Australia

The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF was established in 1995 and is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.

The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system.

If you are studying an AQF qualification, you can be sure that your institution is Government-authorised and nationally accredited, and that your degree or other AQF qualification will be genuine.

Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree will take three years, and a further year of study will lead to an Honors degree. Not every degree follows this 3+1 pattern; there are some four-year degrees (which may or may not be awarded Honors), and some specialist bachelor’s degrees which take longer to complete.

Master’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree may be followed by a Master’s degree. A candidate who does not hold an Honors degree may be awarded a Master’s degree with honors; such a degree usually involves two years study, compared to one year for a Master’s degree for a candidate who does have an Honors degree. A candidate who has either a Master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with Honors may proceed to a doctoral degree.

Graduate/Advanced – Diploma/Certificate
A one-year full-time course of study for graduates. It does not always require its students to have prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma.

Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate
A one-year full-time study, designed for graduates, which builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree.

Intakes
The academic year in Australia varies between states and institutions, but generally runs from early March to late November, or mid-July to late June with seasonal holidays and breaks for each educational institution.

English Language Requirements
All students must be fluent in English language if they are to succeed at university in Australia. A band score of 6.0+ for undergraduate & 6.5+ for master degree courses is desirable.

Documentation
Documents needed for applying for a study visa in Australia are: resume, statement of purpose, mark sheets & certificates of X, XII, till Graduation or relevant degree transcripts (If applicable), Certificates of extra-curricular activities, work experience certificates (If applicable), a copy of the student’s passport , and preferably reference letters from colleges & employers.

Cost
The tuition fees to study abroad in Australia vary from course to course and university to university. An undergraduate or Bachelor’s degree can cost anywhere between A$ 15,000 and A$ 33, 000 approximately per year. The cost of studying a Diploma or Post-Graduate Diploma in Australia may cost A$ 10,000 to A$ 20,000 approximately per year, while the cost of studying for a Post Graduate Degree may be anywhere between A$ 20,000 and A$ 35,000.The average cost of living in Australia for international students officially is AUD 29,710 (to get admitted) but can range above AUD 40,000 also. This is almost AUD 1,200 on an average per week, depending on the location of study.