The Australian education system enjoys an excellent, worldwide reputation for academics and is known to offer internationally recognized qualifications. The system is well structured and provides students career developmental and great employment opportunities. According to the figures of UNESCO, Australia enjoys one of the highest percentages in the world, of enrollment in both primary and secondary education. Also the Organization of Economic Co operation Development ranks Australian Education system as the eighth best all over the world. Australia has provided children and adults equal opportunities in education and further education has also flourished in this region over the last decade. More than 60% of the Australian population has attained basic schooling which proves the importance of education in the Australian life.
The education structure in Australia is built on a three tier model that includes primary education (primary schools) which is followed by secondary education (high schools) and tertiary education (universities and vocational education and training centers). Usually the universities for further education are a major attraction for the international scholars.
Australia has both government and private Universities that offer undergraduate programs and post graduate courses. Generally the duration of graduate certificate is 6 years, Master is of 1 year, Master honor is 1.5 years and Doctorate is of 2 years. However these degrees are not measured by time but by the subjects or courses taken and credits completed. For all the Australian citizens the government provides an interest free load called HECS which only needs to be paid if a person is earning a certain amount of money. This is why Australians need not pay for their education until they are earning a certain amount of money which is above the threshold. For the international students, since higher education of Australia draws a large number of them, it is necessary to fulfill certain requirements. IELTS is a test which is preferred by all Australian universities since it measures the level of English of foreign students. TOEFL however is also accepted. Many universities also offer foundation courses for foreign students to enhance their English proficiency. Evidence of study till high school level must be provided by the applicants which has to be recognized by NOOSR; the Australian department for recognition of foreign aptitudes.
The Undergraduate course fees is approximately AU$10,000 to AU$16,500 per year where as the Graduate course fees is AU$11,000 to AU$18,500 per year. The course e duration ranges from three to four years for undergraduate courses and one or more years for postgraduate courses. New intake and enrollments occur in February each year with a second intake in July. The deadline for application is November/ December for the former. Australia has almost 40 public and Catholic universities through which admission is primarily on the basis of academic achievement. Along with that there is also a wide variety of specialist and private universities and colleges. The ratio of international to local students in tertiary education in Australia is the highest in the OECD countries.
Australian universities and colleges have an excellent reputation for quality international education with several in the Top 200 Jiao Tong University Ranking. Studying in Australia is all about living a unique life explore the natural wonders of oceans and rainforests, enjoy a beautiful weather and also the buzz of the major cities. What more can a foreign student need along with an excellent academic facilities. Some of the most prestigious and oldest universities in Australia are known as the Group Eight which include;
1. Australian National University, Canberra
2. University of Melbourne
3. University of Queensland, Brisbane
4. University of New South Wales
5. University of Sydney
6. Monash University, Melbourne
7. University of Western Australia, Perth
8. University of Adelaide, Adelaide