Online resources to assist you with your review of education providers:
CRICOS – The official Australian Government website that lists all Australian education providers to offer courses to people studying in Australia on student visas and the courses offered.
Australian Government Pages – information for International Students
Department of Education and Training
Australia.edu
Study in Australia
Australian Universities
English Language Testing (IELTS)
PRIMARY and SECONDARY SCHOOLS in AUSTRALIA
Australia’s excellent education system and lifestyle makes studying and living in Australia a fun and rewarding experience for students of all ages. There are two categories of schools in Australia – public (government funded) and private schools. You can search for private schools at: http://www.independentschools.com/australia and http://www.isd.com.au/index.php Schooling in Australia begins with a preparatory year followed by 12 years of studying in primary and secondary school. All schools provide subjects in the eight Key Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Studies of Society and the Environment, Science, Arts, Technology and Personal Development, Health and Physical education, and Languages Other Than English.
There are a number of programs within the school system to assist children with speaking English. The government’s “English as a second language – new arrivals” scheme assists primary and secondary school students who require intensive language tuition. Schools also have special programs to help classroom teachers with the English language needs of these children.
Many primary and pre-schools require that children have been vaccinated against childhood illnesses such as polio, smallpox, measles, and diphtheria. A vaccination certificate is usually required and schools usually ask to see your child’s birth certificate for proof of age.
The school year is divided into four terms and runs from late January/early February until late November/early December. There is usually a two-week holiday between terms and a two-month summer holiday in December and January. Students attend school from Monday to Friday each week. School hours vary slightly across Australia but are generally from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm each school day.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION and TRAINING in AUSTRALIA
Vocational institutions (technical colleges) are closely linked with industry which means the courses teach skills that are demanded by employers. Vocational Education and Training courses are provided by public institutions called Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes, and by private colleges. All institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards for studying in Australia. Under Australia’s national qualifications framework graduates can also progress into higher level courses including entry into universities for Diploma and Bachelor degree courses.
Certificates in Australia: Certificates I and II are qualifications which recognize the students’ basic vocational skills and knowledge while Certificates III and IV are the equivalent of trade certificates in various vocations. These prepare students for both employment and further education and training if they wish to carry on studying in their chosen field. The length of study for the Certificate programs is usually 6 months to 2 years, full time study. The academic entrance requirements are usually Secondary School year 10 or relevant employment experience, in some cases. The average cost of study per year is $4,000 – $6,000 USD.
Vocational Diplomas in Australia: These Diplomas prepare students to apply their skills and are based on fundamental principles and complex techniques. These qualifications recognise capacity for initiative and judgment across a broad range of technical and management functions. The Advanced Diploma is a more specialised qualification that signifies skill and knowledge of a greater complexity and a higher level of personal accountability. The length of study for the Diploma or Advanced Diploma programs is usually 1 year to 3 years, full time study. The academic entrance requirements are usually Secondary School Certificate of Education, High School Diploma, or GED/other equivalent from your own country and/or relevant employment experience, in some cases. The average cost of study per year is $4,000 – $6,000 USD.
UNIVERSITIES in AUSTRALIA
There are 38 public (government funded) universities and 2 private Australian universities. Australia is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Despite this, tuition costs for studying at Australian universities remain affordable for both domestic and foreign students.
Bachelor Degree: The Undergraduate Bachelor Degree educational level is suitable for students who have completed their secondary schooling and want to obtain the basic qualifications for entry into a profession. The Bachelor Degree prepares students for professional careers and postgraduate study. There are many other options within the degree program which could require more or fewer years of study, depending on the student’s academic and professional goals. Examples are: A Professional Degree course can extend to four years and equips candidates with practical skills and techniques that will be applied in the professional domain; A Combined or Double Degree program allows students combinations of subjects from two degrees, enabling them to graduate with both degrees in a shorter time than would be required to complete two degrees independently; The two-year Graduate Entry Degree in a specified discipline often meant to be a shorter alternative to the standard three year (or longer) degree for initial professional preparation; or The Bachelor (Honors) Degree can be undertaken by students who demonstrate a high level of achievement at an earlier stage in the undergraduate degree program, and involves some research preparation. The Bachelor (Honors) Degree requires the completion of an additional year, or its equivalent, and is awarded on the basis of the level of performance in the degree as a whole.
The length of study for the Bachelor Degree programs is usually 3 to 4 years, full time study. The academic entrance requirements are usually Secondary School Certificate of Education, High School Diploma, or GED/other equivalent from your own country, or Diploma/Advanced Diploma. The average cost of study per year is $7,000 – $10,000 USD.
Postgraduate Degree: Postgraduate study in Australia includes Graduate Diplomas, Masters degrees, and Doctoral (PhD) degrees. This educational level is suitable for students who have completed their secondary schooling, as well as having usually completed undergraduate studies, and want to enhance specific professional or vocational skills. Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are generally designed for specific vocational purposes, either to broaden skills and knowledge already gained in an undergraduate program, or for vocational skills and knowledge in a new professional area. The length of study for the Post Graduate Degree programs is usually 1 to 2 years, full time study. The academic entrance requirements are usually a Bachelor Degree or Advanced Diploma, in some cases. The average cost of study per year is $7,000 – $12,000 USD.