AUSTRALIA: A GOOD PLACE TO STUDY
In the Australian education system, you can move through
flexible study pathways to gain the right balance of practical
skills and theoretical knowledge for your future career.
Australian education providers have worked together to create a
well-established system that helps you move easily from one level
of study to the next. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
is a national system. Unlike in many other countries, the
Government carefully oversees quality standards, so you can be
confident that you will receive the same high quality education no
matter which institution you choose in Australia. The AQF lets you
design the study program you require for your individual learning
and career options.
- The Australian academic year:
The Australian academic year begins in early February for school
students and late February/early March for vocational and
university students. There is often an orientation week for new
students in mid to late February. Schools generally have three or
four semesters. Most universities and vocational institutes have
two semesters with exams at the end of each semester in June and
November. There is a two- to four-week break between semesters. The
long summer holiday break is from November or December to February.
Many courses have start dates in either semester.
Australia’s formal education system can be divided into the
following categories for international students.
- Primary and secondary schools
School attendance is compulsory in Australia for all children
aged between six and 15 years. Students complete their studies at
senior secondary school (around 18 years of age, sometimes called
Year 12, college or matriculation). To enter university, students
must sit exams and assessments in Years 11 and 12 to receive a
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Australia has a wide
range of Government-funded public schools, privately-funded schools
and schools with a religious affiliation. Many schools have
boarding facilities for students from regional areas and overseas
countries.
English language courses are targeted to specific purposes, such
as English for Academic Purposes, English for Business and English
for Computing. There are English language colleges across Australia
and they offer a range of English language training courses to help
you to improve your English language skills. Many Australian
universities and vocational institutes also have English Language
Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) centres on their
campuses.
- Foundation studies (bridging courses)
If you haven’t studied Australian senior secondary school or a
foreign equivalent, Foundation studies (also known as bridging
courses) will help you meet the entry requirements of a Diploma,
Advanced Diploma or Bachelor degree. Most courses are designed
specifically to prepare international students for the Australian
academic environment.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET)
institutes
Students can begin vocational education and training after
secondary school (Year 10) or senior secondary school (Year 12).
Courses are offered at privately-owned institutions and the
government-funded Technical and Further Education (TAFE)
institutes. Vocational education and training qualifications are
popular in Australia because they are of a high standard,
particularly compared to some foreign systems. They give you
practical skills and industry experience. Many vocational
institutes have links and agreements with universities. Through
these links, universities may offer up to one year of advanced
standing into a Bachelor degree as well as guaranteed entry into
your course, when you achieve the required grades at your
vocational institution.
Australia has 39 universities; 37 of these are government-funded
and two are privately-funded. Australian universities offer
undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Studying at an Australian
university gives students access to a quality education,
technologically advanced facilities and expert lecturers.
Australian university degrees are widely recognised across the
globe, and graduates are highly employable. For more information on
the Australian education system, talk to your local IDP
counsellor.