The Australian Education System

1°) University Education:

• The Bachelor Degree is the university degree earned at the end of the first cycle and constitutes the basic requirement for most professions. It is earned after 3 to 5 years, depending on the field of study. A “Bachelor Degree” is indispensable for postgraduate studies.

• The "Graduate Certificates" and the "Postgraduate Certificates" are programme designed to obtain professional qualifications in a specific domain or to expand your education after a Bachelor Degree. If you want to pursue a postgraduate education in a field that differs from your preceding studies, some universities may ask you to do a Graduate Certificate beforehand. These programmes generally take 6 months.

• The “Graduate Diplomas” and “Postgraduate Diplomas” are diplomas that can either allow you to expand your education or specialize in an area of study that you did not cover during your undergraduate cycle. These diplomas can also allow you to meet the admission requirements for a Masters Degree. The duration of these programmes is generally one year full-time

• The “Masters Degrees” or Masters allow you to deepen your knowledge in your area of studies and specialty beyond the undergraduate cycle. It consists of 12 months to 3 years of specialized education based on applied research. Depending on each case, the preparation for the Masters includes classes or research work (or a combination of both).

• The "PhD" (Doctorate) is designed for those students who wish to deepen their skills by undertaking a research project in a specific domain. As a general rule, a PhD is taken by a student who previously completed a Research Master’s Degree. The Doctorate is generally earned following two to four years of research and full-time work.

2°)TAFE Education :

• The "Advanced Diploma": comparable to the French B.T.S. and D.U.T., the "Advanced Diploma" is of a slightly higher level than the "Diploma". It is usually obtained in 2 or 3 years. Many “Advanced Diplomas” offer pathways into the final year of a Bachelor Degree.

Students are selected according to the strength of their application. The mastery of English, however, is an important element. Therefore, you must pass the IELTS before departure and reach a score that meets the requirements of the university in question. If you feel your English needs a little help before taking the IELTS, the universities offer intensive courses in language schools and then allow you to join one of diploma study programmes.

Your application should contain all your results and diplomas since the Baccalaureate (Bac included). You can also attach a cover letter, a CV, and one or more letters of recommendation.

One of the differences between the Australian education system and that of France, Belgium or Switzerland, is the admissions schedule. Most universities offer 2 admissions per year, one in February and the other in July.

Some universities also offer additional admissions in May and/or October.

Most Australian and international students opt for the February admissions, which follows the Australian summer holidays.

Just like their US-American or British counterparts, Australian institutions have magnificent campuses where the student population resides, lives and studies. These campuses quickly become central points in the life of each student, creating a tight-knit community or small family.

Besides classes, you can opt for an on campus residence and participate in the numerous cultural and sports activities offered. You will find an on-site supermarket, a bank, a gym and even your favorite bar. Beyond an academic education, studying on a campus prepares students to become independent while at the same time offering the supervision and protection needed to comfort even the most anxious amongst you.