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Applying and enrolling for your chosen course

Once you have made undertaken some planning and made some decisions about the type of study you want to do and narrowed down some course and career choices there is a process of applying and enrolling.

Key steps include:

  • checking your eligibility for your desired course
  • understanding the application process and making your application
  • accepting your offer and enrolling.

Which course and level of qualification are you considering?

In Australia post-secondary qualifications are systematised through the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). There are 10 levels of regulated qualifications each with its own learning outcomes for students, accreditation requirements and labour market outcomes.

Generally, students interested in Vocational Education and Training pathways will pursue the following:

  • Certificates I, II, III (often also done through school)
  • Certificate IV 
  • Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma (sometimes also offered through universities or dual-sector institutions which have both VET and Higher Education programs on offer).

Students interested in University studies will undertake:

  • Bachelor Degree
  • Bachelor Honours Degree
  • Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctoral Degree (PhD).

AQF wheel of qualifications from Certificate 1 through to Doctoral degree

The AQF qualifications wheel shows the different levels of qualifications. You can find more information on the AQF website.  

    Vocational Education and Training (VET): Applying and Enrolling

    There are many vocational education and training (VET) entry pathways, offered by a variety and range of providers for students from secondary school age through to experienced and mature aged people. Education providers may be from the community and public sector, private training organisations, or industry and enterprise-specific. Courses and programs delivered by the following providers will include accredited and non-accredited units, and eligibility will be dependant on both the type of program chosen and the provider. VET Information

    Universities and Non-university Higher Education Providers: Applying and Enrolling

    In Australia you can choose from various types of higher education providers, including government-funded universities, private universities, private providers offering industry-specific training, and specialists in online higher education delivery. University Information