EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION

The Australian education system is known as one of the best education systems in the world. The system is framed under a comprehensive curriculum to deliver a high quality, world class education. Australia ranked as the third largest provider of education to overseas students after the United States and the United Kingdom. International students can study at all levels of education from English language courses to higher education in Australia.

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REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The strength of the Australian education system relies heavily on its robust regulatory framework and transparent accountability mechanism. The two main regulatory bodies for higher education and VET institutions that are responsible for the registration of institutions and accreditation of courses are:
Higher Education – The Tertiary Education and Standards Agency (TEQSA),
VET – The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

International students in Australia can only study in an institution and in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). TEQSA is responsible for assessing and approving applications for inclusion on the CRICOS. CRICOS registration guarantees that the institution you study at and the courses you take are of high standards, and comply with the requirements of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code). Along with the National Code, Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2020 ensures that all training providers meet nationally consistent high standards in education delivery and provide tuition fee protection for international students

THE STRUCTURE OF AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national framework which specifies the standards for educational qualifications in Australia. It comprises 10 levels and links school, vocational and higher education qualifications into a single national system, which allows the movement from one level of study to the next between institutions.

The main Australian education system is structured as follows:
Primary school: 7 to 8 years, starting at Preparatory through Year 6 or 7
Secondary School: 3 to 4 years, from Years 7 / 8 to 10
Senior Secondary School: 2 years from Years 11 to 12
Tertiary Education: includes higher education and vocational education and training (VET).

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

International students are allowed to bring close family members as dependents on their student visa. If you bring your children with you when you study in Australia, they also have the opportunities to gain access and participate in Australian education. Early childhood education in Australia focuses on the care of children, their developmental opportunities, and school readiness.

 

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

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

In Australia, schooling is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 17 years unless an exemption has been granted. School-age dependents of international students are required to attend school while they are in Australia. Children generally attend primary school in the year they turn six.

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 EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is designed to deliver practical skills and knowledge-based competencies in a wide range of employment fields. VET courses are offered by Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes, technical colleges, and private RTOs. Some universities may offer both VET courses and higher education courses.

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.

HIGHER EDUCATION

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.