Schools (Primary and Secondary)

Australian children have to go to school from the age of 6 (Primary) to 15 (Secondary). For Australian students wanting to go to University, the successful completion of year 12 of secondary school is mandatory. This involves examinations in both year 11 and year 12 called the Senior Certificate of Education (though the title varies across Australia)

International students don’t need to do the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education to be accepted into an Australian University, but, the prospective student needs to show that they have a year 12 qualification (or equivalent) to be accepted to an undergraduate degree or diploma.

English Language (ELICOS)
Programs on offer –
(Note: Names may vary)

General English, Academic English, Business English, English for specific purposes, Summer programs, English Test Preparation programs (e.g IELTS preparation), English with internship programs.

Many people come to Australia to study English through the many programs that are on offer. Not only are the programs are of a very high standard, but also are enjoyable and a great place to meet like-minded individuals. There are range of programs on offer, each one designed to cater for different needs and aspirations. You can do a holiday course, English related to business, or do an English course that gets your language ability to that of university level.
All language programs are of the highest reputable standard and are constantly scrutinised so as ensure a high level of quality and to maximise better outcomes for students.

Both public and private institutions offer language programs and each one varies in duration so as to allow students to find exactly what they want. There are also close ties between many of the English language programs and Australian Universities, making the transition from an English program to a university one easier.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Qualifications (from lowest to most advanced):
Certificate I, Certificate II, Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Vocational Graduate Certificate, Vocational Graduate Diploma.
Vocational and Education and Training supplies students with skills that are directly relevant to Industry. A VET qualification can allow a student to move into University studies, or to develop greater expertise in a particular area or field.

The skills learnt in VET programs have been purposely planned to equip students with the necessary skills needed for Industry. There is a strong practical nature to the program and a skills focus that tailors students learning to what they need to know when they move into the workforce. Vet institutions can be both publicly and privately funded.

Attainment of certain VET qualifications is recognised by Australian Universities and can shorten the duration of a Bachelor Degree or give a student a greater eligibility in being accepted into a university course. If you are interested in going on from a VET program to a university course, it is important to contact your VET institution to discuss the options you have and how your VET accreditation will impact the university course that you want to do.

Universities (Higher Education)

Universities offer the highest form of education. Here is a list of the different types of qualifications available at Australia’s universities, how to qualify and the duration of each course

Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma
How to qualify?
Successfully finish years 10 to 12.
Duration (full time study)
1 – 2 years

Bachelor Degree (undergraduate)
How to qualify?
Successfully finish years 10 to 12 or a corresponding year 12 qualification.
Duration (full time study)
3-5 years

Graduate Certificate (Postgraduate Coursework/Research)
How to qualify?
Successfully finish a certified Bachelor Degree or in some cases significant and related experience in the specified field.
Duration (full time study)
3 months – 1 year

Graduate Diploma (Postgraduate Coursework/Research)
How to qualify?
Successfully finish a certified Bachelor Degree or in some cases significant and related experience in the specified field.
Duration (full time study)
6 months – 1 year

Masters Degree (Postgraduate Coursework/Research)
How to qualify?
Successfully finish a certified Bachelor Degree
Duration (full time study)
1 – 3 years

Doctoral Degree (Postgraduate Research)
How to qualify?
Successfully finish a Bachelor Degree and an Honours Degree (one year). Or finish a Masters by Research Program and/or a Bachelor’s degree with significant and related experience in the specified field.
Duration (full time study) 3-5 years