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Although the systems in each state have developed independently, in recent years efforts have been made to move towards a more unified system. In 1995 a single nation-wide system of qualifications know as the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) was introduced, bringing together qualifications issued by all three sectors. There are twelve qualifications within the AQF ranging from the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and the VET Certificate I at the lower end to the Doctoral Degree. Some of the qualifications are issued across sectors with flexible pathways between all the qualifications. For more details see the AQF web site - www.aqf.edu.au/aboutaqf.htm Primary and secondary schoolsStructureThe major responsibility for primary and secondary education lies with the state governments and although the systems are similar there are some differences. School education starts at the age of 5 or 6, depending on the state, and in most states consists of a year of pre-school education followed by 12 years of primary and secondary school studies. School is compulsory to at least age 15 although the majority of students complete year 12 studies. The Australian school system is characterised by the very large size of the private sector with around 30% of students attend private schools (mainly at the secondary level). Although the majority of these schools charge low fees there is still a significant proportion with fees in excess of $10,000 per annum for day students and $20,000 for boarders. ExaminationsSee University Entrance Requirements Links
International Baccalaureate schoolsThere are around 35 schools in Australia offering the International Baccalaureate (IB). The majority of these are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. There are also a small number of schools/colleges in each state with a particular international focus or outlook - most of these in the private sector. Recent growth in the IB in Australia is attributed to the growth of interest in study out of state and abroad since the IB provides a more widely recognised qualification. Links
Higher EducationStructureAustralia has a unified national system of higher education and degree programmes are centrally accredited. However each institution has the freedom to specify its own mission and purpose. Currently there are 39 government supported higher education institutions and three private universities. In 2001 there were 726,418 students in higher education (an increase of 4.4% from 2000). University courses begin early in March and finish in late November. The year is divided into two semesters with some universities offering mid-year entry at the beginning of the second semester. A few universities operate a trimester system. Entrance requirementsMost students enter university after completing year 12 studies on the basis of a Tertiary Entrance Ranking (TER) calculated using their year 12 exam and assessment results. Acceptable TER scores vary between universities and courses but, generally, the cut-off rates increase in line with demand for the course and the standing of the university (see links below). Growing numbers of students also gain entry to university, many with advanced standing, on the basis of qualifications earned in a TAFE college. FeesMost Australian students pay back part of the cost of their higher education under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). In 2001, 409,479 students fell into this category of 'HECS liable'. Students pay back the interest free loan for their education once they begin earning, with repayments dependent upon their level of income. A discount is available for those who pay up-front or who make lump sum repayments. There are three levels of HECS contributions based on course costs and the earning potential of graduates. The HECS contributions for a full-time year of study in 2002 are:
Although the number of 'HECS' places in the universities is fixed each year by the government, universities can also admit Australian resident (home) students on a full-cost fee basis. There has been rapid growth in the numbers of Australian nationals paying full fees for higher education. Although these fees are high (around A$10,000 and more for some science and clinical courses), they are still lower than fees for university study in the UK. International students studying at Australia universities however pay a higher fee than Australian nationals and these are similar to fees in the UK. Individual universities decide whether to offer these places and the courses they will offer them in. In 2001 there were 4085 equivalent full time student units (EFTSU) studying in Australian universities as domestic fee-paying undergraduate students. Universities may also offer postgraduate courses on a fee-paying basis. Each decides on the mix of HECS liable and fee-paying postgraduate student places across its various faculties and schools. There is no requirement for universities to charge either a minimum or maximum fee for postgraduate courses. The Commonwealth Government introduced an interest free loan scheme for eligible postgraduates, similar to HECS, in 2002 called PELS - Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme. HonoursUnlike the UK, most bachelor degrees in Australia are pass degrees awarded after three years of study with a fourth year available to selected students to attain an Honours degree. Thus the Australian third year is somewhere between the UK second and third year, and the Australian Honours year is somewhere between the UK third year and the UK Masters degree. While UK third year of a degree does require a dissertation as well as course work, Australian universities would not count this as equivalent to their Honours year. Honours programmes are research oriented and aimed primarily at those students preparing for postgraduate research degrees and academic careers. Typically, less than 10% of bachelor degrees in Australia are awarded with honours. In order to graduate with an Honours degree, the student must have attained at lease a credit average and have been invited to do the extra Honours year. Some courses, mainly those leading to professionally recognised qualifications in areas such as engineering and law, follow a different system. These usually require four years of study and Honours is awarded to the top ranking students. Entry into a Masters course by research normally needs an Honours degree, or completion of a postgraduate diploma. Direct entry into a PhD similarly requires a good Honours degree, or completion of a research Masters degree. However entry into a taught Masters programme (usually called Masters by coursework) is very different. It is possible to gain entry into these courses without an Honours degree - although a student's undergraduate results will be influential. Links - For more information on entry requirements to Australian universities refer to the following:
For more details on entry requirements to Australian masters programmes (and higher) refer to www.detya.gov.au/noosr/cep/australia/index.htm For more information on HECS and PELS refer to http://www.hecs.gov.au Vocational Education and TrainingVocational education and training (VET) courses are provided by
There are 102 publicly funded TAFE institutes and over 2000 private providers registered to deliver national qualifications. They provide a wide variety of training, ranging from preparatory and entry level, through to operator, technician and professional levels. Under the AQF, Australia's VET institutions award certificates (levels I to IV), diplomas and advanced diplomas. VET providers have strong links with universities, with many courses articulating into degrees and higher qualifications. A significant proportion of students on VET courses study part-time. In 2001 there were more than 1.756 million people studying on VET courses. The TAFE institutes are controlled and co-ordinated in each state by state government departments of education. Most are large multi-campus institutions and very much community based so that most of the population live within easy reach of a TAFE campus. A recent development in the VET sector is the increasing numbers of new graduates enrolling on courses to gain practical skills to supplement their academic qualifications with the aim of enhancing job prospects. Links
Language Schools and the ELICOS AssociationThe ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) Association (EA) is the professional association of centres teaching English language courses to overseas students in Australia. It has 62 members and dominates the ELT market for overseas students in Australia with an estimated 80% market share. EA members are required to comply with a published code of conduct and tuition assurance scheme and abide by minimum requirements in regard to tuition fee refunds and course transfers. The EA runs a national scheme in co-operation with relevant government bodies to accredit and monitor the conduct of all ELICOS Centres across Australia. At least three British English language-teaching organisations operate in the Australian market having set up new schools or taken over existing Australian businesses. These includes International House, Anglo World, and the Embassy Group of Schools (part of the UK based Study Group organisation), the Martin Colleges. Most of these schools concentrate on the study-tour market rather than English for academic purposes. Links
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