Study in Australia

Overview

Officially called the ‘Commonwealth of Australia’, this sovereign country is home to twenty-five million people. It has become one of the foremost global powerhouses of education and is now providing education to approximately 5,10,000 foreign students every year. The educational institutions in Australia have been providing the students with groundbreaking innovation and knowledge and world-class study patterns. Australia has the third-highest number of international students intake, after the US and the UK.

The most interesting fact about Australian universities is that almost seven universities among the top 100 universities in the world are located in Australia. Australian universities have been constantly securing the top ranks in the surveys or assessments conducted by different ranking agencies or organisations. Among the 30 best cities in the world, five cities are located in Australia where a student can get quality and affordable education with a greater scope of employability.

An important and surprising fact about Australia is that almost 2.5 million international students who completed their studies/higher education in Australia are working in top companies/organisations/firms across the country. There are several advantages to pursuing higher education in Australia. All the details about Australian universities, education system, courses, the average cost of living, hostel accommodation, application procedure, admission process, etc. can be checked here.

Education System in Australia

With a wide variety of over 2,200 study programmes and more than 1,200 institutions available in the country, Australia is one of the largest study abroad destinations in the world.

Vocational Education

To start with the higher education system in Australia, the vocational education system comes first. The Australian vocational education system is called Technical and Further Education (TAFE). Vocational education institutes or TAFEs are directly funded by the government, and these institutes award Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas. In certain areas of study, TAFEs award Bachelor’s degree as well.

Bachelor’s Degree

As far as university education is concerned, there are around 37 public-funded universities in Australia, which are funded by the Commonwealth.

Usually, the duration of Bachelor’s degree courses in Australia is three years, and the candidates can also take up the fourth year in a Bachelor’s course, which is referred to as ‘Honours’. However, students taking up Honours courses are required to write and submit a thesis to be awarded the degree. Candidates who complete an Honours course are awarded an honours qualification as a part of the degree. For example, Chemistry with Honours, Zoology with Honours, etc.

Apart from the Major course, a student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Australia has an option to choose ‘Minor’ courses in a specific field. Usually, minor courses are fewer than majors and minors are treated as specialisations in a specific academic area.

Some Australian universities allow students to pursue double degrees. Students taking up double degree courses are required to complete major courses in two fields of study.

Master’s Degree

When it comes to Master's courses, the duration/length of the course is of two years in most Australian universities.

Examination System

Australian universities conduct one or two exams per term, and the final assessment of students is done on the basis of performance in these exams. Certain courses in Australian universities require laboratory work/language classes, and these courses place more emphasis on attendance, assignments and participation.

Student participation/involvement is one of the major components of the Australian education system. At universities, students are encouraged to express opinions, ask questions and speak up in lectures. The examination system of Australian universities places more emphasis on the critical thinking of students rather than the mere memorisation of subjects/topics/lectures.

More details about the Australian education system, levels of courses, duration and course details can be checked below.

Why Study in Australia

Australia is preferred by international students due to its flexible education system, the wide range of major and minor subjects offered, quality education and a high standard of living. Some of the major reasons that justify why a student must study in Australia are listed below.

High-Quality Education: Over the years, Australia has emerged as the third most popular destination in the world for international students. Among the English-speaking countries, Australia is one of the best options for international students who are looking for high-quality education at affordable prices.

International Recognition: The degrees awarded by Australian universities have international recognition and high value in the job market. Australian universities have a good reputation across the world, and students graduating from these universities have good chances of securing jobs in any part of the world.

Cost of Living: Living expenses and tuition fee are low in Australia as compared to many other top nations proffering education to international students. Students pursuing higher studies in Australian universities can take up part-time jobs to cover their living expenses. International students pursuing higher studies in Australia may also apply for scholarships.

Diversity of Education: Australian universities offer a wide range of courses and degrees. Therefore, it is flexible for international students to choose a course or degree as per their interest and career aspirations. Also, international students in Australian universities have the flexibility to switch between qualification levels and from one educational institution to another.

Scope for Scientific Research: Students in Australian universities have a greater scope to take up scientific research. The universities in Australia give more emphasis to innovation, scientific research and technology. On the other hand, Australia comprises impressive technological resources, which students can access for their educational needs. 

Flexibility to Take Up Part-Time Jobs: International students pursuing higher education in Australian universities have the freedom or flexibility to take up part-time jobs so that they can cover their living expenses.

Australian universities have graphed an increase of about 54 per cent in the intake of foreign students over the last five years. According to a news broadcasting website in Australia, most of this increase has been in these fields of education: Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools, English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) and non-award sectors. The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the value of international education has bounced up 22 per cent to $32.4 billion in 2018 from $28.1 billion in 2016.

There are two main laws which promote quality education for international students in Australia. They are - Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice. This maintains the standard of Australia as a country and as a global leader in providing education.

Courses in Australian Universities

The levels of qualification in Australia are divided as per the Australian Qualifications Framework, commonly called AQF.

There are a total of 10 AQF study levels in Australia. Each has a different set of unique selling propositions and caters to a different need of the students.