Education Pathways
WHAT ARE EDUCATION PATHWAYS?
Studying in Australia is an excellent way to further your education and career prospects, and pathway programs have made Australian higher education more accessible than ever before. If you are falling short on meeting the entry requirements for your desired course in Australia, there are multiple pathway options available at all qualification levels to help you reach your goal. The pathways include Foundation Studies Programs, Bridging Courses, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses, Postgraduate Pathway Program and English Language Courses. These programs and courses are tailored to provide you with the academic knowledge and English language skills required to meet the minimum entry requirements of your dream course.
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THE ADVANTAGES OF PATHWAYS
Lower entry requirements
A pathway program helps you build the necessary skills, knowledge, and qualifications to enter a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. It allows you to work your way up the qualification ladder, so you can pursue your desired course even if you do not meet the entry requirement initially.-
Direct entry
Most Australian providers that offer pathway programs for international students also offer conditional direct entry into a relevant undergraduate degree after completion of the program. In some cases you may be awarded credit for the study you already completed once you enter your degree. This allows you to finish your degree at the same time as the students who are admitted directly.-
Cost-effective
Pathway programs could be a cost-effective and innovative way to accelerate your undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These programs may contribute towards credit, exemptions or advanced standing that allow you to transfer into the second or third year of your chosen degree. In many cases, the tuition fees for studying at a pathway provider can be less than a university’s tuition fees, which may reduce the overall cost of your degree. –
Cultural Adjustment
Pathway programs offer you the opportunity to adjust to Australian culture. You will study alongside fellow international students as you all adjust to studying in Australia. In addition to gaining academic knowledge and improving your communication skills in English, you will familiarize yourself with Australian lifestyle, culture, and customs.
THE PATHWAYS JOURNEY
While most journeys begin after high school graduation, some courses also admit candidates who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11. The admission requirements into a pathway program vary depending on the education providers, intended degree, and country of origin. In general, candidates are required to submit a high school diploma or equivalent, and an acceptable language test result like IELTS or TOEFL.
Each pathway program offers a unique experience and curriculum, but they usually involve coursework that aligns with the higher education degree that a student plans to pursue. Typically, students study core subjects, such as sciences, mathematics, and business, as well as English language. Most pathway programs in Australia can be completed within a year where minimum completion grades are required to proceed. Graduates with appropriate grades may receive guaranteed entry into their desired program without submitting any additional materials, though requirements vary by institutions.
If you think a pathway program is the right choice for you, you may contact us to discuss which pathway is best for your entry into your course. We will help you choose the pathway program that best suits your needs.
Foundation Studies
Foundation Studies Programs provide a pathway for international students to gain entry to undergraduate study at Australian universities and colleges. They are divided into different streams and offer a broad introduction to subjects of your choice. These programs are intensive preparatory programs that prepare students for the language and study demands of the Australian curriculum.
Foundation studies are offered by universities, TAFE institutes and some private colleges and are typically one year in length. Some education providers offer direct entry into a relevant undergraduate degree upon the completion of the foundation studies..
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) measures school readiness across five domains:
Physical health and wellbeing
Emotional maturity
Social competence
Language and cognitive skills
Communication skills and general knowledge (AEDC 2016)
Preschool programs in Australia are hence designed to help children develop learning-related skills for them to effectively participate in subsequent learning opportunities. These skills play important roles when children transition to primary school as they establish foundations for their future success. Early childhood education programs are conducted in pre-schools, kindergartens, and other child-care settings
Bridging Courses
Meeting the entry requirements for some tertiary degrees can be a challenging obstacle to overcome, and a bridging course can help you meet the prerequisites requirements for your chosen degree. Bridging courses are short courses which cover the “assumed knowledge,” or the minimum level of knowledge on the subject you need in order to take a particular course. They focus on a specific knowledge gap, which will help you build a strong foundation you need to move on into more advanced studies.
Do not let your limited prior studies in particular hold you back, and demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in your tertiary studies and chosen career.
Primary schools offer programs from Preparatory to Years 6 or 7. Following the completion of primary school, students move to Secondary School. Since 2010, it has been mandatory in all States and Territories for students to complete Year 10 and participate full time in education, training or employment, until they are at least 17 years old. Primary schools focus on developing essential language and literacy, mathematics and numeracy, social skills, and other foundational knowledge that children need to grow and thrive. Secondary schools put emphasis on broadening the knowledge students gained during the primary education stage.
The purpose of secondary schools in Australia is to cultivate interests, develop expertise and enhance students’ overall ability. Diversified academic curriculum options and extracurricular activities are offered in Australian secondary schools, which provide students with diversified options and pathways after they graduate. Students can continue their studies by enrolling in a university for further studies, taking vocational education courses, or they may opt to enter the workforce directly.
Vocational Educational and Training (VET) Courses
A VET qualification is also a great pathway to a university degree in Australia. VET courses cover a wide range of industries including trades, retail, hospitality, technology, business and administration. Depending on your previous studies and the final degree you want to pursue, you may enroll in a Certificate I, II, III, IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Vocational Graduate Certificate or Vocational Graduate Diploma course.
VET courses equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to earn admission to Australian degree programs. Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas can be used as pathways to undergraduate studies, while Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are the pathways to postgraduate degrees in Australia. These certificates and diplomas may allow you to transfer credits to another higher education course, which shortens the length of your degree.
The AQF qualification types recognised in the VET sector are:
- Certificate I
- Certificate II
- Certificate III
- Certificate IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
Certificates vary from six months to two years to complete. Diplomas usually take about one year, while Advanced Diplomas take between 1.5 to 2 years to complete with full-time study. Students can start VET courses after they complete Year 10. VET qualification is one of the pathways into Australian universities. Many VET institutions have formal pathways arrangements with universities whereby on successful completion of their VET qualification, students can gain direct entry into their chosen degree.
Postgraduate Pathway Program
Australia is a key destination for students from around the world, hosting more than 8.5 per cent of the world’s overseas students. It is for the fact that the Australian higher education sector offers a wide diversity of programs that lead to highly regarded and internationally recognised qualifications.
Pursuing your higher education in Australia will become one of the best long term investments you will ever make. Higher education programs in Australia prepare your intellect and social abilities for your future life and career. It advances your skills, helps you gain deeper knowledge in your subject of interest, and gives you the ability to exercise critical and abstract thinking. The programs also develop your communication skills, decision making skills, and other skills, which are crucial for your future career success.
In Australia, there are 43 universities, of which two are international universities and one is a private specialty university. In order for international students to receive a visa to study in Australia they must be offered admission to study a program at an institution on the CRICOS.
ACADEMIC YEAR
For Australian VET and higher education students, the academic year generally starts in February/ March, with additional intake in June/July. VET and higher education institutions usually have two semesters with examinations or assessments held in June and November. The summer vacation is from November to February. However, some higher education institutions may have “third semester” that runs in the summer months.