FEATURES OF AUSTRALIA
The Australian education system is considered one of the best education systems in the world, for both domestic and international students. It enjoys high standards, a comprehensive curriculum, and highly qualified teachers. Here we take a look at the history and evolution of the education system in Australia, including education facts and statistics you should know.
We will also share unique ways you can gain new skills as an education provider, plus create a more interesting and inclusive learning experience for your students.
The top universities in the country are defined by the eight leading research-intensive universities, known as the “Group of Eight” (Go8). This includes the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and Monash University.
TOP COURSES TO STUDY IN AUSTRALIA
Best Course to Study in Australia
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural sciences
- Architecture
- Biomedical engineering
- Core engineering
- Earth sciences
- Computer science and information technology
- Psychology
- Tourism and hospitality management
WHY STUDY IN AUSTRALIA?
If you are looking to further your education, undertake a world-class degree or fast-track your career, Australia offers a range of opportunities. Whether you choose to undertake an MBA, engineering degree, humanities or an English language course, Australia is difficult to beat in terms of standard of living, academic excellence, and support for international students.
Growing popularity
It is the third most popular destination for international students with Australian universities providing a host of courses to pick from. You can choose from 22000 courses available in 1,100 schools and universities. Students graduating from Australian Universities are sought after by employers all over the world due to their globally recognised degrees and the quality of education.
Quality of life
The quality of life in Australia ranks behind only Norway as the best in the world. With sophisticated infrastructure, world-leading healthcare services, a dynamic range of public transport, numerous student services, and a comparatively affordable cost of living, Australia is a haven for those looking to study internationally.
The country boasts five of the world’s 30 best cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane) for students in terms of quality of life, employment opportunities, cost of living, and student community.
The Australian Government also offers many incentives for those looking to study overseas in its country, including $200 million worth of scholarships, job visas in multiple fields, numerous research opportunities, and the possibility of gaining permanent residency status after you graduate.
Top-ranking universities
Australia is home to some of the world’s leading universities. Australia has a national regulatory and quality agency for higher education called – the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). It was established by the Australian Government to monitor quality, and regulate university and non-university higher education providers against a set of standards developed by the independent Higher Education Standards Panel.
In addition, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) law protects:
• the well-being of all international students.
• the quality of students' education experience.
• the provision of up-to-date and accurate information.
Post-study work opportunities
Many international students have the opportunity to spend more time in Australia following the completion of their studies. While studying, you can work up to 20 hours a week to meet your daily expenses and gain some work experience.
The temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) allows you to remain in Australia to live, study or work after you have finished your studies. The visa has two streams: Graduate.
Work stream and Post-Study Work stream. The length of your stay will depend on which stream you apply for.
Fee structure
Tuition costs at Australia's higher schools generally range around AUD$20,000 and AUD$30,000 annually. Learn more about the cost of studying in Australia here.
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural sciences
- Architecture
- Biomedical engineering
- Core engineering
- Earth sciences
- Computer science and information technology
- Psychology
- Tourism and hospitality management
S. No |
Degree Courses |
Cost of Study |
1. |
English Language Courses |
Around $300 Per Week |
2. |
Vocational Education And Training (Vet) |
$4000 To $22,000 Per Year |
3. |
Technical And Further Education (Tafe) |
$4000 To $22,000 Per Year |
4. |
Foundation Courses |
$15,000 To $39,000 In Total |
5. |
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree |
$15,000 To $33,000 Per Year |
6. |
Postgraduate Master’s Degree |
$20,000 To $37,000 Per Year |
7. |
Doctoral Degree |
$14,000 To $37,000 Per Year |
8. |
MBA |
$11,000 to more than $121,000 in total |
INTAKE OPTION
What are the upcoming intakes in Australia?
Know all about the intakes available in Australia
Unlike a single intake in the Nepalese universities, Australian colleges and universities offer two major intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The two intakes available in Australia are:
- Semester 1: starts late February/early March to late May/early June
- Semester 2: starts late July/early August through to November
Which intake to opt for?
It can get a bit confusing to choose the intake that’s best for you. Consider factors like the availability of your preferred program, your academic records, entrance test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities and your readiness to join the program whilst making a decision.
While most Nepalese students prefer the July intake, the February intake is equally good for certain programs. We suggest, that if you do not have your score cards ready, it’s better to skip the haste and apply for the next intake.
Here’s an overview of the intakes available for different programs in universities and colleges:
Intake |
Deadline |
Semester 1 (February intake) |
October-November |
Semester 2 (July intake) |
April-May |
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The education system in Australia
Australia is home to some of the world’s leading universities, consistently ranked in the world’s top 100. Let’s explore the education system so we can find the best options for you
The education system in Australia
Everything you need to know about the Australian education system.
Australia offers a diverse range of study options for international students, with more than 1,100 institutions and 22,000 courses to choose from.
Australia’s educational institutions rank well in terms of student satisfaction, employability, quality of life and sense of student community, with Melbourne and Sydney ranking among the top five best cities for students to study in. Both of these cities are home to some of the top-ranking universities known for their quality education.
How does it work?
Australia's education system is three-tiered, including elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels.
University is the highest level of education in Australia. Australia has 43 universities: 40 government-funded public universities, two international universities and one private speciality university. Students can attend on-campus bachelor’s degrees or postgraduate courses (including certificate, postgraduate diploma, master and doctoral programs).
Vocational courses focus on practical skills and industry training. Vocational training courses are offered in government-funded institutions, including TAFE (Technical and Further Education), or other private institutions. Many colleges offer students credit for university courses.
Qualifications framework
The Australian Qualifications Framework distinguishes Australia's educational system from that of many other countries (AQF). The AQF is a national strategy that encompasses credentials from tertiary education (further education, vocational education and training) as well as the school leaving certificate, known as the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, which was created in 1995.
Fee structure
Tuition costs at Australia's higher schools generally range around AUD$20,000 and AUD$30,000 annually. Learn more about the cost of studying in Australia here.
Scholarships
There is a range of scholarships available for international students. It is best to check the website of your chosen university for the most up-to-date information. Know more about the available grants, scholarships and bursaries here.
Teaching and learning style
You can study at all levels of education from vocational education and training (VET), and English language courses to higher education (including universities), and undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Tertiary education includes both higher education and VET.
Higher education
Higher education courses can be taken by students to earn an advanced degree and continue their studies in Australia. Three main types of higher education lead to bachelor’s, master and doctoral degrees. Teaching at universities normally takes place in large group lectures and small group tutorials.
VET
An Australian vocational education and training (VET) qualification can provide a pathway to entering the workforce or university. There are many vocational training courses in areas such as information technology, business services, art and media, tourism and hospitality, child care, transport and logistics, construction, mining, manufacturing and rural industries.
Pathway programs
Australia also offers several pathway programs to higher education for international students including foundation studies and English language preparation programs, to ensure students receive the extra support and assistance they need to succeed.
Academic year
The Australian secondary or high school system starts each year in late January or early February, while vocational and university students start at the end of February/early March. Most high schools have three or four terms; universities and vocational colleges have two semesters. Exams are held at the end of each semester (June and November), with 2-4 week breaks between each semester, and a longer break over the summer from November/December to February. In some instances, you may be able to choose a course that offers a summer program, which means you can do a third semester in the year.
Learning English
Learning English is probably the most important factor when planning your studies in Australia. If your proficiency in the English language is limited, you may be advised to enrol in an English language school before starting your program of study.
Australia has approximately 100 private English language centres around the country. Universities and TAFEs (Technical and Further Education) offer courses for those interested in developing their English language skills.
After graduation
Having an Australian tertiary qualification is highly regarded around the world. Combined with Australia’s strong economy and low unemployment rates, Australia offers strong employment outcomes for graduates.
Employment
Many international students now have the opportunity to spend more time in Australia following the completion of their studies. If you have completed a bachelor’s, master or PhD degree, you may be eligible for the Post-Study Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. This may enable you to stay in Australia following your studies to gain practical experience working in your field. More information on post-study work rights is available on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website (https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/).
Postgraduate study
Both universities and private colleges offer postgraduate courses in Australia. A master’s degree has three formats – Master’s degree (coursework), Master’s degree (research) and Master’s degree (extended). Similarly, at the doctorate level, there are two formats- Research doctorate (PhD) and Professional doctorate. Admission criteria at post graduate level are quite competitive including high levels of English language proficiency and remarkable academic qualifications. You should also know that some courses like architecture and medicine are only offered by universities.
Scholarships
There is a range of scholarships available for international students. It is best to check the website of your chosen university for the most up-to-date information. Know more about the available grants, scholarships and bursaries here.
Employment prospects in Australia
Want to work while you’re in Australia? Here’s how.
Working part-time while can be a great way to help with the cost of living in Australia and also gain work experience in your field of study. You might like to consider:
- Paid work : opportunities include working in cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels, farming or fruit picking, or sales and administration roles
- Tutoring: if you have existing qualifications or professional work experience, you might be able to get casual or part-time work in your field
- Internships: paid or unpaid internships can be a great way to get exposure to professional, financial and creative industries
- Volunteering: there are many charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) in Australia and they always need volunteers to help out. It can be a great way to meet friends, get some hands-on work experience and give back to the community
Most student visas let you work for up to 40 hours every two weeks during your course, and as many hours as you like during course breaks. You should double-check your visa before starting any paid work.
Remember: You will need to get a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia. You can visit the Australian Taxation Office website to find out more information on getting a TFN, as well as what tax you may need to pay.
Your rights at work
Everyone working in Australia, including international students, has basic rights at work.
These rights ensure you:
- Are paid a minimum wage
- Can challenge if you are unfairly dismissed from a job
- Receive appropriate breaks and rest periods
- Enjoy a healthy and safe work environment
To find out more about work rights visit the Australian Government's Fair Work website. To find out more about work health and safety, visit the Safe Work Australia website.
Working while you study
To find work, you can:
- Look for job ads in newspapers and online job sites such as SEEK.
- Check if your institution has any job notice boards on campus or online
- Register your interest with a recruitment firm
Working after you graduate
If you want to stay and work in Australia after you finish your study, you’ll need to get a new visa first.
If you have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree, you may be eligible for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
In some cases, your new employer may be able to sponsor you for a new visa. You should speak with someone from your work’s Human Resources or Recruitment team to find out if this is possible.
A friendly piece of advice - Don’t jump at the first opportunity, research well before you accept any job offer after graduation. It’s always helpful to talk to fellow students who already have jobs and find out what their experiences were like. You can also seek advice from your seniors and faculty as to the best course of action. Investigate the kind of jobs you can get, wages you can expect and the number of hours you are expected to work, and most importantly, where to look for these jobs.
VISA Requirements
If you want to stay and work in Australia after you finish your study, you’ll need to get a new visa first.
If you have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree, you may be eligible for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
In some cases, your new employer may be able to sponsor you for a new visa. You should speak with someone from your work’s Human Resources or Recruitment team to find out if this is possible.
A friendly piece of advice - Don’t jump at the first opportunity, research well before you accept any job offer after graduation. It’s always helpful to talk to fellow students who already have jobs and find out what their experiences were like. You can also seek advice from your seniors and faculty as to the best course of action. Investigate the kind of jobs you can get, wages you can expect and the number of hours you are expected to work, and most importantly, where to look for these jobs.
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For Visa Lodgment
For biometrics
For medicals
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