Australian education system is of the highest standard and enjoys international renown. Australia is widely recognized as a world leader in the field of international education and English language training. Each year, Australia welcomes an increasing number of international students to study in australian universities, institutes, colleges and schools. The majority of these students (almost 70 per cent) undertook courses in the higher education and vocational education sectors.
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national structure covering 13 different qualifications linking the four education sectors and providing learning pathways and recognition for previous study. Once the status of your existing qualifications is established the AQF will help you to choose the appropriate course within Australia.
Australian Education System
The Australian education system and training include four main sectors:
- Universities in Australia
- Vocational Education and Training in Australia
- English Language Training in Australia
- Schools in Australia
Universities in Australia
There are 41 Australian universities in total - 38 public (government funded) and three private. You can study in Australian university at the undergraduate level (Bachelor degree) or postgraduate level (Graduate Certificate, Diploma, Masters, PhD).
Universities in Australia offer many undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering fields of study such as agriculture, business, economics, education, environmental science, engineering, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, information technology, law, mathematics and computing, medicine, science and visual/performing arts.
Australian university studies can be undertaken at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, leading to awards ranging from graduate certificate to doctorate. Many institutions also offer additional programs such as Foundation Studies, Study Abroad and English language courses.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia
Vocational education and training institutions in Australia offer practical, career-oriented courses including business, computing, marketing, tourism and hospitality.
Australian vocational institutions are closely linked with industry, making courses very practical and skill-based. Vocational courses in Australia are provided at both the government-funded Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and at private institutions.
TAFE Institutes are nationally-recognised, government-funded institutions offering vocational education and training over a wide range of occupations. Courses vary in duration from several hours to three year full-time courses. They are usually cheaper than university courses, and students may progress to university later on with credits for their TAFE studies. Qualifications include certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas.
Private colleges include business colleges, computer training firms, English language centres, and colleges specialising in a particular field such as aviation, photography, interior decorating, multimedia, hospitality management and tourism.
Many courses provide advanced standing into university degrees.
Australian Vocational Education and Training sector is positioned between secondary schools and universities and prepares students for employment or further study.
Many institutes also provide accredited English language training and Foundation Studies for entry into university diploma and bachelor degree courses. All institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards.
English Language Training in Australia
English Language Training in Australia can be for study, travel, immigration or business purposes. There are around 100 private English language centres in Australia. Some universities and TAFE institutes also offer English language courses. Courses are designed to include general English language training, English for academic purposes (in preparation for further studies), English for specific purposes (eg, business or computing studies), secondary school preparation, and preparation for international exams (such as the Cambridge Certificate or IELTS).
Schools in Australia
Schools in Australia offer an education style that is highly interactive, encourages students to participate and develops personal skills and confidence.
In Australia school is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 15, with matriculation exams for university generally at 18 years old. There are two broad categories of schools in Australia, government and private. Both accept international students. In Australia school year is divided into four terms and runs from late January until December.
All schools offer English, mathematics, science, arts, technology and languages. You may also be able to study such diverse subjects as digital media, agriculture, graphic design, music and accountancy.
The majority of international students in Australia is full-fee paying students and is not awarded scholarships. You will need to consider whether you can afford to study at a particular institution. To be granted a student visa you will need to declare your financial ability and in most cases you will need evidence of having sufficient funds to pay part or all of your tuition fees.
There is also the cost of living to consider. If you intend to get a job while studying in Australia then the money you earn from working in Australia should only supplement your income and not be your primary source of income. You will only be permitted to work a limited number of hours
For comprehensive details on Studying in Australia, Australian Education International (AEI) provides detailed information, in various languages, about studying in Australia.
For more information on studying in Australia contact:
The Australian International Education Foundation
Tel:(02) 6240 5069
Email: esosmailbox@deewr.gov.au
Postal Address:
International Education Group
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
GPO Box 9880
Canberra ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA
Physical Address:
72 Northbourne Avenue
Canberra ACT 2600
AUSTRALIA
Websites about education resources in Australia
