STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

Understanding Higher Education in Australia

Australia is an internationally recognized source of high quality education as well as research excellence. Australian universities, vocational education and training colleges and schools are world-class. Australia offers world-class 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. More than 200,000 international students from about 100 countries study in Australia each year.

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 recognized throughout Australia and the world.

LEVELS OF EDUCATION

BACHELOR'S DEGREE

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) 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.

MASTER'S DEGREE

Entry to postgraduate (Master’s and Doctoral) courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Proven research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.

PH.D. (DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY) OR ED.D.(DOCTOR OF EDUCATION) DEGREE

Usually requires 3 additional years of study after obtaining the Master's degree. It requires original research to be conducted and written up in the form of a dissertation and the defense of that research orally.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

English language proficiency is now a requirement when applying for a student visa. The IELTS is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for student visa purposes. 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 must have been conducted not more than 24 months prior to the day on which the application was made.

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.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Australian Government and education institutions offer scholarships for international students however most of these are offered in universities and for postgraduate study mainly. There are a number of other organizations giving scholarships for international study.

The majority of international students in Australia are full-fee paying students. With only a limited number of scholarships available for international students, there is intense competition for these awards. Scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training in Australia.