Higher Studies » Study in Australia

Why to Study in Australia?

• Australia has the third largest number of international students in the world, after the USA and UK.
• Australian qualifications and institutions are recognised globally for their high quality and excellence.
• Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold prominent positions worldwide. Additionally, they are readily accepted for postgraduate study at leading international universities.
• International students in Australia can work up to 20 hours a week, allowing them to earn money, gain useful work experience in a foreign country and meet a variety of new people.
• Scholarship opportunities are available for international students.
• Students interests is provided by the government through legislation called the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. The act ensures protection of international students by regulating the educational institutions and requiring registration of institutions and courses based on quality.
• Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel.
• Universities must meet strict accreditation requirements and standards mandated by their respective governments.
• Degrees and universities are recognized internationally as among the best in the world by employers.
• Australia has a safe, secure, vibrant, and friendly environments to live, study, and work in for international students.
• Australia offers excellent value for money and a standard of living, which is among the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA.
• High quality, first class education with modern facilities, excellent teachers, support services and international recognition.
• Dynamic and energetic study environment with a choice of study pathways, entry points and study environments.
• Australia is a politically stable, safe and friendly country that welcomes international students and visitors.
• Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. You may find Australian very different from home, but it is welcoming, friendly and many Australians understand your culture - International experience will enhance your future job opportunities and can give you significant employment advantages.

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Type of Education

Universities

More than 84,000 international students from over 80 countries are studying at Australian universities. This is about half of all international students enrolled in Australian courses. The terms 'University' and 'Degree' are protected in Australia so that only institutions that meet Australia's rigorous quality assurance processes can use the titles. Australia has 39 universities, which are listed on the registers of the Australian Qualifications Framework as well as a number of recognised higher education institutions. Australian universities also have overseas branch campuses, twinning arrangements and exchange programmes for students and staff worldwide. Australia has nearly 4000 formal agreements with universities around the world. Many Australian universities concentrate on traditional areas of learning and inquiry, while others are vocational and applied in focus. All, to some extent, combine tuition with research.

Vocational education and training

Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system is often referred to as Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in other countries. It delivers training that is both practical and career-oriented. Students can develop their own career path through study and a mix of study and work. VET courses are provided by both public institutions called TAFE Institutes and private colleges. All institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards. Australian VET graduates are able to seek employment with the knowledge that their skills are those demanded by employers. Under Australia's national qualifications, framework graduates can also progress into higher-level courses including entry into universities for Diploma and Bachelor degree courses.

Field of Study and Course Selection

You have a wide range of courses to choose from in Australia. You will need to find out which institutions offer the course you are interested in. By law, all Australian institutions and the courses they offer to international students must be accredited and registered by the Australian Government. Universities 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. Vocational education and training institutions offer practical, career-oriented courses including business, computing, marketing, and tourism and hospitality.

Australian Qualifications Framework

Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national system of learning pathways covering 12 different qualifications and linking universities, vocational education and training, and school education. The AQF allows students to move easily from one level of study to the next and from one institution to another as long as they satisfy student visa requirements. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) enables students to receive credit toward a qualification for knowledge and skills gained through previous study, training, work and life experience. Even if students partially complete an AQF qualification, they are issued with a Statement of Attainment. Once the status of existing qualifications is established, the AQF means students can choose from appropriate level courses anywhere in Australia.

The AQF also provides more flexibility in career planning and encourages continuous learning to help you through any career and lifestyle changes you make in your lifetime Most courses and training undertaken by international students entering Australia on a student visa are covered by the AQF. However, there are also a number of courses for international students that are registered with the Australian Government which are not part of the AQF. Many of these courses help students meet entry requirements for further study or may lead to further study that will result in an AQF qualification. These courses are usually known as Foundation Studies or Bridging courses.

Vocational education and training qualifications

They meet national industry standards and will prepare you for employment in a host of occupations or for further studies.
The qualifications offered at vocational education and training institutions are :

University qualifications

The following qualifications are available at Australian universities and approved higher education providers:

Entry Requirements

Students must meet minimum academic requirements to be accepted into specific courses. Each institution sets its own entry requirements so they may vary from one institution to another and from one course or faculty to another. Some courses also require relevant work experience and this may be particularly important in relation to MBA and other postgraduate studies. You may be asked to provide evidence of your academic achievements and English language proficiency to assess whether you meet the entry requirements for your proposed course of study in Australia. Institutions will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.

English language proficiency

English language proficiency is now a requirement when applying for a student visa. The IELTS is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for student visa purposes. Some visa Assessment Levels accept the IELTS entry levels required by the education institution. Australian education institutions can only accept students with an appropriate level of English proficiency. Institutions set their own English language requirements and may have different IELTS entry levels for the proposed level of course than those required for a student visa. If you obtain a score marginally less than what is required for the Australian student visa, you may opt to take an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students) in Australia along with the mainstream course.

Academic

• Undergraduate
  Undergraduate courses require an Australian Senior School Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent of Australian high school matriculation, such as three passes at GCE A Levels in appropriate subjects. Some courses may also have certain pre-requisite subjects.
• Postgraduate
  Entry to postgraduate courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Demonstrated research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.
• Vocational education and training
  Usually there are no other entrance exams to VET institutions. However, some courses may have certain pre-requisite subjects or demonstrated work experience.
• Other Tests GMAT
  For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Most Australian Universities do not require the GRE for admission to post graduate courses. However it is advisable to enclose a copy of your score sheet if you have done well in the test.
• Work Experience
  A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or master's courses in information studies require at least a couple of years' work experience

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