Any study program students pursue after school falls under tertiary education in Australia. Usually, after the compulsory schooling age, around 17 years, students can focus on pursuing tertiary education in Australia.
This could be a university degree, a diploma course, or a certification course, like a Higher School Certificate (HSC), Victorian Certificate Education (VCE) etc. There are various institutions to help in this as well.
For example, a college or university will help you acquire a degree or diploma. However, programs like HSC or VCE tutoring are most helpful for certifications.
Overall, there are plenty of qualifications that students can apply for if they are interested in pursuing higher education in any part of Australia.
Continue reading and learn more about these differential courses you can pursue.
Certificate Courses
The certificates have immense value in the country, whether you want to apply for higher education or establish yourself as a professional in your field.
Here are the following types of certificates in the country:
- Certificate I: This is the essential qualification after high school and helps students gain fundamental skills and knowledge. It takes about four to six months to finish, and you can do it without completing HSC.
- Certificate II: This type of certificate helps the students of Australia develop skills and knowledge within six to eight months.
- Certificate III: This is an even higher level of certification in Australia and helps you develop technical and theoretical knowledge within a year. This certificate is necessary if you want to work in anything other than entry-level jobs.
- Certificate IV: This type of certificate has the highest value in Australia and opens new avenues for further learning. It can take 18-24 months to complete this course, and you may need assistance, like special VCE Tutoring programs, to guide you.
Degrees and Diploma
Australia offers an excellent opportunity for students to explore new areas and pursue higher education in their chosen fields. The best part is that despite having a laid-back education system, Australia does offer high learning standards.
You can pursue various undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees and diploma courses to specialize in a field. Generally, it may take one to two years to complete the courses, depending on the course type and institution.
You need to have at least a year 12 HSC, while some may or may not ask for an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). For instance, you do not need an ATAR to study under the Western Sydney University Diploma Program.
Associate Degree
This type of Australian tertiary education helps enhance students’ skills without spending too much time, like in a Graduate or PG program. The shorter duration of the courses makes them highly popular.
Both Universities and TAFE colleges can provide you with valid associate degrees. The average duration for these courses is around two years. You need a year 12 HSC or equivalent to qualify for such courses, like a certificate III or IV.
Conclusion
Australia does not have a national certification system, so students must acquire state and territory school-leaving certificates. Typically, colleges for Technical and Further Education (TAFE) can give certificates in a country like Australia.
Besides that, even private colleges, community education centers and registered training organizations can provide certificates for special programs like VCE tutoring.
On the other hand, colleges and universities grant students degrees, diplomas, or equivalents. To acquire these proofs of academic excellence, you simply need to understand the criteria and apply accordingly.