Introduction to Australia

It is the sixth largest country in the world, situated in the Southern Hemisphere between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. It is the world’s smallest continent and is often referred to as ‘The Island Continent’ or ‘The Land Down Under’. The country is made up of six States – New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. Australia’s capital is Canberra, and the largest city is Sydney.

The Australian continent consists of snowfields to the South East, desert in the centre and vast plains and rainforests to the North. The Eastern coast is made up of a number of beaches, tropical reefs, attractive landscapes, an ancient history and a relaxed lifestyle. The highly industrialized cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra with a profoundly urbanized population are also situated on the East coast. The Western coast is known for its Agricultural production - open grazing, irrigated pastures, horticultures, orchards and vineyards. Australia may be a multicultural and diversified society but English is the universal language spoken.

Australia is a popular choice with overseas students due to its varied climatic conditions, diverse cultures, friendly and welcoming people, making it a safe environment to live and study, suiting everyone’s desires. Australia being a successfully developed country owes its prosperity to its highly multicultural society. Its population is mainly located on the Eastern and South Eastern coasts, consisting of migrants and the first-generation children of migrants, with ethnic communities from over 100 countries.

Education System in Australia

Australia’s large selection of universities – 39 universities at present – is located in both the rural and urban regions of each state. All the universities are public institutions, except Bond University, which is funded by the federal government. The universities are internationally known and recognized for their high standard of teaching and research. Degrees obtained at any Australian University are equivalent to any degree from other Commonwealth institutions around the world.

Australian Universities offer a wide range of programs for the undergraduate, post-graduate and doctoral students. Obtaining an undergraduate degree would generally take three years, although a fourth year can be completed to achieve an honours degree – this however depends on the course been pursued at a specific university. Postgraduate degrees can be obtained through a graduate diploma, masters by coursework or masters by research. Each University sets their own curriculum and requirements to run their institution. Fees for the universities depend on the state, the institution and the program of study.

Due to Australia being situated in the Southern Hemisphere, the calendar year coincides with the academic year. The university year usually runs from late February until mid November, with seasonal breaks and holidays depending on the institution and the state. Universities run on a semester bases, with two semesters in each academic year. No entrance tests are needed to apply to universities in Australia, as each institution sets their own admission standards and each applicant’s qualification is accessed individually.

After the completion of Senior Secondary Education, students can apply to:

• Higher Education


• Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Entry into VET programs are flexible and can be entered into after the completion of Year 10 to Year 12, with the completion of a prerequisite qualification and work experience. Entry into the Higher Education can only be done so after the completion of Year 12, with the admission requirements set by the university.

If English is not your first language, students need to demonstrate their competence in English by passing an English Examination test. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the commonly accepted test for all Australian Universities. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) is equally recognised as the IELTS. Other examinations that are recognised by the Australian Universities are The General Certificate of English (GCE) A-Levels and O-Levels, International Baccalaureate, CBSE and SAT1/SAT2.

In order to apply to study at an Australian University, evidence of English knowledge/level and evidence of previous study is an explicit requirement; the institutions and state set other requirements.

Australian Universities:

Bond university

University of South Australia

Australian Language school and preparation:

Lalingua Language School

Navitas