Australia is already a favourite destination for students from around the world. The country is known for an exceptional education system, friendly people, and a high standard of life. There are hundreds of specializations from internationally renowned universities to choose from, according to one’s interest, aptitude and professional goals. Today Australia is the third most popular study destination for international students, after the US and the UK.

1. Quality education

   8 of the ​world’s ​top 100 universities are in Australia. Global rankings like QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education Rankings, and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities give a high rank to Australian universities. Degrees awarded by Australian universities are recognised everywhere.

2. Work in Australia

   After completing your master’s, bachelor’s or doctoral degree in Australia, you can obtain a post-study work visa for 2 – 4 years.​(​The US and the UK do not offer this to international students.)

3. Work part time

   Work while studying, and meet part of your living costs. Most international students find work in hospitality and retail sectors that offer flexible working hours.

4. Scholarship opportunities

   There are numerous scholarships available to international students.

5. Easy Visa

   An Australian study visa is far easier to get than ​US and UK ​visas. The student visa is ​very ​easy to get as all the study visas came under a single platform or a class.

6. Lower expenses

   Studying in Australia is not exactly cheap. However, the cost of living and tuition costs are considerably lower than the US and the UK while the living standard is very high.

Qualifications Offered

Australia has a unified system of qualifications, well-known as the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). Australian schools, universities, and institutes are linked across the nation and also linked globally. As long as the visa requirements are satisfied, the students can move easily from one level of study to the next after successfully completing the level, and from one institution to another. Following are the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels of qualifications granted by Australian institutions for higher education: VET Education or Diploma Course (Year 1- leading to Degree – Bachelors direct into 2nd Year)

Diploma:

1. Associate Degree
2. Advanced Diploma

Undergraduate:

1. Bachelor Degree
2. Bachelor Degree (honours)

Post-Graduate Courses:

1. Master’s Degree (extended)
2. Master’s Degree (coursework)
3. Master’s Degree (research)

Doctorate

1. Vocational and Technical Schools
2. Australia offers Vocational and Technical studies known as TAFE and VET, which include short courses, certificate courses, diplomas, and advanced diplomas.

Out of the 43 universities in Australia, 40 are public universities, 2 are international universities, and 1 is a private university. As per the latest the QS World University Rankings, 35 Australian universities are among the world’s top 500 universities’ list and 6 are among the world’s top 100.

TOP 10 UNIVERSITIES FOR FOREIGN STUDY IN AUSTRALIA ARE:

1. Australian National University (ANU)
2. University of Melbourne
3. University of Sydney
4. The University of New South Wales
5. University of Queensland (UQ)
6. Monash University
7. University of Western Australia (UWA)
8. University of Adelaide
9. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
10. The University of Wollongong

Australian universities offer a wide range of courses and programmes, both in undergraduate and postgraduate programme. Australia is particularly renowned for social sciences, management and natural sciences degrees.

Different degree courses to study overseas in Australian universities:

1. Arts and design:Literature, History, Psychology, Foreign Language Studies, Communications, Philosophy, Public Relations
2. Education:Education Studies, Special Education, Accountancy Teaching
3. Engineering and technology: Chemical, Automotive, Civil, Telecommunications, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Mining, Environmental, Electrical, Electronics, Structural, Industrial, General Engineering, Computer, Mechatronics.
4. Hospitality and Tourism:Hotel Management, Commercial Cookery, Tourism Management.
5. Mathematics and Computing:Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Based Information System.
6. Health sciences: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Veterinary Science, Environmental Health, Public Health, Personal and Family Health Care, Pharmacy.
7. Science: Pharmacology, Environmental Science, Chemistry ,
8. Agriculture:Agriculture science, Forestry, Horticulture, Biotechnology
9. Visual and Performing Arts:Art, Fashion Design, Music, Crafts, Performing Arts, Graphic Arts.
10. Law and Business Administration:Economics, HR, Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, Management, Administration.

Applications to Australian Universities are accepted all through the year. Most universities accept new students in two intakes in each academic session, which usually in February and July or November, with slight variations according to a university’s academic calendar. However, it is better to apply as early as possible because visa processes might take up to 12 weeks. If you want apply for February intake in Australia, you should aim to have your application checklist completed which needs to be submitted by mid of November or late December, depending on the universities. For July intake, application should be completed by May.

Australian academic intakes:

1. Foundation courses: Duration is 1 year and intake is in February (depends on the university).
2. Vocational Education and Training courses: Duration is 6 Month-1year and intake are in Jan, May, June, Oct, TAFE Institutions
3. Undergraduate courses: Duration is 3 years (4 years for honours degree) and intake is in Feb, July and November, (depends on the university).
4. Postgraduate/Masters courses: Duration is 1-2 years and intake is in March (depends on the university) Feb, July and November.
5. Doctoral degrees: Duration is 3-4 years and round the year intake as the supervisor or the project demands.

The general criteria for applications in Australian universities:

English language proficiency:

All applicants are required to take a recognized English language proficiency test. IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score is generally considered by Australian Universities/institutions. For undergraduate programmes, a minimum IELTS Band score of 6 with no less than 6.0 in each section is required and for post-graduate programmes, a minimum IELTS Band score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in each section is required.

Academic requirements:

Undergraduate study in Australia

• High-school certificate or Year 12 of school education
• Academic scores with a minimum 60 % or above in class XII
• Mathematics in class XII as prerequisite (for some sciences and technology courses)

Postgraduate study in Australia

• Recognized undergraduate certificate or 15 years of education
• Strong academic background
• Relevant work experience (some universities require this for MBA programmes)

The following list of documents are required for applying to universities:

Undergraduate Programme:

1. Higher Senior Secondary and Senior Secondary school Mark sheet and Passing Certificate
2. Passport Copy
3. IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score (whichever applicable)
4. Statement of purpose
5. Portfolio of work (for courses in art, design, etc.)

Note: The Australian Universities usually take around 2 days to 4 weeks to respond or to process student’s application. Students are advised to apply as soon as possible.