Vocational Education and Training (VET)
TAFEs – Technical and Further Education
Universities – Graduate and Post Graduate courses
Master of Business/Management in Australia
Every year, My Study in Australia welcomes an increasing number of international students to study in Australian universities, institutes, colleges and schools. For instance, recent data shows that the number of international students studying in Australia grew by 15 %. This compares with 5 % overall growth in the USA and the UK, two main competitors in the provision of English-based education.
Australia now has the largest proportion of international higher education students per head of Australian student population (20.0 %) of any of the major providers of international education in the world as numbers continue to soar despite overseas events.
Australian institutions that are partners of International Education Agency-Australia, are the first choice for many students from the Asia Pacific Region and increasingly from North America and Europe.
In 2007, more than 400,000 students from 140 countries studied at Australian institutions in Australia. In addition, around 25,000 overseas students undertook short-term English language programs and studied tourism courses in Australia on tourist or working holiday visas.
INSTITUTIONS |
Number of International Students |
Universities |
181,920 |
English Language Programs |
86,400 |
Vocational Training Institutes and Colleges |
100,940 |
Schools |
25,740 |
A government survey of international students who finished a course of study in 1999 found that over 89 per cent were either very satisfied or satisfied with the quality of education in Australia.
In addition to that, the Australian Government has encouraged international education and training providers to adopt codes of conduct and has developed legislation to help ensure a stable, supportive and regulated teaching and learning environment. Australia is further improving its position as a high quality and reliable education system for international students.
The demand for Australian courses overseas reflects the high regard in which the world holds Australian education and training. This growing demand for Australian expertise is also evident in the international mobility of professionals with Australian qualifications, and in the call on Australian expertise in development projects such as those funded by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Universities | |
two semesters* |
early March to late November |
Undergraduate |
beginning of the year |
Doctoral Degree |
may negotiate an alternative starting date with the study supervisor |
Foundation studies |
several intakes during the year |
Certain courses |
mid-year enrolment (around July/August) |
Vocational education and training | |
TAFE Institutes |
February to December |
half-day to full-time courses |
most courses beginning of the year |
English language training, business and other private institutions |
January to December |
commencement |
throughout the year |
Schools** | |
four terms |
late January/early February to December |
Monday to Friday |
generally 9 am to 3.30 pm |
English language training | |
full-time course, 4–50 weeks |
Usually every Monday throughout the year |
* Some universities offer a trimester system and/or run summer schools from December to February. The Universities Australia website provides a list of university semester dates. ** Some schools may have semesters/terms that differ to this, please check direct with the school.
There are two broad categories of high schools that are partner of International Education Agency-Australia, government and private schools. Through My Study in Australia, both government and private schools accept in
ternational students.
Most international students enter the Australian school system by My Study in Australia in the final two years of high school, Years 11 and 12. Successful completion of these two years prepares students for further study at technical institutes or universities in Australia. Please contact My Study in Australia for further details.
More than 36,000 students from 45 countries across the globe come each year to undertake English language training in Australia. International students through My Study in Australia, give many different reasons for choosing to study English language courses in Australia rather than in the USA or the United Kingdom. Some of these include:
– high-quality courses,
– low tuition fees and costs of living,
– the opportunity to work while studying,
– the good climate-and of course,
– friendly Australian people.
My Study in Australia offers a wide selection of English courses that are designed to include general English language training, English for academic purposes (in preparation for further studies), English for specific purposes (eg, business or computing studies), secondary school preparation, and preparation for international exams (such as the Cambridge Certificate or IELTS).
With My Study in Australia, there are currently many accredited and registered Institutions that provide a wide range of English Courses. This is a guarantee of quality, both of the English courses offered and the services and facilities available to students. International Education Agency-Australia assesses your needs on English Language Studies and helps choose the right course for you.
My Study in Australia offers many English Courses include:
- General English (English for Academic Purposes)
- English for Secondary School Preparation
- English for Special Purposes (e.g. English for Business)
- IELTS and TOEFL preparation
- Bridging and Foundation Programs
- Study Tour programs (which combine with other extracurricular activities
My Study in Australia English language courses comprise 20-25 hours of study per week. Full-time English courses are available for periods of study from four to 50 weeks.
My Study in Australia Study tour programs are available, either full or part time, for periods of between one and six weeks.
Average Tuition Costs
” A$150-$A350 per week (e.g. for a General English course-varies significantly depending on the course duration or institution)
” $A3 500-$A13 500 per year (varies significantly depending on the course duration or institution)
General Entry Information
Students entering Australia on a student visa to undertake My Study in Australia ELICOS studies are required to study full-time at an accredited and registered ELICOS centre.
Students entering Australia on a tourist or work and study visa to undertake My Study in Australia ELICOS studies are not required to study full-time at an accredited and registered ELICOS centre. Please contact My Study in Australia for further details.
The VET sector is positioned between secondary schools and universities and prepares students for employment or further study. This sector consists of public institutes of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), and private colleges specialising in one or more areas of study related to future career paths. All institutes and colleges of My Study in Australia are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards.
A wide range of career training options are available to students at private Vocational Education and Training (VET) colleges. Typically they offer courses from Certificate to Diploma level, providing a practical ‘hands-on’ approach to teaching. Many My Study in Australia VET providers offer pathways to study at Australian universities.
The types of qualifications that can be obtained through studying at a private VET institution inc
lude the following:
- Certificate/ Advanced Certificate: These courses are designed to provide basic skills and training for a particular employment industry. They vary in length from a few weeks to six or more months.
- Diploma: Diplomas require one to two years of full-time study and prepare students for industry, enterprise and paraprofessional careers. A Diploma is often used as a link to gain entry into university courses. Some Diploma courses can be completed at university.
- Advanced Diploma: These courses provide a high level of practical skills for employment in a specific career area. Considered higher than a Diploma, the course-which can vary in length, e.g. from 18 to 24 months-is often linked to further education in the university sector.
- Degree : A degree program is another way to get into a university course, and is a popular option for students who decide they want to upgrade their Diploma into a Degree.
Many My Study in Australia institutes also provide accredited English language training and Foundation Studies for entry into university diploma and bachelor degree courses. All My Study in Australia institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards.
Average Tuition Costs
- VET Certificates I-IV: $A4 000-$A18 000 per year
- VET Diploma: $A4 000-$A18 000 per year
- VET Advanced Diploma: $A4 000-$A18 000 per year.
General Entry Information
Usually there are no entrance exams to My Study in Australia VET institutions. However, some courses may have certain prerequisite subjects or require demonstrated work experience. International Education Agency-Australia will check for you with the individual institution for English language entry requirements. Please contact My Study in Australia for further details.
Australia has a very comprehensive TAFE (Training and Further Education) system. TAFE is the largest educational and training provider in the country and offers an extensive range of programs from basic literacy tuition through to Advanced Diploma programs, which can be as challenging as university courses.
My Study in Australia TAFE Institutes are nationally recognised, government-funded institutions offering vocational education and training over a wide range of areas. Courses vary in duration from several hours to three-year full-time courses. My Study in Australia TAFE Institutes are usually cheaper than university courses, and students may progress to university later on with credits from their TAFE studies. Qualifications include certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas.
Courses and Qualifications
Government-owned TAFE colleges have a long history of assisting My Study in Australia students reach their career goals. Usually International students attend TAFE institutions to undertake a range of Diploma and Certificate level courses or many enroll in pre-university courses to better their chances for successful entry into an undergraduate university degree program, or in a vocationally based course to improve their employment prospects on their return home.
English language training offered through My Study in Australia TAFE Institutes provide the opportunity for students to improve their career prospects and also equips them for university studies. English courses range in length from five weeks to one year, and many TAFE institutions have monthly intakes.
Many international students chose to enroll in My Study in Australia TAFE Institutes because of the following reasons:
· Students can gain qualifications that are recognised throughout Australia and overseas.
· There is a choice from a wide variety of courses.
· Strong emphasis is placed on practical and professional learning.
· There are different entry levels, with the opportunity to progress to higher levels.
· Small class sizes allow for individual attention.
· Most of the TAFE Campuses and Classe
s shared by International and Local students which helps international students to get closer relations with Australia and its people
· Strong links with industry associations mean that the skills taught are relevant to the major employment industries.
Average Tuition Costs
· Certificates I-IV: $A5 500-$A18 000 per year
· Diploma: $A5 500-$A18 000 per year
· Advanced Diploma: $A5 500-$A18 000 per year
General Entry Requirements
Usually there are no entrance exams to My Study in Australia TAFE institutions. However, some courses may have certain prerequisite subjects or require demonstrated work experience. International Education Agency-Australia will check with the individual institution for English language entry requirements. Please contact My Study in Australia for further details.
For international students, Foundation Studies provide an ideal pathway to undergraduate study at universities in Australia. My Study in Australia Foundation Studies courses were introduced to meet the needs of overseas students from different countries and educational backgrounds.
These programs (usually one academic year) prepare international students for entry into Australian universities. Students undertake subjects directly related to their preferred university course, as well as English language training for academic purposes.
Successful completion of a Foundation Studies program provides students with a guarantee of admission into specific degree courses within participating institutions and help newcomers adapt to a different academic environment and way of life. Many schools and vocational institutes, as well as universities, offer Foundation Studies programs.
Although most My Study in Australia Foundation Studies are of a one-year duration, for students capable of accelerated learning, some programs may only last nine or six months. Others may be expanded to allow students more time to prepare for university life in Australia.
Some programs have a flexible course structure that allows students to enter at different times during the year and at different stages of English language and/or academic level.
Different streams are often based on the student’s choice of undergraduate course, but most courses will include subjects such as, academic English and mathematics.
Some My Study in Australia Foundation Studies have a course structure that allows students to enter second year after completion of their Foundation Studies, thus student still finish university degree in three year or earlier without adding an extra foundation year. This My Study in Australia Foundation Studies is only available for some degree programs with some Institutions.
Average Tuition Costs
$A9 000-$A15 000 per year
General Entry Information
Students should generally have successfully completed equivalent to Years 11 and 12 in their home country. English language abilities will also be required. However, the standard will vary between institutions and it is recommended to check with each one individually. Please contact My Study in Australia for further details.
Australian universities offer a world-class education across all disciplines and a full range of academic awards from Bachelor degrees to Doctorates and post-doctoral research. Australia has 38 government-funded universities and two private universities, as well as a number of specialist My Study in Australia institutions providing approved courses at the higher education level.
The types of awards offered by most My Study in Australia institutions include:
- Bachelor degree Minimum three years’ full-time study (although some three year course can be finished in 2 or 2.5 year with 3 semester study options in some My Study in Australia institutions and some degree courses take longer 4, 5 6 years that depends on the subject)
- Bachelor degree with Honours Awarded following outstanding results during a three-year degree course, or by undertaking one extra year of study
- Postgraduate Certificate< /strong> One semester of full-time study following a Bachelor degree
- Postgraduate/Graduate Diploma Two semesters (one year) of full-time study following a Bachelor degree
- Masters degree Normally two years of study after a Bachelor degree or one year after an Honours Bachelor degree. The Masters degree is offered by coursework and thesis, or research and thesis
- Doctorate Normally a minimum of three years’ study. This award is by research and thesis and may be taken after successful completion of a Masters degree or, in some instances, a Bachelor degree with Honours.
Starting Dates
University semesters vary depending on the course. My Study in Australia University courses generally run from early March to late November, with the year divided into two semesters. However, some institutions offer a trimester system and/or run summer schools from December to February.
My Study in Australia institutions Undergraduate and postgraduate by coursework students enrol for their courses at the beginning of the year (i.e. in January/February).
Some My Study in Australia institutions do allow enrolment in mid-year (e.g. July) for certain courses.
Students studying towards a Doctoral degree or other postgraduate research awards may be able to negotiate an alternative starting date with their study supervisor. Please allow sufficient time for International Education Agency-Australia to assist on arrangement of institution selection, course application and student visa.
Average Tuition Costs
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree (e.g. for arts, business, economics and law courses) |
$A10 000-$A13 500 a year |
Laboratory-based Bachelor Degree (e.g. for science and engineering courses) |
$A11 000-$A16 500 a year |
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas |
$A9 000-$A16 000 per year |
Masters and Doctoral degrees |
$A11 000-$A18 500 per year |
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate courses require either an Australian Secondary School Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent of Australian high school matriculation (such as three passes at GCE A-levels in appropriate subjects). Some courses may also have certain prerequisite subjects. Please contact My Study in Australia for further details.
The Masters of Business Administration (MBA) has become the graduate degree of choice, for ambitious executives wanting to improve their qualifications, or for students progressing directly from an undergraduate qualification wishing to add to their career prospects.
Courses and Qualifications
MBA programmes typically offer around 16 diverse business-related subjects, plus electives, delivered over a period of one to two years of full-time study. Some faculties offer non-degree programs in addition to their Masters, Graduate Diploma and Certificate Programs.
Intake times vary from institution to institution. Some offer two intakes a year, e.g. with Programs commencing in January and July, while others other a three-semester year with intakes in February, July and November.
Average Tuition Costs
Prices range widely, from $A14 000 for a one-year MBA program to $A48 000 for a two-year program.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary considerably — so, in considering your MBA course, choose a provider that offers an intellectual challenge, sound networking opportunities, international brand name recognition and proven career outcomes.
A Bachelor degree from a recognised tertiary institution, plus good communication skills in both written and spoken English, are generally prerequisites for acceptance onto an MBA Program. Some courses require an IELTS or TOEFL qualification if English is not your first language. Please contact My Study in Australia for further details.
Australia enjoys a standard of living that is among the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than in the UK and USA .
The following tuition fees represent the
average costs of undertaking courses of study in Australia and should be used as a guide only. Specific information about tuition fees can be obtained directly from IEA-A.
Courses |
Average Cost |
High schools |
A$6000 – $13,000 per year |
English Courses (depending on course duration) |
A$2500 – $13,500 |
Vocational education and training (TAFE and private colleges) Certificates I-IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma |
A$4000 – $18,000 per year |
Foundation studies |
A$9000 – $14,000 per year |
University – Undergraduate |
A$10,000 – $16,500 per year |
University – Graduate |
A$9000 – $18,500 per year |
There are a number of accommodation options available for students studying in Australia . Most universities and TAFE colleges operate housing offices to assist students with accommodation. IEA-A provides assistance on assessing what type of accommodation could be the most suitable for you and on arranging accommodation as soon as the student receives confirmation of enrolment. The different accommodation options can be summaries as below.
Home-stay (living with an Australian family) is popular with younger students and those studying short-term English courses. Meals are usually included.
Many universities and colleges have halls of residence. Here, students have a bedroom/study of their own, and will share bathrooms, laundries and recreational facilities. Most of these residential halls provide meals, and some offer kitchen facilities where students can cook and store food.
Share accommodation could be a good way to provide your accommodation needs as well. Students can also rent an apartment or house. Rents vary depending on the location, size and the facilities. Many students in Australia live in an apartment or a house with other students, sharing the cost of gas, electricity and sometimes food.
Below is a guide for accommodation cost:
Home stay (living with an Australian family) A$180-250 per week
Full Board and meals A$180-250 per week
University residential colleges A$180-280 per week
University halls of residence A$100-160 per week
Share accommodation A$80-150 per week
High School boarding A$8000 -11,000 per year
The average international student in Australia spends about A$250-A$350 per week on food, accommodation, clothing, local transport, telephone, gas/electricity, stationery, and entertainment, although this varies significantly according to location and individual lifestyle.
International students in Australia on student visas can seek permission to work for up to 20 hours a week once they have arrived in Australia and commenced their course of study.
All international students coming to Australia on student visas are required to have private health insurance for the duration of their visa.
Au
stralia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Depending on the institution attended, students are required to join one of three registered health funds:
Premiums vary, depending on the length of stay in Australia , but generally start from A$85 for three months insurance (A$315-360 per year). Application forms for OSHC are available from registered providers and most educational institutions.