Students attend school from Monday to Friday each week. School hours vary slightly across Australia but are generally from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm each school day. Most schools are co-educational with the exception of some private secondary schools.There are over 12,000 international students in Australian schools. Some schools and colleges cater exclusively for international students. Others have long traditions of exchanging their own students with international students.
Many students use senior secondary study to gain university entry qualifications. Around nine out of every 10 Australian secondary schools also offer vocational education programs in addition to the standard school curriculum. In the last two years of secondary school, students may undertake studies, which may lead them to university/ vocational education or employment.
School Scholarships
Scholarships are provided by many schools and cover part or all of the tuition fees. Schools can either set their own exams for scholarship students or participate in tests developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Tests are usually held in May the year before the scholarship is offered. These are generally conducted in Australia, however, there are some overseas examination centres for the ACER test. You can inquire directly with the school or through your local Australian education adviser if scholarships are available at the schools you are interested in attending.
Universities
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.
All Australian universities are strictly monitored to maintain high standards in teaching and research. Most Australian universities are located in cities, while some are found in rural environments.
Universities offer courses in a wide range of areas at the following levels:
Academic Year
Most courses start in February, however, some may also start in July and October. University in Australia is a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, as well as individual study in laboratories and libraries. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities that balance academic life.
Vocational Education & 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 degree courses.
Tafe
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.Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) is a government owned and operated education system that offers courses in almost every field of study. There are more than 230 government TAFE colleges around Australia that offer courses at certificate, diploma and advanced diploma levels. Many TAFE courses will lead to credit transfer arrangements at Australian universities so you can earn credit towards a bachelors degree. Some TAFE courses are only a few weeks while others may take up to three years to complete. Some TAFE colleges are located in cities, while others are in rural areas. Most courses start in February, however, some may also start in July.
TAFE courses emphasise practical and professional learning that will help you get a job.
English Language Courses
Examination Preparation
Prepares international students to undertake international examinations such as IELTS, Cambridge and TOEFL.
English for Special Purposes
Provides English language skills in the context of specific environments or vocations. Courses include English for Business, International Relations, the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Health Professionals, and Computing and Information Technology.
Study Tour Programs
Tailored for individuals or groups and provides the opportunity to learn English while enjoying travelling and exploring the many unique features of Australia . Some centres combine English language classes with sporting activities, such as scuba diving, golf, horse riding and sailing.
Assessment Methods
Each secondary school in Australia determines its own assessment method. In the final year of school you are assessed through a mixture of school-based and external exams. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is issued on the basis of the final results. Universities use these certificates as an admission guideline.
Assessment methods for vocational education and training institutions and for coursework programs at universities vary. You may be assessed by examination towards the end of each semester and/or academic year, by continuous assessment through essays, presentations and tests or a combination of these.
Assessment of a postgraduate research student is made by a committee that evaluates the quality of the student’s thesis. The committee may ask you to take an oral examination to support your thesis.
Study Methods
Students at Australian universities and colleges attend lectures, tutorials, seminars, as well as conducting independent research in libraries or laboratories. You will be encouraged to collect and analyse data by yourself or in teams, to ask questions, to develop an argument in a logical form and to participate in discussion and debate with other students and lecturers.
This means students are active learners in Australia, and don’t just passively listen and rote learn. Most colleges and universities can help you with study skills so you can adapt to the Australian way of learning.