Other Options

Besides universities, students can study at a TAFE College or an independent tertiary college.

TAFE – Technical And Further Education – Colleges can be accessed, in most cases, through the VTAC system but some require direct application. There are thirteen TAFE Colleges in Victoria and four of the universities also offer TAFE courses. TAFE courses are Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses and offer training in particular skills such as agriculture, tourism, information technology, marketing, design and so on. Diplomas and Higher Diplomas are normally equivalent to two years' full-time study (see the VTAC Guide for details) and some will give credit towards university courses. Students are not charged fees as universities do through the HECS system: TAFE fees are much lower and usually paid up-front (loans are available). The maximum fee per year in 2005 was $625. Students should contact individual institutions for details.

Independent tertiary colleges offer courses from one year full-time to four years full-time granting credentials ranging from diplomas to undergraduate degrees. Many courses combine study with industry experience and take longer to complete. The courses are generally in specific areas with an emphasis on practical skills in a particular vocation.

Most courses at these colleges do not attract government support and are full-fee: students should contact institutions for details.

Examples of this type of institution are:

Australian Academy of Design; Australian College of Sports Therapy; Blue Mountains Hotel School; International College of Hotel Management; Photography Studies College; and Southern School of Natural Therapies.