GOLDEN WATTLE | Australian Student Visa Consultancy and Visa Processing Expert

AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION

Australia offers a diverse range of study options for international students, with more than 1,200 institutions and over 22,000 courses to choose from

You can study at all levels of education from primary and secondary school, to vocational education and training (VET), from English language courses to higher education (including universities)

Regardless of what you are studying or how long you are studying for, Australia’s laws promote quality education and protection for international students

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000(opens in a new window) and the National Code of Practice(opens in a new window) for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (National Code) provide nationally consistent standards for providers of education and training for international students

As an international student on a student visa, you must study with an institution and in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS registration guarantees that the course and the institution at which you study meet the high standards expected by international students. You can search for courses and institutions here on the Study in Australia website

Along with the ESOS Act and National Code, there are also regulatory and quality assurance organisations for higher education and VET institutions. These government organisations are responsible for registration/re-registration of institutions and accreditation/re-accreditation of courses. These organisations are:

Higher education – Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)(opens in a new window)
VET – Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)(opens in a new window)

So no matter the type of course you want to study, how long you want to study for or where you want to study, you can be assured that in Australia you will have a high quality and rewarding study experience

AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Australian education system provides primary, secondary and tertiary education.

SCHOOL EDUCATION (PRIMARY AND SECONDARY)

School education is similar across all of Australia with only minor variations between states and territories. School education (primary and secondary) is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9 or 10). School education is 13 years and divided into:

Primary school – Runs for seven or eight years, starting at Kindergarten/Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7
Secondary school – Runs for three or four years, from Years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10
Senior secondary school – Runs for two years, Years 11 and 12

TERTIARY EDUCATION

Tertiary education includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET)

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION

English is the official language of Australia and the main language of instruction in the education system. Many schools offer bilingual programs or programs in other languages

AUSTRALIAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK

The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).(opens in a new window) The AQF was established in 1995 and is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education

The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life

If you are studying an AQF qualification, you can be sure that your institution is Government-authorised and nationally accredited, and that your degree or other AQF qualification will be genuine

Our institutions are linked across the country and across the world, which makes it easy to move throughout the education system between courses or institutions and formal agreement and recognition frameworks mean every step of the path will contribute to your future no matter what your study or career goals

EDUCATION COSTS IN AUSTRALIA

The costs of studying in Australia depend on the institution and the level of study you choose

As an international student, your tuition fees are payable before you study. You can use the Course Search on this website to find courses and see details such as their tuition fees. There may be additional costs for your course, including course materials and access to institution facilities

The list below gives you an indication of the range of course costs for different types of qualifications

School – $7,800 to $30,000
English language studies – Around $300 per week depending on course length
Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree – $15,000 to $33,000*
Postgraduate Masters Degree – $20,000 to $37,000*
Doctoral Degree – $14,000 to $37,000*

* Note: This does not include high value courses such as veterinary and medical. Please visit institution websites directly to see costs for these courses. All costs are per year in Australian dollars. To convert to your own currency, visit http://www.azad.space/crc

SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

There are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries which can help support you financially with your studies in Australia. They are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions, and a number of other public and private organisations. You can use the search tool available on every page of this site to find scholarships, along with contact details for the institution providing the scholarship

All applications and enquiries for scholarships are made through the scholarship provider

Here is information about some of the major scholarships programs available for international students:

Australia Awards – The Australia Awards aim to promote knowledge, education links, and enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours through Australia’s extensive scholarship programs. The program brings together scholarships offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Read more about Australia Awards(opens in a new window) and Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships(opens in a new window).
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships – The International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) program focuses on improving the quality of Australian research. If you already have a graduate qualification, an IPRS scholarship lets you study in Australia with some of the best researchers in your field. You can read more about these scholarships at the Department of Education website. Or to search for the scholarships, use the search tool on this website
Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship – The Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowships are open to high-achieving female researchers from APEC economies for research opportunities in partnership with Australian education and research institutions. The fellowships aim to support women’s economic empowerment in the APEC region and raise the profile of female role models in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?

All scholarships listed on our website are available to international students. Many are available to students of all nationalities, however all scholarships conditions are set by the institution or organisation offering the scholarship and applications have to be done directly with the scholarship provider. To find out if you are eligible to receive a scholarship you must contact the organisation offering the scholarship

To find out what scholarships you might be eligible for use the search tool found on every page of this website

1. Type in your area of study or an institution in the Search bar

2. In the Search results page, click on the Scholarships tab

3. From the list of available scholarships, apply the filter to match your preferences

UNIVERSITIES AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher education courses can be taken to earn an advanced degree and continue your studies in Australia. There are three main types of higher education which lead to Bachelor, Master and Doctoral Degrees

In Australia it is quite common for students to enrol in a double or combined Bachelor Degree program which leads to the award of two Bachelor Degrees. This is most common in the fields of arts, commerce, law and science

Australian institutions offer a wide range of courses – from science to management and commerce, humanities to engineering, and law to health sciences. Australian institutions rank among the world’s best by discipline, particularly in engineering and technology, medicine, environmental science, and accounting and finance

There are 43 universities in Australia (40 Australian universities, two international universities, and one private specialty university). Along with our universities, many other institutions offer higher education courses. You can search for institutions and courses using the Institution and Course Search on this website

OUR QUALITY ASSURANCE

Australia has a national regulatory and quality agency for higher education – the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). It was established by the Australian Government to monitor quality, and regulate university and non-university higher education providers against a set of standards developed by the independent Higher Education Standards Panel. In addition, the following student rights are protected by law under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS):

The well-being of all international students.
The quality of students’ education experience.
The provision of up-to-date and accurate information.

QUALITY INDICATORS FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website makes it possible to compare higher education institutions and study areas, based on the results of thousands of surveys completed by domestic and international current and former students. Users will be able to compare the overall satisfaction of current students and recent graduates, as well as the percentage of graduates moving into full-time employment and their median salary

OUR QUALITY ASSURANCE

The well-being of all international students.
The quality of students’ education experience.
The provision of up-to-date and accurate information.

QUALITY INDICATORS FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Whether you’re looking to move straight into the workforce, or to take an initial step in your tertiary education, an Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification can take you where you want to go

Australia’s VET sector is based on a partnership between governments and industry. VET qualifications are provided by government institutions, called Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, as well as private institutions. Australian governments (federal and state) provide funding, develop policies, and contribute to regulation and quality assurance of the sector. Industry and employer groups contribute to training policies and priorities, and in developing qualifications that deliver skills to the workforce

STUDY WITH THE EXPERTS

Nothing is more exciting than learning from someone who shares the same passions as you do – and who’s already been there and done it at the highest level. In Australia, VET teaching staff are not just industry-aware, but have actual experience in their fields of expertise – maintaining the currency of their knowledge, and modifying their courses to reflect changing industry focus and needs. And that means you learn not only the theory, but also the reality of the subjects you’re studying.

LEARN ON THE JOB

Many of our VET courses incorporate a period of on-site learning, which means you don’t just learn in a classroom, but get priceless industry experience in a genuine work environment. It’s real-world industry experience that ensures your qualifications fully prepare you for employment in your chosen industry.

OUR QUALITY ASSURANCE

In Australia, the quality of your education is guaranteed. In fact, the wellbeing of all international students, the quality of their educational experience, and the provision of up-to-date and accurate information is protected by law – under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. On top of this, a national VET Regulator –Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)(opens in a new window) – ensures the quality of our education to more than 1.2 million students – including some 230,000 international students involved in vocational education and training

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

Vocational education and training (VET) institutions specialise in providing students with hands-on experience and real-world skills. Courses are taught within an array of industries, including: administration, retail, tourism and hospitality, construction, utilities, community services and health, transport, mining, manufacturing, and technology.

VET qualifications are outcome-based and focus on the occupational skills and competencies gained. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognises prior learning or current competence in the industry. This makes credit transfer easier and offers students flexible learning pathways. Qualifications range across four levels of certificates (Certificate I, II, III and IV), as well as Diploma courses and Advanced Diploma courses.

Your VET course will broaden your skills in a specialised area that teaches you the practical experience you’ll need for the workplace. It will train you to design, plan, and execute the practical and technical aspects of your field in an industry context.

Listed below are the qualifications and possible career outcomes of Australian VET courses:

CERTIFICATE I

Duration – 4 to 6 months
Career outcome – Competent operator

CERTIFICATE II

Duration – About 1 year
Career outcome – Advanced operator

CERTIFICATE III

Duration – About 1 year
Career outcome – Qualified tradesperson or technician

CERTIFICATE IV

Duration – 12 to 18 months
Career outcome – Supervisor

DIPLOMA

Duration – 18 to 24 months
Career outcome – Para-professional

ADVANCED DIPLOMA

Duration – 24 to 36 months
Career outcome – Junior manager

SCHOOLS IN AUSTRALIA

School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary school, secondary school (or high school) and senior secondary school (or college)

Schooling lasts for 13 years, from preparatory to senior secondary. School is compulsory until at least the age of 16. Types of schools include government schools, non-government schools (including faith-based schools such as Catholic or Islamic schools) and schools based on educational philosophies such as Montessori and Steiner. All schools must be registered with the state or territory education department and are subject to government requirements in terms of infrastructure and teacher registration

Australian schools do more than just educate students. They prepare them for life − developing communication skills, self-discipline and respect for themselves, their peers and their world. Schools offer a broad curriculum in the key learning areas – English, mathematics, studies of society and the environment, science, arts, Languages Other Than English (LOTE), technology, health and physical education. They also believe strongly in the benefits of a rounded education – including the teamwork, self-expression and personal development that happen outside the classroom

In Australia, students will enjoy a diverse learning environment that is as personally enriching as it is educational, and develop the skills and qualities needed in a changing world.

LEARN ON THE JOB

A HIGHER STANDARD OF LEARNING

Australian schools are among the finest in the world. See for yourself what makes an Australian education so valuable:

Small class sizes (a maximum of 30 students in a class)
University-trained and qualified teachers and specialist teachers in subject areas
Facilities of a high standard – including a high level of technology, with all schools having computers and internet access
‘Gifted and talented’ programs to extend students who are high achievers
‘High Achievement’ programs, which see the top students studying university-level subjects for advance credit
Individual learning programs for students who require additional learning support
Quality assurance frameworks where schools must meet required standards

PRODUCING THOUGHT LEADERS

The Australian school curriculum prepares you for your future. Our schools aim to develop students into independent and successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens – with the view to giving them all the skills, knowledge and capabilities to thrive in a globalised world. From Kindergarten to Year 12, Australian schools focus on providing equity for every student, and striving for excellence in all areas of education

TEACHING STYLES AND ASSESSMENT METHODS

A variety of teaching methods are used, including: teacher-directed learning, student research, group projects and presentations, visual presentations, e-learning and interactive classrooms. A variety of assessment methods are used to assess student outcomes. These may include individual research projects, group assignments, oral and visual presentations, the use of technology including PowerPoint, podcast or vodcast presentations, as well as the more traditional class tests and assignments. National and state testing programs ensure standards are met and maintained

SCHOOL QUALIFICATIONS

After completion of senior secondary school (Years 11 and 12) students sit for exams and receive an official certificate of qualification. The name of this certificate varies within Australia’s state-based education systems but regardless of what the certificate is called, it is recognised by all Australian universities, higher education and vocational education and training institutions, as well as many institutions internationally

ENGLISH COURSES

Studying English in Australia is about much more than reciting words in a classroom. Our teaching approach focuses on critical thinking, as well as group and project work – all drawn from real-life experiences, which means you will not only be learning the language, you will be learning how to use it in everyday life

By studying English in Australia, you will gain a huge range of life skills you cannot get at home. Invaluable skills like problem-solving, leading diverse teams of people, and applying your English to real-world situations – abilities you will draw on for the rest of your life. With a multicultural mix of students in our educational facilities, you will learn the world’s language in a truly international environment

Our English language teaching maintains a consistently high quality – no matter where you study or what course you choose. As the only country in the world with mandatory national standards and a comprehensive, industry-led quality support framework (see English Australia) you can be confident that you’re getting the very finest English education

TYPES OF ENGLISH TRAINING

Australia offers a range of English courses to suit a range of study needs.

Your Goal – To improve general proficiency to access higher level courses; to improve your English for everyday use; to improve your English for travel; to improve your English for work purposes or to do casual work in an English speaking country
Course description – Focusing on communication skills with emphasis on speaking and listening

Your Goal – You want to study in an Australian school, vocational college or university
Course description – Preparing you for study at an English-speaking university, higher education or vocational institute

Your Goal – You want to learn the spoken and written English needed for a specific context and perhaps want to consider an internship
Course description – Focusing on practical English for specific course areas such as business, aviation or tourism

Your Goal – You plan to take an exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, or the Cambridge First Certificate
Course description – Preparing you for English language proficiency examinations

Your Goal – You want to teach English in schools in your own country
Course description – These courses include TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, EfTC (English for Teaching Children.)

Your Goal – You want to have a short holiday, study English and have fun or study English and undertake work related training
Course description – These courses are a combination of General English with sporting, social, tourist, cultural or professional training activities

Our quality assurance

Australia has national regulatory and quality agencies for international education – the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)(opens in a new window) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).(opens in a new window) They were established by the Australian Government to monitor quality, and regulate university and non-university education providers against a set of independently developed standards to regulate courses and education and training providers to ensure nationally approved quality standards are met. These two bodies share responsibility for monitoring national standards for English language colleges(opens in a new window)

In addition, the following student rights are protected by law under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS):

The wellbeing of all international students.
The quality of students’ education experience
The provision of up-to-date and accurate information.

English Australia

is the national peak body for the English language sector of international education in Australia. English Australia represents over 100 member colleges throughout Australia that provide quality English language programs to students and professionals from around the world

English Australia’s focus is on:

Delivering the highest quality English language programs;
Providing a range of support services for a secure learning environment; and
TAssuring tuition protection for students of all visa types.

FIELDS OF STUDY

Courses in Australia are categorised in to ‘Fields of education’, also called ‘Fields of study’. It is a classification system used by Australian institutions to describe courses, specialisations and units of study

NATURAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Natural and physical sciences is the study of all living organisms and inanimate natural objects, through experiment, observation and deduction. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Atmospheric sciences
Biological processes
Chemical reactions
Geological composition and structures
Laboratory methodology
Mathematical and statistical techniques
Observation and measurement
Scientific method
Subatomic particles and quantum mechanics
Thermodynamics and entropy

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the workings of the universe, and to extend the body of scientific knowledge

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Information technology is the study of the processing, transmitting and storage of information by computers. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Computation theory
Computer programming
Data format and coding
Management, storage and retrieval of information in a computer environment
Robotics programming and artificial intelligence
Systems analysis

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of information systems, programming languages, information management and artificial intelligence, and the ability to apply them to solve problems

ENGINEERING AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES

Engineering and related technologies is the study of the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and functioning of machines, systems and structures; and the composition and processing of metals, ceramics, foodstuffs and other materials. It includes the measurement and mapping of the earth’s surface and its natural and constructed features. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Aeronautics
Engineering and manufacturing technology
Food technology
Land information technology and remote sensing
Materials science
Principles of design, drafting, planning and commissioning
Plant and machine maintenance

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the conversion of materials and energy, the measurement and representation of objects, and the operation of plant, machinery and transport systems

ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING

Architecture and building is the study of the art, science and techniques involved in designing, constructing, adapting and maintaining public, commercial, industrial and residential structures and landscapes. It includes the study of the art and science of designing and planning urban and regional environments. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of integrating structural and aesthetic elements in buildings and environments, and construction methods, techniques and materials

AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND RELATED STUDIES

Agriculture, environmental and related studies is the study of the theory and practice of breeding, growing, gathering, reproducing and caring for plants and animals. It includes the study of the interaction between people and the environment and the application of scientific principles to the environment to protect it from deterioration. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the management and use of natural resources, and the production of primary agricultural products

HEALTH

Health is the study of maintaining and restoring the physical and mental wellbeing of humans and animals. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Disease processes and mechanisms
Restoration and maintenance of health
Diagnosis
Principles and practices of public health

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the principles and practices of identifying, treating, controlling and preventing injury and disease. It is also involves developing an understanding of the principles and practices of providing preventative, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care.

EDUCATION

Education is the study of the process of learning. It includes the theories, methods and techniques of imparting knowledge and skills to others. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Curriculum development
Processes of learning and skill acquisition
Teaching methods

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the processes and methods of teaching and learning in pre-schools, schools, tertiary educational institutions and other settings.

MANAGEMENT AND COMMERCE

Management and commerce is the study of the theory and practice of planning, directing, organising, motivating and co-ordinating the human and material resources of private and public organisations and institutions. It includes the merchandising and provision of goods and services and personal development. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Management and administration
Human and material resources management
Sales and marketing
Finance and financial management
Human behaviour and time management

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of decision making and policy formation, organisational development, planning, financial management, and the marketing and selling of goods and services

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

Society and culture is the study of the physical, social and cultural organisation of human society and their influence on the individual and groups. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Belief and value systems
Cultural expression
Human development and behaviour
Human populations and their environments
Politics of power
Social organisation and structure
Social research methodology

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of human behaviour and interaction, beliefs and values, cultural expression, and social structure and organisation

CREATIVE ARTS

Creative arts is the study of creating and performing works of art, music, dance and drama. It includes the study of clothing design and creation, and communicating through a variety of media. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Artistic and technical aspects of audio-visual communication
Artistic and technical aspects of creating and producing art and craft, photographs and fashion apparel
Artistic and technical aspects of creating, producing and performing music, dance and drama
Finance and financial management
History, development and theory of the visual and performing arts

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of composition, performance, artistic production, choreography, design and creativity, and technical production

FOOD, HOSPITALITY AND PERSONAL SERVICES

Food, hospitality and personal services is the study of preparing, displaying and serving food and beverages, providing hospitality services, caring for the hair and body for grooming and beautification, and other personal services. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Application and use of skin care and cosmetic products
General beauty care
Hair cutting, styling, colouring and treatment techniques
Housekeeping
Hygienic work practices in relation to the food and hospitality industry
Preparation, display and service of food and beverages

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the preparation of food and beverages, and the provision of hospitality services including housekeeping, cleaning and food and beverage service. It also involves developing a knowledge of beautification and beauty treatments.

MIXED FIELD PROGRAMMES

Mixed field programmes are programmes providing general and personal development education. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:

Literacy and numeracy skills
Personal, social and workplace relationships

The main purpose of this field of study is to develop a basic understanding of reading, writing and arithmetic along with an elementary understanding of other subjects such as history, geography, natural science, social science, art and music. It also involves developing an understanding of key competencies and skills that are needed for job search activities, employment and personal survival skills