The search for a study destination abroad isn’t complete without considering the prospect of studying in Australia. The island nation sits at its well-deserved position as one of the top study destinations for international students worldwide. Australia may be the perfect choice for students seeking an ideal balance between high-quality education, affordability, and a relaxed student lifestyle.
Apart from offering high-quality English education in diverse subjects, the country offers a safe and supportive environment for students to work and learn. This article provides an overview of the higher education landscape in Australia.
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Australia
1. Public Universities
Universities are the primary institutions for higher education in Australia. Australian schools offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide range of disciplines. These schools are known for their research-intensive approach to academia and high education standards.
Universities can be further categorized based on their origins and affiliations. Such categories include the Group of Eight, Australian Technology Network, Regional Universities Network, and New Generation Universities. RMIT University, Edith Cowan University, and Curtin University are some examples of public higher education institutions in Australia that international students can apply to.
2. Technical and Further Education Institutes
These institutes, operated by the Australian government, primarily focus on pragmatic education. Known for their focus on vocational education and training, they train students with a skill-based approach to education required for specific trades and industries like engineering and nursing.
TAFE institutions offer various programs, from diplomas and advanced diplomas to certificate courses and even some higher educational qualifications. Due to their focus on practical education, some programs at these institutes only require six months of part-time studies. South West TAFE in Victoria is a famous institute for vocational training, offering a wide range of programs.
3. Private Registered Training Organizations
Like the education and training provided at technical and further education institutes, private registered training organizations, or RTOs, offer VET courses recognized and regulated by the Australian Skills Quality. Private organizations are responsible for funding these schools, which is the main difference from TAFEs.
Community colleges and some industry-specific educational institutions are often RTOs. While tuition fees vary widely, they are generally and slightly cheaper than their government counterparts. Most of them also offer diploma, certificate, and higher diploma programs.
4. Private Institutions
Several private higher education providers in Australia are known for their quality of education. Since the government doesn’t fund them, most of these universities often have a focus area in terms of offered courses. These universities may focus on one or a few areas like business, creative arts, and information technology.
While the style of education primarily aligns with that of public universities’ education, private institutions might be slightly more costly than public schools. Avondale University and Bond University are some famous private higher education providers in Australia. Bond University is also known for being the country’s first private, not-for-profit university.
Types of Degree Levels in Australia
1. Bachelor’s Degree
The standard undergraduate qualification in Australia is a bachelor’s degree, which typically lasts three to four years. These programs offer in-depth knowledge in the arts, sciences, and commerce. An “associate degree” is a lesser qualification lasting two years and can function as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree or a quicker entry into the workforce.
While the core structure of most bachelor’s programs is similar, the completion duration and credits may vary slightly by program and institution. For example, the Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Sydney is a three-year full-time program requiring 144 credit points for completion. In contrast, the Engineering Bachelor’s program at Monash University is a four-year full-time program, constituting 192 credit points.
2. Master’s Degree
Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, a student can choose to get an honours degree, which is usually an additional year after the bachelor’s program. This degree can further enhance a student’s eligibility to pursue a master’s program, typically lasting up to three years. These master’s programs are offered in disciplines like arts, sciences, and business administration.
Master’s degrees in Australia generally take up to three years and can be coursework-based, research-based, or both. The 8-12 units constituting the master’s degree earn a student between 96 and 360 credit points. The Master’s in Engineering at Melbourne University, for example, requires three years of full-time study for 300 credit points. The Master’s in Business Administration at Edith Cowan University requires 280 credit points and takes only two years of full-time study.
3. Doctoral Degree
Ph.D. and professional doctoral programs represent the highest level of academic achievement in the Australian education system. These three to four years of specialization can involve general research and contribution to the field. These programs can be followed in subjects like philosophy and education. Quite different from other levels of study, some doctoral programs often don’t have a fixed credit point system.
Others might require over 100 credit points for completion. A student’s performance is assessed by completing an original research paper, project, or thesis that contributes to the field of study in some form. The doctoral program in education at the University of Melbourne calls for four years of full-time study, constituting 100 credit points and a 55,000-word thesis.
FAQs: Higher Education in Australia
What Grading System Does Higher Education in Australia Use?
The grading system used in higher educational institutions in Australia may vary depending on the university and state. Generally, most universities in Australia use the Australian Grading System for undergraduate programs. The highest grading, HDs, are offered for scores between 85-100. Distinctions (HD), Credit passes (C), Passes (P), and Fails (F) are awarded for scores 75-84, 65-74, 50-64, and 49 and below, respectively. Other universities and levels of study may use the ECTS system or other popular grading systems.
Are There Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Australia?
Multiple scholarships are available to international students who are studying in Australia. These scholarships could be state-funded, like the Australia Awards Scholarships, university scholarships, like the Global Curtin Merit Scholarship, or other external scholarships your university accepts.
Australia is undoubtedly popular among the international student community for its attractive offerings, affordable education, and comfortable environment. If you are a student seeking to pursue education abroad, make sure to consider some of the best universities in Australia.
We hope this article about Australia’s higher education was insightful and informative. If you want to pursue a university degree in the country or anywhere else worldwide, feel free to explore our Study in Australia Page and check out the Available Programs for International Students!
