The initiative will provide up to one year of credit across eight degrees spanning tourism, hotel management, science, IT, business, nursing and education, potentially saving students up to A$17,000 in tuition costs.
Announcing the move, education minister Jason Clare said it was an example of “breaking down the artificial barrier between TAFE and university”.
“This will take one year off their degree and save up to $17,000,” Clare said. “It will make it quicker, cheaper and easier to get the skills and qualifications people need. And that Australia needs.”
Unlike many existing articulation agreements, Southern Cross said the new model recognises eligible qualifications from TAFEs in New South Wales and Queensland, as well as equivalent diplomas from registered training organisations and other TAFE providers across Australia.
Southern Cross vice-chancellor Tyrone Carlin said the initiative reflects growing efforts to better connect vocational and higher education.
TAFE and university education have too often been treated as separate pathways, when in reality many students move between both as they build their skills, confidence and careers
Tyrone Carlin, Southern Cross University
“TAFE and university education have too often been treated as separate pathways, when in reality many students move between both as they build their skills, confidence and careers,” said Carlin.
“These pathways are about giving students a clearer, more efficient route into higher education.”
The university said the first phase includes 20 pathways into eight undergraduate degrees and builds on more than 300 existing TAFE and VET credit arrangements already offered by the institution.
Southern Cross University confirmed to The PIE News that the pathways program will also be available to international students, who can apply through the university’s international admissions process. Depending on the course, students may be able to study online, offshore or in Australia.
The announcement comes as the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) develops a national credit recognition framework designed to improve movement between vocational and higher education sectors.
Clare said he wants more universities to adopt similar arrangements and indicated that institutions offering stronger recognition of TAFE qualifications could receive additional student places in future.
ATEC chief commissioner Barney Glover described the Southern Cross initiative as “a powerful example of tertiary harmonisation in action”, adding that stronger links between VET and higher education could help learners graduate faster while reducing the overall cost of a degree.
Established following recommendations of the Universities Accord, ATEC is intended to serve as Australia’s new tertiary education steward, overseeing long-term planning, funding advice and reforms aimed at creating a more integrated post-school education system.
