What is so good about Australian education and training compared to other countries?
Australia is an internationally recognised source of high quality education as well as research excellence. Our universities, vocational and technical education colleges and schools are worldclass. And Australia is a world leader 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 unrivalled. 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.
Are Australian qualifications recognised in my home country?
Australian qualifications are respected internationally 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 by other countries.
Where are other students from my country enrolled?
More than 280,000 international students from about 195 countries study in Australia each year. You should visit Study in Australia websites in your local language for country-specific student statistics
Do I need a visa to study in Australia?
Yes. To be granted a student visa you must complete a visa application form, lodge it with the evidence required, pay the application charge and satisfy the student visa requirements. You can be granted a student visa only if you intend to study a registered course on a full-time basis and comply with a number of visa conditions after you have entered Australia.
How much does it cost to study in Australia?
An Australian Government survey showed that in terms of total costs—including tuition fees and living expenses—Australia was consistently less expensive than the USA and UK. Tuition fees will vary depending on the course or institution this website provides average costs as a guide. Living costs too will vary by location, course and lifestyle.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarships available for international students however most are offered for postgraduate study in universities. The majority of international students in Australia is full-fee paying students and is not awarded scholarships.
Can I work in Australia while I study?
Yes. International students in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during course time and full-time during vacation periods. For further information on working while studying in Australia go to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website frequently asked questions page.
What are the entry requirements to study at Australian institutions?
Students must meet minimum academic requirements and need a sufficient level of English language proficiency for entry to Australian education and training institutions. 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.
What if I do not meet the entry requirements?
If you do not meet the entry requirements for further study you can enrol in secondary school in Australia. 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 and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course. Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. There are also many English language courses with starting dates throughout the year to prepare you for further study in Australia. It is recommended that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses.
How long will I need to study to reach adequate English language levels?
There are six major categories of English language courses catering for all levels of proficiency from beginner to advanced. Full-time course duration generally ranges from four to 48 weeks and students can enrol at any time during the year.
How are Australian institutions ranked?
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 Australias education and training institutions offer high quality, internationally 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 Australias diversified education and training system. Prospective students should focus on finding institutions that offer the course most suited to their particular needs and aspirations.
Do Australian institutions have campuses in my own country?
A variety of Australian education and training programs are offered offshore. These programs allow you to obtain Australian qualifications in your own country or to combine study at home with study in Australia. You will need to check directly with institutions about what courses are offered in your country.
Can I study for an Australian qualification by distance or on-line?
Distance education courses are offered by Australian universities and vocational and technical education institutions. You will need to check directly with the institution about what courses are offered in distance mode.
Do Australian universities undertake research?
Australian universities have a very important role in research and development, accounting for about one-quarter of Australias research and development activity and 60 per cent of Australias basic research effort. There are 35 special Research Centres and Key Centres of Teaching and Research based at Australian universities and another 74 Cooperative Research Centres.
What is vocational and technical education?
Australias Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) 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. VTE is also available in Australian schools.
Can international students attend schools in Australia?
Yes. All government and non-government schools accept international students and must meet special requirements under Australian Government legislation.
Are there any special support services for international students?
Yes. Australia is an international leader in safeguards and support services for international students.
What can I do in my spare time?
Institutions offer access to a vast range of extra curricula activities, both on campus and within the community. These activities include music, drama, sports and outdoor activities. Many different social activities are also organised. Campuses are centrally located for students to experience the sophistication and excitement of our cities and entertainment facilities. On regional campuses you can explore the lifestyle and experience the sense of community of our towns and regional centres. During semester breaks you can travel further afield to experience more of Australias spectacular natural environment and great physical beauty.
What is the weather like in Australia?
Australia is diverse in its geography and climate. Being in the southern hemisphere Australias summer starts in December and winter in June. Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics where the average temperatures are in the mid 20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.
Where can I find more information?
The Australian Government has an extensive network of Education and Training Counsellors and education advisers around the world providing reliable and impartial advice on study opportunities in Australia. The latest information on the Australian education and training system, costs of study and living, application and enrolment procedures and the Australian way of life is also available from reference sites set up in local institutions and libraries around the world. You should also visit your Study in Australia local language website for country-specific information.