Types of higher education institutions
Universities – institutions that offer academic courses on all three levels
TAFE - College of Technical and Further Education - institutes with a strong
vocational focus, offering practical training over a wide range of occupations. Many TAFE
institutes have articulation arrangements with universities which enable students to
obtain credit toward a university degree through TAFE programs.
Structure of university studies
The academic year in Australia starts in the end of February or in early March and ends in
the end of November or early December. The language of instruction is English.
1st level – undergraduate studies offer different types of courses
leading to a diploma or Bachelor degree
* Diploma - two years full-time study
* Advanced Diploma - three years full-time study
These courses are also offered by TAFE institutes and in many instances may be credited
toward a university degree program offered.
* Bachelor' s degree - 3-4 years full-time study
Note: Many Bachelor degrees require five or six years full-time study, e. g. architecture, medicine, dentistry.
2nd level - graduate studies
* Postgraduate Certificate - one semester of full-time study following a Bachelor degree
* Postgraduate Diploma - two semesters of full-time study following a Bachelor degree
* Master Degree - 2 years of study after a Bachelor degree. The Master degree is offered
either by coursework and thesis or research and thesis.
3rd level – doctoral studies
* Doctor of Philosophy - at least 3 years full-time study. This award (PhD) is by research
and thesis and may be taken after successful completion of a Master degree.
Financing of university studies
- tuition at Australian universities differ according to the fields of study:
A$ 7, 650 - 13, 500 in humanities
A$ 13, 000 - 16, 000 in sciences and technology
A$ 20, 500 - 26, 000 in medical sciences
- the living expenses in Australia are about A$ 11, 000 for an academic year
- there is no financial aid for the undergraduate students offered by universities
- universities provide scholarships for excellent postgraduate students through the
Overseas Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme
- government scholarships are provided by the International Development Program (IDP). IDP
also gathers information on private scholarship programs
-information on all mentioned types of financial aid provides the Australian Center for
education or Australian Embassy
Visa
Students do not need student visas to enter Australia if their planned stay will not
exceed three months, tourist visas will be enough. Work-permission is not required unless
you work more than 20 hours a week. In summer holiday time (December-January) you can work
on full-time.
Important addresses
The Education Advisor
Embassy of the Commonwealth of Australia
Mattiellistrasse 2
Wien 1040
Austria
tel. +43 (1) 512 8580
fax +43 (1) 513 2908
Australian Centre for Education (IDP)
Vorosmarty u. 47/A
1064 Budapest
Hungary
tel. +36 (1) 312 4649
fax +36 (1) 302 5161
Department of Employment, Education and Training
P.O. Box: 9880
16-18 Mort Street
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia
tel. +61 (6) 240 8111
fax +61 (6) 240 9783
- universities study programs
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
P.O. Box: 1407
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia
tel. +61 (6) 276 7644
fax +61 (6) 276 7566
- recognition of foreign credits
Magabook Pty Ltd
P.O.Box 444
Rockdale NSW 2216
Australia
tel. +61 (2) 567 5300
fax +61 (2) 567 0399
e-mail: chris@magabook.com.au
Internet addresses
http://www.idped.com.au/apply - information,
applications
http://mars.technobiz.com/corp/idp/aes.html
- higher education system
http://mars.technobiz.com/corp/idp/links.html
- universities
http://mars.technobiz.com/corp/idp/al.html
- student life
http://www.magabook.com.au - general information,
universities
http://aei.detya.gov.au - Australian Education
International http://aei.detya.gov.au/students/scholarships/scholarships.htm
- scholarships
http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar -
scholarships
http://www.edna.edu.au/edna - Education Network
Australia
http://www.avcc.edu.au - information about
universities
http://www.ashmill.com.au - "Good
Universities Guide"