Exactly how tough is it to successfully complete a TAFE* course in Australia? Well, if you think it’s a cakewalk, it's not. Approximately 1 in every 3 students in Australia taking TAFE* courses drops out before the end. Why is that? Well, it can be for personal reasons, but most often, it's because the person in question has created the conditions for success - so that common issues are avoided.
What Is The Difference Between TAFE And A University In Australia?
Essentially, universities represent the purely academic route in Australia, whereas TAFE* colleges provide real-world skills that people can use to get work. We're talking about trade skills like engineering, carpentry, or hairdressing that lead to guaranteed work (or as close to it as you can get) in society. People who want to get into work more directly tend to choose this route.
Is TAFE Easier Than Uni?
It's hard to say whether it's easier or harder to take uni or TAFE* courses to further your personal development, but one thing is for sure - it's usually shorter. That's because they're typically delivered at a faster pace, allowing you to get the skills you need within just a year or two. That said, challenges still need to be faced - which is what we look at now.
- Dealing With a Major Social Change
Chances are - when you head to college, you're going to meet a whole new group of people. It’s unlikely any of your high school friends will be with you - which itself presents certain problems. For some, this new world is something they take to like a duck to water, but it’s not so easy for everyone.
Tip: Attend orientation events when you arrive. Everyone is in the same boat as you, so it’s a great way for everyone to get to know each other.
- Coping With Academic Pressure
While heading to TAFE* College offers you an exciting new world of possibilities, it can be pretty intense with all the work you'll be asked to do. It's a process that calls for lots of dedication, and the subject matter may also be at a higher level than you're used to. All this pressure can cause academic burnout, which can risk your entire learning journey.
Tip: Keep and maintain a study planner to ensure you pace yourself correctly. Also, ensure you vary your routine, including stress-busting exercise and outside time.
- Balancing Your Finances
Many students studying residentially for the first time will never have had to manage their money on their own before. The problem is, surviving on your own two feet requires that you get a handle on your finances - as you're always going to need to pay bills and buy food etc. Get into financial trouble while at college, and it again might put your study plans at risk.
Tip: Download one of many free smartphone budgeting apps that allow you to gain a firm grasp on your money and even plan ahead!
- Adjusting to Having a Roommate
If you've moved straight from home to further education, then there's a good possibility that you'll have had your own room your entire life. However, that may not be your reality at TAFE* college, as many 1st-year students share dorm facilities. This can result in disagreements and stress that you didn't anticipate - particularly if your personalities clash.
Tip: Adjust your thinking early on and make friends with your roommate. Communal living can take a little getting used to, but with the right attitude, you’ll be fine.
It's not an understatement to say that going to college can turn your life upside down. Making a success of the transition requires you to make some big adjustments, but it's something that many people do every year. With the right approach, you can too.
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Another great way to prepare yourself for college success is to develop your foundational knowledge with our CPD-Endorsed short TAFE courses online. Created to offer a next-level learning experience, our video-based learning makes gaining new skills a cinch and allows you to supplement your further education in a way that gives you complete control.
You can forget everything you know about traditional text-based learning, as ours is an immersive and engaging experience - something you can see for yourself by watching our Student Study Demo. It's not by accident that our students see ours as the most comprehensive online education Australia can offer, as we've put a lot of work into our content, collaborating with top industry experts.
To find out more about what makes us different from the rest, visit us today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au where you’ll also find our selection of easy payment options to may your learning more affordable. Alternatively, to speak to a member of our friendly team about your unique training needs, call 1300 611 404 or email [email protected].
*What is a TAFE?
TAFE stands for “Technical and Further Education”. TAFE institutes are government-funded Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) that offer Vocational Education and Training relating to a specific industry or occupation.
TAFE Alternatives
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What does this mean for our students? Completing our bundles not only saves you time but also reduces costs on our partners' industry-recognised courses if you choose to continue your studies.
