Education in Australia

Australia is recognised as one of the world's leading providers of education. Diversity and quality underpin Australia's international education services. Australia also has a reputation for adopting new technologies more rapidly than most other countries with one of the highest rates of internet access in the world. Australia has first class facilities for teaching, training and research including sophisticated laboratories, classrooms, computer centres and libraries.

Quality Assurance

Australia's reputation as a world-class provider of education is safeguarded by the quality assurance systems it has set up to ensure that all students, both international and local, receive quality educational programs. The assurances offered to all students are of the highest standard and the regulations for delivery of service are set into law.

To ensure public confidence in the quality of its education, Australia has developed a robust and comprehensive national quality assurance framework covering qualifications, courses, teaching and institutions. The foundation is the Australian Government's Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which links Australian school, vocational and higher education qualifications into a simple structure of thirteen education awards. Under the framework, education providers and institutions must be approved and registered. Courses must be accredited and qualifications delivered and issued according to national guidelines.

 Course quality is assured under the AQF and through legislation which protects award titles. The AQF details principles for articulation and credit transfer between courses, so that students have the flexibility to choose the study path which best suits their needs. A student can choose to study at any registered Australian institution and receive an education that is consistent with Australia's national standard.



Universities

Australian universities provide high quality education to students from all backgrounds, both in Australia and overseas. Affordable, accredited programs are provided both in Australia and overseas by government-registered universities and other higher education institutions.

Each of Australia's universities has its own strengths and areas of specialisation, giving international students a wide choice of courses and access to the latest technology and research in any chosen field. All have a strong commitment to quality, equity, maintaining high academic standards and programs of improvement. Their focus is on excellence in teaching, research and student support.

Universities and Australian higher education institutions offer students a unique style of learning requiring active student participation and encouraging creative and independent thinking, communication and team skills. Australian and international graduates in many disciplines develop the knowledge and professional skills to pursue successful careers around the world.

Australian universities operate in an environment that is conducive to developing new ideas and adopting new technologies. Research and scholarship are world class in Australian universities, with many research teams at the forefront of their specialisation. Australian universities collaborate with publicly-funded research agencies, industry and local communities across Australia, and with many other institutions and research organisations around the world.

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a vital part of Australia's education system. VET providers offer a wide range of programs across a vast array of disciplines. The VET sector has evolved to meet today's global business requirements for theory and practical training to prepare graduates to meet the challenges of modern business.

VET programs are delivered by public institutes called Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes, private colleges and a number of schools and universities. The most popular fields are computing, business studies, marketing, tourism and hospitality. VET courses provide students with skills that employers have identified as critical to their work needs. Attainment of these skills forms the basis of assessment and students graduate as soon as they demonstrate their achievement.

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.

Learning English

Australia is a popular English language study destination for international students. Students from many countries come to Australia every year to take advantage of Australia's world leadership in English language courses.

Specialist English language tuition is offered by more than 170 institutions located all over Australia, in the major cities and country centres. All have modern language laboratories, university qualified instructors, video and library facilities, and many have computer-assisted learning facilities for teaching English. Institutions cater for all standards, from beginner to advanced, through to the training of teachers of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).

Students can enrol at any time during the year. Full-time course duration generally ranges from four to 48 weeks and courses are taught at all levels of proficiency from beginner to advanced. English language courses comprise at least 25 hours of study each week. About 20 hours are spent in the classroom and the rest is supervised self-access study.

Schools

Australian schools provide a suitable, supervised and caring environment for school students. They provide international students with excellent preparation for entry into a wide range of courses at universities and other institutions throughout Australia and much of the world.

Schooling in Australia starts with a kindergarten or preparatory year followed by 12 years of primary and secondary school. Australia offers government and non-government schools. Some schools are co-educational, teaching both boys and girls; others teach girls only or boys only.

Australia has developed a national curriculum framework to ensure high academic standards across the country. All schools provide subjects in the eight Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, Studies of Society and the Environment, Science, Arts, Languages other than English, Technology, Personal Development and Health and Physical Education.

At secondary school students are able to expand their horizons and challenge themselves by choosing from a wide range of subjects. Secondary school subjects that are additional to the Key Learning Areas vary from school to school. Subjects offered by a secondary school might include Law, Psychology, Computing, Graphic Design, Aviation, Drama and many more. All subjects are taught by well qualified teachers.

Australian schools encourage students to develop self-esteem and a range of interpersonal skills, including communication skills, discipline, enquiry and respect for themselves, others and society. Independent global tests, including the OECD Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), show that Australia ranks amongst the highest achieving countries for school education, including in specific areas such as Literacy, Science and Mathematics.

Studying in Australia provides limitless opportunities for students to explore their future. Students will have the chance to choose their study path in an environment that offers educational quality and academic and personal challenges. Students will feel safe and supported and enjoy an excellent standard of living.

For more information about Study in Australia, visit the official Australian Government website for international students at: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.

Information provided by:
Australian Education International,
The Department of Education, Science & Training