Universities
Join the global community of Australian graduates and discover the world of opportunities that await you.
Australia has a long history of hosting international students in its prestigious universities, where they have gained valuable skills and knowledge in various fields and sectors. From business and politics to military and royalty, many influential figures from Asia and beyond have earned their degrees in Australia. Australia is at the forefront of international education, offering a range of courses and levels for students from all backgrounds and interests.
Why Australia?
International students can choose from a variety of institutions and programs that suit their needs and preferences. Australia has 43 universities, which are ranked among the best in the world for their quality of teaching, research, and innovation.
Pathways to University
1) Foundation Program
Duration: Six months to one year
What you will learn: Foundation Studies is a course that helps you qualify for an undergraduate degree at a university or another higher education provider in Australia. The course covers essential subjects that you need to study, as well as optional subjects that you can select based on your interest and goals. You will also get support to improve your English language skills.
Who offers this course: You can do Foundation Studies at universities, schools, vocational education and training (VET) providers, or specialist colleges. Some higher education providers will reserve a spot for you in their degree program while you do Foundation Studies, depending on your enrolment offer.
Why choose this pathway:
- It will equip you with the academic skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your higher education studies.
- You can practise and enhance your English language skills before you start your degree program.
- It will help you adjust to the university environment and culture, and sometimes you can even study on the same campus as your degree program.
- It will increase your options by helping you meet the entry requirements for various degree programs.
2)Years 11 and 12 (senior secondary school)
Duration: Two years
What you will learn:
If you finish Australian years 11 and 12 (senior secondary school), you will get an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score after your exams and assessments. These scores are used for direct entry into many higher education courses.
Why choose this pathway:
- You will be as ready for higher education as other year 12 graduates in Australia.
- You will benefit from the supportive school environment in Australia, where teachers and advisers will help you plan for your tertiary studies.
- You will make friends and connections in the community, before you start your tertiary studies as a more independent young adult.
Duration: Six months to three years
What you will learn:
A Certificate or Diploma course can give you a TAFE-to-university or VET-to-university pathway. It is designed to teach you specific knowledge and skills in your area of interest, and usually a pathway to a higher education degree.
Why choose this pathway:
- If you finish relevant TAFE or VET courses, you may get academic credit for your higher education degree.
- TAFE and VET courses usually cost less than higher education courses, so you may save money – especially if you get academic credit.
- You will learn skills that are relevant to your industry and career, and this can help you when you look for work. Read more about Vocational Education and Training.
4)English language courses (ELICOS)
Duration: Five weeks to one year
What you will learn:
An intensive English (ELICOS) course can help you improve your English skills and meet the requirements for a VET or higher education course. ELICOS programs are available for general English, professional English, or academic English.
Why choose this pathway:
- It will prepare you for your future study and work. Improving your English will help you get into your preferred course, and find a job while you study.
- Enhancing your English language skills will make your studies easier and help you achieve your goals.
- You will be immersed in an English language speaking environment, with many opportunities to practise your skills and improve quickly. Search for English language courses
University Qualifications:
The types of qualifications you can get at Australian universities and other recognised higher education providers.
Diploma
- Duration = 1 – 2 years
- A qualification offered by some universities and university colleges.
- Equivalent to a Diploma from a VET institution.
Undergraduate
Bachelor Degree
- Duration = minimum of 3 years
- The basic university qualification for a profession.
- Study involves learning a body of knowledge and its principles and techniques.
- Students develop academic skills and aptitudes to understand and evaluate new information and apply their knowledge.
- Study usually involves major studies in an area with significant academic literature.
- Course content is deep and advanced, and prepares students for postgraduate study.
Bachelor Degree (Honours)
- Duration = 4 years
- A Bachelor Degree with an extra year of research.
- Honours may also be given for outstanding achievement in a four-year or longer Bachelor Degree course.
Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate
- Duration = 6 months
- A qualification that broadens skills gained in an undergraduate program, or develops skills in a new professional area.
Graduate Diploma
- Duration = 12 months
- A qualification that either broadens skills obtained in an undergraduate program or develops skills in a new professional area.
- This qualification involves further specialisation in a body of knowledge.
Masters Degree (Coursework)
- Duration = 1 – 2 years
- A qualification that enhances professional or vocational skills.
- It is typically gained by coursework and some research.
- Study involves acquiring an in-depth understanding of a specific area of knowledge usually by independent research.
- A Masters Degree takes one to two years, after a Bachelors Degree.
Masters Degree (Research) – MPhil
Duration = 1 – 2 years
A research program that develops independent research skills, such as:
- Ability to formulate a significant problem;
- Mastery of appropriate conceptual and methodological frameworks;
- Capacity for articulate and critical analysis.
- Admission requires a Bachelor degree with Honours or a Graduate Diploma and work experience.
- It is possible to transfer to a PhD program after 1 year full-time if the work is suitable.
Doctoral Degree (Doctor of Philosophy – PhD)
Duration = 1 – 2 years
A research program that develops independent research skills, such as:
- Duration = usually 3 years
- The highest award offered by Australian universities. Some programs may have a coursework component.
- A Doctoral Degree has three components:
- A review of relevant literature, experimentation, or other systemic approaches to a body of knowledge.
- An original research project resulting in a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding and/or the application of knowledge within a discipline or field of study.
- A substantial and well-ordered thesis, demonstrating the relationship of the research to the broader framework of the discipline or field of study.