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If you want to study in Australia, you can be assured of an unprecedented educational standard, globally accepted credentials, and tremendous career opportunities. Universities in Australia are famous for their methodologies of study and teaching, making them a popular destination among students. Other big factors behind Australian universities being consistently ranked in the QS World Ranking and Times Higher Education Rankings are academic performance, campus life, and trained instructors. It has a well-structured program that emphasizes diverse capacities, such as critical thought, imagination, communication, comprehension, capacity for logical reasoning, ethical awareness, and more. Is education free in Australia? Here is what you need to know about education in Australia.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The enforcement of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), a national policy developed in 1995, which sets out in addition to the school leaving certificate, the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, the certification requirements for the tertiary education sector (higher education in Australia, vocational education in Australia for international students and training), is a distinctive factor of the system of education in Australia. With AQF, the government accepts and authorizes your degree.
Under the AQF, in a single national structure, there are ten layers connecting separate schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions. This helps students to transfer from one study level to another with versatility, preference, and improved job preparation, as long as their student visa conditions are met.
Structure of the Australian Education System
The Australian system of education is broadly classified into four sub-sectors:
- Primary school: seven to eight years, beginning at Foundation (also known as Pre-school/preparatory/kindergarten) up to Year 6 or 7
- Secondary school: four years from the age of seven or eight to ten
- Senior secondary school: two years from Year 11 to Year 12
- Tertiary education: encompasses further education in Australia, vocational school, and training (VET).
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national framework that includes post-compulsory education qualifications. It has ten tiers and connects a school, vocational, and higher education certificates into a single national framework, facilitating quick mobility between institutions and from one stage of learning to another.
The education system of Australia is unique in that, contrasted with the structures in other nations, it is heavily privatized in both the school and higher education fields. 34.6 percent of school undergraduate enrolments were in private schools in 2016 in terms of student attendance. But the bulk of higher education enrolments (93 percent) was in public universities—the key legislation for the allocation of funds to schools in the Australian Education Act. The proportion of private investment in Australian schools (non-government-funded) is much greater than in other organizations.
In the higher education market, the case is similar. Countries for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at almost 40 percent for Australia compared to the OECD average of 16 percent.
Study Levels in Australia
The education system of Australia is three-tiered, with basic, secondary, and tertiary education in Australia tiers. As per the AQF, here’s a rundown of the various levels and qualifications available. Levels of education in Australia and certificates according to the Australian Certification System (AQF)
- Certificate I at Level 1
- II at Level 2
- Certificate III at Level 3
- Certificate IV at Level 4
- Diploma at Level 5
- Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree at Level 6
- Bachelor’s Degree at Level 7
- Graduate Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma at Level 8
- Master’s Degree at Level 9
- Doctoral Degree at Level 10
The University level is Australia’s highest level of education. There are 43 universities to choose from. Forty of them are publicly funded, two are foreign universities, and one is a private university. Bachelor’s or postgraduate courses may be selected, which may include certificates, postgraduate diplomas, masters, and doctoral programs.
Students may also enroll in vocational classes that serve as a pathway to higher education or a job in the industry. Focusing on professional knowledge and business preparation, these programs are provided by government-funded institutions (including TAFE – Technical and Further Education) and private institutions.
Academic Year
For school students, the Australian academic year starts in late January or early February and lasts until mid-December. There are three or four terms a year at most schools. In order to allow for unique neighborhood circumstances, some municipalities have flexibility about the academic year.
English Language Requirements
Since Australia is an English-speaking nation, and all directions are in English in the classroom. It is important to be proficient in this language. If you have little proficiency, before beginning your program, you will be encouraged to enroll in the English language. In the region, you can select from over 100 private English language centers.
Post-Study Work Options | Education System In Australia
After college, Australia offers ample job opportunities. Upon completion of your studies, you can apply for a subclass 485 temporary graduate visa that will allow you to stay and study further/work in Australia. You may qualify for the next stage of education in Australia if you wish to further your studies since there is no lack of proper courses and programs for the required applicant.
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