Introduction: Australia 

Area:                                         7,682,300.0 Sp. Km
Population:                               20 Millions
Capital:                                     Canberra (Population 313,000.0)

States and Territories:           Australia has six states, two territories and is highly urbanized country with most people living in cities or major regional towns.     

People:                                        94% European Descent, 4% Asian, 1.5 Aboriginal
Language:                                  English, Aboriginal languages (plus numerous other European, Arabic and Asian Languages)
Religion:                                     75% Christian, 1% Muslim, 1% Buddhist,0.5% Jewish
Government:                               Independent member of the British Commonwealth
Major products/ Industries:        Minerals, Oil, Gold, Wool, Cereals, meat, Tourism
Major Trading Partners:             Japan , ASEAN, South Korea , China , New Zealand , US and the EU
Currency:                                    Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time Difference: Approx. 5 Hours and 45 minutes ahead of Nepal (Standard time, Kath)

Climate: Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer begins in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring in September. Australia does not experience extreme variations in Temperature, except in the Mountains, where temperatures may drop below Zero. The Climate on the mainland remains fairly mild. Seasonal variations become less distinct in northern parts of Australia , exc
National colors:                                                Green and gold
National day:                                                     26 January
Time:                                                                Australia has three time zones
Zones :                                                  East: GMT + 10, Central: GMT + 9.5,       West: GMT + 8
Workforce:                                           Almost 10 million
Inflation rate (2002):                             3.2 percent
Highest point:    2228 meters above sea level (Mt Kosciuszko)
Lowest point:                                                    15 meters below sea level (dry bed of Lake Eyre , South Australia

Universities: 38 Universities out of which 2 are private
Vocational Training Education: 87 TAFEs and 5640 other registered providers deliver vocational training education across Australia

Why Study in Australia ?  

 In Australia , you have the freedom to choose a path that suits your particular goals. There are thousands of courses on offer. Whichever course you choose, you’ll experience a unique kind of education. Studying in Australia promotes innovative, creative and independent thinking. You’ll learn to work as part of a team, to communicate effectively with others and to develop the practical skills and intellectual abilities you need for global success.

Most importantly, you’ll learn how to use your initiative. Your teachers will encourage you to think of original, practical solutions to real-world problems. Upon graduation, your qualification will make you highly sought after by Australian and international employers.

The Australian education system has a strong international reputation and is known for its effective structure and innovative policy developments. Many other countries, eager to improve their own education systems, turn to Australia for advice.

Australia is also one of the best places to live. It is a young, vibrant and friendly country in which students can live, learn and grow. So if you want a quality education and a good lifestyle, Australia ’s the place to be.

Some of the reasons to choose Australia for higher study

1) Excellence 

Australia has an international reputation for excellence in all areas of education and training.

Australian qualification, international recognition

Australian universities are widely known for the quality of their teaching and research. You’ll learn from teachers who are experts in their industries and who can provide you with a sound understanding of your chosen field. You’ll develop strong academic skills that can be applied to other areas and learn to think creatively and independently.

Australia’s scientists and researchers have been responsible for major breakthroughs and technological advances around the world.  

A place where work and study meet

Australia’s approach to vocational education and training leads the world in innovation and quality. You’ll have the opportunity to step outside the classroom and practice your skills in real and simulated workplaces. This will give you a genuine advantage over other graduates.

A great place to grow up

School students in Australia study under a national curriculum framework which ensures high academic standards in eight key learning areas, including English, mathematics, science and arts. Teachers are committed to encouraging children’s’ intellectual, personal and emotional growth.

Improve your English

Studying English in Australia will give you the opportunity to use and improve your English every day. Australian English language institutions have video facilities, libraries and computer-assisted learning to help you become a fluent English-speaker in no time. You’ll even be able to find a program to meet your specific needs.

Australia is a technologically advanced society and you’ll study at an institution with great facilities. Australian classrooms are equipped with the latest technology and laptops are allowed in many lecture halls and classrooms.

2) Quality assurance 

Australia - a place where your quality of education is guaranteed

In 2000, Australia introduced the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. ESOS ensures that, in order to enroll international students, institutions must first meet requirements for registration. All institutions which meet registration requirements are listed on the publicly available Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

If an institution doesn’t meet stringent standards for marketing activities, education delivery, facilities and student support services, it isn’t registered. That means it can’t enroll international students.

However, it’s important to note that if you go to Australia on a non-student visa, you won’t have this assurance.

Consumer protection

The ESOS legislation provides consumer protection. This means you will receive the tuition for which you have paid, and your fees are protected by law.

Course information

Institutions must ensure that the marketing materials (such as brochures and handbooks) they provide to international students are accurate and not misleading.
Before issuing your proof of enrolment, the institution must first provide you with current and accurate information, such as:  requirements for acceptance into the course, including English language proficiency, previous work experience or educational qualifications necessary for admittance;
·   the course content, duration and the qualification it leads to;

·    modes of study and assessment methods;

·    the facilities, equipment, learning and library resources available;

·    indicative course-related fees, including advice on the potential for fees to change during your course; and

·   Relevant information on living in Australia , including indicative costs of living and accommodation options.

Student support services

Institutions must support international students in adjusting to study and life in Australia , achieving their learning goals and satisfying the learning outcomes of their course.
This includes providing information on arrival about:

·   student support services available to help facilitate a smooth transition to life in Australia ;
·    legal services;
·    emergency and health services;
·    facilities and resources;
·   complaints and appeals processes; and
·   any student visa conditions relating to course progress and/or attendance as appropriate.

Throughout your course, institutions must help you access study support services and welfare-related services if you need them.

3) Safe, multicultural society

Australia is a safe, friendly and harmonious country. When you arrive in Australia , you may find yourself struck by the friendliness and hospitality of the people. Imagine: you’ve left your country behind, yet somehow, you’ve arrived home.

Australia is a very safe country compared with almost anywhere in the world. Political unrest is limited in Australia , crime rates are low and strict gun control laws provide a safe environment.

As one of the most multicultural countries in the world, Australia is accepting of all religions. Your right to practice your faith without persecution or discrimination is protected by law. You’ll find Australia to be very friendly and welcoming.

Australians value the wealth of cultural diversity and social sophistication that international students bring to our campuses and communities. We take great care in looking after international students and helping them adjust to the Australian way of life.

Australians are open, friendly people and you will receive a warm welcome. Many students living in Home stay situations experience Australian family life in a natural, friendly way and often they find themselves treated like a family member. Wherever you live - Home stay, boarding school, or campus accommodation - you will discover many opportunities to make lasting friendships.

4) Value - Live while you learn

In Australia you will enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Living costs and tuition fees are affordable and comparable to the United Kingdom and United States . You can even offset your living costs with part-time work while you study.

 5)  English speaking country 

English language studies can prepare you for further studies and a global career.

The best way to learn English is to live among, and converse with, native speakers. Students from around the world come to Australia every year to do just that. While some students study to prepare them for academic challenges, others study to improve their English for business, travel or personal reasons. Australia ’s flexible English language institutions cater for everyone from beginner to advanced, and you can enroll at virtually any time of the year.

Guarantee of quality

You can be sure that you’ll receive quality training. In Australia , English language courses are closely regulated to ensure the highest standards of education delivery are maintained. These standards extend to class sizes, professional teacher qualifications, curriculum, teaching methods and materials.

Recognition of your skills

When you finish your English course you can choose to sit for one of the major internationally recognized tests, including the Cambridge Test, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).  

6) Qualifications recognition 

More than 400,000 international students were enrolled at an Australian education institution in 2007. When you graduate, your qualification will be recognized by international employers and leading education institutions around the world.

This is because all Australian education qualifications are included under one national system - Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF links school, vocational and university qualifications, making it easier to progress to the next AQF level anywhere in Australia .

The AQF also makes it easy for overseas governments to recognize your qualification. When international employers see it, they know what it stands for: a world class education in a modern, democratic and technologically advanced society.

Australia even has a system to recognize your qualifications from other countries. The Australian Government organization, National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) helps Australian institutions to recognize qualifications from overseas, allowing for recognition of your previous studies.

7) Student support services 

Student support forms a large part of Australia ’s education system. Institutions take their responsibility to student welfare seriously. They provide specialist services to help international students adjust to life and study in Australia and to achieve their goals.

This includes student services such as:
·    language tuition;
·   designated international student advisers;
·   on-arrival reception and orientation programs; and
·    Health, counseling, accommodation and employment services.

 Types of Courses 

In Australia , you have the freedom to choose the study option to suit your goals. You can study at universities, vocational education, schools and English language training. These sectors are linked so you can move easily from one qualification level to the next and from one institution to another.
Graduating with an Australian qualification will give you a competitive edge. Other governments, international employers and institutions around the world recognise the value of an Australian qualification and the high quality of our education system.

 Universities

 Study at an Australian university - gain an international qualification

An Australian education is a truly international experience. Our 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.

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 . Specialized 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.

Australian research and innovation

Australian scientists and researchers have been responsible for major breakthroughs and technological advances around the world. Our best-known achievers have won international awards, including eight Nobel Prizes.

As a postgraduate student, you will develop skills in research that will put you at the forefront of the development and application of new technologies. Australian universities provide study opportunities in every major discipline, in individual and collaborative projects.

The rewards of studying at an Australian university are endless. Develop your potential in an innovative, flexible, yet supportive learning environment. Gain an internationally recognised qualification that will open doors for your future.

Australian universities will challenge and reward you academically, personally and professionally.

Fake degrees

You should be wary of academic transcripts offered for sale, generally via the Internet, without any study involved. Find more information on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations’ website.

Vocational education and training 

Australia - a place where work and study meet

Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) institutions offer the opportunity to hone your skills in real and simulated work environments. The practical expertise you gain in the workplace will give you a genuine advantage over other graduates.

At these institutions, you can study a wide range of disciplines, including: business and management, science and technology, design and arts, communications, sport and recreation, community service and health, tourism and hospitality, engineering and building, horticulture and land management and English.

Programs are provided by public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes, private colleges and a number of schools and universities. Industry

Entry requirements 

To be accepted to study on a student visa in Australia you will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of English language proficiency, and meet minimum academic requirements.

English language skills

English language skills are a requirement for receiving an Australian student visa. IELTS is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for visa purposes.

Institutions set their own English language requirements for course entry, and the IELTS score needed for your course may be different to the score needed to secure your visa. You should check entry requirements with your institution.

* IELTS test to have been conducted not more than 24 months before the day on which the application was made

Academic requirements

Undergraduate – To gain entry into an Australian undergraduate course you will need to have an Australia Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific pre-requisite subjects.

Postgraduate – As well as the satisfactory completion of at least one degree at undergraduate level, your institution may take research ability or relevant work experience into consideration.

Vocational education and training – Generally there are no other entrance exams for VET institutions. However some courses may have specific pre-requisite subjects or work experience requirements.

Schools – Entry requirements can vary between schools in Australia , depending on the state or territory you will be studying in. Academic performance and ability is considered during the selection process.

What if you do not meet the entry requirements?

If your English language proficiency score is not high enough, you can enrol in an English language course to prepare you for further study. All Australian universities have English language centres on campus, or have links with English language colleges.

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.

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 school, 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.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an important part of the AQF. In simple terms, it means that if you have the skills or knowledge required for entry to, or credit towards, a qualification, but no papers as proof, you can undertake a personal assessment. If successful, you’ll be granted credit toward your qualification.

While all individual institutions recognize the AQF, each has its own policy regarding RPL. You should contact your institution for more information.

The following diagram illustrates the structure of the AQF, and the typical learning pathways and links for more information—you can reach this by clicking on each qualification

Some AQF qualifications are offered by more than one type of institution. For example:

·    both vocation education and training institutions and schools may offer vocational education and training for the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and Certificate I-IV qualifications;
·   older students can study for their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education at a vocational education and training institution;
·   both universities and vocational education and training institutions offer Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas;
·    universities and other higher education institutions may issue Certificate I-IV qualifications; and
·   vocational education and training institutions, usually in association with universities, may offer degrees, Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas.

Study for AQF qualifications may help a student in achieving articulation into internationally-recognized certifications or accreditations. These certifications or accreditations are usually industry specific.

Further information and case studies of how AQF qualifications can help you in choosing a course of study, finding a job, changing careers or moving ahead is available at the AQF website.

Foundation Studies or Bridging courses

Most courses and training undertaken by international students entering Australia on a student visa are covered by the AQF. However, there are a number of Australian Government registered courses for international students which are not part of the AQF. These courses are usually known as Foundation Studies or Bridging courses. Many of these courses help students meet entry requirements for further study or may lead to further study that will result in a AQF qualification.

English language training courses

There are also a wide range of English language training courses which help students improve their English proficiency, meet the standard for further study, or prepare for one of several internationally-recognized English language qualifications.

Schools qualifications

Final two years of school

Senior Secondary Certificate of Education

Some schools also issue or give credit towards Certificates I-IV. 

School studies cover a range of academic disciplines and vocational courses which prepare you for university entry, for further training programs or to enter the workforce. The study format is a mix of directed classroom studies, extensive written assessments, formal examinations and may include common assessment tasks. Depending on course alternatives, you might also apply skills, demonstrate understandings, and undertake performance, project, group and field-work activities. 

All levels of school education are available to international students in Australia but only the post-compulsory schooling Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is part of the AQF. A select number of secondary schools prepare students to international standards including the International Baccalaureate test.

The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is known by different titles according to the State and Territory issuing authority:

Vocational education and training qualifications

The qualifications offered at vocational education and training institutions are Certificates I-IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma. They meet national industry standards and will prepare you for employment in a host of occupations or for further studies.

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Vocational Graduate Certificate

Some Vocational Graduate Certificates are also offered by universities.

This study involves the self-directed development and achievement of broad and/or specialized areas of knowledge and skills building on prior knowledge and skills.

It involves substantial breadth, depth and complexity including the initiation, analysis, designs, planning, execution and evaluation of technical and/or management functions in highly varied and/or highly specialized contexts.

Applications involve making significant, high level, independent judgments in major, broad or specialized planning, design, operational, technical and/or management functions in highly varied and/or highly specialized contexts. It may include responsibility and broad ranging accountability for the structure, management and output of the work of others and/or functions.

Vocational Graduate Diploma

Some Vocational Graduate Diplomas are also offered by universities.

This study involves the self-directed development and achievement of broad and/or specialized areas of knowledge and skills building on prior knowledge and skills. It involves substantial breadth, depth and complexity involving the initiation, analysis, designs, planning, execution and evaluation of major functions, both broad and/or highly specialized, in highly varied and/or highly specialized contexts. Skills include making the high level, fully independent, complex judgments in broad and/or highly specialized planning, design, operational, technical and/or management functions in highly varied and/or highly specialized contexts. It may involve full responsibility and accountability for all aspects of work of others and functions including planning, budgeting and strategy.  

University qualifications

The following qualifications are available at Australian universities and approved higher education providers.

Study costs

There is no doubt that Australia is the perfect place to enjoy a quality education and outstanding quality of life. What makes it even better is that Australia offers excellent value for money, with living expenses and tuition costs comparable to the United Kingdom and Unites States .

Australians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world - without the expensive price tag. An average international student in Australia will spend about A$360 a week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport and telephone. Remember, though, that this figure depends on your location, lifestyle and even your course. You should seek further information on living costs from your institution.

a) Tuition fees

As an international student, you must pay your tuition fees up-front.

Aside from tuition fees, some institutions may also charge for other student costs, such as library, laboratory or sports facility costs. Excursions, books and stationery are other costs to consider, and your course may also require specific essential materials, such as lab coats or photographic supplies.

Your institution will provide you with information on how and when to pay your tuition fees.

b) Living costs in Australia  

Australia enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world while remaining affordable.

An average international student in Australia can expect to pay about A$360 a week on:

• clothing;
• accomodation;
• food
• entertainment;
• transport;
• international and domestic travel;
• telephone; and
• Incidental costs.

You could spend more or less depending on where you live, your lifestyle and your course.

Accommodation options and costs 

From on-campus residences to shared Home stay with an Australian family, you’ll find room to grow in accommodation to suit your budget and needs.

Your institution can give you advice on your accommodation options and understanding tenant and lease conditions. Temporary accommodation can be arranged for you before you leave home so that when you arrive you have some time to consider your long-term options