Australia provides a wide range of quality study options to domestic and international students. It is currently the third most popular international student destination with approximately 22,000 courses and 1,100 educational institutions.
Australian qualifications are recognized and sought after around the world. In Australia, students are given practical skills and hands-on training, which provides them with a leading edge for further studies and career.
Education in Australia is regulated and funded primarily by the state or territory government. It is a well-organized and well-structured education system divided into primary, secondary and tertiary education.
1. Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education (preschool) is optional and unregulated in Australia. Australian children start learning by interacting with other children at daycare or playgroup. In some states and territories, preschools are run and owned by the government, while in other areas they operate as stand-alone services. The Australian government aims to promote preschool education; however, it is not compulsory to attend a preschool in Australia.
2. Primary Education
Primary education is compulsory in Australia and runs for 7 or 8 years. It starts at Kindergarten and ends at Year 6 or 7. Children in Australia must go to school upon turning 5 - 6 years old. Before beginning formal education, Australian children spend one year at Kindergarten.
3. Secondary and Senior Secondary Education
Secondary education runs for 3 or 4 years and senior secondary education runs for 2 years. This compulsory education starts at Year 7 or 8 and ends at Year 12. Upon receiving the School Certificate at Year 10, students can choose to move into vocational training. Students planning to attend University must complete their final year and obtain the senior secondary school certificate to be deemed eligible.
4. Tertiary Education
Students can continue their education after obtaining a Higher School Certificate. Tertiary education begins after final compulsory schooling and refers primarily to higher education received at University, or vocational education and training received at TAFE institutes.
5. Adult and Community Education (ACE)
Aimed mostly at adults with limited formal education, ACE providers in Australia offer personal enrichment learning in local communities. Run under the state and territory jurisdictions, there are more than 2,500 community-based and non-profit ACE providers in Australia providing basic education and accessible learning opportunities to adults.
Schools
Universities
TAFE
Private Colleges and Universities
Australian educational institutions have a great reputation all over the world and are ranked on top primarily in the fields of accounting, finance, medicine, environment, engineering and technology.
These are the most popular fields of study in Australia with a wide selection of courses:
Agriculture and Environmental Science
Architecture and Building
Business Management and Commerce
Creative Arts
Computing and Information Technology
Culture and Society
Education
Engineering and Related Technology
Food, Hospitality and Personal Services
Health and Medicine
Natural and Physical Science
Introduced in 1995, Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) is the national policy that defines the standards of Australian education and training.
AQF integrates regulated qualifications from different education sectors and groups them into one policy framework. It ensures that educational qualifications across Australia are consistent and show the same standards of education.
There are 10 AQF levels:
AQF Level |
Qualification |
Level 1 |
Certificate I |
Level 2 |
Certificate II |
Level 3 |
Certificate III |
Level 4 |
Certificate IV |
Level 5 |
Diploma |
Level 6 |
Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree |
Level 7 |
Bachelor Degree |
Level 8 |
Bachelor Honors Degree / Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma |
Level 9 |
Master’s Degree (Research, Coursework, Extended) |
Level 10 |
Doctoral Degree |
Every AQF level represents what an individual should be able to do upon finishing a course.
Besides full qualifications courses, Australia offers a range of other studying options to the students:
English Courses
Study Abroad
Student Exchange
Distance Education
Australian education encourages students to be innovative and think independently. Over the last decade, Australia has produced many scientists, entrepreneurs, designers, artists and educators, who have made great contributions in making the world a better place.
Today, Australia has the infrastructure to provide a world-class education to students coming from all parts of the world. So, no matter what your study area of interest is; the truth is Australia has you covered.
Useful Topics to Explore:
⇒ Enligsh Language Courses Overview (ELICOS) |
⇒ Vocational Education & Training Courses (VET) |
⇒ Types of Education |
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