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Universities
More than 84,000 international
students from over 80 countries are studying at
Australian universities. This is about half of all
international students enrolled in Australian
courses. The terms 'University' and 'Degree' are
protected in Australia so that only institutions
that meet Australia's rigorous quality assurance
processes can use the titles. Australia has 39
universities, which are listed on the registers of
the Australian Qualifications Framework as well as a
number of recognised higher education institutions.
Australian universities also have overseas branch
campuses, twinning arrangements and exchange
programmes for students and staff worldwide.
Australia has nearly 4000 formal agreements with
universities around the world. Many Australian
universities concentrate on traditional areas of
learning and inquiry, while others are vocational
and applied in focus. All, to some extent, combine
tuition with research.
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Vocational education and training
Australia's Vocational Education
and Training (VET) system is often referred to as
Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in other
countries. It delivers training that is both
practical and career-oriented. Students can develop
their own career path through study and a mix of
study and work. VET courses are provided by both
public institutions called TAFE Institutes and
private colleges. All institutes and colleges are
subject to Government monitoring to ensure high
standards. Australian VET graduates are able to seek
employment with the knowledge that their skills are
those demanded by employers. Under Australia's
national qualifications, framework graduates can
also progress into higher-level courses including
entry into universities for Diploma and Bachelor
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Field of Study and Course Selection
You have a wide range of courses
to choose from in Australia. You will need to find
out which institutions offer the course you are
interested in. By law, all Australian institutions
and the courses they offer to international students
must be accredited and registered by the Australian
Government. Universities offer many undergraduate
and postgraduate courses covering fields of study
such as agriculture, business, economics, education,
environmental science, engineering, health sciences,
humanities and social sciences, information
technology, law, mathematics and computing,
medicine, science and visual/performing arts.
Vocational education and training institutions offer
practical, career-oriented courses including
business, computing, marketing, and tourism and
hospitality.
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Australian Qualifications Framework
Distinguishing
Australia from many other countries is the
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF
is a national system of learning pathways covering
12 different qualifications and linking
universities, vocational education and training, and
school education. The AQF allows students to move
easily from one level of study to the next and from
one institution to another as long as they satisfy
student visa requirements. Recognition of prior
learning (RPL) enables students to receive credit
toward a qualification for knowledge and skills
gained through previous study, training, work and
life experience. Even if students partially complete
an AQF qualification, they are issued with a
Statement of Attainment. Once the status of existing
qualifications is established, the AQF means
students can choose from appropriate level courses
anywhere in Australia.
The AQF also provides
more flexibility in career planning and encourages
continuous learning to help you through any career
and lifestyle changes you make in your lifetime Most
courses and training undertaken by international
students entering Australia on a student visa are
covered by the AQF. However, there are also a number
of courses for international students that are
registered with the Australian Government which are
not part of the AQF. Many of these courses help
students meet entry requirements for further study
or may lead to further study that will result in an
AQF qualification. These courses are usually known
as Foundation Studies or Bridging courses.
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Vocational education and
training qualifications
They meet national industry standards and will
prepare you for employment in a host of occupations
or for further studies
The
qualifications offered at vocational education and
training institutions are :
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| Certificates I |
(duration 4-6
months) |
| Certificate II |
(duration 6-8
months) |
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| Certificate
III |
(duration 12
months) |
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| Certificate IV |
(duration
12-18 months) |
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| Diploma |
(duration
18-24 months) |
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| Advanced
Diploma |
(duration 2-3
years) |
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University qualifications
The following
qualifications are available at Australian
universities and approved higher education
providers:
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Bachelor Degree
(honours) |
4 years |
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Graduate
Certificates |
6 months |
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Graduate
Diplomas |
12 months |
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Bachelor degree |
3 years |
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Masters Degree |
1-2 years |
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Doctoral Degree |
3 years |
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Students
must meet minimum academic requirements to
be accepted into specific courses. Each
institution sets its own entry requirements
so they may vary from one institution to
another and from one course or faculty to
another. Some courses also require relevant
work experience and this may be particularly
important in relation to MBA and other
postgraduate studies. You may be asked to
provide evidence of your academic
achievements and English language
proficiency to assess whether you meet the
entry requirements for your proposed course
of study in Australia. Institutions will
look at the level and content of the study
you have completed in Australia or your home
country. |
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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. Some visa Assessment Levels accept
the IELTS entry levels required by the
education institution. 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. If you obtain a score marginally less
than what is required for the Australian
student visa, you may opt to take an ELICOS
(English Language Intensive Course for
Overseas Students) in Australia along with
the mainstream course.
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Academic
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Undergraduate
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.
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Postgraduate
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.
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Vocational education and training
Usually there are no other entrance
exams to VET institutions. However, some
courses may have certain pre-requisite
subjects or demonstrated work
experience.
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Other Tests GMAT
For most management courses,
International students are required to
take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission
Test). Most Australian Universities do
not require the GRE for admission to
post graduate courses. However it is
advisable to enclose a copy of your
score sheet if you have done well in the
test.
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Work Experience
A number of professional and vocational
courses require relevant work
experience. For instance, many MBAs or
master's courses in information studies
require at least a couple of years' work
experience
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Application Form
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