Education in Australia
Australia universities may be few, but its numbers continue to rise every year amongst the top 100 world rankings as well as producing over ten Novel Prize recipients.
The Australian education system is divided into different levels including Primary School, Secondary/High School, College/TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and University. These institutions include both private and public, as well as co-education schools, all-female, all-male, day schools and boarding schools.
The beginning of term and semesters in Australia usually begin February or March. For primary and secondary schools, there are 4 school terms in a year: January, April, July and October starting periods. There are usually 2 week holidays in between each and a 6 week summer break at the end of the year. Once the combined education of primary and secondary 12 years is finished, then students may choose to enter college. Universities ‘s school periods are made up of two semesters per year, beginning in February or March and There may be small differences between each state.
Primary and High School Differences
|
Age |
NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT |
QLD, SA, WA, NT |
|
Under 5 years old |
Kindergarten |
Kindergarten |
|
6 years ~ 11/12 years old |
Primary School Prep ~ Year 6 |
Primary School Year 1 ~ Year 7 |
|
12/13 years~ 16 years old |
High School Year 7 ~ Year 10 |
High School Year 8 ~ Year 10 |
|
17 years ~ 18 years old |
High School Year 11 ~ Year 12 |
High School Year 11 ~ Year 12 |
Vocational Education & Training (VET)
VET Certificates and Diplomas can be attained through TAFE (Technical And Further Education) or certain private colleges which have been approved by the Australian government. Technical and further education courses must also be approved by the National Training System, the Australian Qualifications Framework and the Australian Quality Training Framework.
University Entry
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree
English Level: IELTS 6.5 +, TOEFL 550 +
An undergraduate bachelor degree can take between 3 to 5 years of full-time study, it can provide the knowledge and skills for work in a specialised area.
Within an undergraduate program, there is an opportunity to choose areas of specialisation (called majors). You study a series of courses in relation to that area. To be awarded with an undergraduate degree, you must complete a total number of units within a number of specific areas.
Undergraduate degrees can lead to further advanced study such as a postgraduate course, or can be taken in conjunction with another bachelor degree, called Double Degrees.
Postgraduate Degree
English Level IELTS 6.5-7.0 +, TOEFL 580 – 600 +
For those who have completed a bachelors degree. A postgraduate degree will give students further understanding and resources that are specific to their chosen work industry. Learning can be done in the classrooms as well as other learning hands-on environments in a community or professional setting. This will allow students to build real life skills and expand their networks in that industry.
There are many types of postgraduate degrees including: graduate certificate, graduate diploma, postgraduate diploma, master and Doctorate (PhD) degrees.
