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Australian Education System
Each year, Australia welcomes an increasing number of international students to study in universities, institutes, colleges and schools. In the last couple of years more than 180,000 students from 140 countries studied at Australian institutions. The majority of these students (almost 70 per cent) undertook courses in the higher education and vocational education sectors.
The VET sector is positioned between secondary schools and universities and prepares students for employment or further study. This sector consists of public institutes of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), and private colleges specialising in one or more areas of study related to future work.
TAFE Institutes are nationally-recognised, government-funded institutions offering vocational education and training over a wide range of occupations. Courses vary in duration from several hours to three year full-time courses. They are usually cheaper than university courses , and students may progress to university later on with credits for their TAFE studies. Qualifications include certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas.
Private colleges include business colleges, computer training firms, English language centres, and colleges specialising in a particular field such as aviation, photography, interior decorating, multimedia, hospitality management and tourism.
Many institutes also provide accredited English language training and Foundation Studies for entry into university diploma and bachelor degree courses. All institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards.
Australia has 37 government-funded universities and two private universities, as well as a number of specialist institutions providing approved courses at the higher education level. Universities engage in teaching and research across a wide range of professional and academic disciplines . These disciplines may be specialist in nature (eg, Medicine, Engineering) or generalist (eg. Arts, Science).
University studies can be undertaken at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, leading to awards ranging from graduate certificate to doctorate . Many institutions also offer additional programs such as Foundation Studies, Study Abroad and English language courses.
These programs give overseas students the opportunity to undertake courses at Australian universities for one or two semesters and have them credited at their home institutions . Students must gain prior approval for the subjects they wish to study abroad, and must also meet the normal pre-requisites for individual subjects.
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) may be undertaken at a variety of government and private institutions. There are currently over 100 accredited and registered English Centres throughout Australia .
Courses are designed to include general English language training, English for academic purposes (in preparation for further studies), English for specific purposes (eg, business or computing studies), secondary school preparation, and preparation for international exams (such as the Cambridge Certificate or IELTS).
Full-time English courses are available for periods of study from four to 48 weeks. Study tour programs are available, either full or part time, for periods of between one and six weeks.
Each institution has its own application form and entry requirements vary between institutions and courses of study.
Assistance with applications for enrolment and visas can be obtained from education advisers (agents/contact officers). Most institutions have nominated advisers.
Ideally, you should begin the application process about 6 months before you hope to enrol. If you are awaiting final examination results, most institutions will grant provisional acceptance based on your past academic performance. Provisional acceptance will also be granted pending acceptable English language proficiency.
The following details should be supplied when applying for admission to an institution:
full details of previous study, including copies of qualifications already awarded to you
evidence of your English language proficiency (that is, appropriate IELTS score or as accepted by the institution)
evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover all costs associated with the period of study
Application forms and supporting documents should be forwarded to the agent . If your application is accepted, the enrolling institution will send a letter offering you a place in your chosen course and requesting a portion of tuition fees and health insurance. Once these have been paid, the institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). This is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications.
English language proficiency is now a requirement when applying for a student visa (see table below). 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. Intending students should check the entry requirements with their proposed institution.
Australia enjoys a standard of living, which is among the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than in the UK and USA .
The following tuition fees represent the average costs of undertaking courses of study in Australia and should be used as a guide only. Specific information about tuition fees can be obtained directly from individual institutions.
English language training
(varies depending on course duration)
A$3500 – 13,500
Vocational education and training (TAFE and private colleges)
Certificates I-IV
Diploma
Advanced Diploma
A$5500 – $18,000 per year
University
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Foundation studies
A$10,000–$16,500 per year
A$9000 – $18,500 per year
A$9000–$14,000 per year
There are a number of accommodation options available for students studying in Australia . Most universities and TAFE colleges operate housing offices to assist students with accommodation. Students should seek their advice as soon as they receive confirmation of enrolment.
Homestay (living with an Australian family) is popular with younger students and those studying short-term English courses. Meals are usually included.
Many universities and colleges have halls of residence attached to them. Here, students have a bedroom/study of their own, and will share bathrooms, laundries and recreational facilities. Most of these residential halls provide meals, and some offer kitchen facilities where students can cook and store food.
Students can also rent an apartment or house . Rents vary depending on the location, size and facilities. Many students in Australia live in an apartment or a house with other students, sharing the cost of gas, electricity and sometimes food.
Other types of accommodation for students include private board, hostels and guest houses. Again, costs will vary depending on the location and the facilities available. Below is an indicative guide.
