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A review of our higher education system is set to be released for public discussion in mid-December – and it could revolutionise the way we view TAFE institutions and universities.
Jun 21,2025
Australia’s higher education sector is undergoing significant reform. With the goal of creating a more accessible, equitable and skills-aligned tertiary system, recent policy changes are reshaping the way universities, TAFEs and vocational providers collaborate and deliver qualifications.
At the heart of these reforms is the intention to break down barriers between vocational and higher education pathways—making it easier for Australians to upskill, reskill or transition into new careers through flexible and practical learning options.
The current reform direction stems from the Australian Universities Accord, a national review launched in 2022 and finalised in late 2023. Led by Professor Mary O’Kane, the Accord sets a vision for a more inclusive and responsive tertiary education system to meet the nation’s future workforce needs.
The recommendations support:
These changes aim to reflect the modern workforce—where employers are looking for practical experience, lifelong learning, and job-ready graduates with a mix of technical and theoretical skills.
One of the biggest shifts is the expansion of degree-level offerings through TAFEs. While this concept began with select institutions like Victoria’s Holmesglen Institute offering a Bachelor of Nursing, the movement has gained traction nationwide.
Under the new reforms, more public TAFEs can offer professionally accredited degrees in areas like:
This model—often referred to as a “dual sector” or “university college” approach—blends vocational training with higher education, offering practical, industry-focused degrees without the need to attend a traditional university.
For future and current students, these reforms offer greater flexibility and choice. Whether you want to:
—you’ll likely find it easier to do so under a unified framework.
The government is also investing in improved credit transfer systems. In 2006, only one-third of VET students who entered university received credit for their previous study. That’s now changing, with new national recognition processes being developed to ensure fairer and faster transitions between qualifications and institutions.
These reforms aren’t just about flexibility—they’re about addressing national challenges. Australia needs more skilled workers in health, education, technology and construction. By removing the artificial divide between VET and university and offering clearer progression pathways, the reforms help more Australians gain the skills they need to meet workforce demand.
It also opens the door to higher education for people who may not have considered it before—particularly those in regional areas or from non-traditional academic backgrounds.
As these changes continue to roll out through 2025 and beyond, students are encouraged to explore all available options—whether that means enrolling in a diploma, undertaking a bachelor’s degree through TAFE, or transferring from VET to university with credit.
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Helen Isbister brings practical career tips, study advice, and professional insights to Career FAQs readers.