TAFE and University are both tertiary educational institutions. T.A.F.E stands for Technical and Further Education and is popular in Canada and Australia, where such institutes can be found in numerous cities. While universities are well-known, many students and parents may struggle to decide whether to opt for a university degree after four years of study or choose TAFE, which offers vocational education. This article will clarify the differences between TAFE and University to aid in understanding.
Key Takeaways
- Courses offered at TAFE provide students with practical skills that can be transferred to the workplace, while university courses are more intensive and have higher qualifications.
- Universities award degrees, while TAFE provides certificates and diplomas.
- TAFE courses focus on labor-oriented professions, whereas university courses concentrate more on academics.
TAFE courses equip students with practical skills that can be easily applied in the workplace. These courses are designed according to national competency standards, ensuring that students attain the same level of skills no matter which TAFE they attend. The emphasis at TAFE is on imparting practical knowledge rather than the academic content of a job, meaning that a prospective employer knows that a student who has successfully completed a TAFE course is competent enough to handle a job. This aspect is attracting more students to TAFE, as they believe securing a job is easier if they complete a TAFE course instead of pursuing formal education at a university.
Although TAFE mainly offers certificate and diploma courses, many also provide higher or advanced diplomas and even Bachelor’s degrees to their students. If a student wishes to pursue higher education at a university after completing a diploma from a TAFE, it is possible to receive credit points for their TAFE diploma.
The study pattern at TAFE is more practical than at a university, with smaller class sizes and an environment closer to a school. The qualifications awarded by TAFE are lower than university qualifications. At a university, the focus is more on academics, although practical classes are also held. However, university study typically involves more listening and note-taking than studying at TAFE. TAFE provides entry-level qualifications suitable for low-level jobs, while a university degree is needed to advance career options.
