BOARDING SCHOOLS
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.
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.
LEARN ENGLISH
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.
General English
- 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
English for Academic Purposes
- 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
English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
- 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
Examination Preparation
- 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
English for Teaching
- 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.)
Study Tours
- 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.
FOUNDATION PATHWAY
- There’s no need to worry if you’re looking to study in Australia and you don’t meet the academic requirements. Many institutions will offer foundation studies – one-year preparatory courses designed to provide the skills and qualifications needed to continue higher education in Australia.
- Completing foundation studies gives students the equivalent of an Australian high school graduation (year 12). While courses are taught in English, they often include English tutoring where required and are focused on preparing students for university study.
UNDERGRADUATE
Who offers undergraduate courses?
Australia has built a strong reputation for excellence and quality across its higher education and training programs. The large numbers of international students who want to pursue higher education in Australia reflect this global reputation.
Higher education courses are offered by universities, private colleges and some TAFE institutes. Some professional courses — such as medicine, veterinary science, law and architecture — are only offered by universities. You can use the Institution Search to search for and contact universities and higher education providers.
Courses and qualifications
Australia has a national set of qualifications that are endorsed by the Australian Government. This means that there is national and international recognition of each qualification and the level of education it represents.
The main types of undergraduate qualifications offered by most higher education institutions are as follows:
- Bachelor degree: Bachelor degrees provide initial preparation for professional careers and postgraduate study and involve a minimum of three years of full-time study (some institutions offer a fast-track system, which allows students to complete a three-year degree in two years). Entry typically requires completion of an Australian secondary school certificate of education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent, or a diploma or advanced diploma from the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
- Bachelor degree (honours): Honours may require an optional additional year of study (usually research based) following a three-year degree or may be awarded for academic achievement in degrees of four or more years.
Average tuition costs
The average cost of a bachelor degree is AUD$15,000 to $33,000.
These figures were sourced from the Australian Government’s Study in Australia website in 2015. Please note that fees vary widely and should always be sourced from the relevant institutions. Some courses, such as medicine and veterinary science, may attract higher costs.
Entry requirements
Entry into most higher education courses in Australia is highly competitive. In addition to the academic requirements specified for each qualification level (see above), applicants must also meet high-level English language requirements. Some higher education courses have additional entry requirements, such as prior knowledge in certain subjects; work experience; or the successful completion of an audition, portfolio, test or interview. Each education provider will have different entry requirements, so it’s important to contact individual providers to check.
Starting dates vary widely depending on the course. Higher education courses generally run from late February to mid-November. The academic year is typically divided into two semesters, although some institutions operate on a trimester system or offer summer schools from December to February, which can reduce the total course length. Students enrol for their courses at the beginning of the year (usually in January or February), but application dates are typically towards the end of the previous year. Some institutions also have a mid-year intake (usually in July) for certain courses.
POSTGRADUATE
Who offers postgraduate courses?
Australia has built a strong reputation for excellence and quality across its higher education and training programs. This global reputation is reflected in the large number of international students who choose to broaden their minds and enrich their lives by pursuing higher education courses here. Many international students elect to complete their postgraduate studies in Australia.
Courses and qualifications
Australia has a national set of qualifications that are endorsed by the Australian Government. This means that there is national and international recognition of each qualification and the level of education it represents.
Postgraduate courses are offered by universities and private colleges. Some fields are only offered by universities, such as medicine and architecture. Entry into most higher education courses in Australia is highly competitive, and a high standard of English language is required for postgraduate study. Each education provider will have different entrance requirements, so it’s important to contact individual providers to check. You can use the Institution Search to search for and contact individual higher education providers.
The main types of postgraduate qualifications offered by most higher education institutions are:
Graduate certificate/diploma: These qualifications are generally designed for specific vocational purposes — either the broadening of skills and knowledge already gained in an undergraduate program or the development of vocational skills and knowledge in a new professional area. The typical requirement is six months to a year of full-time study for the graduate certificate and one to two years of full-time study for the graduate diploma. Entry usually requires a bachelor degree or advanced diploma.
Masters degree: Masters degrees provide a mastery or high-order overview of a field of study or area of professional practice. They typically involve one to two years of full-time study. The masters degree may be offered in three formats:
- Masters degree (coursework): These consist of coursework, project work and research in varying combinations. Entry typically requires prior completion of a bachelor degree, a bachelor degree (honours) or a graduate certificate or diploma.
- Masters degree (research): These are at least two-thirds research and include a substantial thesis or research project, which is often externally assessed. Entry normally requires a bachelor degree (honours) or masters preliminary year.
- Masters degree (extended): These may consist of a work-based project. Entry requires a relevant qualification and professional experience, or extensive relevant professional experience.
Doctoral degree: Doctoral degrees recognise a considerable original contribution to a given field in the form of new knowledge or the adaptation, application and interpretation of existing knowledge. They are usually completed over three or four years of full-time study. The doctoral degree may be offered in two formats:
- Research doctorate (PhD): These consist mainly of supervised research resulting in the completion of a thesis. Entry requires a masters degree by research or a bachelor degree (honours).
- Professional doctorate: These combine coursework and research for professionals wanting to advance their knowledge in their field without the research commitment of a PhD. Entry typically requires a masters degree by research or a bachelor degree (honours). In addition, considerable professional experience is required either before or during the course.
Average tuition costs
- Masters degree: AUD$20,000 to $37,000 per year
- Doctoral degree: AUD$14,000 to $37,000 per year
These figures were sourced from the Australian Government’s Study in Australia website in 2015. Please note that fees vary widely and should always be sourced from the relevant institution. Some courses, such as medicine and veterinary science, may attract higher costs.
Entry requirements
Entry into most higher education courses in Australia is highly competitive. In addition to the academic requirements specified for each qualification level (see above), applicants must also meet high-level English language requirements. Some higher education courses have additional entry requirements, such as prior knowledge in certain subjects; work experience; or the successful completion of an audition, portfolio, test or interview. Each education provider will have different entry requirements, so it’s important to contact individual providers to check.
Starting dates vary widely depending on the course. Higher education courses generally run from late February to mid-November. The academic year is typically divided into two semesters, although some institutions operate on a trimester system or offer summer schools from December to February, which can reduce the total course length. Students enrol for their courses at the beginning of the year (usually in January or February), but application dates are typically towards the end of the previous year. Some institutions also have a mid-year intake (usually in July) for certain courses.
Students studying towards a doctoral degree or other research degree may be able to negotiate an alternative starting date with their project supervisor.
PHD/DBA/RESEARCH
PhD opportunities in Australia - what's on offer for 2018?
There's more to postgraduate research than surfing, hiking and great food (sadly). You'll need to know that you're completing your doctorate at an excellent university, with the chance to conduct worthwhile research and earn an internationally respected degree.
Australia ticks all of those boxes, with universities carrying out pioneering work in ecology, renewable energy, antibiotic therapy and more. So, whether you want to study marsupials or medicine, Australia is a place where your PhD could really make a difference. And you can still go surfing too.
Here are a few other reasons to consider an Australian PhD right now:
- Internationally renowned research- Australia is home to some of the world's leading universities, with six institutions in the global top 100.
- Unique PhD opportunities- From Marine Biology at the Great Barrier Reef to Anthropology at Ayers Rock, some doctoral research can only be completed in Australia.
- Generous post-study visas- Australia values its PhD graduates: your doctorate could allow you to live and work in the country for at least four years.
- No viva- Not keen on the thought of defending your thesis during an oral exam? It's quite common for Australian doctorates to be assessed without the traditional PhD viva voce.
PhD Study in Australia - Key Details
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Universities
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43
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Nobel Prizes
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12
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Oldest University
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University of Sydney (1850)
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International Students
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335,512
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PhD Length
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3 years
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Typical Fees
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AUD $14,000-37,000 (USD $11,000-29,000)
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Academic Year
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February to November
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Australian universities
There are 43 universities in Australia. All of them are publically-funded institutions, supported and accredited by the Australian Government. These institutions are also responsible for carrying out research and training PhD students - like you.
Other higher education institutions in Australia are usually Technical and Further Education (TAFE)institutions, focussing on practical and professional training. They offer some postgraduate qualifications at or around Masters-level, but don't award PhDs.
University groups
As in other countries, Australian higher education includes several university associations or 'mission groups'. These bring together similar institutions with shared aims and objectives.
They include:
Don't get too caught up with a university's affiliation when considering PhD opportunities.
A doctorate from a Group of Eight member is an impressive and prestigious qualification, but institutions in other groups offer equally excellent research opportunities in their areas of expertise. Don't forget, after all, that specialism is what PhD study is all about.
Australian university rankings
The strength - and breadth - of Australian research has traditionally been reflected in global league tables. 2018 is no exception, with eight universities in the top 150 according to the latest Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.
SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL SUPPORT
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).
- Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)- From 1 January 2017 the Research Training Program (RTP) replaced the International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) program. Find out more about the Research Training Program at the Department of Education(opens in a new window) Applications for these scholarships are made directly to a participating university(opens in a new window).
- 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. Read more about the Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship(opens in a new window).
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.