Everything You Need To Know To Get Started On Your Student Journey In Australia.
This article will help you understand how the Australian education system works and how you can make an informed choice while deciding to study in Australia.
If you’re an international student who is currently onshore or wishing to apply for a student visa to enter Australia, it is recommended that you make yourself familiar with how the Australian education system works.
It will help you make an informed decision in terms of choosing the right course to study that leads to the right pathway and a career you aspire.
The Australian education system is very unique in the world thanks to the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). Unlike other countries in the world, Australia has a simple and consistent education system that is easy to comprehend.
Each course is linked to a number of potential occupations and occupations are linked to the national pay system known as modern awards. The awards will help you understand how much you can expect to be paid after completing your studies if you end up securing employment.
There are two primary distinctions of the Australian Education System which are School Education and Tertiary Education. The system is linked by a National Policy called the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF).
What is the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)?
As per the Study in Australia website:
AQF is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational, and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life.
If you are studying an AQF qualification, you can be sure that your institution is Government-authorised and nationally accredited, and that your degree or other AQF qualification will be genuine.
Our institutions are linked across the country and across the world, which makes it easy to move throughout the education system between courses or institutions, and formal agreement and recognition frameworks mean every step of the path will contribute to your future no matter what your study or career goals.
The AQF has 10 levels as follows:
Level 1 – Certificate I
Level 2 – Certificate II
Level 3 – certificate III
Level 4 – Certificate IV
Level 5 – Diploma
Level 6 – Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree
Level 7 – Bachelor Degree
Level 8 – Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
Level 9 – Masters Degree
Level 10 – Doctoral Degree
Each level has distinct criteria and gradual progress to the next level.
AQF levels and the AQF levels criteria are an indication of the relative complexity and/or depth of achievement and the autonomy required to demonstrate that achievement. AQF level 1 has the lowest complexity and AQF level 10 has the highest complexity.
The AQF level summaries are statements of the typical achievement of graduates who have been awarded a qualification at a certain level in the AQF.
Furthermore, the Australian Education System is a transparent system and all information is freely available for students on the internet. You can refer to the range of websites listed below to find the information you’re looking for.
Study in Australia
This is your starting point. You will find important information about how to get started if you’re interested in studying in Australia and applying for an appropriate visa.
Here, you will find all information about visas, courses, institutions, potential scholarships, living in Australia, etc. There is a wealth of information on this website and we highly recommend that you explore this website and make yourself familiar with available options for yourself.
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
You will find all information about higher education providers and courses offered on this website along with regulatory information. Use this website if you’re looking at starting a bachelor or higher degree course.
Commonwealth Register on Institutions and Courses for International Students (CRICOS)
Use this website if you’re looking at starting a course in vocational education. You can choose from a Certificate III to Advanced Diploma course with the institutions found on this website.
Department of Home Affairs – Visas
This is where you will find step by step information about applying for different types of visa. We strongly recommend that you read the information about visas relevant to your situation and make an informed choice even if you intend to use an education or migration agent.
We know the information is overwhelming if you’re just getting started. If you need a helping hand feel free to contact us. One of our dedicated student support officers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Find out more about the courses we offer to international students.
Courses for International Students
Please Note: This article must be read as a guide only and you must conduct your own independent research before making a decision. We do not recommend that you engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Please refer to the department of home affairs’ website for more information.
