Universities
Australia has 37 government-funded universities and 2 private universities, totally there are 39 universities in Australia, as well as a large of number of specialist institutions providing approved courses at the higher education level. Universities engage in teaching and research across a wide range of professional and academic disciplines. University studies can be undertaken at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, leading to awards ranging from graduate certificate to doctorate.
Bachelor degree/Bachelor degree (Honours): the fundamental university qualification and the basic qualification for entry to the professions. It involves a minimum of 3 years full-time study. Course content is offered at significant depth and progressively developed to a high level, preparing students for further post-graduate study if desired. A Bachelor Degree with honours takes an additional year after a Bachelor Degree.
Graduate certificate/diploma: generally designed for specific vocational purposes, either the broadening of skills and knowledge already gained in an undergraduate program, or the development of vocational skills and knowledge in a new professional area. The typical requirement is six months of full-time study for the graduate certificate and twelve months of full-time study for the graduate diploma.
Masters degree: involves enhancing specific professional or vocational skills. It is typically gained by research or coursework or a combination. Study involves acquiring in-depth understanding of a specific area of knowledge usually by independent research. A Masters Degree takes either one year after a Bachelor Degree with honours or two years after a Bachelor Degree without honours.
Doctoral degree: is the highest award offered by Australian universities, usually takes about 3-4 years to complete. Although it is a research degree, some programs may have a course work component. It recognizes a considerable original contribution to a given field in the form of new knowledge or the adaptation, application and interpretation of existing knowledge.
Vocational education and training (TAFE)
The VET sector is positioned between secondary schools and universities and prepares students for employment or further study. This sector consists of public institutes of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), and private colleges specializing in one or more areas of study related to future work.
TAFE Institutes are nationally recognized, 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:
Certificate I – IV : Certificate I and II are for entry-level positions or apprenticeships in a variety of industries; while Certificate III courses is ideal for people wanting to move out of entry-level roles, or shift into a new career. Certificate IV is designed for supervisory and management positions, and typically target people wanting to advance their careers in the industry they already work in or further develop skills acquired through previous study.
Diploma: Develop both broad and in-depth skills in professional, technical or creative fields.
Advanced Diploma: High-level practical and professional skills are developed by participants of Advanced Diploma courses. With full-time courses typically taking two or three years, an Advanced Diploma is ideal for ambitious professionals wanting to fast-track their career advancement.
Foundation studies
These programs (usually taken over one academic year) prepare international students for entry into Australian universities. Students undertake subjects directly related to their preferred university course, as well as English language training for academic purposes. Successful completion of a Foundation Studies program provides students with a guarantee of admission into specific degree courses within participating institutions. Many schools and vocational institutes, as well as universities, offer Foundation Studies programs.
English language training
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) may be undertaken at a variety of government and private institutions. There are currently over 100 accredited and registered English centres throughout Australia.
Full-time English courses are available for periods of study from four to 48 weeks. Study tour programs are available, either full or part time, for periods of between one and six weeks.
Primary and Secondary Schools
The Australian schooling system starts with a preparatory year followed by 12 years of primary and secondary schooling. This includes compulsory schooling until the age of 16 or completion of Year 10. An additional two years of study is necessary for those wishing to proceed to tertiary studies. In the final year (Year 12), students can study for a government-endorsed certificate which is recognized for further study by all Australian universities and vocational training institutions.
There are two broad categories of schools in Australia – government and private. Both accept international students. The school year in Australia is divided into four terms and runs from late January until December. Most of the schools provide home stay arrangements or boarding facilities to the students.