Here you will find information about university and TAFE and where to go to learn more.
What is tertiary education?
Tertiary education is study you do after high school. It includes:
TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. TAFE courses usually teach you practical skills and theory for a certain type of job or industry. TAFEs offer different courses and qualifications such as:
- certificates I to IV (1 to 4)
- diplomas
- advanced diplomas
- graduate certificates.
University study is another form of higher education. This type of study is usually more based on theory and independent research. When you finish university, you usually get a degree which is a qualification to help you get a job.
To study at university (uni), you'll need to meet entry requirements called prerequisites.
You can learn about university on the StudyAssist websiteLooking for something shorter? How about a microcredential! These are short courses that help you expand your skills and employability.
Find and compare microcredentials from all kinds of industries here
Why not work and study at the same time? You can do it through an apprenticeship or traineeship!
Find out more on our employment pageChoosing a course
Know you want to study but don’t know what or where?
Compare your options on the Course Seeker website.
It doesn’t have every option, but it can be a useful tool to get a feel for what’s out there.
You might like to hear from current students and recent graduates to help you decide.
Getting into university or TAFE
If you know where you want to study and which course you want to do, it’s time to apply!
You can do this:
- through a state or territory university admissions centre
- directly through the course provider (e.g. the university or TAFE).
Still have questions? You can ask the university or TAFE directly.
Paying for university or TAFE
Studying at a university or TAFE comes with costs. These include:
- accommodation
- course fees
- buying textbooks and materials.
You might be eligible for financial support, including:
- government subsidised enrolments called Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs)
- government HELP student loans (formally known as HECS)
- Scholarships and income support (like Austudy and ABSTUDY).
FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses
Thinking about university, but not sure you’re ready? You may be eligible for FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses. These courses help you gain the required skills you need for further study.
Fee-Free TAFE
Leaving school, looking for work or wanting to upskill or retrain?
There are hundreds of Fee-Free TAFE courses available in areas with skill shortages or growth areas such as:
- clean energy
- care and support (including aged care, health care and disability care)
- construction
- technology and digital
- early childhood education and care.
Visit the Fee-Free TAFE page on the Your Career website to find out more about courses, eligibility, and where to enrol.
Scholarships
A scholarship is a payment given to you to help you cover the cost of courses and living costs.
Some are merit-based. These are given to students based on their academic achievement.
Other scholarships are needs based. These are given to students who have faced personal or academic challenges.
There are also scholarships for students who:
- come from diverse backgrounds
- have a disability
- come from a regional, rural or remote area of Australia.
To find a scholarship, you can search online or check university and TAFE websites.
Services Australia can help connect you to Centrelink payments, services and support for further study.
Find out how they can support you on the Services Australia website.
Services AustraliaYouth Allowance is financial help for full-time students aged 24 or younger.
Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply on the Services Australia website.
Services AustraliaThe StudyAssist website has information about government subsidies, loans, and income support.
Visit the StudyAssist websiteIf you are a university student who receives Youth Allowance, you may be able to get a Fares Allowance if you live away from home to study.
Find out more about Fares Allowance on the Services Australia website.
Services AustraliaABSTUDY
ABSTUDY is available for First Nations students studying after high school. This can be at university, TAFE, or an apprenticeship. ABSTUDY can even help if you study online or part-time!
ABSTUDY payments can help with living expenses, study costs, and travel costs.
For more information, visit the ABSTUDY page.
Services AustraliaTertiary Access Payment (TAP)
The Tertiary Access Payment is a one-off payment for students who need to relocate to study.
Relocation Scholarship
You might be able to get a Relocation Scholarship if you:
- get Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY
- need to move to or from a regional or remote area in Australia to study.
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get on the Services Australia website.
Services Australia
Regional University Study Hubs
Regional University Study Hubs mean you can access tertiary education without having to leave your community. The hubs are physical spaces that offer a place to study, internet, and support services. It’s just like a university campus!
Find out more about regional study hubs on the Department of Education website.
Regional University Study HUBSIf you live with disability, the government has resources to help you understand your rights.
You can learn about your rights on the Department of Education website.
Information resources for students with disability and their caregiversIf you are struggling with your mental health, it’s important to know that you are not alone. More information and resources are available on the mental health page.
Mental healthYour university or TAFE might have wellbeing services. It could also be called student services. Reach out to see what they can do for you.