Leaving Year 12

Students leaving Year 12 have a number of options - searching for a job, pursuing their studies or a combination of both.

Many tertiary institutions give credit and recognition for a wide range of courses. The best advice will probably come from personal interviews with the student advisers at the institutions you wish to attend.

TAFE NSW can help you develop the skills you need for the modern workplace. It delivers flexible study programs in all industry areas, running more than 1200 courses at over 130 locations across the state. Each campus has its own range of facilities and its own local flavour. Some specialise in certain types of training, others have a full range of courses.

TAFE NSW is well known for its 'hands-on' teaching approach - you can develop practical skills that you can apply in the real world - and you can be assured that these skills are the ones desired by industry.

The time you spend studying should be fun as well as educationally rewarding. TAFE NSW provides an environment where you can strike a good balance between study, work and free time, and involve yourself in a wide range of sporting and social activities.

For more detailed information about TAFE NSW and the opportunities it offers, speak to your careers adviser, visit the TAFE NSW website, or contact the TAFE NSW Information Centre on 131 601.

Universities offer courses in a diverse range of disciplines, from IT and engineering to music, fine arts, health sciences, business, law and much more.

To become a professional in a certain field, such as a doctor, lawyer, architect or engineer, attending university and obtaining an undergraduate Bachelors degree is the minimum requirement.

In contrast, broader degrees such as arts, science or economics provide a foundation for a range of career options. Entering campus life will include self-guided study and the principle of "the efforts you put in, you will get out".

Entering campus life will include managing your study time, interacting with lecturers and tutors to benefit your learning experience and success, meeting and consolidating friendships with peers who have similar interests and exposure to special interest clubs, activities, societies and sporting facilities.

The university experience is a well-rounded one.

Going to careers markets, open days or tertiary information days are a good way to find out about what's available at different universities. Staff are on hand to answer questions and many have information about their courses in printed material and on the Internet.

When you're choosing a course, consider what your interests are and what you enjoy. Studying subjects you enjoy will ensure greater chances of success and motivation. All applications for universities need to go through the Universities Admission Centre.