| AUSTRALIA
: OVERVIEW |
|
|
Australian Qualifications Framework
Australia : One country, One qualifications system
The Australian Education System is distinguished from
many other countries by the Australian Qualifications
Framework (AQF). The AQF links 15 schools, vocational
and university education qualifications into one national
system.
The AQF allows you to move easily from one level of study
to the next and from one institution to another as long
as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for
choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications
in the AQF help you prepare for both further study and
life in the workforce.
If you’re 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.
The AQF makes it easy for overseas governments to recognise
your qualification. When international employers see it,
they’ll know what it stands for: a world-class education
in a modern, democratic, and technologically advanced
society.
About Australian Universities
Study at an Australian university - gain an international
qualification
An Australian education is a truly international experience.
Universities are linked to institutions in more than 100
countries and academic staff members are recruited from
abroad. After graduating in Australia, you will be able
to work in companies around the world.
Universities Australia was established on 22 May 2007
as the industry peak body representing the university
sector.
Universities Australia represents 38 of Australia's universities
in the public interest, both nationally and internationally.
(http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au)
An Australian university will provide you with a sound
understanding of your chosen field, along with academic
skills that can be applied to other areas. You won’t
just be learning about health, science, engineering or
the arts. You’ll also be learning how to think creatively
and independently.
Higher education qualifications offered in Australia
Australian universities and higher education institutions
offer programs leading to Bachelor Degrees and higher
qualifications in a diverse range of fields. Australian
universities offer programs from Architecture to Zoology.
The Bachelor Degree is the most common qualification offered
in Australia. Specialised research training and professional
development is also offered through Masters Degrees and
Doctoral Degrees.
Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are also available.
Diplomas are becoming less common; however, the Associate
Degree provides a shorter-cycle Degree program for professionals
wishing to further their careers.
About the Academic Programs Offered
Undergraduate :
- Bachelor
Postgraduate :
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Masters (Eg. MBA)
- Doctorate.
Courses cover many disciplines such as the humanities,
social sciences, environmental education, education, science,
mathematics and computing, visual/performing arts, engineering
and processing, health sciences, business, economics,
law and agriculture. Courses can vary considerably in
form, entry requirements, duration and method of assessment.
Foundation studies
If you don’t meet academic requirements, there are
a few options to prepare you for further study. Depending
on your previous studies and the final qualification you
want to study, you can enroll in secondary school or Foundation
Studies.
Foundation Studies is a one-year intensive preparatory
course that will give you the skills you need to enter
an undergraduate course. They are divided into streams
such as business studies and science studies, and offer
both compulsory and elective subjects. English language
support is usually available.
Many schools, vocational education and training institutions,
and universities offer Foundation Studies courses. The
common feature of Foundation Studies is that a university
allocates a provisional place in an undergraduate program
assuming you achieve the prescribed grades.
Other courses
Australian universities also support lifelong learning,
offering short courses and training workshops for professionals
interested in updating or expanding their skills base.
Study Abroad courses are available if you wish to study
in Australia for one or two semesters and count the subjects
completed towards your university studies at home. Study
abroad courses are available to you at both undergraduate
and postgraduate levels. The experience is intended to
expand your knowledge and present you with the personal
challenges and rewards of successfully adapting to another
culture.
Academic year
University courses run from early March to late November.
The year is divided into two semesters. However, some
institutions offer a trimester system and/or run summer
schools from December to February. The Universities Australia
website provides a list of university semester dates.
(http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au
)
Undergraduate and postgraduate by coursework students
enroll for their courses at the beginning of the year.
Australian universities do allow enrolment in mid-year
(around July) for certain courses. Commencement dates
can vary, depending on the course.
Students studying towards a Doctoral Degree or other postgraduate
research awards may be able to negotiate an alternative
starting date with their study supervisor.
Foundation studies have student intakes at several times
during the year.
|
