Australia

Australia has, in the recent years, become one of the most sought after educational destinations for international students from around the globe. Having provided around 2200 study programs by about 1200 institutions, Australia has grown up with access to a wide range of study options to aspiring international students in affordable tuition and living costs. Despite of such ample options, numerous factors like quality assurance, serious concerns of government toward international students, huge amount of investment in international scholarships, mild & pleasant climate, crimeless study atmosphere and friendly people with native English speaking etc. have made Australia a perfect platform for an individual to uplift their personality. Australia now has international students from over 140 countries around the world in different study areas and levels. In fact, Australia has produced 15 Nobel prize laureates and every day over 1 billion people around the world rely on Australian discoveries and innovations – including penicillin, IVF, ultrasound, Wi-Fi, the Bionic Ear, cervical cancer vaccine and Black Box Flight Recorders – to make their lives, and the lives of others, better.

Each state government manages the school system within their state and provide funding for their schools. Both public schools and private schools exist in each state. The curriculum taught in each state or school may vary but the learning areas are the same in all.

We can find out more about each State and Territory’s education system by viewing their web sites below:

Canberra:     Australian Capital Territory Department of Education and Training
Sydney:        New South Wales Department of Education and Training
Darwin:        Department of Education and Training
Queensland: Education Queensland
Adelaide:    South Australia Department of Education and Children's Services
Tasmania:   Tasmania Department of Education
Melbourne: Victoria Department of Education and Training
Perth:          Western Australia Department of Education and Training

The AQF levels show how students can progress through the Australian education system. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a system of seventeen national qualifications in 3 sectors:

• Schools
• Vocational Education and Training (TAFE and private providers)
• Higher Education (mainly universities)

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Australia has a Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. VET prepares people for work in a career that does not need a university degree. the national body ASQA regulates and manages the system and ensures consistent national standards. Typically, a VET course takes up to two years of study.

Higher Education

The national government provides the funding for universities in all the states. While each university is independent in its governance and can decide on which courses they want to offer and the course content, they are regulated by TEQSA. Typically, a Bachelor course takes three or four years of study and one and half or two years duration for Master.

Some courses are not recorded on the AQF even though they offer excellent education and outcomes. For example:

• English language courses (ELICOS)
• foundation studies
• Non-award programs

International students who arrive in Australia to study may begin at any level of the system. However, their academic or English proficiency may not match the level that they wish to enter. So, there are specific pathway programs for international students to eventually reach the level they want to study at. These programs have a variety of names but they all provide entry into another course of a higher level.

ELICOS Programs

ELICOS Programs ELICOS sector is an important one within the Australian Education system. English language training is also very often the first type of course an international student may undertake in Australia. English language training commonly takes place in dedicated colleges or centers. These centers are completely focused on the needs of international students, so they have highly developed support services for such students. There are about 300 accredited ELICOS centers across Australia.

Foundation Programs

Foundation programs (also known as Foundation Years or University Preparation courses) take many forms but they offer an alternative means for international students to access post-school institutions. They are most commonly used as a pathway for students who do not meet the entry requirements of an undergraduate Bachelor degree program. Such programs are offered by institutions in the School, VET, ELICOS and Higher Education sectors.

Diploma Programs

However, international students often take Diploma courses principally as a pathway to an undergraduate program rather than for the Diploma qualification itself. Business or Information Technology courses tend to be the most popular fields of study. These courses are promoted by TAFE, private colleges and higher education institutions providing entry to undergraduate programs and are packaged with undergraduate courses.

Study in Australia:      http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Programs & Institutes:     http://cricos.education.gov.au/

Higher Education  http://www.teqsa.gov.au/

VET Education   http://www.asqa.gov.au/

Australian Laws for Int'l students:       https://internationaleducation.gov.au/regulatory- information/pages/regulatoryinformation.aspx

Visa and immigration matters:     https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//Trav/Stud/

For biometrics (Nepalese Students):   http://www.vfsglobal.com/Australia/Nepal/

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council: Anmac.org.au