What is Undergraduate Education in Australia?

Australia has a highly developed education system with several opportunities in the higher education sector. Many universities in the country are world-renowned for the quality education they provide.

It also offers a higher education program known as the Overseas Student Program (OSP) to international students who come to Australia for higher studies.

Australia’s higher education sector consists of both universities and technical colleges, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and technical qualifications. In this post, you'll learn more about the undergraduate qualification level.

1. Who Provides Undergraduate Courses in Australia?

Also referred to as tertiary education, higher education in Australia is offered and governed by universities and other institutions such as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes.

In addition, the student rights mentioned below are protected by law under the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students):

• The well-being of all international students in Australia.

• The quality of students' education experience.

• The provision of up-to-date and accurate information.

2. Undergraduate Qualifications

The government of Australia is the funding authority for undergraduate qualifications in the country. This means that these qualifications provide a higher level of education which are both nationally and internationally recognised.

Undergraduate qualifications are of two types:

• Bachelor degree - This degree prepares students for postgraduate studies and professional careers. It lasts for a minimum of six semesters (full-time study). To be accepted by universities in Australia for higher education, you need to complete the 12th year (Australian secondary school certificate of education) or equivalent, or a diploma/ advanced diploma from a VET (Vocational and Education Training) Institute.

• Bachelor degree (honours) - The honours degree prepares graduates for a higher level of qualification that involves research. This qualification lasts for a period of one to two years after the completion of a bachelor’s degree in the same field.

3. Higher Education - Undergraduate Institutions in Australia

To pursue your undergraduate study in Australia, you can choose from the following institutes:

Queensland

• Griffith University

• James Cook University

• Australian Catholic University

• The University of Queensland

• Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Victoria

• RMIT University

• La Trobe University

• Australian Catholic University

• Monash University — Faculty of Information Technology

Tasmania

• University of Tasmania

New South Wales

• UTS: Insearch

• Curtin University

• Western Sydney University

• The University of Newcastle

• University of Technology, Sydney

South Australia

• The University of Adelaide

• University College London

• Carnegie Mellon University

• University of South Australia

Western Australia

• Curtin University

• Edith Cowan University

• Curtin Business School

• The University of Notre Dame

Australian Capital Territory

• University of Canberra

• Australian Catholic University

4. Entry Requirements

Entry into undergraduate courses requires you to complete a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to an Australian Year 12 certificate.

You also need to satisfy the English language requirements. Remember, some of the courses have higher English language requirements than others. There are many ways you can meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements to study in Australia, such as:

• English Language Tests (IELTS, TOEFL and PTE.)

• Senior-secondary or post-secondary study

• Work experience

Every undergraduate course provider has different entry requirements. To get more information, you can contact your provider.

5. Admission Season

Higher Education in Australia follows a semester system. Universities have two semesters in year that usually last between February and November. Also, there are some universities with an optional summer semester system.

6. Average Undergraduate Study Cost

The cost of education in Australia depends on the level of study and the institution you choose. There may be additional costs, including access to institution facilities and course materials. In order to fund your studies, you can also work part-time per fortnight.

It’s important to note that courses like veterinary science and medicine may have higher tuition fees.

Useful Topics to Explore: