Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees are similar to those offered at North American institutions. However, other awards such as Graduate Diplomas and Associate Diplomas may not be so familiar to North Americans. Graduate Diplomas are one year intensive programs that take place upon the completion of a Bachelors Degree, while Associate Diplomas are sub-Bachelor Degree awards.
Graduate Diplomas are almost always course work awards and focus on some type of professional accreditation. Although there is no North American equivalent, the Graduate Diploma can serve as a bridge for those who wish to fulfill prerequisites for admission to Masters or PhD programs, or provide students with the appropriate background if they choose to undertake graduate studies in a field that differs from their Bachelors Degree. A Diploma of Education is similar to a Graduate Diploma, but is required to be certified as a teacher in most states in Australia, and may certify one to be a teacher in some Canadian Provinces and US States.
Bachelors Degrees - A standard Bachelors Degree in Australia differs from the normal North American equivalent in that it takes three years to complete. The schedule of courses is usually more prescriptive than in the US, with students selecting a major earlier. Normally there are few general education requirements. While a Bachelors Degree can be obtained in three years, students who do very well in the first three years choose (or are invited) to enroll in a fourth or Honours Year, successful completion of which normally qualifies them to enter a Masters or PhD program. US students should be aware that entry from high school into an Australian university may require an additional year of foundation studies, although such admission is on a case-by-case basis and students should check with universities about their requirements.
Masters Degrees - Depending upon the program, Masters Degrees range from one to two years and may be either by course work, or research, or some combination of the two. Students who plan on changing their field of study between undergraduate and post-graduate study may be required to undertake a Graduate Diploma or Honours Year before qualifying to enter a Masters Program.
Doctoral Degrees - As in North America, the vast majority of PhDs are research degrees. While in some cases students may be admitted to a PhD program directly from an undergraduate honours degree, a Masters degree may required for admission.
The Australian academic year differs from that in North America. The first semester begins in late February and continues to mid or late June. The second semester begins in mid-July and continues until late November. Examination periods at the end of each semester can last over two weeks. In most cases orientation for international students takes place the week before the beginning of the semester. Bond University is the one exception to this calendar year, as they operate on a Northern Hemisphere tri-mester system, with terms beginning in September, January and May.
Differences exist between the various universities. Here is a chart of all Australian university calendars.
While entrance requirements vary by institution, level of study and field of study, there are a few general criteria. In most cases, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (if you are transferring to Australia) and are required to provide letters of recommendation. For US students, the SAT or ACT is often required for students seeking admission to an undergraduate degree program. While the GRE is seldom requested for graduate study, the GMAT is often required to evaluate Business and Management Candidates. Many programs in Business and Management also require several years of professional experience and are not open to applicants who have just completed their Bachelors Degree.
Australian Universities charge full-cost fees for international students. Australian students make a contribution to the cost of their education in publicly-supported universities by incurring a tax liability. Thus, the Australian taxpayer subsidy to Australian students does not extend to international students. Fees for international students vary depending on the level and course of study, with tuition ranging from $A4,000 to $A10,000 for one semester of study.
More specific information is available from the complete list of all Australian universities.
Direct Enrollment: Most students pursuing full degrees in Australia, whether graduate or under-graduate choose to pursue this means of enrollment. Services provided vary by institution, but all do offer some form of airport pick-up on arrival in Australia, an international student orientation program, and some assistance with housing. Applications for twenty four of the thirty eight institutions can be obtained directly from the Australian Education Office. Applications for the other fourteen must be obtained directly from the Australian institution.
Most of the Australian university web sites will give you details on direct application procedures.
Once you have been accepted you will need to obtain a student visa. US citizens can contact the AEO for the appropriate forms, and Canadian citizens should approach the nearest Australian Mission (Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver). The student visa will be valid for the duration of your course of study. It will allow you to work twenty hours per week while school is in session and forty hours per week during breaks. Before a visa is granted, you will need to provide an Acceptance Advice Form from the Australian University which is proof that fees and overseas student health coverage charges have been paid.