Study in Australia- Education System

The Australian education system offers primary, secondary and tertiary education linked across the country and across the world.

Australia, an affordable study destination, provides quality education in a tolerant society along with impeccable living conditions. The higher education system in Australia is eminent and ranks amongst the world’s best. Courses in Australia are economical because they are compact and intensive. Another reason they are popular is because they include in themselves the developments of science and technology.

Australian Qualifications Framework

The unique factor of the Australian education system is its implementation of Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the national policy established in 1995 that specifies the standards of qualifications for the tertiary education sector (higher education, vocational education and training) in addition to the school leaving certificate, called the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. With AQF, your degree is recognized and authorized by the government.

Under the AQF, there are 10 levels that interconnect various schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions in one single national system. This allows flexibility; choice and better career planning for students to move from one study level to another as long as their student visa requirements are fulfilled.

Types of Degree and Academic Year

The academic year in Australia varies depending on the type of study you are undertaking.

Many institutions also offer a mid-year or second semester start. Start dates and the number of semesters vary by course and institution, so please check directly on your institution’s website for details.

Below is a general guide on the academic year for the different levels of study in Australia:

Foundation

• Length - 1 year (some may be longer)
• Semesters - The semester breaks will depend on your course
• Starts - February but can vary by course and institutions

Vocational Education and Training

• Length - 1 to 4 years
• Semesters - Two
• Starts - February, but can vary by course and institutions

Undergraduate

• Length - Typically 3 years (4 years for honors degree)
• Semesters - Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
• Starts - Typically March, but can vary by course and institution

Postgraduate

• Length - 1 to 2 years
• Semesters - Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
• Starts - Typically March, but can vary by course and institution

Doctoral

• Length - 3 years (plus 1 year for review)
• Semesters - As most doctoral candidates do not attend class, there are usually no formal semesters
• Starts - Start dates are negotiated with PhD supervisor

Intakes

Universities and colleges in Australia have two main intakes in February and July respectively. The applications take 4-6 weeks to process; therefore students should commence making the applications 7-8 months before the intake.

Tuition Fees to study in Australia

The below given table looks to provide indicative figures to the cost of study in Australia:

Popular Courses to Study in Australia:

• Agriculture
• Business Administration and Law
• Education
• Engineering
• Health Science
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Humanities
• Computing and Mathematics
• Science
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Communication
• Information Technology
• Social Studies

Work Opportunities

• Post Study Work Right

Bachelor and Masters by coursework graduates who have spent at least two academic years are eligible to attain two years of Post Study Work Right. Furthermore, Masters by research graduates receive three years of Post Study Work Rights. Lastly, Doctorate graduates receive four years of Post Study Work Rights

• Work and Migration

Upon completion of 2 years of study in Australia, students are given a 24 months visa, during which they can work full time or develop their skills to attain points for the General Skilled Migrant Policy of PR. Students can apply for various visa categories within eighteen months or apply for an employer sponsored visa.