Australia
In respect to the past years’ international student statistics, Australia is having a fast pace of growth. On the other hand, this trend is completely different in the UK where the graphic of international students is not that steep, often being unsteady. With this in mind, if the trend keeps going for some years on, Australia will soon climb as the second most popular study destination.Based on current statistics, as of April 2018, there were 548,411 international students studying in Australia. Compared to the same report a year ago, there were 12% fewer international students at Australian universities.
The following is a list of the accredited Universities that are located in Australia:
1. Australian National University
2. Bond University
3. Carnegie Mellon University – Australia
4. Central Queensland University
5. Charles Darwin University
6. Curtin University
7. Deakin University
8. Edith Cowan University
9. Flinders University
10. Griffith University
11. James Cook University
12. La Trobe University
13. Macquarie University
14. Monash University
15. Murdoch University
16. Queensland University of Technology
17. RMIT University
18. Southern Cross University
19. Swinburne University of Technology
20. The University of Notre Dame Australia
21. Torrens University Australia
22. University College London’s UCL School of Energy and Resources
23. University of Adelaide
24. University of Canberra
25. University of Melbourne
26. University of New England (Australia)
27. University of New South Wales
28. University of Newcastle (Australia)
29. University of Queensland
30. University of South Australia
31. University of Southern Queensland
32. University of Sydney
33. University of Tasmania
34. University of Technology
35. University of the Sunshine Coast
36. University of Western Australia
37. University of Western Sydney
38. University of Wollongong
39. Victoria University
Benefits of studying in Australia
There are a variety of reasons why you should consider studying in Australia. Currently, the country makes the top three most popular study destinations in international education amounting to over a half million overseas students. This diverse community of students at Australian universities will be like meeting the whole world in a single place. Are you looking for a place that will get your academic career to a higher level? Australia has some of the best universities in the world thanks to their outstanding reputation and high-quality teaching. If you look at different worldwide university rankings the Australian universities are usually found at the top. In fact, out of 100 best universities in the world today, seven Australian universities are in there. Australian universities are also proud of having a fantastic academic staff, which counts in excellent professors. Such features are incredible indicators of the quality of education knowing that the country has only 23 million citizens. Additionally to the excellent quality, the Australian universities have a rich scheme of programs and courses they offer. Hence a student will always find a program which it will suit to his interest and which will improve his knowledge. Also, Australia enumerates 1100 institutions across the entire country, driven by the commitment to the research and innovation. Facilities like laboratories and modern classrooms are in every higher education provider in Australia to give the needed support to students’ education. For those who are looking to use all the advantages of research activities, then Australia is a place to be.
Another important point that adds in Australia’s attractiveness is the fact that compared to the other popular study destination comes at a cheaper price tag. While most study destination country’s reputation lies in their higher cost, Australia contains an exemption from this rule. Both tuition fees and living expenses are at a certain degree, for example. For sure, in big cities like Sydney or Melbourne may end up costing a bit more to live in, but the cost of living is no different than in a major city in your home country. Furthermore, based on running regulations in Australia, foreign students are allowed to work part-time while they’re studying. As an international student, this will not only help you cover your education expenses while you’re there, but will also serve as a good experience. Getting used to living on your own will give a better sense of reality and will emotionality prepare for your life after university is over. It’s also very easy to find a job so that you can make ends meet while you’re studying. In the urban areas, you may be able to find internships and apprenticeships that are related to the field that you are studying. Depending on what region of Australia you are living in, you may also be able to find employment in the tourism industry, which can help you interact with people from all over the world that come to visit Australia.
Another reason to consider going to Australia as an international student is because there is a lot of scholarship money available for you. The Australian government welcomes potential international students with open arms, and they actually offer up to $250 million dollars a year in scholarships, grants, and other financial aid that is specially set aside for international students. There are a lot of scholarship government-funded schemes like Australia Awards Scholarships, Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards, International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS). There’s no need to worry if the number of these bursaries available is limited because most universities award scholarships to talented foreigners from their budget. But, wait! There’s even more. Australia has a brilliant student loan system that delivers financial support to students who struggle with university tuitions and living expenses. In order to receive this aid, there are some things that you will have to do in terms of applications and grade requirements Over 2.5 million people have gone to Australia as international students, and many of them have gone out to make a difference in the world. Eminent figures that left their marks in humankind history were once students in this country. Thanks to the quality of education they received they were able to make different innovations that serve the billion people nowadays. Among these successful personalities there were 15 Nobel Laureates.
Some of the most popular study fields and in which Australian universities excel are the natural sciences (biology, zoology, chemistry, etc), mathematics, engineering, social sciences (sociology, anthropology, archaeology, psychology, etc), and medical fields (even MD’s and PhD’s). You only have to choose a specific field and there certainly will be a course that will fit for you. And because there are many universities the diversity in programs is huge so you will have more than alternative to choose between. Furthermore, the Australian curriculum is at the same frequency with global trends and regularly updates the existing courses and introduces new ones if needed.
Nothing is worthy if in the ends won’t pay off. Not even the higher education. Yes being able to study what you’re passionate about is important, but what’s the point if you can’t find a job to live properly. Today, the job market is very tough and the competition is fierce. The only way for you to stand this hardship is by getting a world-class education. Well, the term world-class describes precisely the Australian higher education. An Australian degree will undoubtedly increase your employability in the future. Employers seek for well-educated and experienced employees out of who they can get out the best and improve their businesses. Some particular universities are ranked in top universities whose graduates have the highest employability. These universities include the Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University etc.
According to statistics, 71.8% of Australian graduates have found a full-time job 4 months after their graduation. In 2017 Bachelor graduates had an unemployment rate of just 3%. Regarding the same statistics, the average salary of graduates’ first full-time job in 2017 was $60,000, higher than in the previous year. At the same time, employers showed a higher satisfaction with these employers. In particular, employers in 2016 said to be very content with Engineering, Health, Architecture and Education graduates.One of the most important things to consider when studying in Australia is how much money that you need to have in order to be comfortable. There are a lot of things that come into this process.
University and Higher Education
Undergraduate Studies
The way that the undergraduate degree programs are organized in Australia is based on the way that the United Kingdom has their university systems set up. The Australian universities do not offer some of the other types of undergraduate degrees (i.e. foundations degrees) that the UK does, but overall, the system is very similar to what you will see there.There is one thing that makes Australia’s education system unique from the education systems in most other countries; this is known as the Australian Qualifications Framework. This framework governs all of Australian education, but it specifically focuses on the secondary (high school) and tertiary (undergraduate and post graduate) levels. This has divided the education system into a variety of levels based on the amount of education that the student decides to take on. The system is also simple and flexible enough that international students can come into it without a lot of issues.The college and university framework consists of ten different levels. The first 7 levels of the AQF are based in undergraduate studies, level 8 is a step between undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and levels 9 and 10 are at the postgraduate level
Certificate Levels 1 to 4
These certificates are the baseline educational steps. Getting these certificates take anywhere from 6 months to a year, but it could take more or less time depending on where you go. The first two levels of certificates are similar to certificates that you may find in other countries for jobs like administrative positions and other positions that take little to no formal training. Levels 3 and 4 are similar to the vocational certificates that you may find at trade schools, and may teach more specialized skills such as welding, machinery, and basic IT skills. It can also help prepare the student for higher undergraduate education.
Diploma (Level 5)
The diploma level is a step above level 4, and helps the students involved to gain advanced cognitive and technical knowledge in a particular field. It normally takes about 2 years to obtain these degrees, and they are usually in paraprofessional fields.
Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree (Level 6)
The associate degree or advanced diploma can take anywhere from 2-3 years, and counts for approximately 3 to 4 semesters of bachelor’s work if the student decides to go for a bachelor’s degree later on. Advanced diplomas are given to those studying technical or vocational fields; associates degrees are given to those who are studying fields that are considered to be more academic. A diploma or an associate’s degree can be very helpful in the process of obtaining employment in Australia or your home country.
Bachelor’s Degrees (Level 7)
These degrees are the standard degrees that are recognized around the world as an “undergraduate degree.” In Australia, the average amount of time needed to complete a bachelor’s level degree is anywhere from three to four years, depending on your university and the degree that you are pursuing. Most fields that require any type of research are the ones that usually take four years.
Here are some of the programs that you could end up earning a bachelor’s degree in while in Australia.
• Anthropology and Archaeology
• Classical history
• Social sciences (sociology, psychology, etc)
• Computer Science
• Business (economics, management)
• Law
• Medical fields/pre-medical fields
• Music and arts
• Philosophy and other similar disciplines
• English (Literature, etc)
• Theology and Religion
STEM majors (Sciences (earth sciences, biology, chemistry), Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Postgraduate Studies
The Australian education system is determined by a unique program known as the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This system is primarily based on the system of education in the UK but it is a lot more detailed. Tertiary education is separated into a variety of levels, based on the amount of education that a student needs for their careers.
Here is a quick overview of each of the AQF levels. We do this so that you can better understand them before pursuing your postgraduate tertiary education in Australia.
Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas (Level 8). Graduate certificates and graduate diplomas in Australia take approximately one year after earning a Bachelor level degree (level 7). Whether you have a certificate or a diploma is dependent only on the school; there is no real difference between each. After you complete a certificate or diploma at level 8, you will have the skills you need for advanced job positions or for further postgraduate education.
Some people will choose to pursue a graduate certificate to obtain a graduate level education without the time commitment and energy or because they are not pursuing an academic endeavor. They may also pursue a graduate certificate because they are considering a change in career or desire to pursue a Master’s degree in a field that is not related to their Bachelor’s degree.
Master’s Degrees (Level 9). Master’s degrees are one of the higher levels of postgraduate education. These degrees are usually focused on research and academia instead of advancement in the work force. You will likely see those who are already employed in Master’s degree programs.If you pursue a Master’s degree, you will have more of a focus on your chosen field of study than you did during your bachelor’s studies. This is the case because there are no general education requirements related to the degree. It takes approximately two years of study after bachelor’s degree to obtain a Master’s level degree. Many people take on mater’s degree in order to pursue employment in a research field or to go on and receive a doctorate level degree.
Doctorate Degrees (Level 10). Doctorate degrees are the highest level of education that you can receive in the world. This is the 10th level in Australia’s AQF system, and can include PhD’s, M.D.’s, DPT’s, law degrees, DDS’s, and a variety of other degrees, each named for the profession(s) that they degree is related to.
At the end of your doctoral studies, you are considered to have the highest level of expertise that you can have in your selected field. Many people with doctorates either work in a medical profession, do research, or work in an academic setting like a college or university as a professor. Doctoral degrees can take anywhere from 3 to 6 years to complete, based on factors such as your current employment status, what field you are studying, and how long it takes to complete your dissertation.