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Home>CAMPUS ABROAD Australia>Admission Process>Preparing for College
This section helps you understand the education system in Australia and also plan for the studies
- Education System
- Why Study in Australia?
- Recognition of Australian qualifications
- Entry Requirement
- If you do not meet the entry requirement
- Institution Rank
- Student Support Service
- Institution Rank
- Vocational Education
- University Courses
Education System
Australia is an internationally recognized source of high quality education as well as research excellence. Our universities, vocational education and training colleges and schools are world-class. Australia world in English language courses for international students. Australian Government legislation requires quality assurance agencies and codes of conduct to be in place so that international students in Australia and their parents enjoy a level of service and financial protection that is unparalleled. Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel in an English speaking country. Australia also offers excellent value for money and a high standard of living.
Australia has the third largest number of international students in the English-speaking world behind the USA and UK. In some countries Australia is the students' first choice study destination.
Australian qualifications and institutions are recognized worldwide for their high quality and excellence. Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold lead positions worldwide. Also, they are readily accepted for postgraduate study at leading international universities. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA. Have a look at the interactive map and see where Australia is in relation to the rest of the world. You can also see how close we are to your home country.
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Recognition of Australian qualifications
Australian qualifications are respected globally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which is a national system of learning pathways recognised throughout Australia and the world.
Qualifications recognition
Australian qualifications are recognized globally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. Most courses and training undertaken by international students in Australia on a student visa are covered by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national system of learning pathways which is endorsed by the Australian Government and recognised throughout Australia and the world. On completion of an AQF qualification international students can progress to the next AQF level anywhere in Australia provided they satisfy student visa requirements.
My country enrollment statistic?
More than 180,000 international students from about 80 countries study in Australia each year. You should visit Study in Australia websites for country-specific student statistics.
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Entry requirements
Students need a sufficient level of English language proficiency and must meet minimum academic requirements to study in Australia. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They 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 (see table below). 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.
* IELTS test to have been conducted not more than 24 months prior to the day on which the application was made.
Academic
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Undergraduate Undergraduate courses require 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.
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Postgraduate Entry to postgraduate courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Proven research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.
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Vocational education and training Usually there are no other entrance exams to VET institutions. But some courses may have certain pre-requisite subjects or demonstrated work experience.
If you do not meet the entry requirements
If your English language proficiency score is not high enough, there are many English language courses with starting dates all through the year to prepare you for further study in Australia. All Australian universities have their own English language center or have links with English language colleges. and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course. Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. It is suggested that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses. If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enrol in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia.
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Institution Ranks
Australian institutions are not officially ranked. However,
there are some commercial publications available that compare achievements of
universities and institutions in meeting certain criteria such as use of
technology or student support services.
All of Australia's education and training institutions offer high quality, globally relevant courses because Australian Government legislation requires them to be registered and meet quality assurance measures. Excellence in teaching, research, facilities and support services is found across Australia's diversified education and training system. Prospective students should focus on finding institutions that offer the course most suited to their particular needs and aspirations.
Australia is an international leader in safeguards and support services for international students. Specialist services for international students are well resource, quality assured and can be enjoyed in a safe and hospitable society.
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Australian institutions are sensitive to religious and cultural needs and provide a range of support and monitoring services to help deal with adjusting to a new environment, the practicalities of living in Australia and completing studies. Among the excellent range of services supporting the personal and academic achievements of international students in Australia are:
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Language tuition
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International student advisers
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Application and visa-processing assistance
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Arrival reception and orientation programmes
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Health, counselling, accommodation and employment service
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 and includes courses in computing, business studies, marketing, tourism and hospitality. VET is also available in Australian schools.
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.
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University Courses
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
Bachelor |
Graduate Certificate |
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Graduate Diploma |
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Masters (eg. MBA) |
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Doctorate |
The following qualifications are available at Australian universities and approved higher education providers.
Bachelor Degree minimum 3 years
Bachelor Degree (Honours) minimum 4 years
The Bachelor degree is the fundamental university qualification and is the basic qualification for entry to the professions. Some professions may require additional vocational qualifications as a condition of entry.
Study involves acquiring a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, its underlying principles and concepts, and associated problem-solving techniques. The student develops the academic skills and attitudes to comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a wide range of sources. Also developed is the ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply the knowledge and techniques learnt.
Study usually involves major studies in an area where significant literature is available. Course content is to a 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. Honours may also be granted where outstanding achievement is recorded in a Bachelor Degree course of four or more years.
Graduate Certificates 6 months
The Graduate Certificate typically involves broadening individual skills already gained in an undergraduate program, or developing vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area.
Graduate Diplomas 12 months (1 Year)
The Graduate Diploma either broadens individual skills obtained in an undergraduate program or develops vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area. This qualification can also be described as further specialization within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge.
Masters Degree 1 - 2 Years
The Masters Degree involves enhancing specific professional or vocational skills. The Masters Degree 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.
Doctoral Degree typically 3 years
The Doctoral Degree is the highest award offered by Australian universities. Although it is a research degree, some programs may have a course work component. There are three components to a Doctoral Degree:
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a searching review of the literature, experimentation or other systemic approach to a body of knowledge.
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an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding and/or the application of knowledge within a discipline or field of study.
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a substantial and well-ordered thesis, demonstrating the relationship of the research to the broader framework of the discipline or field of study.