Australia's laws promote quality education and protection for international students
International students on a student visa must study with institutions/courses registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
CRICOS registration guarantees high standards
Key Regulations and Organizations:
ESOS Act (Education Services for Overseas Students)
National Code
TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency)
ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority)
School Education (Primary and Secondary)
Compulsory schooling between ages 6 and 16 (Years 1-9 or 10)
Types of Schooling:
Primary School: 7-8 years (Kindergarten/Preparatory - Year 6/7)
Secondary School: 3-4 years (Year 7/8 - Year 10)
Senior Secondary: 2 years (Years 11-12)
Types of Schools:
Government-funded Public Schools (attended by ~two-thirds of children, free for citizens and permanent residents)
Private Schools (Catholic and Independent Schools)
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
For students aiming to enter the workforce directly
Offers hands-on courses for semi-skilled, skilled trade, and para-professional vocations
Nationally regulated and involves collaboration between governments and business
Provided by:
TAFE Institutes (Technical and Further Education)
Private Colleges
Some Senior Secondary Schools (as part of the curriculum)
RTOs (Registered Training Organizations) deliver VET courses/credentials
Qualification Levels:
Certificates (1-4)
Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas
Graduate Certificates and Diplomas
Bachelor's Degrees (in some VETs)
TAFE: Australia's largest education and training sector
Higher Education
Degrees: Bachelors, Masters, Doctorates
Providers: Universities and some VET institutes
41 Universities (Mostly government-funded)
Focus on academic learning, essay writing, exams
Depth of knowledge in chosen major/specialization
Strengthens professional and transferable skills
Typical course length:
Undergraduate: 3-4 years
Associate Bachelor: 2 years
Postgraduate: 1-2 years
Doctoral: 3+ years (plus one year for review)
TEQSA oversees regulation and quality assurance
Qualification Framework
AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) with 10 levels:
Level 1: Certificate I
Level 10: Doctorate
Types of Qualifications:
Certificates: (1-4), 6 months to 2 years, industry-specific training
Diplomas:
Regular: 18 months to 2 years
Advanced: 2-3 years, available in universities
Graduate Certificates/Diplomas: 6 months to 2 years, high-level skills