Study in Australia

Historical Overview: The aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people possess the most ancient living culture on earth, having inhabited the land for an estimated 80,000 years before it was colonized. Approximately one million people lived in Australia at the time of European exploration and settlement there. However, there were 250 distinct language groups before colonization, with nearly 700 dialects spoken across 500 different clan groups. Traditional aboriginal culture and social organization depended on a complex system of rules and kinship networks. There remains an extensive mix of traditions, spiritualities and customs among today’s indigenous population. Traditional beliefs and practices vary significantly across different regions and groups. However, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people generally share a common holistic worldview that emphasizes the reciprocal relationship and interconnectedness between people, landforms, animals, and other elements of natural landscapes. This philosophy is based on spirituality, ecology and consensual-communal organization and involves a custodial relationship to the land that many believe confirms their indigenous identity. European Dutch explorers visited the and discovered Tasmania in 1688. In 1770, James Cook landed on the eastern coast of Australia and named it “New South Wales” or NSW and claiming the territory for the Great Britain. Britain established a penal colony on the east coast. British colonization aimed to use Australia as a base for trade with Southeast Asia and China and relieve the overcrowded prisons in Britain. Captain Arthur Philip commanded eleven ships full of convicts, military guards and officials arriving in Australia on January 18, 1788, at Botany Bay. After 8 days, this group of 1,373 people including 732 convicts moved a few kilometers north to Port Jackson. Their settlement here later grew into the city of Sydney. Australia Day, 26^th of January is a public holiday that commemorates the start of settlement at Port Jackson. However, colonization had devastating impacts on the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people. The original population was reduced by approximately 90% as they were exposed to foreign diseases or killed. Many were dispossessed from their traditional lands and separated from their cultural identities.

The colonization of Australia grew rapidly and expanded across the entire continent within the next hundred years, additional colonies were established near Hobert, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne. Colonists faced difficult conditions in settling the new environment. A national character of toughness, independence and perseverance emerged. Great Britain sent over a further 1,60,000 convicts to Australia over the following 80 years. The rise of the wool industry and discovery of gold mines saw many British and Irish settlers arrive voluntarily. Around 40,000 Chinese immigrants came to Australia in search of gold.

Australia’s distance from Europe made British governance over the colonies difficult. The colonists also wanted self-governance, so in 1850, the Britain government gave the colonies the power to make their own laws. By the end of the 19^th century, Australia consisted of six self-governing colonies: 1. New South Wales 2. Victoria 3. Tasmania 4. Queensland 5. South Australia and 6. Western Australia. Each colony was a distinct political entity with its own parliament, governor, laws, and regulations.

It was eventually agreed that the colonies needed to join to protect and promote their common interests. A national government was created on January 1, 1901, an event known as “Federation”. This produced a united country and resulted in important feelings of pride and patriotism in the Australian public. Australia faced a national challenge when it entered the World War-1. Soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps joined in a battle in Turkey on April 25, 1915. However, the fighting and personal qualities of the ANZACs contributed to the national identity and helped to unite the Australian & New Zealand people. Today, ANZAC Day is a national holiday on the 25^th of April that commemorates the contributions and sacrifices of all men and women from the two countries armed forces.

Almost a million Australians served in World War-2. The Australian mainland came under direct attack for the first time as Japanese aircraft bombed Darwin and Japanese submarines attacked Sydney Harbour. Australia’s vulnerability to an invasion influenced a decision to increase its population and encourage the migration of people from about 200 countries.

In total, about 7 million people have migrated to Australia since the end of WW-2. Their arrival has influenced all aspects of Australia society. Today, more than one in four ¼ of Australians were born overseas. New Zealand and United Kingdom have been the largest source countries for migrants. More recently, immigration from Asian countries such as China and India have become more significant.

 

Key Facts of Australia:

*** Population: Australia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. This is due to its small population and its large area, approximately 7.7 million square kilometers. Australians are among the most urbanized people in the world. Over 60% of people live in the capital cities and about 20% live in Sydney. Also, around 80% of the inhabitants of each state and territory live within 100km of their capital cities. You can check Australia’s current population by using the population clock from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). According to ABS data, on 31 December 2022, Australia’s population is 2,62,68,359. Other relevant data is also available there.

***Multiculturalism: Australians pride themselves on their friendliness and cultural diversity. The population lives in a generally safe, friendly, sophisticated, and harmonious society. Many ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, (See ABS data).

*** Languages: Although English is the official language in Australia, there are more 300 languages are spoken in Australian households. The Australian accent is generally easy to understand. While there are some minor differences in accent between city and country areas, the difference is much less than you would find in the USA, UK, or Canada. (See ABS data).

*** Religion: Australia is predominantly a Christian country. However, all religions are represented in Australin society. Australians respect the freedom of people to practise their choice of religion. Churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues are in most major cities, (See ABS data).

*** Temperature: Australia has a relatively warm moderate weather or climate. Peoples from around the world love Australia’s climate and weather. However, extreme temperatures have been recorded. The map from the Bureau of Meteorology shows Australia’s zones and indicates that summers tend to be hotter and more humid in the north and winters are usually colder in the south. Overall Australian cities tend to have mild climates in comparison to other English-speaking countries, (See ABS data).

*** Rainfall: Australia has a low average annual rainfall, but high falls occur in the north. The map of rainfall zones from the Bureau of Meteorology shows that northern and eastern regions have wet summers, and that central Australia is very dry, (See ABS data).

*** Biodiversity: Australia has a wide variety of unique distinctive flora and fauna. The major reason for this is related to its geological history. Initially, Australia was part of a larger continent but about 40 million years ago it separated fully and become an isolated continent. After this separation, marsupial mammals best adapted to the Australian environment and eventually dominated it. Australia is one of the few places on earth to have such many marsupials and to have the only two monotreme mammals. These two types of fauna can be explained as follows. (1). Marsupial Mammals: They give birth young and carry them in a pouch. Say… Kangaroos, Koalas and Wombats. (2). Monotreme Mammals: They lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Say… Platypus, Echidna. Despite its long history, Australia’s biodiversity has changed dramatically in the last 200 years. Since European settlement many ecosystems have been radically simplified and fragmented. Also, many plants and animals have been introduced from around the world, and they have had serious environmental consequences, say… the Cane Toad.

*** Natural Wonders: Australia is an inland continent, and its landscapes consists mainly of low plateaus which are sectioned off by several rugged mountain ranges. The Great Dividing Range is the longest mountain range that starts in central Victoria and ends in northern Queensland and is several thousand kilometers in length. The landscape in the tropical north consists of rainforest that leads into large areas of grasslands. These eventually merge into the central deserts which are the largest in the world outside of the Sahara. This part of Australia is called the Red Centre, because of the unusual red color of its sand. There are three (03) unique natural wonders are the following. You can google online and watch YouTube videos.

1. Great Barrier Reef
2. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
3. Tasmanian Wilderness

*** Geography: Australia is divided politically into six (06) states and two (02) territories. They are as follows.

1. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) -Canberra

Highlights:

1.Federal Capital and the largest inland city

2. Well-planned lakeside city of parklands, impressive restaurants and beautiful bushland and leafy suburbs.
3. Many national attractions, embassies & public buildings.
4. Parliament House
5. The Australian War memorial
6. The National Gallery of Australia
7. The National Museum of Australia

 

1. New South Wales (NSW)-Sydney

Highlights:

1. The Sydney Opera House
2. The Sydney Harbor Bridge
3. The blue Mountains Park
4. Murray-Darling River
5. Sheep & Beef Industry
6. Most Populous state and inhabitants live along the coast.
7. Australia’s oldest state
8. Golden-Sand beaches & Bays

 

 

1. Northern Territory (NT)-Darwin

Highlights:

1. Red Centre
2. Rugged Mountains & Huge Rocks
3. Uluru-Kata Tjuta
4. Mineral Wealth & Tourism Industry
5. Gateway to Asia
6. Kakadu National Park
7. Alice Springs
8. Nit Miluk (Katherine George) National Park

 

1. Queensland (QLD)-Brisbane:

Highlights:

1. The rainforest
2. The Barrier Reef
3. Fraser Island
4. The Gold Coast
5. Sunny days & Tropical Weather
6. Beaches & Costal lakes
7. Popular Tourist destinations
8. The Great Diving Range
9. Tropical Fruits, beef, and wool

 

1. South Australia (SA)-Adelaide

Highlights:

1. The Barossa Valley (Wine Producing)
2. Coober Pedy (Opal Mining)
3. The Festival of Arts
4. Driest State
5. Fertile soil-ideal for wine production

 

1. Tasmania (Tas)-Hobart

Highlights:

1. Port Arthur Historic Site (Historical Prison for convicts)
2. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (Each Year on Dec 26^th)
3. Its bushwalking
4. Unique Wilderness, wildlife, and unspoiled beauty
5. The National Parks
6. Capital Hobart
7. Substantial farming, forestry, hydro-electric, mining and fishery industries
8. Victoria (Vic)-Melbourne

Highlights:

1. Smallest state
2. Gold mining in Ballarat & Bendigo
3. Capital Melbourne-sporting capital- Horse Race (The Melbourne Cup)
4. Colonial & contemporary architecture, beautiful botanical gardens, excellent restaurants, and vibrant artistic community
5. Mountain climbing
6. The Great Ocean Road-spectacular coastal scenery

 

1. Western Australia (WS)- Perth

Highlights:

1. Largest state
2. Capital Perth on the Swan River-full of modern conveniences.
3. White Sandy Beaches
4. Rich farmlands & most productive goldfields
5. Wealth iron, nickel, wheat, wool
6. Port- Fremantle
7. Attractions-Gorges & National Parks
8. Stunning Beaches of Broome and friendly Dolphins of Monkey Mia
9. Kalgoorlie-Gold Mining
10. Ningaloo Marine Park

As an international student interested in Australia for study purpose should have some basic knowledge about host country’s history and weather, climate, and geography. This knowledge and information may help you to make study decisions, institution selection and live a desired and happy life. So, we’ve written some basic information above. For more information, you can google online, see ABS and governmental data, and watch videos on YouTube.

Australian Government System:

Australia has three (03) levels of government:

1. Federal Government
2. State Government
3. Local Government

Federal: Australia is liberal parliamentary democratic country like the USA, UK. It is based on * Freedom of Speech & Association * Religious Tolerance. Responsibilities & duties are government specific and shared. Federal and State governments cooperate in administering the laws that govern education. The elected parliament has two chambers.

1). House of Representatives-Lower House 2). The Senate -Upper House. The party that holds most seats in the lower house forms the government. However, minority parties often hold the balance of power in the senate, which serves to review the decisions of the government. Government ministers are appointed from the lower house and upper house to conduct executive government, policy decisions are made in the cabinet meetings. Voting in Australia is compulsory and about 90% of voters participate in federal elections. Elections usually occur every 2.5 to 3 years. The federal government leader is called the Prime Minister. Members of other smaller political parties have seats in the Upper & Lower Houses of the parliament. Although Australia is an independent nation, Queen Elizabeth-02 of Britain is formally Queen of Australia and is the constitutional monarch. The Queen accepts the advice of the elected Australian Government to appoint a Governor-General, who represents her. The Governor-General has wide powers, but by convention acts only on the advice of the prime Minister. In the states, the Queen is represented by the state Governor.

State: Each state and territory have its own democratically elected government and leader. The state government leader is called “The Premier” and the territory government leader is called “The Chief Minister”. State parliaments are subject to the National Constitution as well as their State Constitutions. In practice, the federal and state government cooperate in many areas such as education, transport, health, and law enforcement.

Local: Local government councils control the urban and rural areas, taking care of issues such as local transport, rubbish collection and town planning. Local councils are active in providing services such as libraries, childcare services as well as event activities. Local councils also promote their regions as study and tourist destinations, so they sometimes interact with education agents. The leader of a council is called “The Mayor”.

 

Australian Education System:

Australian Qualification Framework/AQF

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. The AQF comprises 10 levels, ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. Some qualifications are offered in more than one sector. Vocational education and training are offered at AQF level 1 to 8 and higher education ranges from AQF levels 5 to 10. The policy document is the AQF Second Edition January 2013, which is complemented by several specific policies, explanatory guides, and addendums. All AQF qualifications are equally assured through government accreditation processes. Education providers that issue AQF qualifications have been authorised to do so under law. AQF is a system of seventeen national qualifications in three sectors. Some courses may not be recorded on the AQF. Say for example… ELICOS (English Language), Foundation and non-awarded programs. It is compulsory for all Australian students to attend school until year 10 or age 16. For your any queries, please book a free consultation with our Qualified Education Agent Counsellors (QEAC) who have been graduated with Education Agent (Australia) Training Course (EATC) from PIER Australia, now acquired by ICEF, Germany.

Pathway Programs: The AQF levels show how students can progress through the Australian education system. International students who arrive in Australia to study may begin at any level of the system. However, their academic or English language proficiency may not match the level that they wish to enter. So, there are some specific pathway programs for international students to eventually reach the level they want to study at. These programs have a variety of names, but they all provide entry into another course of a higher level. There are four (04) types of pathway programs that are designed for and are popular with international students. They are as follows…

A). Foundation Programs:

B). English Language Programs/Courses (ELICOS)

C). Diploma Programs

D). Other Bridging Programs/Courses

A). Foundation Programs (FP): Foundation Programs (FP) are used as a route to undergraduate & VET courses, and these are also known as foundation years or University preparation courses. These programs offer an alternative means for international students to access post-school institutions. Ther are most used as a pathway for students who do not meet the entry requirements of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree Programs. Such programs (FPs) are offered by institutions in the school, VET, ELICOS and Higher Educational sectors. These (FPs) may

• Be offered by private institutions for a particular university (Tied-up).
• Offer a formal Qualifications (Certificate IV).
• Not offer a formal qualification.
• Tend to contain academic based subjects.
• Focus on English Language development.
• Have minimum entry requirements of successful completion of year 11 or equivalent and IELTS academic score of 5.5 or equivalent/acceptable score of TOEFL iBT/PTE/CAE.
• Be a comparable academic standard to an Australian year 12 secondary school qualification.
• Bo formally one academic year in length.
• Often guarantee entry to a particular university course if the students meet the required standards.
• Not offer credit in the subsequent program of study.
• Some FPs may be shorter or longer than usual one year depending on academic/English proficiency score and/or education providers.

 

Foundation Programs VS year-12 Programs

 

Foundation Program	Year-12 Program
Results are accepted by those institutions with prior arrangements and may guarantee a place in an undergraduate program to a student.	Results are accepted by all Australian higher education providers.
Typically provided for international students alone.	International students typically study alongside Australian students in most classes.
Often packaged with the undergraduate program the student wishes to study.	Not packaged with an undergraduate program.
Designed for international students who wish to go to higher education.	Designed to meet the needs of Australian students who may seek a variety of outcomes.
Develop the students’ academic English communication and cultural awareness skills.	May not directly develop these skills.
Focus on the subjects typically taken by international students at an undergraduate level.	Have a wider range of subject choices for students.
Often focus on the delivery of higher education learning such as lectures and tutorials.	Normally focus on classroom learning.
Typically delivered in an adult college environment.	Mostly delivered in a school setting, uniforms, extra-curricular activities, and school camps.
Students are usually aged from 17 to the early 20s with some mature aged students.	Students are typically aged from 16-18.
If the program is linked to a university, the students commonly have use of the university’s facilities, the university academic staff have input into the program, and the university tracks the performance of ex-foundation students in undergraduate programs.	Designed by state education authorities.

 

Recognition of FP: Recognition of a foundation program by university can vary greatly. Many universities guarantee entry to students undertaking their endorsed programs but only recognise other FPs on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the Group of 8 (Go8) FPs are more widely accepted and are likely to provide entry into most Australian universities. However, other programs may have difficulty in providing entry into the Go8 universities, except for their highest achieving students. So, if any international student wishing to study in Australia with a FP, he/she must understand which universities or higher education providers accept that program.

B). Diploma Program (DP):

Diploma Programs are basically a part of VET/Vocational Education and Training. Business and IT courses tend to be the most popular fields of study. However, international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements of the undergraduate program, often take Diploma courses principally as a pathway to an undergraduate program rather than for the Diploma Qualification itself. DPs are promoted by TAFE, private colleges and higher institutions providing entry to undergraduate programs and are packaged with undergraduate courses. Typically, for example, a student who successfully completes the DP will enter the second year of an undergraduate business degree. International students may take a Foundation Program to access a Diploma Program and then an Undergraduate Program.

Diploma Program VS Foundation Program

Diploma Program	Foundation Program
More limited subjects base than Foundation Programs, So, there are fewer options for further study. They typically, provide entry to Business and IT courses.	Can often provide entry into all undergraduate courses offered at their partner university.
Always provide a qualification.	Not all of them provide a qualification.
The most prestigious Australian universities typically do not provide much credit to on-shore Diploma programs So, Diploma programs are not so beneficial or attractive for students who wish to entre these universities.	The most prestigious universities prefer to endorse foundation programs as their preferred pathways.
The most prestigious Universities often do not support a Diploma partnership as a mechanism for entry into their undergraduate programs.
Offered onshore or offshore thorough overseas partnership.	Offered only onshore.

Bridging Courses: Australian institutions offer many bridging and short courses, which are not like Foundation or Diploma programs. These are typically designed to support entry into a particular program at a particular institution. These courses may have limited portability and recognition by other institutions.

Australian Schooling System:

It is compulsory for all Australian students to attend school until year 10 or age 16. There are two types of schools in Australia: Public/Government school and Non-Government/Private schools. Government schools are operated by a state or territory government whereas non-government/private schools are owned and operated by a private entity. International students and their children must pay tuition fees, but domestic Australian students do not to pay so. In the case of private schools, tuition and other fees are much higher than government schools. Both the public and private schools focus on Individual Learning Needs/ILN.

Levels	Notes
Pre-School: Duration = 1 year Students’ Ages = 3 to 4 years Offered = 2 years before year 1	· It is not mandatory and not provided by the Government or private schools.
Preparatory Year: Duration = 1 year Students’ Age: 4 to 6 years Offered = The year before year 1	· It is not compulsory in some states and Sometimes known by “Kindergarten” “Transition” “Reception” or “Primary.”   · Its curriculum is linked to the primary school curriculum and focuses on the overall development of students.
Primary School: Duration: 6 to 7 years Students’ Age: 5 to 12	· This level is compulsory for all students. · There is no entrance examination for public primary school. · Co-educational and single-sex school exist. · Students learn with others of similar age and learning occurs by group and individual activities. · There is 1 teacher in each class for all subjects except for some specialist subjects (e.g., Art). · There is no standardized exam at the end of primary school. · Students do not receive a formal certificate after completion of primary school. · Emphasis is put not only on education but also on developing communication, cooperation, attitudes, and behavior.
Secondary School: Duration: 5 to 6 years Students Age: 12 to 18 years	· To enter secondary school, international students must provide their academic records and demonstrate appropriate English language proficiency. · The general tone of secondary education is much more independent, and students are guided than primary school. · Students have many course options which reflect their interests and goals. Some schools emphasize certain subjects more than others. · Choice and diversity are increased by schools which specialize in areas such as languages, music, sport, information technology, agriculture or vocational education and training/VET. · Co-educational & single-sex school are available. · Students have different teachers for most subjects. · Students move from room to room according to their timetable and they study in classrooms that are specially designed for subjects such as art, music, and science.       Junior High School- Usually Years 7-10   · Students take several compulsory courses in English, Mathematics, Science, and social science. · After completing junior high school, a student may choose to continue into senior high school programs, begin a VET program or enter the workforce. However, most students choose to continue year 11. · In some states, a student leaving “Year 10” may be awarded a formal certification of completion.       Senior High School-Usually year 11-12 · Students I years 11 and 12 have a wider range of choices in selecting elective courses such computing, Art, and Drama. Students study subjects that they excel in or that relate to their future career or educational goals. · Students in year 12 can study for a government-endorsed certificate that is recognized for future study by all Australian universities and VET institutions. This is known as Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.

 

Characteristics of Australian Schools:

Activities	Notes
The Teacher’s Role	The teacher aims to assist students in reaching their individual learning goals.
Class Activities	Students commonly undertake projects; group work self-directed learning.
Dress Code	Most schools enforce dress codes or have a uniform to promote a sense of equality and to maintain a focus on education instead of fashion.
Class Sizes	These are kept as small as possible, so teachers can regularly interact with students on an individual basis.
School Hours	Schools operate from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Before-school after-school care is generally available for those who require it.
Teacher Training	Australian teachers are nearly all university trained, with secondary school teachers having specialist qualifications in their subject area.
Special Programs & Services	Available for gifted & disabled students for fullest potential.
English Support	International students often have access to English language support to adapt to their new school environment.

 

Secondary School Qualification: Two qualifications are available from secondary school. Students with this formal qualification certificate can start work, begin a VET program or progress directly to tertiary education. Some schools offer Foundation Program/FP to international students instead of senior certificate to give entry into specific university. Students seeking higher education are provided Ranking.

1. A certificate of completion of year 10.
2. A Senior Certificate of Secondary Education; a formal certificate known by different names as follows.

State/Territory	SSCE/Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
Australian Capital Territory/ACT	ACT Year 12 Certificate
New South Wales/NSW	Higher School Certificate/HSC
Northern Territory/NT	Northern Territory Certificate of Education/NTCE
Queensland/QLD	Senior Certificate
South Australia/SA	South Australian Certificate of Education/SACE
Tasmania/TAS	Tasmanian Certificate of Education/TCE
Victoria/VIC	Victorian Certificate of Education/VCE
Western Australia/WA	WA Certificate of Education/ACE

 

Entry Points: Entry points might be different depending on the school type and state/territory, but commonly they are as follows:

1. Primary School:

• Students may enter at Precatory level or year 1.
• Students may enter any year subject to acceptance of application previously completed transcript. Students may be required to take a placement test.

1. Secondary Schools:

• Students may enter years 6 or 8 or at year 10 or 11.
• This is the beginning of Junior/Senior certificate. Students may enter any year subject to acceptance of application, transcripts, and English language proficiency score.

Cost of Australian Schooling: Costs vary from state to state and depend on whether students attend public or private schools. However, the following costs show what overseas students can expect. Data is changeable from time to time.

Type of Costs	Costs in AUD
Application Fees: Reviewing application	Variable
Tuition Fes:	6000-15000
OSHC /Insurance	420+
Accommodation	70-400 Weekly
Others	Variable

 

Accommodation Options:

1. Boarding School B. Homestay C. Farm stay D. Share/Rental (Changeable data)

Type	Approximate Cost
Boarding Schools	10-20 K AUD yearly
Home/Farm Stay	110-270 AUD weekly
Share	70-250 Weekly
Rental	100-400 AUD Weekly

 

ELICOS Program: The English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students or ELICOS is an important sector in Australian Education System. These English courses are commonly taking places in colleges and centers and institutions supported and quality maintained by EA & NEAS. ELICOS students with a student visa are covered by ESOS act. Courses are accredited by TEQSA or ASQA/VET. If you need an ELICOS course, please consult with our ICEF/PIER certified education counselor.

VET/Vocational Education & Training in Australia:

Australia’s TVET sector offers a large variety of qualifications for students with a strong practical orientation. Students are typically school leavers seeking practical skills or an alternative pathway to university. Workers seeking development of career skills. The Australian TVET system is publicly and privately funded and is delivered by a wide variety of training institutions and enterprises.

TAFE/Technical and Further Education:

There are currently 42 TAFE institutes that deliver TVET training across Australia. They are government funded. TAFE colleges act independently of one another and have their own premises, courses, and academic and administrative staff. TAFE institutions also have ELICOS centers. International students often use TFE courses as a pathway to UG or Diploma program. TAFE institutions (TAFE Colleges) normally have their affiliations with the chosen university. There are approximately 4,200 registered providers for VET courses. TAFE courses are also taught in schools. The following programs & courses are popular for TAFE courses as a route to higher education. 1. Business & Management 2. Community Services & Health Care 3. Communication & IT 4. Design & Arts 5. Engineering & Building

7.Hospitality & Tourism 8. Land Management 9. Agriculture 10. Fisheries 11. Forestry

9. Sports & Recreation.

Australian VET Qualifications:

The TVET sector offers eight (8) qualifications.

Qualifications	Duration
Certificate	3-6 months
Certificate ⅱ & ⅱ	6-12 months
Certificate ⅳ	1 year
Diploma	1-2 years
Advanced Diploma	2-2.5 years
Vocational Graduate Certificate Graduate	6 months
Vocational Graduate Diploma	1-1.5 years

TVET Entry Requirements & Costs:

Entry requirements vary greatly from institution to institution and from course to course. In general, to begin a certificate level course, a student needs.

1. Qualification equivalent to Grade 10-12
2. English Proficiency scores – IELTs 5.5, TOEFL PBT 530-550, PTE and other accepted tests.

RPL & RTO: To know and process your RPL/Recognition of Prior Learning from RTO/Registered Training Organization. You may be recognized for your previous study courses, training, work experience and life experience through voluntary work or leisure pursuits, irrespective of time & place of learning.

Quality Assurance in the T/VET System:

ASQA is the body which sets standards and provides organizations with approval to offer VET course packages and RTOs governance.

University Education in Australia:

The higher education sector mainly consists of universities but also government and private institutions. The sector contributes to Australian society and Australia’s international reputation in so many ways. There are 41 Australian universities of which 3 are private. Carnegie Mellon and University College London have campuses in Adelaide, South Australia are considered non-Australian universities as they have main campus in the USA & UK. Australia universities have three (03) primary goals.

1. Storing knowledge
2. Transferring Knowledge
3. Creating Knowledge

 

 

In addition, Australian universities provide consultancy services to business and industry and are a source of advice for the Government and the community in general on many issues. Diversity and autonomy are central features of Australian universities. Each institution has the freedom to specify its own mission and purpose, modes of teaching and research, make up their student body and the range and contents of their education programs. Higher education in Australia enjoys a high international reputation. Australian universities are part of a clearly recognized international community of scholarship, with academic staff recruited internationally, students also increasingly coming from overseas as well as from across Australia.

Courses & Qualifications:

• Courses can vary considerably in form, entry requirements, duration, and method of assessment.
• The academic year is generally from early March to late November or id-July to late June of the following year.
• The year is normally divided into two semesters, although some universities offer three semesters in one calendar year for certain courses.
• Students studying towards a Doctoral Degree or other postgraduate research awards may be able to negotiate an alternative starting date with a research supervisor.

 

 

 

 

The following AQF qualification are available in Australian universities.

Course	Notes
Diploma Duration: 1-2 years	This is offered by some universities and university colleges. It is the same level as a Diploma that is offered by a VET institution.
Bachelor’s degree Duration: Minimum of 3 years	Undergraduate Programs This is the basic university qualification and is required for entry into a profession. Study involves acquiring a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, its underlying principles and concepts and associated problem-solving techniques. Students develop academic skills and aptitudes to comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts, and evidence from a wide range of sources. Students also learn to review, consolidate, extend, and apply the knowledge and techniques. Study usually involves major studies in an area where significant academic literature is available. Course content is to a significant depth and progressively developed to a high level. This also prepares students for further postgraduate study if desired.
Bachelor’s Degree (Honors) Duration: 4 years	A bachelor’s degree with honors takes an additional year after a bachelor’s degree with focus on research.   Honors may also be granted where outstanding achievement is recorded in a bachelor’s degree course of four or more years.
Graduate Certificate Duration: 6 months	Postgraduate Programs: The graduate certificate typically involves broadening individual skills already gained in an UG program or developing vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area.
Graduate Diploma: Duration 12 Months	The graduate certificate typically involves broadening individual skills already gained in an UG program or developing vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area. This qualification involves further specialization within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge.
Master’s Degree (Coursework) Duration: 1-2 years	A master’s degree enhances specific professional or vocational skills. It is typically gained by coursework and some research. Study involves acquiring an in-depth understanding of a specific area of knowledge usually by independent research. It starts after bachelor’s degree/honors program.
Master’s degree (Research) –M.Phil. Duration: 1-2 years	The Master of philosophy program aims to provide research training that develops independent research skills including Ability to formulate a significant problem. Mastery of appropriate conceptual and methodological frameworks. Capacity for articulate and critical analysis. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with honors, but students may be admitted after completing a graduate Diploma and having significant work experience. It is possible to transfer to a PhD program after 1 year full-time if the work in the MPhil course is a suitable standard.
Doctoral Degree (Doctor of Philosophy-PhD Duration: 3-4 years	The Doctoral Degree is the highest award offered by Australian universities. Although traditional PhDs are research degrees, some programs may have coursework components. They are… a. A review of relevant literature, experimentation, or other systemic approaches to a body of knowledge. b. An original research project resulting in a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding or application of knowledge within a discipline or field of study. c. A substantial and well-ordered thesis, demonstration of the relationship of the research to the broader framework of the discipline of field of study.

Entry Points, Requirements & Costs:

Entry requirements are basically determined by the institutions and course programs. English language and previous academic records are considered most. Most universities have specialized pathways or foundation programs or courses that enable international students who do not meet entry requirements.

6. English Language Proficiency: Australian educational institutions can only accept students with an appropriate level of English proficiency. IELTS, PTE, CAEs, TOEFL etc. are the standardized and accepted by Australian education institutions and immigration department for student visa issuance. In general, IELTS 6.00 to 6.50 or its PTE equivalence scores are recommended.

1. Academic Requirements: Institutions are free to determine the academic requirements for entry to their courses. These requirements depend on academic contents, level, and institution standards.

Undergraduate Courses: For the undergraduate Degrees require completion of the Australian Year-12 certificate or its equivalence from overseas. Some programs may require pre-requisite subjects and grades, and these are determined based on students’ tertiary entrance score or ranks. “Tertiary admission centers” then assess a student’s tertiary entrance rank in the same way as for domestic students.

 

Postgraduate Courses: Entry to postgraduate courses requires completion to a satisfactory standard of a bachelor’s degree. Prospective students may also need to demonstrate research ability or relevant work experience along with English skills score. …. N.B. Undoubtedly, Australian education quality assurance is of no question. The TEQSA/Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency & “Universities Australia” are the two peak and independent body responsible for regulations, registrations, setting quality benchmarks and monitoring, ethical codes of practices and operational guidelines.

 

Courses & Careers:

You may book a free consultation with our QEAC, an EATC graduate, for a clear understanding and roadmap for your desired courses and programs as well as subsequent career pathways.

 

Regulations & Legislation: International education in Australia is controlled by several acts of Parliament and associated regulations at both the Federal & the State level. The ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) act-2000 is the primary Australian legislation regulating international education. This legislation provides “The National Code of Practice-2018”; 11(eleven) national Standards for the registration authorities, education & Training services Providers. This act also provides for a Registrar called CRICOS/Commonwealth Registrar of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Each institution and course are provided with a unique identifying number listed on CRICOS that is an online database for public availability. The ESOC act specifies the information that CRICOS must record. If an institution or course is not registered on CRICOS, it is not possible to apply for a student visa to study in Australia in that institution or course. Moreover, the Migration act-1958 and associated migration regulations that govern the issuance of visas and this is the responsibility of “DHA/Department of Home Affairs:” The Privacy act-1988 governs what information can be shared can be shared by institutions and education agents about international students with proper confidentiality.

 

Australian Student Visa: SSVF/The Simplified Student Visa Framework” introduced in July,2016. The following are some basic criteria for obtaining a student visa.

1. The intended study course must be registered on CRICOS from a recognized education provider.
2. The student must have a relevant CoE/Confirmation of Enrolment for the chosen course of study.
3. The student must have sufficient financial capacity.
4. The student must have appropriate and required academic background and English language proficiency.
5. The student must demonstrate adequate health requirement, health examination (Panel Doctor) and OSHC, Good character, police check and no debts to Australian Govt.
6. The students under 18, must show welfare arrangements.
7. The student is a Genuine Temporary Entrant/GTE.
8. CoE for Full-Time study (12 months) and be of appropriate age.
9. Other documents depend on the situation.

All students visa holders must maintain enrolment at the same level or higher AQF level for which visa was issued unless they are undertaking a doctoral degree or transfer to a master’s degree. Visa may be cancelled upon breach of visa conditions. For student visa issuance, DHA uses some “Weightings (10%-25%) based on immigration risk indicators leading to visa issuance or cancelation.

Australian visa authority DHA sets a class against each visa. The following are students visa sub-classes.

• 500 – for the single student visa (SVP to SSVF)
• 590-for the student’s Gurdian visa (SVP to SSVF)
• 570-For Independent ELICOS visa
• 571- For School visa
• 572- For T/VET sector visa
• 573-For Higher/Tertiary education visa
• 574- For Postgraduate Research Sector
• 575- For Non-Award visa
• 576- For Foreign Affairs or Defense sector

Visa Application. All Australian visas must be lodged online on DHA website creating a

“ImmiAccount” and Australian visa can be checked via VEVO/Visa Entitlement Verification Online System. Australian visa is not labeled on passport, it is electronically connected to E-Passport. OMARA registered RMAs can help and lodge your visa application too. Student consultancy firms also need to get registered with Australian High Commission and nominated by respective educational institution. For proper education consultancy, entry test preparation, documents preparation and visa application and processing, make a free consultancy with our certified education agent or counselor. Students’ recruitment firms get log-in details from partnered institutions check a CoE on PRISMS/ Provider Registration and International Student Management System. PRISMS is a closed online network while CRICOS data is publicly available. Lenth of Australian study visa-500 is issued more than 1-3 months longer than that of the principal course of study or a packed course of study. All students need a CoE or offer letter to apply for the visa using an online form 157A (Internet). For the students under18, form 157N needs to be filled for the student’s guardian (aged 21 or above) visa-590. Education provider will CAAW letter about welfare & accommodation. Secondary exchange students must provide AASES form. Parents or custodians must complete form 1229.

Age Requirement: A primary student must be at least 8 years of age. For the secondary students it is less than 17-20 years of age when commencing academic year grade 9-12. School students are exempt from English language proficiency score and GTE requirements are also waived for the students from primary to secondary or tertiary level. All family members’ information must be provided in the time of visa application for the smooth subsequent entry into Australia. Applications for Family members of the students’ guardian are not accepted.

Visa Conditions: There are some conditions that a student is responsible for fulfilling. These conditions are attached to the visa grant letter and can be checked online via VEVO website. Visa conditions are a Four Digit number like 4202; each number expresses some meaning. Upon breach of visa conditions, education provider may report to the DHA and then the DHA will take legal action against the international students leading to visa cancellation and deportation. For any help & details, please contact our certified education counselor.

Work Rights/Benefits of International Students in Australia

 

 

 

Evidentiary Framework & Levels:

 

DHA considers some immigration risk rating (gets updated every 6 months) factors based on education provider’s profile and student’s country of citizenship or origin. The SSVF has two frameworks. They are…

 

• Streamlined Evidentiary Requirement

Under this framework, DHA issues Australian student visa based on low immigration risk rating, further, students only need to declare that he/she can fund study and living cost and has English language proficiency level. Based on academic history, country of citizenship and agreements with Australian Government; financial, health, OSHC, English skill certificates evidence requirement may be waived by DHA. Hence, GTE becomes the main considering factor.

• Regular Evidentiary Requirement

Under regular application, international students require two extra evidences of financial capacity and English skill. You may book a free consultancy with our Australian education counselor, an EATC graduate and QEAC.

AU Student Visa costing:

Evidence of Genuine Access Requirement, following are accepted as financial evidence.

1. Money deposited in Banks/NBFIs
2. Bank/Govt./Institutional educational loans/funding
3. /Organizational educational Scholarship

The funds must clearly be available to students. Parents or guardians are accepted as sponsor and relationship of the sponsor with the student is considered. Students need to show next 12 month’s living & tuition costs along with travel and OSHC cost.

• Minimum deposit show: $ AUD 24,505
• Spouse /De-Facto/Fiancé/Fiancée: $ AUD 7,362
• Dependent under 18: $ AUD 3,150
• For Each Scholl age children (per year): $ AUD 8,000 +
• Show evidence of family annual income $ AUD 60,000+ (TAX documented)

This data may be changed from time to time. You may need to consult with our counselor to know the updates.

English Language Proficiency Requirement & Acceptable Tests Scores:

Test Type	Minimum Score	MC with 10 weeks ELICOS	MC with 20 weeks ELICOS
IELTS-AT	5.5	5	4.5
TOEFL-PBT	527	500	450
TOEFL- iBT	46	35	32
CAE	162	154	147
PTE	42	36	30
OET	Pass	—	—

Exceptions: There are some exceptions for the English language proficiency score requirement by the DHA, please boo a free consultation with our education counselor to know in detail.

Visas Following Study:

To remain in Australia after studies, a student can obtain a Temporary Graduate Visa sub-Class 485. This visa has two streams: 1. The Graduate Work Stream/GWS 2. The Post-Study Work/PSWS Stream. To know in detail if you need this visa service, please feel free to contact our QEAC and/or any OMARA registered RMA or simply browse the publicly available DHA website. For any help, contact OSO or our counsellor team.

Work Rights for International Students in Australia:

From 1^st July 2023, international students and visa holders are restricted to 48 hours of work a fortnight. This restriction applies to only when courses and trainings are in session. Students can work unrestricted hours while courses are not in session. Any dependent of the student visa holder can enjoy the same rights and benefits as the main visa holder. Students need to check their visa conditions carefully on VEVO. From 1 July 2023, student visa holders are restricted to 48 hours of work a fortnight while their course is in session. Working 48 hours a fortnight is equivalent to approximately three days per week. A fortnight is a period of 14 days starting on a Monday. For any help and information, please contact to the ombudsman or our QEAC Australia. Dependent’s work rights depend on the main applicant’s visa conditions and courses of study and degree program.