Why study in Australia?
Australia is a dynamic and vibrant country with a great deal to offer international students. Choosing to come to Australia to further your studies will provide you with new and wonderful opportunities and experiences, and a whole new view of the world, not to mention exciting and progressive world-class education programs.
Here are just a few of the common reasons international students choose Australia as their overseas study destination:
Dynamic and progressive education programs with a reputation for excellence
Globally-recognised courses and qualifications
The relaxed, enjoyable and safe lifestyle
Cheaper study and living expense compared to many other countries
Vibrant, appealing and multicultural cities
Great weather
Amazing and diverse landscapes and scenery
Unique and wonderful flora and fauna
WHAT CAN I STUDY?
English language studies
Australia is proud of the reputation and quality of its English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). The National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) works to maintain the high standard of Australia’s ELICOS courses.
Secondary Education Australia has become popular as a secondary school destination due to the quality and international recognition of the education offered, and the safe, caring and multicultural environment. An Australian secondary school education aims to provide you with skills for your future study, employment and life, in Australia or anywhere in the world.
Vocational education and training (VET)
Thousands of courses are offered through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector in Australia, often referred to as Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in other countries. Qualifications gained through the VET system can lead to a career in a variety of diverse and exciting industries. Job possibilities are almost limitless and can range from fashion designer to chef to laboratory assistant.
Technical and further education (TAFE)
The Technical and Further Education (TAFE) sector is the largest education and training sector in Australia. It offers an extensive range of courses that cover a wide range of subject areas and provide practical skills and training for a huge variety of career possibilities.
Foundation studies
Foundation courses help international students gain entry to undergraduate study at Australian universities. Some promise a place at university if you are successful in completing the course. They also help newcomers adapt to the Australian academic environment and way of life.
Higher education
Australia is a popular destination with students wishing to complete their higher education overseas. In fact, the percentage of international students in Australia is higher than in the UK or the USA. This is not surprising when you consider Australia’s reputation for innovative, high-quality and internationally-recognised courses, and the fact that many courses are comparatively cheaper.
Study abroad and exchange programs
Australian universities have study abroad and student exchange agreements with universities from around the world. Each year, thousands of international students choose to study in Australia because of the high academic standards, lifestyle and travel opportunities.
MBA programs
Studying business and management in Australia offers students the opportunity to learn in an environment that is uniquely placed between eastern and western cultures and economies. This cultural understanding, in the era of global development, is quickly becoming an important element of business success.
Choosing a COURSE
Consider your career path
Before commencing your course search, it is important to have some idea of the career path you want. It does not matter if you are considering a few career paths, it is still important to have an end goal(s) in sight as you research your study options.
Search for all your options
Once you have worked out the study area(s) you wish to focus on you can start to research the courses that are available in your desired field(s). At this point you should be looking at the whole range that are available to you.
Think about which course is best for you
Whilst some programs may have the same title, it is worth exploring individual course details. You can find contact details on this website. This is for you to discover which courses specialise in areas most suited to your career goals and interests. You will also need to explore the necessary entrance requirements for each course to ensure that you will be an eligable candidate.
Consider location
Along with choosing the course that is best suited to your career goals, it is a good idea to look at university locations and the lifestyle and culture of different locations. It will be a lot easier to stay motivated and achieve in your studies if you are happy in your non-study life.
You can browse the university websites and communicate with the international student offices to discover what support services and activities each university offers. Australia is a large continent with a wide variety of cities – look at where the university is located to see which location appeals to you the most. Another point to consider is personal support you may be able to access in Australia (such as friends and relatives already here) and whether you wish to be close to them.
Make your decision
The final step in your decision-making process is to combine all your research, and consider all the facts. Try to maintain focus on what you most want to achieve from both your study program and Australian experience. This should lead you to a final list of your preferred courses and institutions, and you will be ready to apply!
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) was designed by the Australian Government to make sure that Australian qualification titles are the same throughout the country and that they represent the same high standard of education.
What is the AQF?
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) regulates all Australian qualifications, providing clear rules on the level of education each qualification title represents and must provide.
Each qualification generally leads into the next qualification up the education framework. Having a system that is standard across the whole country makes it easier for people to continue their education as there is a clear pathway to follow. It also makes transferring between different states, territories and universities much easier as there is no confusion caused by differing qualification titles and education levels.
International students and the AQF
The AQF has advantages for international students. It makes course searches much easier as the qualification titles are the same throughout Australia. This means that you can focus on finding the best course and university for your needs, without also having to spend time looking into what each qualification title means. In addition, international students who complete a qualification within the AQF will easily be able to understand the entrance requirements for higher qualifications; for example, from undergraduate to postgraduate study.
The AQF also contributes to the worldwide recognition of Australian qualifications, as it is easy for other countries to understand what level of education each Australian qualification represents.
There are a limited number of courses not part of the AQF that are also available to international students. These courses, foundation and bridging courses for example, are designed to help students meet course entry requirements or to lead to further study resulting in an AQF qualification.
Quality assurance
A number of regulations and laws are in place to ensure the quality and consistency of Australia’s international education sector. Australia has in place a national quality assurance system that is strictly governed by both government and industry. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 requires institutions that offer courses to international students to meet nationally consistent standards in education quality, facilities and services. The Act therefore ensures that international students receive the same standard of education as Australian students.
In addition, institutions that wish to offer education to international students must be registered with the Australian Government under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Registration with CRICOS requires institutions to demonstrate that their qualifications meet Australian standards.
Note: international students should carefully check the CRICOS website, http://cricos.dest.gov.au , to make sure that courses they are interested in enrolling in are registered.
Further information
Private colleges that offer higher education must be registered with the AQF as eligible to offer higher education qualifications. The AQF Register lists all courses and providers that are currently registered at www.aqf.edu.au/register.htm .
A listing of all vocational education qualifications that are recognised by the AQF can be found on the National Training Information Service website at www.ntis.gov.au .
Posts
