Find out about the difference between high school and university or VET study!
Schools engagement
High school students
Find out about study options after high school
University vs High School
University vs High School
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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.
High SchooluniversityMode of studyInternal: face-to-face teaching, students sit in a classroom and listen to a teacher.Internal: traditional face-to-face classroom interaction.AttendanceClass attendance is compulsory. Students are marked absent if they do not attend class and their whereabouts is followed up.Attendance is the student's responsibility. If they miss a class they miss course content.AssignmentsTeachers remind students of deadlines for assignments. Students often use class time to complete aspects of the task.Students are responsible for completing assignments in their own time and for approaching the lecturer if they have questions.DeadlinesTeachers may allow students to have extra time to complete assignments.Formal extensions for assessments are available on application before the due date, but may not always be granted. Students are penalised for each day that they submit an assignment late.TimetableMost schools have set contact hours, usually between 8am - 3pm.Each student's timetable varies depending on their course and chosen units.Study loadMost high school students would complete five subjects per semester.A full-time study load at university is four units per semester. Students can choose to complete their course part-time.Academic yearFour terms.Usually two semesters plus an optional summer semester with reduced course offerings.GradesMost schools usually have the basic grading scale of: A B C D E.At university: A = High Distinction (HD); B = Distinction (D); C = Credit (C); D = Pass (P); E = Fail (F). -
Higher Education
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).
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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.
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Below is a diagram that shows the different pathways to VET and Higher Education or learn more about our Study Pathways.