Australia

Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, and home to the world's oldest continuing culture. Australia have a highly skilled workforce and a proud history of democracy and stable government. Australia's Indigenous peoples have lived on and managed the land for more than 60,000 years however, the early treatment of Australia's Indigenous population was marked by conflict and mistreatment. Australians enjoy some of the highest living standards in the world despite being home to only 0.3 per cent of the global population. Since 1992, Australian economy has grown faster than any other major developed country. Australia has plentiful natural resources and a sophisticated services sector backed by a highly educated workforce.

Australian Education System

Australia has a range of learning institutions, including universities, vocational education and training institutes, schools and English language colleges. Australian education system has been top notch for many years diverse multicultural environment, excellent research opportunities, affordable living costs, the ability to work while studying, and a beautiful natural landscape that encourages an outdoor lifestyle; making it a great place for international students to gain valuable experiences and career prospects. Australian universities are consistently ranked highly globally, providing top-tier education and research facilities. A welcoming multicultural society offering a diverse student body and global perspective. International students can work part-time while studying to gain experience and offset living costs. Australian institutions are known for their contributions to global research across various fields. High standard of living with good infrastructure, healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle. Diverse landscapes offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Compared to other developed countries, living expenses in Australia can be relatively manageable. Studying in Australia can open up potential pathways for post-study work visas and permanent residency. Studying in Australia is attractive due to its high-quality education with globally recognized qualifications, a

The Australian education system provides primary, secondary and higher education to international students.

English language courses

ELICOS stands for English language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. These courses must meet strict national standards and follow an industry-led quality assurance framework. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn English in Australia, there is a course to help you reach your goal.

ELICOS academic year dates

• Length - From five weeks to 60 weeks, depending on your level
• Semesters per year - The year is split into blocks of ELICOS weeks
• Start date - Throughout the year

Pathway and Foundation courses

If you don’t quite meet the academic requirements for direct entry to an Australian university, pathway studies can give you with the skills you need to start an undergraduate higher education program. Education pathways can include English language preparation, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications and Foundation studies. Some higher education providers have formal arrangements with pathway providers to give study credits for prior learning.

Foundation academic year dates

• Length - 1 year (some may be longer)
• Semesters - Vary by course
• Starts - Usually in February, but can vary by course.

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is taught by Australian Government-owned Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private registered training organisations (RTOs). These education and training providers are usually smaller than universities and offer more practical courses, with job-ready learning leading to over 500 different careers. Many VET courses include work placements or workplace-based learning.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) academic year dates

• Length - 1 to 4 years
• Semesters - 2 (or 4 ‘terms’)
• Starts - Late January/early February (can vary by course).

Higher education

Universities and non-university higher education providers (including private institutes and Government-owned TAFEs) offer undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including Bachelor degrees, Master degrees and Doctoral degrees. Many higher education providers also offer Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate programs, and even Associate Degrees leading to full Bachelor qualifications.

University academic year dates

Undergraduate (Bachelor level)

• Length - Typically 3 years (4 years for a Bachelor Honours degree)
• Semesters - 2, but some providers now offer three trimesters
• Starts - Usually March, but can vary by course and education provider. Mid-year or second semester starts can also be available.

Postgraduate

• Length - 1 to 2 years
• Semesters - 2, but some providers now offer three trimesters
• Starts - Usually March, but can vary by course and education provider.

Doctoral

• Length - 3 years (plus 1 year for review)
• Semesters - Most Doctoral candidates do not attend classes, but instead have academic supervision throughout the year
• Starts - Start dates are negotiated with a Doctoral degree supervisor

Australian Qualifications Framework for tertiary studies

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national tertiary (post-secondary) education system that has 10 different levels. You can move from one level of study to the next, as long as you meet your student visa requirements. These qualifications are nationally accredited and recognised internationally in many industries.