VET vs University in Australia: A Detailed Comparison to Help You Choose the Right Study Path

Choosing between VET (Vocational Education and Training) and University is one of the most important education decisions students face in Australia. This choice can affect how you learn, how long you study, how much you pay, and the types of careers you can pursue. 

Both VET and university are nationally recognised and respected pathways — but they suit different learning styles, goals, and stages of life. 

This detailed 2026 guide compares VET vs University in Australia to help students, parents, and career changers make an informed decision. 

Understanding the Australian Education System 

Australia offers two main post-secondary education streams: 

• VET (Vocational Education and Training): This pathway focuses on practical and job ready education 

• Higher Education (University): This pathway focuses on academic and professional education 

Importantly, these pathways are not separate or inferior to one another. Many students move between VET and university during their education journey – which pathway is the most suitable for you?  

VET is a kind of education and training that focuses on practical skills, applied knowledge and workplace readiness. Courses are designed with industry input to meet current job market needs. 

Common VET qualifications: 

• Certificate III  

• Certificate IV 

• Diploma 

• Advanced Diploma 

Where VET is delivered: 

• TAFE institutes 

• Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 

• Private training providers 

Typical industries covered by VET:  

Below are popular courses and areas delivered by VET institutions:  

• Trades and construction 

• Accounting, business and administration 

• Aged care and community services 

• Hospitality and commercial cookery 

• Early childhood education 

• Information technology 

VET courses normally include practical assessments, simulations and work placements, helping students develop real-world skills. 

University education is the sector that focuses on theoretical knowledge, academic frameworks and professional preparation. It is required for many regulated or professional careers. 

Common university qualifications: 

• Bachelor degrees 

• Graduate Certificates and Diplomas 

• Master’s degrees 

• PhD programs 

Common fields of study: 

• Teaching and education 

• Nursing and Medicine 

• Engineering 

• Accounting and finance 

• Information technology 

• Social work 

• Science 

• Business and related courses 

• Agriculture  

Different from VET, university study typically involves lectures, tutorials, research, exams and independent learning. 

Learning Style and Teaching Approach

VET

• Will provide hands-on and practical learning

• Normally include competency-based assessments

• Smaller class sizes

• Continuous assessment rather than final exams

• Ideal for students who prefer learning by doing

University

• Will provide theory-based learning

• Normally include essays, exams, and research projects

• Greater emphasis on independent study

• Suitable for students who enjoy academic analysis

Entry Requirements

VET

• Generally, VET will have more flexible entry requirements, but students still need to meet academic and English requirements (for example, completing Year 12 and having an IELTS 5.0/5.5)

• Often no ATAR (or other academic scores) required

• Suitable for school leavers, mature students, and career changers

University

• Generally, ATAR or equivalent academic will be required, which means students need to meet a certain score to get into their expected courses

• Prerequisite subjects for some degrees:

  • For some courses (for example: medicine, engineering, etc), students may need to complete certain subjects (for instance: math, physics or chemistry) in their high school study

• English language requirements (for example: IELTS 6.5 for most of the courses in Australia)

Course Duration and Time Commitment

VET

• Certificates: Normally 6–12 / 18 months

• Diplomas: Normally 12–24 months

University

• Bachelor degrees: 3–4 years

• Graduate Certificate/Diploma: 6–12 months

• Postgraduate study: Normally 2 years

• Mostly full-time commitment

VET is generally a faster pathway into employment, while university is a longer-term investment.

Cost and Financial Considerations

VET

• VET often offers much lower tuition fees than university in most cases

• VET often has shorter study duration, which helps reduce overall cost

• Payment plans often available, which helps students reduce the financial burden as they can split the payment into multiple times

University

• University normally has higher tuition fees

• Longer duration will also increase the total cost, which requires international students to be well prepared financially before planning to study in Australia

There may be a big difference in terms of cost between VET and university study. However, the cost should be considered alongside career outcomes and personal circumstances. In many cases, university is compulsory for employment and career development.

Career Outcomes and Job Readiness

VET

• VET provides job-ready and practical skills

• The study content is designed to be directly aligned with specific roles

• Strong outcomes in trades, services, and applied industries

University

• Required for regulated professions

• Broader career progression over time

• Necessary for roles requiring accreditation or registration

Flexibility and Pathway Options

VET

• Flexible study modes

• Strong pathway options into university

• Credit transfer available in many cases

University

• Structured academic pathway

• Less flexible once enrolled

• May require completion before career entry

Many students successfully start with VET and progress to university later.

 

VET may suit you if: 

• You prefer practical learning 

• You want to start working sooner 

• You want flexibility and shorter courses 

• You want a pathway into university later 

University may suit you if: 

• Your career requires a University degree 

• You enjoy academic study 

• You want long-term professional roles 

• You are comfortable with longer study commitments 

Combining VET and University: A Smart Strategy 

Many students choose a blended education pathway, such as: 

• Certificate or Diploma and then move to Bachelor degree. You can get credit transfer in many cases when transitioning from VET to University study.  

• University degree and then VET for practical skills. You may wish to enroll in VET courses after completing a university degree because VET course will provide you with job ready and practical skills.  

• Career change through VET after university. Some students may enroll in VET courses after completing a university degree as they wish to change to other occupations/career.  

If you want to explore which pathway suits you the most, contact our SOL Edu today at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899.  

Contact us today to speak with one of our expert education counsellors.