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If you didn't get the OP you hoped for, it's not the end of the world! You can upgrade your rank by studying at WideBay TAFE.
How does it work?
Upgrading from competency based training
Upgrading from performance level assessment
Prerequisites
Obtaining credit towards university study
How can our student counsellor help
How does it work?
Firstly, your OP score (selection rank from year 12) does not change. You will achieve another selection rank from the results of your study at TAFE. The rank you get from TAFE study depends on the level of program you take and, in most cases, on how well you do in the program. The higher the program level, the higher the rank you can get. Our programs start at certificate 1 level up to certificate IV, and then diploma and advanced diploma, with the advanced diploma programs being the highest level available at WideBay TAFE.
Choosing to study at least at diploma level will give you the best chance of upgrading. For example, once you finish a diploma, you will have a rank of 82, which is equivalent to about an OP10. If you go from "like" to "like", e.g. Diploma of Business to a Bachelor of Business, you may go straight into the second year of the bachelor course. You will also exit with a dual qualification - a diploma and a bachelor degree - which could enhance your employment prospects.
You can also upgrade by undertaking study in certificate level III or IV courses. The ranks that you can get from these certificates are 68 and 74 respectively (currently about the same as OP15 to OP12). The study you do in these certificates can get you credit toward diploma-level studies.
Upgrading from competency based training
Until recently, most TAFE programs were competency based which meant that assessment results were not graded, and everyone completing the course achieved the same selection rank. Some programs are still operating on this basis. If the program you choose is competency based, you have the option of sitting for the special tertiary admissions test at the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) to try to improve the rank you get from your TAFE program. Visit the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) website for more details and schedules of ranks.
Upgrading from performance level assessment
If you complete a diploma at WideBay TAFE, a rank of 82 may not be high enough to meet the cut-off for competitive courses (e.g. teaching, nursing, health sciences). However, some TAFE diplomas are now assessed using performance level assessment. This may result in higher ranks if you achieve at a higher level (e.g. distinction). It is important to note that failing courses in these programs will reduce your selection rank. There are no guarantees that you will be able to get straight from TAFE into your desired program at university, however, it will open a pathway for you to further study. See the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) website for more details and schedules of ranks.
In summary:
| Program | Selection rank | Approximate OP equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| completed advanced diploma | 91* - 98# | 6 - 2 |
| completed diploma | 82* - 91# | 9 - 6 |
| completed certificate IV | 74* - 89# | 12 - 7 |
* Based on a grade point average of 4
# Based on grade point average or results from the special tertiary admissions test
Prerequisites
It is important when planning to upgrade to university, to ensure that you have the prerequisites for the university program you wish to upgrade to. This information can be obtained from individual universities, or from Queensland Tertiary Admission centre.
Obtaining credit towards university study
Can I get credit from TAFE study that would reduce the time and cost of university? Yes
Getting into a university course is often confused with getting credit from pervious study. Firstly, you must have the rank to get a place at university. Once you have a place, you can then apply to the university for credit. Depending on the similarity between your field of study at TAFE, and the university program you apply for, you can get up to 1 year off a university bachelors degree at some universities. This means great cost savings, and you will have a qualification. Many students who obtain a qualification at TAFE and move on to university, feel more confident of success in their future study because of their experience at TAFE.
Note: Not all universities will give credit for TAFE study. Check this with the university you are interested in attending or with a WideBay TAFE counsellor.
How our student counsellor can help
Our student counsellors are here to assist you to plan your study pathway to maximise your advantage from TAFE study. Students often see the counsellors to assist with initial selection of their TAFE program and later, as they approach graduation, for information about the selection rank they should achieve from their academic results, plus assistance with ordering preferences in their Queensland Tertiary Admission centre application. The admission rules for universities vary considerably, and students are encouraged to consult the counsellors before applying to Queensland Tertiary Admission centre to optimise their chances of obtaining an offer.
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