if you choose to do a postgrad course.

Before you say ‘nope’ to those kinds of numbers, don’t stress. If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident you are likely eligible for a VET FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP loan from the Australian government.

Basically, if you’re eligible the government will pay your education provider the cost of your degree or certificate, which you will pay back to the government in the form of tax over a number of years once you reach a certain income threshold.

At the moment, the compulsory repayment threshold for the 2020-21 income year is AUD$46,620. So, until you earn that amount in a financial year, you won’t pay anything.

The burden of paying back your HELP debt isn’t all that scary either. You will pay an amount based on your total income for the year, so it may take you a few years to finally pay off, but it won’t send you broke in the process.

If you’re really keen to study but you're worried about your finances, just do what you can afford right now, there’s no rush.

Can I go to both?

While it’s so common for some people to put TAFE and uni up against one another and debate which is better, it actually makes way more sense to have them work together.

You can use TAFE as a pathway into university or you can head to TAFE as a uni graduate to build on your skills. You don’t need to choose one over the other.

Ultimately, your education and career pathway is up to you. It might take you a few tries to find the right course for you and that’s totally all right. What’s most important is that you find something that you really enjoy.

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