Australia
is a Commonwealth country in the Southern Hemisphere with a population of
approximately 22 million. The capital city, Canberra, although perhaps not the
most famous or largest of Australia’s cities, is the governmental and
administrative centre of the country.
As the
most economically developed country in the region, Australia is a popular study destination for students from Asia and beyond. Australia takes a very ‘western’
approach to its political, cultural and educational philosophies. In the
Programme for International Student Assessment, Australia regularly scores
among the top five of thirty major developed countries.
Australia has 38 universities, the majority of which
receive government funding. This has helped to establish a well respected and highly
sought after system of higher education, and the highest ratio of international
to local students in tertiary education of the OECD countries.
In addition to Australian universities there is a
state-based system of vocational training known as TAFE Institutes. This
combination of public funding and variety of quality educational institutes has
helped approximately 58% of Australians aged from 25 to 64 to hold vocational
or tertiary qualifications.
The high
academic standard of the Australian universities in combination with beautiful nature,
nice beaches and a friendly atmosphere make it a very popular destination for
people from all around the world.
More about Australia
Australian universities provide both an international education and
opportunities to develop a global network. Australian universities have a great
pedigree of catering for international students. The universities have
departments with competent staff dedicated to helping international students.
The Australian education system offers two types of higher educational institutions:
Australian Universities:
Each of Australia’s 38 universities offers a wide variety of quality courses.
Students can study both undergraduate programmes, to obtain a Bachelors
degree or diploma; or postgraduate studies
to obtain a Masters degree or PhD. Many of the Australian universities
also offer exchange programmes or summer courses to international students.
Australian vocational
and technical institutes:
Australia is experiencing a lack of tradesmen. A vocational
and technical education provides career-focused skills that are valued and
sought after by employers. These programs are developed to allow students to go
straight into a job once they have finished their qualification. When you successfully
complete a vocational or technical program you typically gain a Certificate or
a diploma,
which can often qualify you for a university degree program.
Popular educational courses in Australia
Due to its geographic location, Australia is a popular study
destination for international students from non-English speaking nations. As a
result there are a wide variety of English language courses available at all
levels of study. Students can take a summer course to learn English as a part
of their holiday, or learn English as part of a formal course that prepares you
for accredited levels of English language recognised by education and
immigration authorities around the world.
Business and Management courses are also well represented by
Australian institutions. All manner of Bachelor and Masters business related
courses exist, as well as MBA programmes.
