When people think of Australia, they tend to imagine the wide-open spaces, koalas, kangaroos, and scenic tourist sites, but it has much more to offer than this. Home to some of the finest institutions offering excellent education across several disciplines, Australia is currently the third most popular study abroad destination in the world. The Australian education system offers an innovative curriculum which is carefully regulated by the Australian government in order to maintain a certain standard of education. If you’re wondering why study in Australia? Here is a comprehensive blog that will provide you with the essential aspects of the excellent education system of the country.
Understanding the Australian Education System
Australia has a well-organised and well-structured education system that is globally recognised. The preschool education starts at the age of 5 or 6, that may differ by a narrow margin between states. This level of education is not compulsory and can be offered within a school or separately.
The primary and secondary education is compulsory for students in Australia. With a large number of primary and high schools across the country, the education system has established a standard curriculum to provide equal education and knowledge to every learner. Despite the fact that there might be some states in which the curriculum would be modified a bit, the actual curriculum set under the Australian education system aims to nurture the important abilities and knowledge that every student should possess in life.
Universities and colleges for higher education in the Australian education system provides international students with diverse choices and opportunities across several study disciplines. Majorly renowned for its research and development, study pattern at the Australian universities ensure that students have acquired knowledge, skills, attributes, reflective capabilities and need to secure and maintain careers and contribute to the growth and development of the nation. This is why the country has a special focus on graduate employability in academic strategic plans. Further, the employability plans are just not limited to on-campus hiring but involve industry visits too.
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Key Features
Educational achievements can inspire personal confidence and positive self-conceptualisation among learners. Perhaps taking this into serious consideration, the Australian education system promotes an all-inclusive and quality education in the country.
Let’s discuss some of the prominent characteristics of the Australian education system:
Academic Years
The academic year in the education system of Australia varies depending on the type of study, a student is undertaking. Many institutions offer a mid-year or second-semester start. However, the start days and the number of semesters vary as per the course and the concerned institution. Thus, students are advised to check the respective institution’s website before moving forward with their applications.
Below is a general guide on the academic year for different levels of education in Australia:
| Schools | |
| Length | 13-year in total (including Kindergarten) |
| Semesters | 4 (usually called terms) |
| Start | Late January or Early February |
| Vocational Education and Training | |
| Length | 1 to 4-year |
| Semesters | 2 |
| Start | Early February, but may vary as per institutions |
| Undergraduate Courses | |
| Length | 3-year (4-year honours degree) |
| Semesters | 2 semesters generally, although some institutes comprise of trimesters |
| Start | Early March, but may vary as per institutions |
| Postgraduate Courses | |
| Length | 1 to 2-year |
| Semesters | 2 semesters, although some institutes comprise of trimesters |
| Start | Typically March, but may vary as per institutions |
| Doctoral Courses | |
| Length | 3-year (plus 1-year for review) |
| Semesters | As most doctoral candidates do not attend classes, there are usually no formal semester |
| Start | Start dates are negotiable through PhD supervisors |
Student Focused Education
In Australian schools, universities and colleges, teaching involves the active participation of teachers and faculty to encourage students to learn better. The primary aim of Australian teaching methods is to provide students with a balanced learning experience including ample sports and extracurricular activities. Teachers are engaged to deliver timely feedback on student’s assessments and to provide them with extra guidance and support to improve their learning abilities.
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Every education system should be adaptive towards the unique student needs in order to help them transform into informed adults. With a mind-expanding curriculum to provide a core understanding of different subjects to students at different levels, the Australian education system is respected worldwide. Keeping the importance of education in mind, our counsellors at Leverage Edu are here to help you build a promising career in your field of interest. You can reach out to them with your doubts and be assured to get the best career advice.
