Tertiary Education in Australia

Tertiary education in Australia refers to any type of approved education pursued beyond the high school level. This combines both Vocational Education & Training and Higher education and qualifications include certificates, diplomas, and associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

In Australia, the terms “higher education” and “tertiary education” are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings:

1. Higher Education: This refers specifically to education provided by universities and other higher education institutions. It includes undergraduate degrees (such as Bachelor’s degrees), postgraduate degrees (such as Master’s and Doctoral degrees), and higher education diplomas. Higher education is typically more theory-based and research-oriented.

2. Tertiary Education: This is a broader term that encompasses all post-secondary education, including both higher education and vocational education and training (VET). VET focuses on practical, skills-based training and includes certificates I-IV, diplomas, and advanced diplomas. Tertiary education aims to provide a wide range of learning opportunities to meet different career goals and industry needs.

In summary, while higher education is a subset of tertiary education, tertiary education includes both higher education and vocational training. This distinction allows students to choose the path that best suits their career aspirations and learning preferences.