The government of Australia implemented the new education policy in 1995. The new education policy in the education system is known as the Australian Qualifications Framework or AQF, and the policy has specified the qualifications standards for the tertiary education sector. The tertiary education sector under this policy's control comprises higher education, vocational education, and training. It also consists of the school leaving certificate and the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. AQF has the authority to recognize and authorize the degree offered to the student after completing education.
AQF consists of ten levels, interconnecting the schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions with the national education system. This advanced education system available in the country provides the opportunity for international students to choose their preferred course and plan for their future careers.
The education system in Australia is a three-tiered advanced education system. The levels are known as primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education
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List of the different levels and qualifications
Here is a list of the different levels and qualifications offered to students per the AQF
- Level 1, known as Certificate I
- Level 2, known as Certificate II
- Level 3, known as the Certificate III
- Level 4, known as Certificate IV
- Level 5, known as Diploma
- Level 6, known as Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree
- Level 7, known as Bachelor Degree
- Level 8, known as Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Diploma, and Graduate Certificate
- Level 9, known as the Master's Degree
- Level 10, known as Doctoral Degree
The University level of education is considered the highest education level in Australia. There are several national, international, and private universities in Australia. You can apply for bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees from top-class educational institutions in Australia. The university will provide valid certificates after your postgraduate diploma, master's, and doctoral programs.
Students can also apply for the vocational courses for urgent employment or placement in the corresponding industries after the courses. The vocational courses aim at providing working skills and industry training to students. The government provides funds and controls the vocational institutions. These vocational institutions are also well-known as TAFE or Technical and Further education and provide practical skills to students to choose their careers.
Higher education or university-level education offers students three types of degrees: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Students can get enough skills and knowledge to start careers in their preferred industries according to their study genre. Foundation studies are also popular study programs operated by the government. The government offers these programs for international students. The students are offered a pre-university study program for a one-year tenure.
International students can take part in numerous pathway programs for their higher education. The programs are based on foundation courses and English language programs.
Australian colleges and universities offer two intake systems to students. The intake system is also known as semesters.
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- Semester 1 : From February/ March to May/June
- Semester 2 : From July/August to November
Moreover, the students must have proficient English language skills. The students can also participate in the study programs to enhance their language skills.
Australian universities and private colleges offer postgraduate courses in three formats – a Master's degree or coursework, a Master's degree (research), and a Master's degree (extended). In the same way, Doctorate courses also have two formats. The formats at Doctorate levels are the Research doctorate (Ph.D.) and Professional doctorate.
The universities also offer some postgraduate courses like architecture and medicine. Thus, If you want to get admitted to any course at the postgraduate level, you must pass the minimum postgraduate level criteria and have remarkable academic qualifications.
