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As national reform seeks to build a more joined-up tertiary system, Southern Cross University has announced a streamlined TAFE-to-university pathway model that guarantees eligible students with approved NSW or Queensland TAFE diplomas a full year of credit into selected undergraduate degrees.
Eligible students will go directly into the second year of selected Southern Cross University courses.
The announcement comes as ATEC looks to make credit recognition more consistent across tertiary education. This initiative shows what a more connected system can look like in practice, with a clear pathway framework that gives students upfront certainty about credit, and provides a more direct route from vocational study into a degree.
“I want more universities to do this. That is why the ATEC is developing a national credit recognition framework to help more places do this.”
Unlike many existing arrangements that rely on individual provider agreements or case-by-case assessment, Southern Cross University’s model recognises eligible qualifications completed through TAFE systems across NSW and Queensland, alongside equivalent diplomas completed through recognised registered training organisations and other national TAFE providers.
The initial series spans 20 pathways into 8 degrees across a range of fields, including tourism, hotel management, science, IT, business, nursing, and education. These areas align with workforce and regional priorities and are designed to reduce duplication of learning and shorten study time.
“Students shouldn’t have to start from scratch when they’ve already gained valuable skills through TAFE NSW. These pathways give eligible students a faster, more affordable route into university by recognising prior learning and allowing them to enter straight into second year.”
Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the initiative reflected the growing national focus on improving connections between vocational and higher education.
“TAFE and university education have too often been treated as separate pathways, when in reality many students move between both as they build their skills, confidence and careers,” Professor Carlin said.
“At Southern Cross University, we see value in recognising that learning properly. These pathways are about giving students a clearer, more efficient route into higher education.”
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“That makes a real difference for students, and equally important for the communities and industries we serve. If we are serious about workforce participation and regional opportunity, we need tertiary pathways that are easier to navigate and genuinely connected.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Julie Jomeen said the pathways were designed to reduce friction for students.
“Too often, students are left navigating complex or inconsistent credit arrangements. What we are trying to do is provide certainty upfront, so students can clearly understand how their prior study will contribute to a degree,” Professor Jomeen said.
“For eligible students, this will mean saving up to a year of study, reducing costs and entering university with confidence.”
“This initiative is a powerful example of tertiary harmonisation in action - strengthening VET and higher education pathways to create more opportunities for learners. By fostering connections between sectors, learners choosing to undertake further study can graduate faster and lower the cost of a degree.”
Southern Cross University currently supports more than 300 broader TAFE and VET credit arrangements, with the new streamlined pathways designed to provide students with clearer, more transparent entry points into university study.
Eligible students can apply directly through Southern Cross University, with credit assessed as part of the application process for the named pathways.
Students will also have access to the University’s sector-leading commencing student support model, including an assigned First-Year Advisor and support for transition to university programs.
Turn your TAFE diploma into a degree sooner
Completed an eligible TAFE diploma in NSW or Queensland? You could receive one year of credit and start in the second year of selected Southern Cross University degrees, including business, nursing, IT, education and science.