TAFE vs University
TAFE and University are tertiary educational institutions. T.A.F.E is an acronym that stands for technical and further education and is very popular in Canada and Australia where such institutes are mushrooming in every city. We all know what a University stands for but propels, especially students and parents are confused as to whether to choose university that offers a degree after 4 years of study or to go in for TAFE that offers vocational education. This article will explain the differences between TAFE and University to have a better understanding.
Courses that are offered at a TAFE provide students with practical skills that are easily transferable to workplace. These courses are designed according to national competency standards so that students attain same level of skills no matter which TAFE they attend. The focus in a TAFE is to impart practical knowledge more than the academic content of a job which means that a prospective employer knows that a student who has successfully completed a course at a TAFE is competent enough to handle a job. This is one aspect that is attracting more and more students to TAFE as they feel getting a job is far easier if they do a course from a TAFE rather than go for formal education in a University.
Though mostly certificate and diploma courses are run by TAFE, there are many who are providing higher or advanced diplomas and even Bachelor’s degrees to their students. If a student feels he needs higher education from a university after completing a diploma from a TAFE, it is possible to get credit points for his diploma earned from the TAFE.
The pattern of study in a TAFE is more practical than a University, size of classes is smaller and the environment is also closer to a school. The qualifications that are given by a TAFE are lower than university qualifications. In a University, focus is more on academics though practical classes are also held. But study at a university is more of listening and note taking than what study at TAFE entails. TAFE provides entry level qualifications good enough for low level jobs but you need a University degree to advance tour career options.
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In brief: • University offers formal education whereas TAFE provides practical and vocational courses • Universities give degrees whereas TAFE gives certificates and diplomas • TAFE courses are more in labor oriented professions, whereas university courses are more intensive and have higher qualifications
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