Undergraduate Degrees in Australia

Why Australia?
Australia has an international reputation for excellent education and training and is recognised as a world leader in environmental science, water resource management, astronomy, nanotechnology, and Asia Pacific studies Australia is firmly committed to providing quality education and training and offers strong assurances to international students Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel in an English speaking country within the Asia Pacific Australia offers an affordable standard of living that is amongst the highest in the world. You will enjoy great weather, national parks, friendly people, and a good work/life balance Australian qualifications are recognised by employers and leading educational institutions in the US and Canada Australia offers a flexible academic calendarstart dates in February or Julyand an independent learning environment that puts you at the centre of learning

What to Expect from Universities in Australia

The Australian higher education system focuses more on independent learning and research than you may find at North American institutions. If you like the idea of specialising in your field of study from year one, having the freedom to learn independently and enjoy debating issues with your fellow students, then the Australian system is for you. Features of Australian university study are: Academic Calendar First semester: February to May Second semester: July to December Academic Culture Independent study Focus on research Less in class hoursmore work on your own Teaching Style Lectures followed by seminars or tutorials Group work Testing and Examinations Usually a midterm and final written exam or paper No or little grade inflation No multiple choice tests!

When to Apply to a Program in Australia

Universities tend to have a rolling admissions process for international students, although some programs have specific deadlines like medicine or visual arts, so be sure to check with your institution. It is recommended you apply: In October for a February (first term) start date In March for a July (second term) start date

How to Apply to a Program in Australia

Applying Directly Once you have selected a program, you will be able to download an application from the university's website. You will need to submit the application and all documentation as well as apply for your visa. The application procedure is relatively straightforward but you may find it different than applying to universities in Canada or the US. Applying Through a Program Provider You can also apply to Australian universities through their North American program providers. They offer a free service to full degree students that helps you with the application process, visas and pre departure information. For a list visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/northamerica

Entering or Transferring to Uni in Australia

Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary between universities and even between programs at the same university. Before applying, you will need to contact the universitys international office about specific entry requirements for your course of study. Generally speaking, US students will need a high school diploma WITH: GPA equivalent to a "B" or higher AND SAT Reasoning Test scores of 1500 or higher OR ACT scores of 22 or higher 1 2 APs with a score of 3 or higher (in some cases) 1 2 SAT subject tests with a score of 500 or higher (in some cases) Generally speaking, Canadian students will need a secondary school certificate WITH: Grades of 70% or higher in final year classes If applying before having completed grade 12, universities will look at grade 11 transcripts Quebec students must have completed at least one year of a CEGEP academic diploma program with successful completion of 12 academic credits, including English Australian universities welcome the IB Diploma. You will need a minimum of 24 points. While these are the minimum admissions standards, highly competitive programs such as psychology and medicine will require higher entry requirements. Check with your institution for its admissions criteria.

Conditional and Final Offers

If you are applying before completing high school, universities may give you a conditional offer of acceptance. This means you are accepted on condition of completing high school and achieving the required grades. Once you have completed high school and sent your final transcripts and/or test scores to the university, a final offer will be made. You will not be able to apply for your student visa until a final offer is made and a Confirmation of Enrolment is issued.

Transferring Credits to Australia

It may be possible to transfer your college or university credits to an Australian university. However, this will depend on the relationship between your home institution and Australian institution and the course of study you intend to take. Check with your home institution to see if they have an articulation agreement with an Australian university. Generally speaking, classes taken outside your intended major will not count towards your Australian degree. For example, if you are applying to study biology and have completed classes in math and science, these credits may transfer. But if you took English, history and political science, these credits would not count towards your Australian biology degree.

Degree Recognition & Professional Degrees

Australian Degree Recognition
Qualifications from Australian universities are recognised worldwide, and respected for their academic excellence. The three year bachelor's degree is recognised for graduate entry at many US and Canadian institutions, however, some will require a four year degree or additional qualifications. You will need to check with the North American institutions you are applying to for their graduate admissions requirements. Graduate schools and some employers may also require a US or Canadian equivalent degree. In these cases, you will need to have your Australian credentials evaluated for equivalency. Companies such as World Education Services can assess your credentials for a fee. If you have completed a professional qualification such as law or medicine, you will need to register with the relevant professional body in order to practice in the US or Canada. See the professional degree section for further details.

The thing I think was most valuable was the opportunity to learn about myself, my goals, and my ambitions, who I was and who I wanted to be my strengths and my weaknesses and what was important and not so important to me. These insights began during the course of those early three years at Charles Sturt University and I have continued to this day further refining, testing myself and exploring new adven tures. Challenging myself continually to see where my limits are and what I am capable of. I attribute the need to question things, the need to understand, the importance of meeting persons across all walks of life and the desire to learn about new things to an environment which encouraged learning and an open mind. Gary Zadik, Bachelor of Business and Accounting from Charles Sturt University

Professional Degrees in Australia

In Australia, you can study for some professional degrees at the undergraduate level. To ensure you can practice in your home state or province, you should contact the relevant professional body before you start your program in Australia. Some professional degrees which are studied at the undergraduate level are: Medicine Undergraduate medical degree programs are offered to students coming to university straight out of high school and are typically 5 6 years to complete. Successful completion of an undergraduate medical program results in the awards of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Veterinary Science Veterinary Science is offered as an undergraduate program in Australia, and has a course duration of about five years. Successful completion of this degree earns students a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. This degree is also usually accredited with the American Veterinary Medical Association, but you should check with your university. Law The Undergraduate degree of law is a four to five year program which students can enter directly after high school. Undergraduate programs award a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and are often combined with other arts or sciences degrees so students graduate with a dual degree (BA/LLB). If you wish to return to North America after obtaining an Australian law degree it is strongly advised you contact your local law governing body, as they have different regulations in regards to practicing law there. Nursing All states in Australia offer courses in nursing. Numerous undergraduate study courses are available throughout Australia, designed to meet the changing health care environment, and the greater complexity of the registered nurse's role in the provision of health care. Dentistry Most dentistry programs in Australia are five years, though some are four year programs, and award a Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) degree upon completion. Students may undertake additional study. after completion of a bachelors program, to specialise in a field such as orthodontics or periodontics.

Funding Your Australian Education

Financial Aid and Costs for Study in Australia
Its possible to take most financial aid with you to Australian institutions. Many Australian Universities participate in the U.S. Federal Government loan programs. Please visit the US Department of Education website at studentaid.ed.gov and click on the "Funding" tab for further information on US student loans. The Canada Student Loan Program provides Canadian students with funding to study in Canada or at designated international institutions. http://tinyurl.com/nmq7rh

Scholarships
To find scholarships, check out our scholarship database on our website: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/ northamerica. Australian universities offer a range of scholarships to international students. Visit the website of the university you plan on attending for more information about particular scholarships. Institute of International Education: www.iie.org www.fastweb.com www.studyabroadfunding.org www.scholarships.com

Costs
The cost of your study abroad experience will most likely depend upon whether you enrol directly or through a program provider.

Living Costs While Studying in Australia

Item Accommodation Food Transportation Entertainment Textbooks Telephone Monthly Cost AUD$500 AUD$1,000 AUD$300 AUD$500 AUD$60 AUD$100 AUD$300 AUD$400 AUD$50 AUD$100 per book AUD$20 AUD$100 Annual Tuition AUD$11,000 AUD$15,000

Costs for Undergraduate Degree & Study Abroad

Courses Bachelor Degree Such as courses in arts, business, economics and law Laboratory based Bachelor Degree Such as science and engineering courses Study Abroad (per Semester)

www.rotary.org AUD$11,500 AUD$16,000 Per Semester AUD$7,000 AUD$10,000

For more information

To search for an undergraduate program, find funding and scholarships, learn what studying in Australia is really like and download pre departure information, please visit: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/northamerica General enquiries Ph: +1 202 797 3424 Visa hotline: +1 905 280 1437 northamerica@studyinaustralia.gov.au http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/northamerica