When you think about a country that has an amazing standard of living as well as welcoming people, Australia probably immediately comes to mind. The country has a reputation for friendliness as well as some of the most amazing weather around. Additionally, with almost half of the population either having a parent who was born overseas or who have been born overseas themselves, there are more than 260 languages spoken in homes throughout the country!
Another extremely attractive aspect of studying in Australia is that the cities enjoy some of the lowest crimes rates in the world. You can walk around by yourself and feel safe and that’s something that you just cannot do in many other countries. Additionally, Australian education institutions provide a wide range of support to international students, so you always have someone to talk to about all aspects of your new life in the country.
Education in Australia
Australia is widely known for its well-structured and organised education system. Kids start school there at the age of five or six and primary and secondary education is compulsory. Most schools in Australia are public with some private schools being available too. No matter whether a school is private or public it must be government licensed.
In terms of the curriculum, the Australian education system has one that’s standard, so all scholars have the same quality of education. That being said, there could be some states where the curriculum is slightly modified but it won’t be by much. Children learn crucial skills that they need for later life including numeracy, literacy, communication and information technology. They also are taught intercultural understanding, ethics, social and personal capability and both creative and critical thinking.
Australian Qualifications Framework
Back in 1995, the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) was created to unify the qualifications system in the country. This framework encompasses schools, vocational training and education and higher education. Because of the way that it’s structured, it’s easy to know how to move on to each different level of education.
The existence of the AQF makes it pretty easy for students to change their course or even educational establishment because their qualifications will be recognised all throughout Australia. There are ten levels in total that are based on each different type of qualification. To illustrate, the Certificate I is the same as Level 1 whereas a doctorate degree is a Level 10.
Vocational and Technical Schools
For students who don’t wish to go to university and who are interested in getting into the job market directly, Vocational and Technical schools are the ideal choice. Vocational and Technical schools teach practical skills which makes them different to university courses that are more theory-based.
Students can choose from technical and further education (TAFE) and vocational education and training (VET). A brilliant aspect of these schools is that it’s possible to study everything from short courses and certificates I to IV to diplomas and advanced diplomas. When it comes to study in Australia, international students and Australian students alike can focus on vocational training or simply training to get into the workplace. Now we know a little more about vocational and technical schools, let’s take a closer look at the qualifications students can gain:
- Certificate I – IV. These courses take between six months to two years to complete. They provide students with a solid foundation in numeracy, literacy, communication and industry skills.
- Diploma. Diplomas take either one to two years to gain.
- Advanced diploma. The advanced diploma takes one and a half to two years of study full time.
- Vocational graduate certificate/diploma. The graduate certificate takes anything between six months and a year of full-time study whereas studying for a diploma lasts two years.
- English language. English language courses teach crucial skills to both domestic and international students.
So, you see there are all sorts of useful vocational and technical courses that can be studied in Australia.
Popular Courses to Study
When it comes to international study, Australia is a leader in the field. There is so much support and help for students from all over the world, so naturally, the country is a world leader in terms of education. Popular subjects to study include:
- English
- Administration
- Building
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Psychology
- Environmental Studies
- Computer Sciences
- Finance
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Humanities
- Journalism
Why International Students Should Study in Australia
The sky is the limit when you come to Australia to study. It truly is a land of real opportunity where every single student is encouraged to fulfil their full potential. Every single year there are thousands of students from all over the world who graduate with excellent qualifications in every field imaginable. In fact, there are so many national and international businesses and companies who actively seek out graduates from Australian education establishments. It’s no wonder because of the high standards of teaching that are guaranteed when you study here.
Australian colleges and universities have produced leading experts in so many fields and who have made a huge impact all around the world. There have been countless world-leading graduates whose ground-breaking research and consequent development has changed the world. Even the Wi-Fi we all rely on so heavily was invented by a graduate from an Aussie university!
The large majority of international graduates we speak to tell us that their studies in Australia have been very advantageous to their careers. They also tell us that they feel very confident that their studies have prepared them for successful professional lives. You see, studying in Australia means so much more than simply gaining a qualification. It’s also about gaining new skills as well as meeting and interacting with people from all over the world. There is nothing else you can experience that will be quite the same as international student life in Australia.
Your Australian qualification will ensure that you’re an attractive employee to companies and businesses all over the world. Additionally, Australian colleges and universities are part of many global networks, so they’re perfectly placed to help you make connections with overseas as well as domestic employers.
