In the world of globalisation today, you will find that the choice to subjects and majors that you can study are wide and far ranging. Students today are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing what they want to pursue.
Many make the mistake of choosing some program which is not of their interest but those into which they have been pressured.
Courses make up the most important element in your career pathway. You will have a choice of taking a course with one major or a course which gives you a wider range and the option to combine majors giving you a better knowledge base which will help you to be more diversified thereby more marketable when you graduate.
Here are some guides to some of the courses that are available. Note that however, there are many more courses which are available either in Single Majors or in combination of Double Majors or Double Degrees such as Law and Commerce, Business with Science amongst others.
| Business | Art, Design, Architecture | Building, Construction, Planning | Communication and Digital Media |
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| Computing, Games, IT | Education, Teaching | Engineering | Environment, Sustainability |
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| Health | Justice and Legal | Sciences | International, Community Services |
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| Hospitality and Tourism | Sport and Exercise Science | ||
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Individual Learning Needs
The school system aims to meet the learning needs of each individual student. This helps each child reach their full intellectual and educational potential. Study programs are child-centered and focus on the development of learning skills and strategies, which trains students to be life-long, self-motivated learners.
Australian schools usually have a number of characteristics:
| A teacher's role | The teacher aims to assist students in reaching their individual learning goals. |
| Class activities | Students commonly undertake projects, group work and self-directed learning. |
| Dress codes | Most schools enforce dress codes or have a uniform to promote a sense of equality and to maintain a focus on education instead of fashion. |
| Class sizes | These are kept as small as possible, so teachers can regularly interact with students on an individual basis. |
| School hours | Schools operate from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Before-school and after-school care is generally available to those students who require it. |
| Teacher training | Australian teachers are nearly all university trained, with secondary school teachers having specialist qualifications in their subject area. |
| Special programs & services | These are available for: - gifted students - students with disabilities to help them reach their fullest potential. |
| English support | International students often have access to English language support to help them adapt to their new school environment. |
Here is a complete description of the levels of the Australian Schooling System.
| LEVEL | NOTES |
|---|---|
|
Pre-School Duration = 1 year. Student ages = 3 to 4 years. (Offered 2 years before Year 1) |
- This level
would only be relevant to agents who need to
consider the young children of international
higher education students in Australia.
- It is not
compulsory. |
|
Preparatory Year Duration = 1 year. Student ages = 4 to 6 years. Offered = the year before Year 1. |
- This level
would only be relevant to agents who need to
consider the young children of international
higher education students in Australia.
- It is not
compulsory in some states. |
| Primary
School Duration = 6 or 7 years. Student ages = 5 to 12 years. |
This level would be relevant to agents who need to consider the young children of international higher education students in Australia. Also, some unaccompanied primary age children study in Australia on student visas.
- It is not
compulsory in some states. - This level is
compulsory for all students. - The early part of children's education is very important since it is in these formative years that attitudes and behavior begins to take shape. Emphasis is put not only on the educational side of primary schooling, but also on students developing communication and cooperation skills, which will serve them well in later life. |
|
Secondary School Duration = 5 or 6 years. Student ages = 12 to 18 years. |
- To enter
secondary school, international students must
provide their academic records and demonstrate
appropriate English proficiency.
- The general tone of secondary education is much more independent and student guided than primary school. Students have many course options which reflect their interests and goals.Some schools emphasize certain subjects more than others. Choice and diversity is increased by schools which specialize in areas such as languages, music, sport, information technology, agriculture or vocational education. -Co-educational & single-sex schools are
available. Junior High School – usually Years 7-10 Senior High School – usually Years 11-12 |
As stated earlier, the YEAR 12 studies in Australia is known by different names in different states.
| STATE / TERRITORY | SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ACT Year 12 Certificate |
| New South Wales (NSW) | Higher School Certificate (HSC) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) |
| Queensland (QLD) | Senior Certificate |
| South Australia (SA) | South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) |
| Victoria (VIC) | Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) |
| Western Australia (WA) | WA Certificate of Education (WACE) |
Although there are many type of Pre-university courses available world wide. We try to list here the most common and recognised pre-university programs that are available.
They are
THE MALAYSIAN STPM (Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia) is the equavalent
to the Pre-university qualifications of most countries.
It is a 2 year program normally attended by students of the ages of
17 and 18.
Entry into the STPM is through the SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia -
FORM FIVE).
The Australian
Year 12 besides being taken by Australian students and PRs, is
opened to International Students who would like a more recognised
university entry pathway.
Students who are looking at undergraduate programs which have a high entry requirement and/or have limited places, should take this program instead of Foundation courses as Foundation programs may not necessary be recognised for university entry in some of the more prestigious universities world wide.
The Year 12 program is taught in ONE YEAR starting from January till the November exams with the results being released in Mid December so that students are able to start universities studies in February. This is because some courses only have a February intake.
This is a formal certificate known by different names as follows:
| STATE / TERRITORY | SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ACT Year 12 Certificate |
| New South Wales (NSW) | Higher School Certificate (HSC) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) |
| Queensland (QLD) | Senior Certificate |
| South Australia (SA) | South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) |
| Victoria (VIC) | Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) |
| Western Australia (WA) | WA Certificate of Education (WACE) |
Students with a Senior Certificate of Secondary Education have more choices, and they may decide to:
Some schools offer foundation programs to international students instead of a senior certificate. This normally provides entry to specific universities.
Students who seek admission to higher education and universities are provided with a tertiary entrance score or rank. A student's rank:
The Foundation
Program has been specially designed to meet the of international
students. There are three flexible entry dates needs available:-
The Standard Foundation Program is a 10-month course commencing in
January and concluding in November. An April Start Foundation
Program commences in April and also concludes in November.
A Fast Track Foundation Program commences in August and concludes in
December of the same year.
Students undertaking the April Start have extended instruction times
and shorter break in order to obtain the same class time as those in
the Standard Program. In the April Start and Fast Track Foundation
Programs a limited range of subjects will be offered.
To be eligible to enrol in any of the Colleges' programs an
international student must meet the following entry requirements.
1. Age - Normally, a student should be at least 16 years of age at
the commencement of the program.
2. Academic achievement - The academic achievement criteria used to
determine whether a student meets the Colleges' minimum entry
requirements are:
the level of English language proficiency, and
the academic performance in three subjects that are likely to be
studied in the Foundation/Year 12. Such subjects include
Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Accounting,
Computing, Economics, Geography and History.
Applications from students who are over the age of 19 at the
commencement of their program will receive special consideration.
Besides performance in public and school examinations, credit will
be given for non-formal training, other qualifications and work
experience.
UNITED KINGDOM - INTO UK - University Preparation for University
Success
In the United Kingdom, there are a number of foundation programs which offer direct pathways into Universities in the United Kingdom. Amongst the most well-known relative to its young age, is INTO. INTO currently has campuses in THREE well known universities namely, EXETER UNIVERSITY, MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY and The University Of East Anglia.
In the year of 2008, INTO shall be in partnership with three more universities to offer students more choices of direct entry into the university programs of their choice.
The Foundation Program starts generally in January and September of each year gearing for entry into the normal university intakes of September each year. The program offers entry into courses like Business and typeering amongst others.
The GCE A-Levels
courses are examined by an external approved examination boards as
bellow:-
Associated Examining Board (AEB)
University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
University of London
There is no difference in quantity (or difficulty) between the
various examinations. These courses are normally of one,
two years or or 18 months duration offering a wide range of
subjects. the length of the course duration depends on
the number and type of subjects being taken. There are FIVE grades
at A-Levels: A, B, C, D, and E.
Generally, the entry to A Level courses requires four or more credit
passes in O Levels or SPM. GCE A-Levels is accepted
as the direct entry requirement into universities in UK and other
parts of the world. It is also accepted by the external
professional examination bodies (Local and Overseas).
The Canadian
Pre-University (CPU) is a program provides students with the entry
requirements into University Levels courses.
Upon successful of the Canadian Pre University program, students
receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma which is
accepted for university admission worldwide.
The Canadian Pre-University program is a one year course that
follows a semester system with two semesters each year.
Each semester is approximately 20 weeks in length.
The CPU is based on the Ontario Secondary School system where
continuous assessment is done throughout the course.
Vocational program provide students with the opportunity to learn trade skilled in modern, well-equipped facilities with highly skilled and experienced teachers guiding you all the way.
TAFE (Technical and Further Education) is fully owned and funded by the government to provide tertiary and vocational training. It has etablished the highest training standards and the Certificate and Diploma awards are widely recognised by many companies and professional institutions around the world. In fact, many employers favour TAFE education for its practical, 'real world' approach.
TAFE qualifications can also be used to gain advanced standing at universities.
TAFE programs offers students a more comprehensive look at the courses which they are interest or with strong skills in. These courses are mainly hands-on and are usually taught by practicing industry experts who are still very much actively involved in the fields they are teaching.
With the skills, students are taught the basic components of each course and in a number of cases, students who graduated from these courses have gone on to be industry leaders and innovators in their chosen field.
For example, most world renowned chefs are graduates of courses like this. Being short courses and skill intensive, students get the most in the shortest period of time and within their budgets.
More than 250 courses are available to International students in study areas including:
Education today offers students a choice of over 12,000 courses to choose from, ranging from single majors, double majors, single discipline, multi discipline or inter disciplinary. Students can also choose to complete a Single Degree or a Double Degree and/or an Honours Year before going on to postgraduate studies like Post-graduate Certificates and Diplomas, Masters and Doctorate levels.
For example, a students may choose to study Accounting or add Finance to achieve a double major or choose Science related courses ranging from Medicine to Physics or Chemistry.
On the other hand, students who are good in both Science and Commerce fields can choose interdisciplinary courses and combine Bio Technology and Commerce as an example.
As such with over 12,000 courses in their many combinations, students must have complete, accurate and up-to-date information in order for them to make the RIGHT CHOICE.
Listed below are some of the courses which form the mainstream multi disciplinary fields available.
Some universities may grant you exemptions for post-secondary studies (i.e. Certificates and Diplomas) completed. Some Certificates and Diplomas have been granted advanced standing but some will have to be assessed individually. In most cases, an assessment will take about THREE (3) weeks before an offer, if any, can be made. As such, students who are applying for exemptions are advised to begin their application process AT LEAST THREE MONTHS earlier than their intended commencing intake.
| COURSES | Tuition fees | Intakes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | AUD 20,000 - AUD 30,000 | Feb / July | |
| Bachelor of Architecture | AUD 28,000 - AUD 37,000 | Feb | |
| Bachelor of Business | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Commerce | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Information Technology | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Economics | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Engineering | AUD 25,00 - AUD 35,000 | Feb / July * *only a few | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Science | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Communication | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Medicine *Extra exams and interviews required |
AUD 50,000 - AUD 70,000 | Feb | 5 - 6 years |
| Bachelor of Dentistry *Extra exams and interviews required |
AUD 50,000 - AUD 70,000 | Feb | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Psychology | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Design | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Education | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Music | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy | AUD 25,000 - AUD 30,000 | Feb | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Social Sciences | AUD 24,000 - AUD 39,000 | Feb / July | 3 1/2 years |
| Bachelor of Nursing | AUD 30,000 - AUD 40,000 | Feb / July | 3 years |
NOTE : DOUBLE DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE IN SOME FIELDS
Postgraduate programs (higher degrees) include the following:-
These postgraduate programs may differ slightly in name and structure from country to country but generally the following descriptions apply.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Graduate Certificates courses are designed to develop skills in a specialised area that may or may not be directly related to that of an undergraduate degree. Some courses (particularly in the business area) allow non graduate to take this first step towards further postgraduate programs.
GRADUATE DIPLOMAS
The Graduate Diploma is a specialised vocationally orientated award. This course introduces graduates from disciplines outside their chosen higher degree to postgraduate studies.
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS
The Postgraduate Diploma allows a student more emphasis in developing a greater depth and breath of knowledge and skills than those studied at undergraduate level. This allows them to expand and advance their knowledge and expertise of their chosen field of studies in which they majored at undergraduate level.
Completion of either the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diplomas or Postgraduate Diploma may gain students an advanced standing into Masters degrees although this may vary from university to university.
MASTERS DEGREES
Entry into the Masters is decide on an individual assessment. Mature age students may also be admitted although they may not have formal entry requirements. The student may be given the opportunity to start with a preliminary program to the Masters program. This may be based on a student's relevant work experience or previous academic record being recognised.
PROFESSIONAL MASTERS
These are intensive, fast track programs design to enhance the professional excellance of fresh undergraduates or professionals. These programs may be structured as coursework or research study.
DOCTORAL DEGREE
A student with a Masters degree or a Bachelor degree with first or upper class honours may be considered for entry into the Doctoral Degree. In some cases, a student with a Bachelor Pass degree may be admitted provided they can demonstrate superior academic achievement and significant work experience although this is usually in exceptional cases.