The Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) was established in 1992 to provide a strong national body for private educational institutions in Australia.
Role and Purposes
ACPET's mission is to work proactively with government, education and training providers, industry and community organisations in order to ensure that vocational and higher education and training services are of high quality, provide choice and diversity, and are well targeted, appropriately delivered and widely accessible. To achieve this, ACPET:
- Represents the private sector to government, education, industry and the public
- Promotes the widespread participation of private education and training institutions in national initiatives
- Disseminates information to and among members and from members to external organisations and the public
- Monitors ethical and professional standards
- Assists government recognition authorities with industry policy and regulation
- Provides a Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS) for members who are registered to enrol students from overseas.
Membership
Private years ago, in Melbourne in 1884, in Mackay in 1894 and in Sydney in 1895. These colleges continue today and are complemented by a wide and diverse range of colleges, institutes and education centres located throughout the country.
With over 250 member organisations, ACPET is the largest body representing the private education and training sector in Australia. Members are drawn from a wide range of private educational institutions, both in size and scope of training. Membership in ACPET is subject to adherence to an industry code of ethics.
One of the aims of ACPET since inception was to give the public confidence in the quality of its membership. As a result, members must satisfy and maintain various quality control checks established both by regulatory and accreditation authorities, and by ACPET itself.
Private Education and Training in Australia
Available and training at secondary, post-secondary and higher education levels. Course levels range from certificates through to professional diplomas and bachelor degrees. Specialist vocational courses are available in art, aviation, business studies, beauty, community services and health, hospitality, fashion and design, graphics, music, religion, retail, sport and recreation, tourism, trade courses and in many other areas.
Courses are developed in consultation with industry bodies, and are designed to be practical and relevant to ensure that graduates can achieve successful employment in their chosen vocation. Most courses are accredited under the National Framework for the Recognition of Training (NFROT). Many courses articulate into higher-level courses at universities or other tertiary institutions, so that graduates can receive credit transfers onto those courses.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary in private as in public sector institutions. Generally those seeking access to higher education-level courses will need to have completed Year 12 or be mature age students who have gained relevant knowledge and skills through their working life. Specialised courses may have specific entry requirements.
Recognition by Prior Learning (RPL) is offered by many private institutions to formally recognise and give credit for experimental skills and informal learning. RPL may involve an interview, portfolio, special assessment tasks or relevant work experience as well as, or instead of, a relevant tertiary entrance work.
Study in a Private College
Those studying for a higher education qualification (a diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or bachelors degree) usually find study at a private college quite different from study at a university. There is an emphasis on classes being small enough to allow easy interaction and discussion (large lecture classes are very rare) and most courses have a strong practical orientation. In many cases, instructors and lecturers are professionals in the field, or people iwht many years of professional experience. Often private colleges will arrange practical work experience and may also provide help in finding employment.
Students at Private Colleges
The size and character of student groups varies widely, just as it does in public colleges and universities. Some students come directly from school, some are re-entering the work force, others have many years in the work force and are seeking a career change or to improve their skills and qualifications.
Students often find private institutions a more cost-effective path to a career, due to their flexibility and efficiency of study. They can take advantage of full-time and part-time study options, student-paced learning, distance modes of study, Recognition of Prior Learning, etc. to structure their study more effectively for their particular circumstances. Many private institutions cater to international students offering courses listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Recognition of Qualifications
Most courses are accredited under the National Framework for the Recognition of Training (NFROT). National accreditation standards ensure that qualifications gained from both private and public institutions have the same value, integrity and recognition nationally and internationally. In addition, professional and industry associations accredit many courses in private institutions.
Private Educational Associations
Private providers are represented by the Australian Council for Private Education and training (ACPET), the Australian Council of Independent Business Colleges (ACIBC) and the Western Australian Private Education and Training Industry Association.
How Can I Find Out More?
Please refer to individual private institutions for detailed information concerning courses, fees and enrolment.
Thousands of students, both Australian and international, have graduates from private institutions belonging to ACPET. Most have continued on to successful careers in their chosen fields. A decision to enrol at a private educational institution could be the beginning of one of the most enjoyable periods of your life, as you study and live in Australia. Graduation from your chosen course will be the base from which you can build a successful future.
When choosing a course of study in Australia, look for institutions which display the ACPET logo. It is your guarantee of quality, relevant practical education and training.
