Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the world’s sixth-largest country by total area. Canbera is capital of Australia. It has six States and two territories. Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system that functions as a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The federation comprises six states and several territories. Australia is a developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, with the world’s12th-largest economy. In 2012 Australia had the world’s fifth-highest per capita income. Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights.
Undergraduate courses require an Australian Senior School Certificate of Education (Year 12) or 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.
Entry to postgraduate courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Demonstrated research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.
Usually there are no other entrance exams to VET institutions. However some courses may have certain pre-requisite subjects or demonstrated work experience.
Entry requirements can vary between schools throughout Australia. Academic performance and ability is taken into consideration during the selection process. Some schools are more selective in their student intake and place higher emphasis on academic or sporting excellence. School enrolments may be limited simply because the availability of spaces is at a premium.
Australia provides the world’s most rigorous protection for international students through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. This legislation requires institutions that provide education to international students to meet nationally consistent standards in education delivery, facilities and services. It ensures consistency with the standard of education delivered to Australian students. Tuition and financial assurance for international students is also provided under the Act, so that if an institution is not able to meet its commitments, the student will receive alternative tuition or a refund. It ensures a nationally consistent approach to provider registration and enables the Australian Government to monitor education providers. Breaches of the Act are treated very seriously and the penalties can be significant.
Every provider that seeks to recruit, enrol or teach overseas students, or to advertise their ability to do so, must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS lists all providers registered to offer courses to people studying in Australia on student visas and the courses offered.
Australian Government legislation includes the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (the National Code 2007), which is nationally consistent and legally enforceable. All providers who are registered on CRICOS must abide by the National Code. Many institutions also are members of professional bodies or councils that have their own codes of conduct. These codes of conduct set out standards for academic and support services for international students, including procedures for dispute resolution.
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.
International students are charged up-front tuition fees in Australia. These fees are very affordable and are consistently less expensive than the UK or USA. Some Institutions make an additional charge to cover other student costs. These may include student organisation membership, library and laboratory costs and sports facility costs. You may also have to pay a specific charge for excursions, books, stationery and other essential material for some courses. These costs will vary depending on the course or institution therefore average costs are provided below and should only be used as a guide. All school tuition fees are exempt from Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST).
such as university entrance, preparatory and bridging courses
such as courses in arts, business, economics and law
such as science and engineering courses
Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year but the climate can vary due to the size of continent. The northern states typically experience warm weather much of the time, with the southern states experiencing cooler winters. Like all countries in the southern hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring.
The Australian Government allows people who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents to study in Australia. Anyone who is not an Australian resident may apply to study in Australia. You must obtain a student visa before you can commence a course of study in Australia. You can be granted a student visa only if you wish to undertake a registered course or part of a registered course on a full-time basis. A registered course is an education or training course offered by an Australian education provider who is registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students. You may undertake any course of study for less than three months on a visitor visa or working holiday visa. If you intend to study for more than three months, you must apply for a student visa. There are advantages to applying for a student visa. If you are studying on a student visa you:
Students wanting to study in Australia can apply for a student visa after they have received a letter of offer or electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE) in relation to one or more full-time courses of study. However, it is recommended that you do not enrol in your course or obtain an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) until you have been advised to do so by your local Australian Government office.
Studying in Australia gives you a competitive edge.
The combination of a recognised qualification and access to the latest technology and research excellence will open doors to many opportunities. You will gain skills to launch your career and set you apart in the eyes of employers.
Graduates from Australian higher education institutions enjoy a wide range of career options. They gain entry to traditional careers in business and finance, law and management, as well as emerging careers in information technology, sport and recreation, environmental and land management, hospitality and tourism and many more.
Many Australian universities and higher education institutions offer returning home seminars for international students which prepare graduates to re-enter their home country and give advice on finding a job.
There are a number of recruitment companies in Australia and around the world that offer careers counselling and link graduates with prospective employers. Many large corporations run their own graduate recruitment service and value graduates with international experience such as an Australian qualification.
Australian qualifications are well recognised and respected around the world. Government offices have been very active in developing Memoranda of Understanding and qualifications recognition between Australia and other countries. They can also advise you where to find information about employment and further study opportunities in Australia and in your country where your Australian qualifications will be highly regarded.
The Australian Government skilled migration program targets young people who have skills, an education and outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. International students with Australian qualifications account for about half the people assessed under the skilled migrant program.
In order to qualify for the skilled migration program applicants must pass a points test and satisfy some basic requirements. These include:
