TAFE to university pathways – a smarter way to earn your degree
A TAFE engineering course could be your pathway to a Bachelor of Engineering at Federation University.
TAFE doesn’t just open doors to skilled jobs — it can also be your pathway to university. At Federation University, we see this every day: students who come to us through TAFE bring something pretty special to the table. They’ve already learned hands-on, practical skills. They’ve worked in real-world settings. And when they arrive at uni, they hit the ground running.
That's why Federation offers pathways that get you from TAFE to university.
Why start with TAFE? Practical skills. Real experience.
TAFE isn’t just a stepping stone — it’s a launchpad. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build practical skills and walk away job-ready. But it doesn’t stop there. TAFE can also set you up beautifully for success at university, especially when you're ready to take your education further.
Having a solid grounding in the practical side of your area of study from TAFE can really help the concepts you will learn at university sink in and stick.
The job market is changing — be ready for it
More than 90% of future jobs will need a qualification after high school, and over half will need a university degree.* By starting at TAFE and progressing to uni, you’re stacking your qualifications and future-proofing your career.
*Job and Skills Australia Report, 2023
TAFE and uni — The best of both worlds, right here at Federation
As the only dual-sector education provider in regional Victoria, Federation makes it easy to move from TAFE to uni — all under one roof. We help you transition smoothly between sectors, giving you both the skills and academic foundations you need to succeed.
Our Federation TAFE campuses in Ballarat and the Wimmera offer the perfect environment to excel, from modern buildings and high-tech labs to cosy student lounges and peaceful spaces to help you focus.
The facility has amazing labs to work with. The nursing team are always lovely and happy to support their students. The hands-on experience is amazing.
– Cheyenne, Diploma of Nursing pathway to Bachelor of Nursing
Studied at another TAFE? You’re still on track!
You don’t need to be a Federation TAFE graduate to follow a pathway from TAFE to university. We’ve partnered with TAFE Gippsland, Kangan Institute and Chisholm Institute to offer additional entry routes into our degrees.
Wherever your journey begins, we’ve got your back.
Fast-track your degree with credit for TAFE study
Your TAFE qualification doesn’t go to waste when you move into a degree. In fact, it can fast-track your journey. Many of our TAFE-to-uni pathways offer credit points towards your bachelor’s degree, saving you time and money. And when you graduate, you'll have two qualifications under your belt – your TAFE course and your university degree – making you more attractive to employers.
See below to find out how much credit is available via some of our TAFE pathways.
The transition to higher education was smooth. I went straight to second year as the diploma took out a lot of equivalent first-year units of study.
– Erin, Diploma of Conservation and Land Management* pathway to Bachelor of Environmental and Conservation Science**
* Now named Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
** Now named Bachelor of Science (with a double-major in Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation)
What if I didn’t complete high school?
If you didn’t finish school, you can make the first step by doing your VCE Vocational Major, which gives you the opportunity to complete your VCE in a non-traditional learning environment.
The VCE Vocational Major prepares you to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways), or directly into the workforce.
Ready to take the next step?
Studying at university isn’t just for one kind of student. It’s for doers, creators, problem-solvers — and that means you. Your TAFE experience will give you the headstart you need.
Let’s look at some examples of where a TAFE pathway can take you at Federation.*
TAFE pathway to Community and Human Services
Pathway course: Diploma of Community Services
University degree: Bachelor of Community and Human Services
Credit points available: 120
TAFE pathway to Education (Early Childhood & Primary)
Pathway course: Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
University degree: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary Care)
Credit points available: 90-120
TAFE pathway to Engineering
Pathway course: Diploma of Engineering – Technical
University degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) (Honours)
Credit points available: 60
TAFE pathway to Nursing
Pathway course: Diploma of Nursing
University degree: Bachelor of Nursing
Credit points available: 120
TAFE pathway to Science
Pathway course: Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
University degree: Bachelor of Science (double-major in Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation)
Credit points available: 120
TAFE pathway to Social Work
Pathway course: Diploma of Community Services
University degree: Bachelor of Social Work
Credit points available: 120
TAFE Nursing graduates can take a pathway to university, a necessary step in applying to become a registered nurse.
Speak to us about your options
Didn’t see a pathway into your dream course? No problem. These are just some of the TAFE to university pathway options offered at Federation.
In addition, if you’re 21 or over and don’t have an ATAR, we have a number of mature-age pathways available. Read about how you can get into university without an ATAR.
Get in touch with us to map out a university pathway that’s right for you. We’ll look at your education background and work experience to tailor a program that will get you where you want to go.