Universities
Undergraduate programs in Australia take from three to four years to complete and are awarded with a Bachelor degree.
The Honours program is a separate postgraduate qualification in Australia and not all students receive it. The program takes a year to complete and is offered to high achieving students.
Most popular postgraduate qualifications start with a six month Graduate or Postgraduate Certificate through to Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma and Master by Coursework or Research, which normally take between one and two years. PhD programs take three or more years to complete.
Often students not qualifying to undertake Master programs straight away enrol in a Graduate Certificate (six months) or a Diploma (one year) as ‘stepping stones’ of their desired Master program.
In Europe, Master programs are not distinguished into Coursework and Research as is the case in Australia. In Australia students generally either attend classes and write exams and receive Master by Coursework at the end of their course or conduct research and write a thesis, in which case they complete Master by Research.
European students are more often interested in PhD programs in Australia. There are often scholarships offered for those programs and for specific information, it is best to check individual web sites of each University.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad and Exchange programs are very popular among European students in some countries.
The program is run for one semester (six months) or two semesters (one year) in any discipline. The program can also be a combination of any four units (subject to their availability). Such programs are offered by all Perth Universities at a set price per semester. The chosen units can upon completion be credited towards their original degree at their University in their home country.
Exchange programs are only offered to students at institutions where Exchange agreements are in place. More specific information can be found on individual web site of Universities.
Application process
Students can apply to a university a year and a half before, and not later than half a year before, the semester begins. First semester in Australia runs from February to June, and second from July until November and is followed by Australian summer holidays (from December until the end of February).
Some university programs have two intakes in an academic year, which means students can commence in July as well as February.
Prospective students traditionally need to submit their academic transcripts of current qualifications and proof of English language competency (for speakers of languages other than English). Each university has specific English language requirements and information can be found on individual websites or by enquiring with the Government of Western Australian Government Office. Additionally each program will have their specific requirements outlined on websites or prospectuses. There are no entry exams to get accepted into Australian universities.
The application process:
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Student submits application form together with relevant supporting documentation (e.g. transcripts , CV, personal statement, English language competency e.g. IELTS, test results)
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The university will evaluate the qualifications and then admit or decline prospective students' application in writing
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If accepted students will receive a Letter of Offer
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Students should accept the Offer by paying first semester fees and providing payment or evidence of payment of Overseas Health Cover for duration of the course
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Students will then receive COE (electronic Confirmation of Enrolment), which entitles him/her to apply for a Student Visa
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Student Visa granted
The whole process can be conducted with educational agent’s assistance.