TAFE or Uni? Take the quiz to see what’s right for you
If you're in Year 9 or 10, you might be starting to wonder – what’s the move after school? It can feel like a pretty big question!
Whether you’ve got a dream job in mind or you're still figuring things out, it’s handy to start exploring your options early-on.
Uni? TAFE? What’s the better fit for you? No clue? We’ve got you. This quick quiz will help you start thinking about the right path for you.👇
1. How do you like to learn?
A) I like to get hands-on and learn by doing.
B) I enjoy reading, writing and research.
2. What kind of career are you thinking about?
A) Something practical like plumbing, electrical, childcare or hospo.
B) A professional job like lawyer, engineer, teacher, scientist or psychologist.
3. How long do you want to study after school?
A) I’d prefer shorter courses – six months to two years.
B) I’m okay with studying for three or more years if it leads to the career I want.
4. Do you already know what job you want?
A) Yes, I’m keen to learn a specific skill and get working.
B) Not really, I’d like a course with broad career options I can explore through study.
5. What’s more important to you?
A) Getting job-ready skills as soon as possible.
B) Diving deep into a subject and gaining a professional qualification.
6. How do you feel about getting an ATAR?
A) I’m not aiming for a high ATAR or I’d prefer a path that doesn’t require one.
B) I’m okay working towards an ATAR if I need it for the course I want.
Now, tally your answers! ✅
Mostly A’s?
You might vibe with TAFE.
TAFE is great for hands-on learners who want to build hands-on skills and a faster track to the workforce. Plus, many TAFE courses don’t need an ATAR – bonus!
Mostly B’s?
Uni could be your zone.
Uni is more about academic learning and going deep into subjects. It’s ideal for careers that need a degree and usually takes a bit longer – but it opens heaps of doors.
A mix of both?
You’ve got options!
Lots of people mix and match – starting with TAFE, then going to uni, or the other way around. The best pathway is the one that works for you.
Real talk: don’t fall for these myths about uni and TAFE
What is TAFE?
TAFE = Technical and Further Education
Think: real-world training that gets you ready to work.
It might suit you if you:
like learning by doing
want to start working sooner
want a course without finishing Year 12 or needing a high ATAR
are planning on doing unscored or VM VCE
are interested in trades, hair & beauty, hospitality, tourism, healthcare, aged care, cyber security or similar careers.
TAFE includes:
Certificates I–IV
Diplomas & advanced diplomas
Apprenticeships & traineeships
Courses usually take six months to two years.
What about uni?
Uni = big picture thinking and deeper learning
Great for career paths that need a degree.
It might suit you if you:
enjoy academic and theory based learning
don’t mind a few years of study
are happy to work towards an ATAR
are aiming for a professional career that requires a degree like law, nursing, engineering, teaching, psychology or science.
Uni courses include:
- bachelor's degrees
- honours
- postgraduate degrees (like master's or PhDs)
Most uni courses generally take three or more years to complete.
Not sure yet?
That’s totally fine!
You don’t need to have your entire future figured out right now.
No matter which path you choose, or if you change your mind later, you’re in charge of your journey.
There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to get where you want to go.
You’ve got options. You’ve got time. And most importantly – you’ve got this. 🙌
How do I choose?
Choosing between TAFE and uni isn’t about picking the “better” option – it’s about finding what works for you.
Both paths can lead to great careers and exciting opportunities.
Need more advice? Chat with a career advisor at your school, check out a careers expo or attend an Open Day event.
VU has two Open Days coming up in August 2025. Come along for hands-on demos, campus tours, career hacks and all your questions answered!
