There is a vast range of study courses available in Australian education, which includes
traditional academic programs in addition to the further practical and vocational courses.
Primary School
Primary education of Australia is seven years of preliminary courses, where children commence
their education at the age of 5 years (Year-1) and will be completing at the age of 12 (Year-7).
This level of education provides general education for the students and gets them ready for a role
in society and for the next level of education.
Secondary School
Students move to secondary school (Year-8) at the age of 12 and it is mandatory to complete
their two years of ‘junior high school’ till the Year-10, after which they have the option to
discontinue their education or can pursue their further course of study. Students have to
accomplish another 2 years of ‘high school diploma’ (Year-12). Students leaving their school after
‘junior high school’ can also go for vocational education course or for apprenticeship training to
enter the work force.
Tertiary School
After completing final year (Year-12) of secondary school, students head for their higher
(Tertiary) education that awards degree for Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral studies. Mostly
students from overseas come for education at this level. Tertiary education in Australia is within
the purview of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which aspires to integrate both
vocational and higher education into a solitary classification of tertiary education.
Australia’s higher education offers several types of courses that are discussed below:
(a) Vocational Education & Training (VET)
These courses are offered by TAFE (Technical and Further Education) colleges and other private
institutions. The tenure of VET courses can be one or two years depending on the field of study
and knowledge of employment experience.
Diploma:
It is a 1-2 year full time course of study that offers high professional qualification. Diploma under
AQF is a dual-sector qualification – higher education sector and vocational education & training
sector. Diploma of higher education sector is depended on the selection of the academic program
by the functional focus that provides general or specified training for employment at high
professional level. They can coherent to advanced diploma courses and can provide advanced
standing or credit transfer (usually one year) into a Bachelor Degree program.
Advanced Diploma:
It is a specialized level requirement that needs 2 years of full-time study. Advanced Diploma
under AQF is a dual-sector qualification – higher education sector and vocational education &
training sector. Advanced Diploma of higher education sector has units from Bachelor’s degree
course that provides exit point with a stand-alone requirement with an option to pursue their
bachelor’s degree. Advanced Diplomas can provide advanced standing or credit transfer (usually
two years) into a Bachelor Degree program.
Associate Degree:
This course of study needs the eligibility of 2 years of full-time education program that highlights
preliminary research-based expertise of one or more academic disciplines and the progress of
standard work skills. Associate degree provides advanced standing or credit transfer (usually
two years) into a Bachelor Degree program in the same field.
(b) Bachelor Degree:
Acquiring a Bachelor’s degree from Australia offers an imposing method of discerning you from
your associates. Apart from acquiring a universally recognized university, you can experience a
modern and inspiring culture. There are many divisions in Bachelor’s degree of Australia that
includes, ‘3-year degrees’, ‘4-year degrees’, ‘professional degrees’, ‘combined degrees’ and
‘Honours degrees’. Despite the length or specifics of the program requirements, all the Bachelor
degree courses are directed towards similar educational outcomes.
Foundation Courses (For International Students)-It is most suitable for students looking for
Australian Bachelor’s degree for the course of medical/ paramedical/science and do not get the
required minimum scores in their Year-12. Normally intake will be during the months of January,
June and October.
(c) Postgraduate Education
Admission for Master’s degree (postgraduate program) requires completion of Bachelor’s degree
with certain exceptions for pertinent work experience. The qualifications are based on the
institution and the course for Master’s degree adopted. They can be:
Master Degree by Coursework: Entry on the basis of Bachelor Degree, Honours Bachelor
Degree or Graduate Diploma
Master Degree by Research: Entry on the basis of Bachelor Honours Degree, Master
preliminary year, a research-based Graduate Diploma or equivalent research experience, and
Professional Master Degree: Entry on the basis of Bachelor Degree with appropriate work experience. Entry may also be based on articulation from a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma program
(d) Doctoral Degree
Doctorate degree is the top level of education award offered by Australian universities. It requires minimum qualification of Master’s degree in the chosen field of study. Conversely, students’ degrees with work experiences should articulate the knowledge of the discipline in which student plan to initiate their research.
Research Doctorate: Entry on the basis of a research or part-research Master Degree or a
Bachelor Honors Degree (First or Second Class, Upper Division)
Professional Doctorate: Entry on the basis of the combination of research and coursework
Masters Degree, or by a Bachelor Honors Degree (First or Second Class, Upper Division) or
equivalent.