What Is A Tertiary Qualification In Australia? Expert Guide

Tertiary education is crucial to one's learning path, especially in a country like Australia. If you're wondering: "What is a tertiary qualification in Australia?", here is what you need. This expert guide will answer your question and explore more about this level of education in Australia.

What Is A Tertiary Qualification In Australia?

In Australia, a tertiary qualification refers to any form of post-secondary education or training typically earned after high school. It is offered by universities, vocational education and training (VET) institutions, and other accredited providers.  

Tertiary Qualification Levels

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy that works as a big rulebook for the qualifications you can get. The AQF has 10 levels, ranging from level 1 (Certificate I) to level 10 (Doctoral Degree).

Levels 5 to 10 are tertiary degrees, requiring you to finish secondary education before starting. They are the different tertiary qualification levels you should know for further study.

How Do Tertiary Qualifications Matter?

You have learned about the tertiary qualification meaning and its levels, but how does it matter? Well, they are keys that can open many doors in your future. 

These qualifications will give you more job choices. For example, a bachelor's degree in computer science can lead to software development, data analysis, or IT management positions.

Meanwhile, a master's in business administration (MBA) can lead to leadership roles in business and management.

Also, when you have these qualifications, you might earn more money in your job. 

But that's not all - Going to a good university in Australia and getting these qualifications is also a chance for personal growth, and intellectual development, with better critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It allows you to explore your interests and passions in depth.

Finally, these qualifications are recognized all around the world. That means you can use them to work in different countries if you want to. Many countries have specific visa and immigration policies that favor highly educated individuals.

So, tertiary qualifications matter for many reasons, such as getting great jobs, earning more money, or improving yourself. Your future is waiting – take the first step today by working towards your target ATAR score and start considering which tertiary qualification you should get!

See more:

- What Is An Atar? Everything You Need To Know About ATAR (2023 Updated)

- How Is ATAR Calculated? A Complete Tutorial In 2023

- What ATAR Do You Need To Be A Nurse? 2023 Latest Update

Types Of Tertiary Qualifications

When searching for the keyword "tertiary qualifications Australia," you will find two main types of degrees: 

1. Vocational Education And Training (VET) Qualifications 

VET qualifications help you learn skills you need for specific jobs. You will get these degrees by taking VET courses. Government organizations, such as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), provide these classes. 

They might be short, like six months or longer, up to two years, depending on your choice. Some VET courses are:

• Certificate Courses: These are the starting lessons to know about the basic concepts of a job, including four levels: Certificate I, II, III, and IV. They're shorter than regular degrees and usually teach you practical skills for your future job.

• Diploma and Advanced Diploma Courses: These advanced lessons offer more knowledge and skills than the last ones. Besides, they also help you get ready for further study at university. 

2. Higher Education Or University Qualifications

Higher education or university teaches you to learn more about a specific field. These degrees are from schools that TEQSA approves. The learning can take one to four years or even more. Here are some degrees you can get:

• Associate Degree: This two-year degree helps you learn the basics about a specific subject. It also assists you in getting ready for a bigger degree, like a bachelor's. 

• Bachelor's Degree: This process takes you three to four years. It offers broad and in-depth knowledge and skills. Also, the degree prepares you for further study at a higher level. 

• Bachelor Honours Degree: After finishing your bachelor's degree, you can do this one for a year. It lets you do your own research and write a thesis on related topics. People even use this degree to pursue a master's or doctorate. 

• Graduate Certificate And Graduate Diploma Courses: These are quick courses you can take after the last step. They teach you the required knowledge and skills in a specific area you want to work in. 

• Master's Degree: This takes around 1 to 3 years after finishing 4 years of Bachelor's. You need a Bachelor's degree and other conditions to get in. 

• Doctoral Degree And Higher Doctoral Degree: These are the highest levels that follow a master's degree. They allow you to do new research and publications within your field. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What counts as a tertiary qualification?

After you finish high school, you can keep learning more things. There are different kinds of schools and courses that you can choose from. Some teach you how to do a job. Some let you study even more and become an expert in a specific field. These are all examples of tertiary qualifications. They can help you get a good job or learn more about your interests.

2. Is TAFE a tertiary qualification?

TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. It's like a school run by the government in Australia where you can learn practical skills for jobs. TAFE courses are tertiary qualifications, as the AQF recognizes them at levels 1 to 6.

3. Which tertiary qualification should I get?

The tertiary qualification you should get is one that aligns with your interests, career goals, and personal circumstances. To make an informed decision, let's assess your interests and strengths, then consider your long-term career goals. 

Taking your time to research and decide carefully will set you on a path to success and personal fulfillment.

We have answered your question: "What is a tertiary qualification in Australia?" and related queries. Overall, Australia higher education has many different options for what you like. 

It doesn't matter if you want to learn practical things or do research; there's a course that fits. Let's start moving towards a better future by looking at the chances to learn more education in Australia!