I want to graduate from an Australian university

Terrific idea! But, first, there are a few things to do...

Remember, Australia works under a modified "British" system. That means that you enter a specific academic program in your chosen field of study. You will take relatively few courses outside your area. As a result it tends to be a more specialized education than normal in North America. On the other hand, you graduate after three years. You may then take a fourth (or "honours") year if you want to gain a somewhat higher status or if you intend to enter graduate school.

If you have some college credits from North America, you will need to discuss this with your Australian university. You may get some credit, but don't expect them all to transfer.

If you are just starting university you may find yourself in competition with Australian students for a place in the university. On the other hand, since you will be paying a lot higher tuition, things will work to your advantage.

Where do I start?

Probably the first thing to do, unlike in North America, is to decide for sure what you want to major in. The selection is as great in Australia as anywhere else. Then you should give some thought to where you want to live - big city, country town, in the "outback" or on the beach. Do you want a big university or a small one? They are almost all what North Americans would call "state" universities, and they are all good. We have compiled the basic information you need, and if you follow the links below you will be well on your way to Australia.

Here's the information:

• A complete list of all Australian universities which includes:
  • The tuition fees for a semester
  • How many students are enrolled
  • What percent of the studentbody is full time
  • How many overseas students attend
  • How many students are from North America

• Another list of Australia universities with links to their homepage, student information page, and their International Education Office. From here you can explore the academic programs they offer.

• Still another list gives the availablity of housing at Australian universities.

• Specific information you need to know:
  • What degrees are available?
  • How does their grading system work?
  • Is the academic calendar different "down under"?
  • What are the entry requirements?
  • Tell me more about the tuition fees.
  • OK, how do I apply to an Australian university?
  • Once accepted, what about a visa to Australia?

• Some articles worth reading:
  • The University of Colorado has an interesting web site discussing direct enrollment overseas.

  • Griffith University in Australia has a good instruction book on "How to Succeed as a Student".

  • See the UMass booklet, Guidelines for Study Abroad.

  • Another source of good general guidelines will be found in the Study Abroad Brochure from Gustavus Adolphus University.

• Unanswered questions? Need even more information? Send an email to the AEO at [email protected] and we'll point you in the right direction.