Doc Summary
Tertiary study in Australia refers to post-secondary education beyond the compulsory schooling years. It includes higher education (universities and university colleges) and vocational education and training (VET), delivered by TAFE institutes and registered training organisations (RTOs). Together these sectors form a flexible, quality-assured system governed by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which standardises qualification levels and learning outcomes across the country (https://www.aqf.edu.au/).
Types of tertiary providers and qualifications #
Universities provide undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including bachelor, honours, graduate certificate and diploma, master’s, and doctoral programs. Universities in Australia are regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) — more at https://www.teqsa.gov.au/.
TAFEs (Technical and Further Education) and private RTOs offer VET qualifications such as certificates I–IV, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and apprenticeships. Many VET qualifications focus on practical, job-ready skills and industry accreditation.
How the AQF helps you understand levels
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) aligns qualifications across VET and higher education, making it clear what learning outcomes, complexity and autonomy to expect at each level. For example, certificate qualifications emphasize applied skills, while bachelor degrees focus on systematic knowledge and independent problem solving (https://www.aqf.edu.au/).
Who studies at tertiary level and why
Tertiary study serves many goals: entry into professional careers, vocational upskilling, academic research, career changers, and migrant skills recognition. Domestic students typically transition from secondary school, with admissions influenced by ATAR scores or alternative pathways. International students often apply directly or through agents and must choose CRICOS-registered courses to satisfy student visa requirements — information on studying in Australia is available at https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/.
Study modes, duration and flexibility #
Tertiary study is offered full-time, part-time, online, blended or through workplace apprenticeships and traineeships. Duration varies: certificate programs can take weeks to a year, diplomas one to two years, bachelor degrees three to four years, and postgraduate programs from several months to multiple years depending on research or coursework.
Entry requirements, credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) #
Entry standards differ by level and provider: universities consider prior grades, prerequisites and sometimes interviews; VET providers may require a basic skills assessment. Many providers offer credit transfer for prior study and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for workplace experience or informal learning — a pathway Skills Campus helps clients evaluate and document. RPL enables experienced workers and migrants to gain formal qualifications by mapping existing skills to course outcomes.
Quality assurance and accreditation #
Tertiary providers and courses must meet national quality standards. TEQSA oversees higher education quality, while the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) regulates vocational education (https://www.asqa.gov.au/). For international students, CRICOS registration ensures courses meet both educational and visa-related requirements.
Costs, funding and support #
Tuition costs vary widely. Domestic undergraduate students may access Commonwealth-supported places and HECS-HELP loans; VET students may be eligible for subsidised training under state programs. International students pay full fees but can access scholarships and financial advice. Universities and TAFEs provide support services including academic skills, career counselling and disability services.
Career outcomes and labour market relevance #
Tertiary study is closely linked to employment outcomes. VET qualifications frequently deliver direct industry skills and licensing, while university degrees provide broader theoretical knowledge and pathways into research or professional practice. Prospective students should review course accreditation, industry partnerships, internships and graduate employment data when choosing a provider.
Practical tips for choosing the right tertiary pathway #
– Confirm the AQF level and what it means for career outcomes.
– Check provider regulation: TEQSA (higher education) or ASQA (VET) and CRICOS for international programs.
– Review course content, work placement opportunities and graduate outcomes.
– Consider flexible delivery (online or part-time) if balancing work or family commitments.
– Explore RPL and credit transfer options to shorten study time and reduce cost.
For migrants and career changers, Skills Campus can assist with course selection, RPL documentation, and navigating entry or credit pathways.
For authoritative course and visa requirements consult: #
– Australian Government Study in Australia: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/
– Australian Qualifications Framework: https://www.aqf.edu.au/
– TEQSA (higher education regulator): https://www.teqsa.gov.au/
To discuss how tertiary study aligns with your goals or for help with Recognition of Prior Learning, contact Skills Campus at https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
