Australia is becoming a popular choice for Indian students to pursue their studies. Approximately 9,500 students from India come to Australia each year.
Most Indian students in Australia enroll in vocational education and training programs, as well as university-level courses. The most sought-after fields of study are business and management, information technology, engineering, tourism, and hospitality. However, Indian students are now exploring a wider range of subjects in Australian institutions.
Australia's reputation for offering a safe, multicultural, and internationally recognized educational environment, along with its focus on innovative research, has positioned the country as a leading provider of high-quality education for international students from around the world.
Living in Australia
There are various options for student accommodation in Australia, catering to different budgets and preferences. Students can choose to stay in university-provided accommodation or with an Australian host family. Shared accommodation with other students is also a common and popular choice.
Educational institutions in Australia offer assistance to students in finding suitable accommodation and understanding the terms of leases and tenancy agreements. You can even arrange temporary accommodation before leaving your home country, giving you some time to decide on your longer-term housing preferences. Many institutions have noticeboards and newspapers where you can find advertisements for rooms, apartments, and houses available for rent.
For more guidance and information, you can reach out to your prospective educational institution.
Education System in Australia
After completing Year 10, most students continue to Years 11 and 12, known as Senior Secondary. Year 12 or Adult Matriculation is a requirement for those planning to pursue higher education courses at universities. It's also necessary for certain TAFE (Technical and Further Education) programs and some private commercial courses.
Australian schools provide a diverse range of subjects, employ highly skilled and experienced teachers, and offer state-of-the-art technology and specialized laboratories to support learning.
There are two main types of schools in Australia:
Academic Year
In Australia, students attend school from Monday to Friday, with school hours typically ranging from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 pm each school day. Most schools are co-educational, but some private secondary schools are an exception.
There are over 12,000 international students in Australian schools. Some schools cater exclusively to international students, while others have a tradition of exchanging their students with international peers.
Many students use their senior secondary years to acquire university entry qualifications. Approximately nine out of every ten Australian secondary schools offer vocational education programs in addition to the standard curriculum. During the last two years of secondary school, students may engage in studies that prepare them for university, vocational education, or employment.
School Scholarships
Australian schools often provide scholarships that can cover part or all of the tuition fees. Schools may either set their own exams for scholarship candidates or participate in tests developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). These tests are typically held in May of the year before the scholarship is offered. While most tests are conducted in Australia, there are some overseas examination centers for the ACER test.
Universities in Australia
Australia has 39 universities listed on the registers of the Australian Qualifications Framework, along with various recognized higher education institutions. Australian universities also have overseas branch campuses, twinning arrangements, and student and staff exchange programs worldwide. Australia boasts almost 4,000 formal agreements with universities around the globe.
All Australian universities are closely monitored to maintain high teaching and research standards. Most universities are located in cities, while some can be found in rural settings.
Academic Year
Most courses commence in February, although some may also start in July and October. University life in Australia combines lectures, tutorials, seminars, as well as individual study in laboratories and libraries. There is a wide range of extracurricular activities to balance academic life.
Vocational Education & Training (VET)
Australia's VET system, often known as Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in other countries, focuses on practical, career-oriented training. Students can create their career paths through a mix of study and work.
VET courses are offered by both public institutions, known as TAFE Institutes, and private colleges. All institutes and colleges are subject to government monitoring to ensure high standards. Australian VET graduates possess the skills that employers demand, and they can also progress to higher-level courses, including university Diploma and Bachelor degree programs.
TAFE
Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) is a government-operated education system that provides courses in nearly every field of study. There are more than 230 government TAFE colleges across Australia offering certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs. Many TAFE courses can lead to credit transfer arrangements at Australian universities, allowing students to earn credit toward a bachelor's degree. TAFE courses can range from a few weeks to up to three years. While some TAFE colleges are in cities, others are in rural areas. Most courses start in February, although some may also begin in July.
TAFE courses emphasize practical and professional learning to help students secure jobs.
English Language Courses
Examination Preparation: These courses prepare international students for international examinations such as IELTS, Cambridge, and TOEFL.
English for Special Purposes: These courses provide English language skills in specific environments or vocations. Options include English for Business, International Relations, the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Health Professionals, and Computing and Information Technology.
Study Tour Programs: Tailored for individuals or groups, these programs allow students to learn English while traveling and exploring Australia's unique features. Some centers combine English language classes with sporting activities such as scuba diving, golf, horse riding, and sailing.
Assessment Methods
Each secondary school in Australia determines its own assessment method. In the final year of school, students are assessed through a combination of school-based and external exams. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is issued based on the final results, and universities use these certificates as admission guidelines.
Assessment methods in vocational education and training institutions and coursework programs at universities can vary. Students may be assessed through end-of-semester and/or end-of-academic-year examinations, continuous assessments such as essays, presentations, and tests, or a combination of these methods. Postgraduate research students may undergo evaluation by a committee that assesses the quality of their thesis and may request an oral examination to support the thesis.
Study Methods
Students in Australian universities and colleges attend lectures, tutorials, and seminars, as well as conduct independent research in libraries or laboratories. They are encouraged to collect and analyze data, ask questions, develop logical arguments, and participate in discussions and debates with other students and lecturers. This active learning approach sets Australian education apart, and most institutions can provide study skills support to help students adapt to this approach.