Australia

Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which is a national system of learning pathways recognized throughout Australia and the world. 

The Australian Qualifications Framework is a system of seventeen national qualifications in 3 sectors: 

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

Degrees Offered

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

Associate degree

• Duration - Two years
• Minimum Qualification Required - Year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV

This is a short-cycle Degree program that helps with career development if the student is already working and doesn't have time to complete a full Bachelor’s Degree. It can be a pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree or prepare you for an Advanced Diploma in specialist industry training. An Associate Degree will be about the basics or foundations of your field. It will cover the broad theory and enable you to develop the basic employment-related skills.

Bachelor’s Degree

• Duration - Three years
• Minimum Qualification Required - Year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV

The Bachelor’s degree is the fundamental university qualification and is the basic qualification for entry to the professions. Some professions may require additional vocational qualifications as a condition of entry.

Bachelor’s Degree (Honours)

• Duration - Four years
• Minimum Qualification Required – Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s Degree with honours takes an additional year after a Bachelor’s Degree. Honours may also be granted where outstanding achievement is recorded in a Bachelor’s Degree course of four or more years.

Graduate Certificate

• Duration -6 months
• Minimum Qualification Required – Bachelor’s Degree

The Graduate Certificate typically involves broadening individual skills already gained in an undergraduate program or developing vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area.

Graduate Diploma

• Duration- One year
• Minimum Qualification Required – Bachelor’s Degree

The Graduate Diploma either broadens individual skills obtained in an undergraduate program or develops vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area. This qualification can also be described as further specialization within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge.

Master’s Degree

• Duration - 1 to 2 years
• Minimum Qualification Required - Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) or Bachelor’s Degree

The Master’s Degree involves enhancing specific professional or vocational skills. The Master’s Degree is typically gained by research or coursework or a combination. Study involves acquiring in-depth understanding of a specific area of knowledge, usually by independent research. A Master’s Degree takes either one-year after a Bachelor’s Degree with honours or two years after a Bachelor’s Degree.

Doctoral Degree

• Duration - Typically 3 years
• Minimum Qualification Required – Master’s Degree

The Doctoral Degree is the highest award offered by Australian universities. Although it is a research degree, some programs may have a course work component. There are three components to a Doctoral Degree:

• a searching review of the literature, experimentation, or other systemic approach to a body of knowledge
• an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding and/or the application of knowledge within a discipline or field of study.
• a substantial and well-ordered thesis, demonstrating the relationship of the research to the broader framework of the discipline or field of study.

Vocational Education and Training:

Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivers training that is both practical and career-oriented and includes courses in computing, business studies, marketing, tourism, and hospitality. VET is also available in Australian schools. VET courses are provided by both public institutions called TAFE Institutes and private colleges. All institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards. Australian VET graduates are able to seek employment with the knowledge that their skills are those demanded by employers. Under Australia's national qualifications framework, graduates can also progress into higher-level courses including entry into universities for Diploma and Bachelor’s degree courses.

The main intake for all Australian Institutions is February. Every university opens admissions for all courses that they offer, for the February intake. There is also a Mid-year intake offered by some Australian Universities during July. 

It is important to keep in mind that, a university offering an intake in February might not necessarily offer all the courses that they have on list, during the mid-year intake. Generally, universities follow semester system and for some programs, they have trimester system. Hence it is advisable that one should start the process 8-10 months in advance.

Documents Required

Statement of Purpose: The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose 

English Proficiency: For most courses and universities, international students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test). 

Academic Records: Students applying for admission are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university. 

Letters of Recommendation: from the college or university/ employer

Tuition Fees: 

International students are charged up-front tuition fees. Institutions sometimes make an additional charge to cover other costs associated with being a student such as student organization membership, library and laboratory costs and sports facility costs. Some courses make specific charges for excursions, books, stationery and other essential material. These costs will vary depending on the course or institution. Therefore, average costs are provided below and should only be used as a guide. 

• Bachelor’s Degree:  AUS$15,000 - AUS$33,000 per year.

• Vocational Education and Training:  AUS$ 4000 - AUS$22000 per year

• Master’s Degree:  AUS$20,000 - AUS$37,000 per year.

• Doctoral Degree:  AUS$14,000 - AUS$37,000 per year.

These figures do not include high-value courses such as veterinary or medical degrees, which can cost significantly more. 

Scholarships: 

The Australian Government and education institutions offer scholarships for international students however most of these are offered in universities and for postgraduate study mainly. There are several other organizations giving scholarships for international study. All scholarships conditions are set by the institution or organization offering the scholarship and applications must be done directly with the scholarship provider. 

Australian university scholarships: 

Australian universities offer a range of postgraduate scholarships to international students predominantly targeting Ph.D. and Master’s Degrees by research. The course of study and financial support is determined by the university. 

Other funding sources: 

International and charitable organizations offer scholarships for international study. Applications for these scholarships must be made to the representatives of these agencies in India.

It is very important to know the average living costs in Australia which plays an important part of the students’ financial preparation. For reference, here are some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia. (All costs are in Australian dollars and linked to the consumer price index and may vary depending on the students’ lifestyle.) 

Accommodation 

• Hostels and Guesthouses: $90 to $150 per week
• Shared Rental: $85 to $215 per week
• On campus: $90 to $280 per week
• Homestay: $120 to $325 per week
• Rental: $165 to $440 per week 

Other living expenses

•  Groceries and eating out: $80 to $280 per week
• Gas, electricity: $35 to $140 per week
• Phone and Internet: $20 to $55 per week
• Public transport: $15 to $55 per week
• Car (after purchase): $150 to $260 per week
• Entertainment: $80 to $150 per week

Minimum cost of living for student visa 

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia. From 1st July 2016, the 12-month living cost is: 

You: $19,830

Partner or spouse: $6,940

Child: $2,970

Working in Australia as a Student

International students in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during course time and full-time during vacation periods. The income you get from working in Australia should only supplement your income and not be used as your only source of income. Before you come to Australia, you must show that you have enough money to pay for living expenses, education costs and travel for the duration of your study. 

Employment Opportunities Post-Study

Studying in Australia gives you a competitive edge. The combination of a recognized qualification and access to the latest technology and research excellence will open doors to many opportunities. You will gain skills to launch your career and set you apart in the eyes of employers. 

On 18 April 2017, the Government announced that the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will be abolished and replaced with the completely new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in March 2018. 

The TSS visa programme will be comprised of a Short-Term stream of up to two years and a Medium-Term stream of up to four years and will support businesses in addressing genuine skill shortages in their workforce and will contain several safeguards which prioritize Australian workers. 

This new visa is part of the Government’s significant reform package to strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia’s temporary and permanent employer sponsored skilled migration programmes. 

For more information, please visit http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work

Q. Can I work part-time while studying?

A. International students can work for up to 40 hours every two weeks in part-time or casual employment, and full-time during vacations. You need to apply to the department of Immigration for permission to work in Australia. You can apply for a work permit after you have arrived in Australia and started your course.

Q. Can I work in Australia after completing my education?

A. Yes, you may work in Australia if you get a full-time job with a company. For more information, please visit http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work

Q. For how many years, will my student visa be valid?

A. You will get a visa for the duration of the program. There is usually no extra time granted. On completion of the program, you are expected to leave the country within 28 days. If you wish to stay longer you must seek approval from the Department of Immigration, Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs.

Q. I have taken TOEFL, is IELTS compulsory?

A. YES, irrespective of the medium of instruction in your previous school, you must take IELTS. Even if you have already taken TOEFL, you must take IELTS. This is compulsory requirement for the student visa for applicants from India.

Q. What programs can I apply for?

A. You can apply for any program, including diploma and bachelor’s degree programs at the undergraduate level and postgraduate diploma and master’s level programs.

Q. Why should I apply through ACHIVIA?

A. Applying through ACHIVIA makes the admission process simple, efficient, and cost-effective. We also check your documents before sending them to the university and follow-up with the universities on the status of your application. We also help you with your visa including documentation and interview preparation. In short, we will help you in the entire application process.

Q. Is GMAT or GRE compulsory for admission?

A. GRE is NOT required for admission to Australian universities. However, IELTS is compulsory for student visa. GMAT is required by some universities for the MBA program.

Q. I have a 3 year Bachelor’s degree. Can I get an admission?

A. Yes, you can get an admission. Almost all universities accept the three-year Indian bachelor’s degree.

Q. I am doing my Bachelor’s degree. Can I get a transfer to an institute in Australia?

A. Yes, you can get a transfer. You can transfer into the second or third year of college depending on your transfer of credits. You should have completed at least one year and preferably two years of education in India.