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Study In Australia

Introduction

Education System

Admission Requirements

Cost of Education

List of Colleges & Universities In Australia

Introduction

Australia has become one of the most favoured destinations for Indian students aspiring to go for higher   studies abroad. The reasons, for Australia being the first choice destination of these students are many, the most common being the fact it is an English speaking friendly country providing globally recognized quality education at considerably a lesser cost than UK and USA.

As a country Australia is sixth largest in the world, in terms of land area, with a relatively small and culturally diverse population. The country’s landscape is highly distinctive, ranging from vast stony and sandy deserts and tablelands in the west and centre to sweeping plateau and plains flanking narrow coastal slopes to the east. Geographically one third of Australia’s mainland lies north of Tropic of Capricorn and the remainder falls in the Temperate Zone. Much of the country is arid or semi arid with very little rainfall. However majority of the population is settled in the fertile areas near the coast. All parts of Australia enjoy warm summers and relatively mild winters.

Politically it is a liberal democracy and has a federal system of government, with six state governments, two territory administrations and a national government. Although an independent nation, the Monarch of Great Britain is also the Monarch of Australia.

Education System       ^ TOP

Schooling is compulsory in Australia and is divided into primary and secondary levels. In the last two years of secondary school, students may undertake studies, which may lead them to university/ vocational education or employment. Schools operate directly or indirectly (non-governmental schools) under the respective state governments, however all of Australia’s post school qualifications are linked by a single nationwide system of qualifications known as the Australian Qualification Framework  (AQF). Since the Australian government endorses the AQF system it is recognized all around Australia and valued by other countries as well. AQF qualifications are based on competency standards set by industry and relate directly to employment. Units of competency can be achieved from work experience as well as previous academic qualifications. Credit gained on these can exempt a student from parts of courses; or gain entry to other courses. All institutions and universities, which offer AQF qualifications, are registered with the State/Territory Training Authorities and have to fulfill certain conditions. They are subjected to periodic review to ensure consistent standard.

The AQF comprises twelve qualifications issued by the three basic sectors- schooling, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education. The system encourages flexible pathways between all the qualifications.

The approximate time taken in completion of each course is given in parenthesis. Certificates I and II may be undertaken as part of Senior Secondary Certificates of Education or as separate courses. Students can continue on this pathway and gain a diploma through training institution or through learning at work place or they may even use this as credit towards degree. The flexibility that it provides, by allowing a student to move from a course in vocational college to a degree course in a university and to take credit with him, so that he doesn’t have to repeat the studies, is one of the best features of the AQF system.

Another attractive feature for students going from abroad for higher studies in Australia is the protection of their interests provided by the government through Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. The act ensures protection of international students in matters such as tuition fees and provides for grievances to be addressed and service to be guaranteed all such educational institutions.

Admission Requirements        ^ TOP

The Australian Education International (AEI) represents the Australian Government in the area of education and training and is based at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi (1/50G Shantipath, Chanaykapuri, New Delhi-21; phone 688 8223/5556; e-mail- aei.india@dfat.gov.au) with a second office at the Australian Consulate Generals’ Office in Mumbai. Both the centres provide student information and counseling services.  However some basic information regarding admissions, issue of visa etc are given stepwise below: 

Adequate knowledge in English is necessary for entry into an Australian university. For entry into any course falling under `higher education’ category a student is required to have a score of six or more on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) conducted by British Council. For Vocational Studies and Training courses as well as for secondary school courses an overall score between 5-6 is required, depending upon the choice of course. A score of 550 and above in TOEFL is also accepted.

The selection of an institute is the next step. A candidate may approach the institute directly or through an Australian education representative in India. Entry into most of the Australian universities is competitive and previous academic performance is given weightage.

Those intending to go to Australia are issued Student Visa for the period equal to the duration of the course. Overseas student are not allowed part-time study in Australia and must leave the country on completion of their course of study. Application form (157W) for Student Visa is available at the Australian High Commission free of cost or can be obtained from the education agents. The application fee, to be paid at the time of submission of the form is Rs 7900 currently.

Application for the Student Visa is assessed on the basis of evidence of enrolment in any government registered Australian education institution for which the applicant has to enclose the ‘Letter of Offer’ issued to him by the institute; his bona-fides and financial status.

If the candidate is able to meet the Preliminary Visa Assessment (PVA) requirements, he is asked to undergo further processing, which includes payment of tuition fees to the institute and medicals examination. The entire process requires 4-6 weeks time.

Cost Of Education        ^ TOP

Tuition fees vary from AUD 6000 to AUD 7000 for a six-month graduate certificate course to over AUD 30000 per annum for a medical degree. Most full time degree and post graduate degree cost between AUD 10000 to 20000 per annum. The more expensive courses usually have strong laboratory or computer components.

In vocational education and training, costs vary from AUD 3000 to 4000 for a 20-week certificate course to over AUD 12000 per annum for laboratory or computer intensive advanced courses.

As per the Australian Government survey an international student spent in average AUD540 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental expenses.