Study in Australia

Did you know that Australia is the 6th biggest country in the world by landmass but is ranked 55 in term of the population with an approximate count of 25 million people and contributes less than 0.35% of the world’s population? Modern Australia evolved to what it is today only after 1901 when 6 colonies federation to from the commonwealth of Australia and till today millions of people aspire to move to Australia whether its for education, employment or simply migrate. Some of the topmost livable cities in the world are in Australia and so does some of the most highly ranked universities who excel in research which have brought a positive change in the world that we live in.

STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

Australia today has become one of the most preferred destinations for international students and it certainly not going to stop anytime soon. With superior standard education, high-quality lifestyle, provision for international students to work part-time, provision of post-study work option for Australian degree holders, option to bring the students dependent partner (spouse) during the study and many other factors make Australia one amazing destination presenting a diverse multicultural environment for the students to get study in.

Interesting facts about Australia

1. 6th Largest country in the world
2. The population of about 25.5 million that is less than Nepal’s population.
3. Australia ranks among the top 3 for the highest human development index
4. Australia has over 10000 beaches
5. Australian Alps receive more snow than Switzerland
6. They are more sheep in Australia than humans (8:1 ratio)
7. Sydney is the largest city but not the capital. Its Canberra
8. Some of the deadliest animals live there

Australian Universities have three primary roles:

In addition to this, Australian Universities provide consultancy services to both business and industry, and are the main source of advice for Government and the community in general on a large number of issues and topics, they are closely involved with local and wider communities.

Diversity and autonomy are central features of Australian universities. Each institution has the freedom to specify its own mission, purpose, modes of teaching, research, makeup of their student body, and the range of content of their educational programs. This variety is reflected in university goals and objectives, staff profiles and the emphasis placed on particular courses at different universities.

TAFE Institutes, specialized institutes and other private colleges also provide post-school qualifications. While they mostly offer courses to a diploma level, some courses are offered through to bachelor degree level.

Entry Points, Entry Requirements and Costs

Students need to meet both a sufficient level of English language proficiency and the minimum academic requirements before they can be admitted to an Australian university.

Undergraduate degrees require an Australian Senior School Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent of this. Some degrees may also have certain pre-requisite subjects and grades.

Entry to postgraduate courses requires completion to a satisfactory standard of a bachelor degree. Prospective students may also need to demonstrate research ability or relevant work experience.

University courses cost in Australia are comparable to those in other English speaking countries such as the UK and USA. In the Australian education system, some degrees are slightly shorter than in other countries. For example, some Bachelor degrees take three years in Australia but four years in the USA.

Some of the measures that operate to safeguard and improve quality of Australia’s Universities include:

• The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) took over from AUQA in 2011
• Universities Australia (Universities Australia)

Study and life in Australia

• When you go to Australia, one will experience a different culture and life style from what you are used to. If you don’t get good information and awareness about the country, you may undergo a “culture shock” or the “blues of new place”. It is important to observe the habits, reactions and customs of people. Learn as much as you can, get info-rich but never ever change your traditional values and your real self.
• Do not let the previous paragraph intimidate you or put you off. Just because a country like Australia is different does not make it necessarily worse. On the contrary, Australia is one of the most multi-cultural societies in the world. Over 20% of Australian citizens were born overseas and they are drawn from over 200 different nations making Australia a real ‘melting pot’ nation. Around 20% of Australians speak a language other than English in their home. Although it is predominantly a Christian society, all forms of religion are represented in Australia and they are freely practiced and protected by law. Australians are friendly, direct and informal in their dealings with each other as they believe in equality and a ‘fair go’ society. People who work in low skilled or ‘blue collar’ jobs such as cleaners, bus drivers etc receive the same respect as those who work in professional jobs. It is also highly illegal to discriminate against others on grounds of race, gender, religion or sexuality. Punctuality is important, if you are running late, you should always inform whom you are meeting as act of courtesy. People in Australia form queues to buy food, wait for a particular service, to board public transport etc. and it is impolite to push ahead of someone already queuing. People often use the first name, even with respected elders as long as they know them or have been formally introduced.
• There is a lot more you will learn about Australian people but be positive, be flexible and try to adapt. Listen, observe and ask whenever you are in doubt.
• The method of study in Australia may be very different to what you have experienced so far. It is important to give yourself a head start by keeping up to date with Australian news and current affairs and become familiar with Australia’s education system and learning culture. When you arrive, practice listening to the Australian accent – it is different but you will soon understand the local terms and way of speaking.
• In Australia just like most other countries, students are expected to conduct independent research, collect and analyses data by themselves or in-groups, to raise questions and to participate in discussions and debates with other students and teachers. Students spend a great deal of time in libraries and laboratories conducting their own research. To be a successful student you will need to adapt to these new methods of learning and assessment. Students are assessed continuously through essays, presentations, tests, assignments etc. One thing that may surprise you is the amount of access that you will be able to obtain with your tutors and lecturers. If you are having an academic problem, discuss it with them – don’t let it develop from a minor issue into a major problem for you.