Australian Education System
The Australian education system is broadly divided into:
University
It is the highest level of graduate and postgraduate study in
Australia. There are 41 universities in total - 38 public
(government funded) and three private. You can study at the
undergraduate level (Bachelor Degree) or postgraduate study level
in Australia (Graduate Certificate, Diploma, Masters, PhD).
Vocational
These institutions are closely linked with various industries.
As a result, the courses are very practical and skill-based.
Vocational courses are provided at both the government-funded
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes as well as
private institutions. Many courses provide advanced standing into
university degrees.
School
It is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 15, with
matriculation exams for university generally taken at 18 years.
Australian schools are public (government) or private (religious or
independent).
English Language
Courses in English are undertaken for study, travel, immigration
or business purposes. There are around 100 private English language
centres in Australia. Some top ranking Australian universities and
TAFE institutes also offer English language courses.
Australian Academic Year
The Australian academic year begins in early February for school
students and late February/early March for vocational and
university students. Most schools have three or four semesters.
Whereas, universities and vocational institutes have two semesters,
with exams at the end of each semester in June and November. There
is a two- to four-week break between semesters. The long summer
holiday break is from November or December to February.
