School
Students normally attend 13 years of school before entering university. There are seven years of Primary (Elementary) and 6 years of Secondary (High School) education. At the end of the final high school year students sit for examinations leading to the award of a certificate. This certificate allows students to apply for tertiary education in any State or Territory of Australia.

In the school system there are both government funded (State), and private (Independent) schools.

Technical and Further Education (TAFE) providing Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a term used internationally to describe education and training arrangements designed to prepare people for work or to improve the knowledge and skills of people already working. After successful completion of studies a certificate, diploma or associate diploma is granted. Technical and Further Education qualifications are highly regarded and can lead into Tertiary Studies. Vocational institutions are closely linked with industry and give practical experience and a solid skill base.

Institutes of Technical and Further Education provide a large variety of courses in skills development – along similar lines to Community Colleges in the United States and Fachhochschulen in Germany.

VET includes both trade-based training (associated with traditional apprenticeships such as cabinet making, hairdressing and boiler making) and industry-wide training (accounting, office skills, cooking, hospitality and tourism, child care, animal husbandry). VET also includes general employment skills such as communication and occupational health and safety. Courses available to International Students range from Information Technology to Graphic Design, Hospitality, Business and Office Studies, Applied Science, Agricultural Studies, Clothing Manufacturing, Building and Construction, Marine Engineering, Horticulture, Manufacturing Technology, Music, Tourism Studies and High School preparation. Courses vary from six months to three years.

VET is supported by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, mainly through the TAFE system and major industry bodies. VET programs range from basic level and skill-specific courses to more advanced and broader courses awarding qualifications such as advanced diplomas. TAFE Colleges have links with Universities which provide “pathways” and facilitate transition to tertiary study for students who may not meet the entry requirements.

University

Australia boasts many world class public and private Universities, each with its own individual atmosphere and vibrant culture.

You can study at the undergraduate level (Bachelor degree) or postgraduate level (Graduate Certificate, Diploma, Masters, and PhD).

The basic degree in the humanities or business requires 3 years of study. A student may then be conferred with a “pass” degree, or choose, subject to meeting academic criteria, to do an extra “honours” year which gives them an “honours” degree. In order to undertake post graduate studies you must have done an honours degree. Other degrees such as Veterinary Science, Engineering or Medicine require more years of study.

Campus life is generally relaxed with many students commuting daily to their institution. Students may share a house or apartment. A small number of students live in Colleges or Halls of Residence on campus.

Student services include libraries, access to computing facilities, access to email, cafeterias, medical facilities, banks, theatres, shops and sporting facilities.