The University of Queensland (UQ) is making it easier for people with TAFE and other vocational education qualifications to enter university.
In a move which may ease workforce shortages in key industries, UQ and the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector have designed a credit transfer system to smooth the pathway from VET to university.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) Professor Debbie Terry said UQ and the TAFE sector had signed a collaboration agreement to promote and facilitate articulation and credit transfer from the TAFE sector, therefore accelerating entry into UQ degrees.
“This announcement of TAFE recognition has opened up our University as a pathway for TAFE graduates wishing to undertake further study,” Professor Terry said.
“The new initiative will apply across all university faculties and campuses.”
“It recognises that TAFE study is a significant option for school students and school leavers as more TAFE graduates seek specialist interests and qualifications during their careers.
“TAFE study is a highly-vocational post secondary destination and there is strong interest from TAFE graduates in being able to access university study to build on their capabilities acquired through TAFE qualifications.
“UQ is encouraging the use of such pathways, which will help to address future workforce shortages in some key industries.
“The University welcomes TAFE graduates and encourages them to apply for entry to UQ.”
Professor Terry said the new arrangement involved a new University-wide policy for the award of credit for prior TAFE studies.
Students who are undertaking, or already possessed, an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) certificate III to IV or diploma may be considered for tertiary admission at UQ, where their previous qualifications will be able to be taken into account.
Professor Terry said the University had recently developed a range of attractive initiatives to broaden access to UQ. This included a bonus ranks scheme for students completing Year 12 this year, and the award of 312 new academic scholarships to high-achieving school leavers commencing a bachelor’s degree.
Information about the new arrangements for people with TAFe and other vocational educational qualifications is online at: http://www.uq.edu.au/study/index.html?page=89359
Media: Jan King 0413 601 248
