Australia’s higher education system is world-renowned for its quality and standards, with most universities consistently ranked among the best in the world. There’s also a wide range of higher education courses and programs, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
As Australia offers an education that’s one of the most well-regarded in the world, the country attracts various international students. If you envision studying in the Land Down Under, it’s best to get in touch with an education agent that can help you get started in such an endeavour.
Australian universities offer competitive tuition fees, and there are a number of scholarships and financial assistance programs available to help students with the cost of their studies. Aside from that, here are other things you should know about studying in Australia:
1) AQF Levels and Degrees
The Australian Qualifications Framework or the AQF is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australia’s education and training. It specifies the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. AQF levels describe the type and complexity of learning outcomes.
There are Certificates I, II, III, IV. As for Australia’s higher education, levels range from Diplomas, Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Master’s Degrees and Doctoral Degrees. University degrees are internationally recognised and permit entry into a further courses abroad (e.g. a Bachelor of Business from Australia permits the student to study for a Master’s degree in Canada or UK).
2) Type of Education
Australia’s higher education is the education offered by universities, which is usually undertaken after completing secondary education. Higher education is usually used to refer to courses that lead to an academic degree. The majority of Higher Education courses are delivered by universities and other higher education institutions.
Under the same umbrella is vocational Education and Training VET. This is a different type of education that focuses on preparing students for jobs that are based on skilled trades and technical occupations. This pathway also allows students to enter university.
3) Full-Time Study Load
In Australia, a full-time student load is defined as what is a normal study load for a full-time student, which is considered to be 48 credit points. This translates to eight subjects per year.
It is generally accepted that students at university need to dedicate 20 to 30 hours per week to their studies. This includes 6 to 12 weekly contact hours (lectures and tutorials) as well as personal work at home.
4) Academic Year and Intakes
The academic year is usually divided into 2 semesters, although some universities have 3 trimesters instead.
Intakes are generally twice a year (Feb/July or Mar/Aug) but it depends on the university and the course chose. Some courses have only 1 intake per year while some others can have up to 4.
Summer holidays are commonly spread across December to February and study breaks happen every mid-term and between each study period.
5) Assessment Methods
There are various assessment methods used in universities across Australia, and assessment methods may vary from university to university, as well as from course to course. The most common forms are exams, essays, reports, presentations and group projects. Exams are almost always open book and assessment based (at home). No need to learn by heart, the most important here is to be able to conduct research on your own and develop a critical mind.
The pass mark is 50%.
6) The Marking System
Coursework is usually graded on a scale of 0-100, with a passing grade being 50 or above. A grade of 75 or above and 65% is “Credit” is generally considered a Distinction, and 85 or above is usually considered a High Distinction.
7) The Price Structure
If you’re planning to study in Australia, it’s important to understand the expenses that living and studying in the country entail. The cost of studying abroad tends to change depending on the university and the course you choose to study. The payments may depend on the level and degree you’re aiming for in Australia’s higher education system.
Payment work as follows: Total cost of the degree divided by number of credit points (usually 48 per year) to find the cost per credit point. Then payments at the beginning of each study period depend on how many credits points the student enrolled for for this session. E.g. if $700 per credit point and the student enrolled in 3 subjects of 6 credit points each, his payment will be 3 x 6 x $700 = $12,600
To give you an idea of how much to expect, an undergraduate bachelor’s degree can cost you anything from AU$11,000 to $45,000. For a postgraduate master’s degree, expect to shell out up to AU$16,000.
8) Australian Student Visa
To study in Australia, applicants must apply for a student visa. For most students, the student visa will be subclass 500. Remember that you must be accepted into a registered course at an Australian educational institution and meet the additional requirements for the visa.
Upon meeting all the requirements mentioned above, you can apply for a student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs website. The application process is relatively straightforward for most applicants, but it is important to ensure that you provide all of the required documentation. Be sure to seek out support throughout the process.
9) Australian Academic Culture
Australian academic culture values independent and critical thinking. In general, the teaching style in Australian classrooms is more informal and interactive than in other countries. Class sizes are also smaller, which allows for more individual attention. Students are also expected to take responsibility for their own learning progress and to be proactive in their studies.
There is also a notably strong focus on research in Australian universities, and students are often encouraged to participate in research projects. Australian universities are also known for their strong industry partnerships, which provide students with practical experience and skills that are highly regarded and valued by employers.
10) Australian Higher Education Scholarships
There are many scholarships for international students who want to study in Australia. Students can apply for scholarships from the Australian government, universities or other organisations. Australian Government Scholarships are available for students from selected countries. These scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs and living expenses.
Australian universities also offer a range of scholarships for international students, they are usually granted upon merits or country of origin. Reach out to us to learn more about the application process and consider the option for your future higher education journey in the country.
Conclusion
Australia is quite a popular destination for international students. With its high quality of education, it is no wonder that many students choose to study in Australia. Just be sure to get fully informed and to connect with the right support services so you know what to expect.Want to know more about the Australian education system? Australia Study is an international student support agency in Australia. Get assistance today!
