
Find out about the difference between high school and university or VET study!
Schools engagement
If you’re a high school student, CDU encourages you to begin thinking about and exploring different subjects to get an idea about the kind of study or career you are interested in.
You may not know exactly what you want to do, but you can start asking yourself questions like:
Check out CDU's research courses from Vocational Education and Training (VET) through to Higher Education. You can also come along to the various events we hold throughout the year. Speak with your Career Adviser for more information about CDU events available to you.
VSS helps you develop job ready skills while completing high school. CDU offers a range of VET programs for secondary school students across the Northern Territory.
Find out more about VET for Secondary Schools
Find out about the difference between high school and university or VET study!
University is very different to high school. While there is more freedom, you also have more responsibilities. Below is a quick rundown of some of the major differences.
Higher Education is post-high school education, which includes undergraduate (Bachelor degrees) and postgraduate (Masters/ Doctorate) courses at a university.
Higher Education is traditionally theoretical-based learning, supplemented with some practical components.
Assessments in Higher Education usually have a research element and can range anywhere from exams and essays to reports and research papers. All applications for admission to CDU Higher Education courses are received and processed through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).
VET covers certificate level courses from I – IV, including diplomas. They're practical courses that offer alternative ways to access education and training. Our VET courses will help you to develop a range of work skills that are in demand in the current market place.
VET courses are also a pathway to Higher Education. Once you have completed a Certificate IV or Diploma you can then use that to access Higher Education at Charles Darwin University in most undergraduate degrees.
Find out more about VET at Charles Darwin University.
Below is a diagram that shows the different pathways to VET and Higher Education or learn more about our Study Pathways.