School Education

Australian school education lasts for 12 years (Year 1-12). Subject to provinces, primary education and secondary education are offered in 6+6 years or 7+5 years basis. The secondary education starts in Year 7 in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory but Year 8 in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territories.

In general, school academic year in Australia starts from late January until mid December and divided into 4 school terms of around 10 weeks long each.

Schools are categorised as government schools and private schools. Government schools are operated and supervised by the provincial Education Department. Private schools are run by private or religious bodies. Under the national curriculum framework, school curriculum is divided into 8 key learning areas including English, Mathematics, Science, Society & Environment, Foreign Languages, Visual & Performing Arts, Design & Technology and Personal Development & Health & Physical Education.

The final 2 years of secondary education (Year 11-12) prepare students to sit for the provincial certificate of examination (except Queensland). The result of public examination together with school internal result will form a tertiary entrance rank for applying university studies in Australia.  Some Australian schools offer International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) which is also recognized as the university entry qualification.

Higher Education

The 39 Australian public universities are all recognized nationally and internationally. Universities offer a wide range of bachelor, master and doctoral degree programs. The qualifications are widely recognized by local and overseas professional bodies. Most Australian universities have 2 intakes in February and July but a few universities have 3 intakes per year. However, some programs are restricted for February intake only.

Foundation year and university diploma are 2 typical pathway programs offered by either university or authorized education institution. The pathway programs are tailor-made and monitored by university. Each stage of program can be completed in 8 months the shortest. Upon successful completion of the program with required scores, students are guaranteed to progress onto the first or second year of the related bachelor degree in the same university. The entry requirements of foundation year and university diploma are more flexible. Foundation year has different intakes and duration in different colleges whereas diploma program has 3 intakes in February, June and October.

On the other hand, the vocational education and training (VET) programs are very popular in Australia. With wide range of subject choices, the programs are delivered by both government-owned Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private colleges in certificate, diploma and advanced diploma levels. Some programs can be articulated to university bachelor degree with credit transfer.