Dream Big, Achieve More: Australian Tertiary Education

Australia is one of the countries that has the best quality of education in the world. The reputation of education in Australia has been well-regarded throughout the world. This country’s education also excels in several fields such as science and research, innovative curriculum, and legal guarantees for international students.

Tertiary education is one of the best programs available in Australia. This education includes diploma to undergraduate/postgraduate programs, each of which provides programs for certain professions.

This education is not only centered on academic development but also prioritizes skills for students. To find out more about what is tertiary study in Australia, read the article below!

What is Tertiary Study in Australia?

Tertiary education is formal post-secondary education, or education after high school. Tertiary education can play an important role in encouraging the growth and development of the workforce, reducing poverty, and increasing shared prosperity as a higher level of education can increase employability.

According to UNESCO, tertiary education builds on secondary education and provides learning activities in specific educational areas. This education aims to learn at a high level of complexity and includes academic education along with advanced vocational or professional education.

Of course, this will be slightly different from general education such as primary and secondary schools which require students to be proficient in academics only. Tertiary education offers more than that, in order to produce human resources ready to work and qualified in their fields.

Furthermore, there are many benefits that you can get when taking tertiary education. You can earn a higher salary, career advancement opportunities, personal development, and wider job networking opportunities because this qualification is recognized throughout the world.

In Australia, this refers to any further education or training after high school. This education is available at universities, vocational education and training (VET) institutions, or other accredited providers.

Australia offers a wide range of study options for international students with more than 1,100 institutions and 22,000 courses to choose from. The country also has 39 universities, 37 government-funded universities, and 2 private universities. Apart from that, this country also provides scholarships for international students.

Australia’s education system is slightly different from most other countries. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which was established in 1995, is a national policy that regulates qualifications from higher education, vocational education, and training in addition to school leaving certificates.

Each qualification type includes the following requirements:

• Level criteria
• Qualification type descriptor
• Information about qualification development responsibilities, accreditation authorities, and issuing organizations.

The main reason for establishing this qualification system is to ensure national recognition and consistency and a common understanding across Australia of what defines each qualification.

Types of Tertiary Qualifications

Here, we’ll explore the different categories of tertiary qualifications, each with its own unique benefits and opportunities.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Qualifications

This qualification helps you to learn the skills you want and need for your job. You can achieve this qualification by taking a VET course, educational organizations such as Technical and Further Education institutions (TAFE) and Registered Training Organizations (RTQ), provide these classes:

You can take part in this program for a period of between six months or more to two years depending on your readiness and choice.

Some VET courses include:

• Certificate Course: this course is your initial lesson in understanding the basic concepts of work, including the four levels of certificates. This course is shorter than a regular degree and teaches you practical skills in preparation for your future employment.
• Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs: these programs offer more knowledge and skills than previous programs and these programs help you to continue your studies at university.
  

Higher Education or University Qualification

Learning at this stage lasts for one to four years or even more. Degrees earned in this program are earned from TEQSA-approved schools. The following are the degrees you will get:

• Associate Degree: This two-year degree helps you learn the basics of a particular subject. This degree also helps you prepare for a higher degree such as a bachelor’s degree.
• Bachelor’s degree: at this stage, you are offered in-depth knowledge and broad skills and this process takes almost four years.
• Honors bachelor’s degree: this degree allows you to carry out your own research and write a thesis on a related topic. This degree is your path to pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree.
• Postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma courses: these are short and concise courses that you can take after the last step. This course teaches you to deepen the knowledge and skills needed in the particular field you want to pursue.
• Master’s Degree: the process of achieving this degree takes approximately 1 to 3 years after completing the 4-year undergraduate degree required to progress to this level.
• Doctoral Degree and Higher Doctoral Degree: still related to what is tertiary study, this is the final stage of the highest level that you can achieve after getting a master’s degree. This degree allows you to conduct new research and publications in your field.

How Do Tertiary Qualifications Matter?

As what is tertiary study in Australia has been explained above, tertiary qualifications have many benefits. The main benefit is that it is a key that can open up many job opportunities in the future. It opens doors to a wider range of job opportunities.

For example, a bachelor’s degree in computer science can lead directly to software development, data analysis, or IT management positions. A master of business administration (MBA) degree can lead to leadership roles in business and management.

Australia offers two main pathways for tertiary qualifications: the first is a vocational education and training (VET) qualification with a certificate course program and a diploma and advanced diploma program and a higher education or university qualification, with a wide range of degrees that you will get.

The programs are very interesting, right? Do you have a specific career goal in mind? If you are someone who has a dream job and wants to be more qualified in that job, you can choose those programs.

Understanding what is tertiary study in Australia is and all the programs and qualifications will help you to determine what steps you will take and adapt to your dream profession.

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