Education System in Australia for International Students

Australia’s education system is highly acclaimed all over the world, and it is acknowledged as one of the top countries in terms of quality education. You can study at all educational levels, from primary and secondary school through vocational education and training (VET), English language courses, and higher education (including universities). Regardless of what you study or how long you study, Australia’s laws support great education and safeguard international students. An international student with having student visa of Australia should be enrolled in courses that are only listed in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students as an international student on a student visa (CRICOS). CRICOS registration ensures that the course you’re taking and the institution where you’re studying satisfy the high expectations of foreign students. On-campus bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate courses, such as postgraduate diplomas, master’s, and doctorate programs, are available to students.

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) is a government-approved and nationally validated national policy. The AQF is divided into ten levels and connects school, university, and vocational education. It aids in the integration of all levels into a single system, allowing students to progress from one to the next. It allows international students to choose reputable Australian universities and courses and transfer if they like, as long as they meet the necessary prerequisites.

Under Australian law, international students have particular rights and safeguards. These regulations ensure that all students are treated fairly and receive a high-quality education. The Commonwealth Ombudsman handles complaints made by international students about educational providers. In Australia, an education provider might be a school, college, or university. If you are a student at a public university or TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institution, you should contact the Ombudsman in your state or territory. To preserve uniformity and high standards, all courses offered to international students are approved by the Australian government through the CRICOS register.

Academic Year in Australia

On your level of study and course, the academic year in Australia varies. For secondary or high schools level it starts in January or February and in the case of the VET institutions or Universities it starts in late February or early March. During the month of July, September and October as well, universities offer additional intakes.  At the end of each semester, exams are held and between each semester, students will have a two to four week break. Summer vacation usually begins in late November or December and lasts until late February. During their long summer vacations, students can enroll in a short summer course or work full-time.