INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION In Australia

BY BHAVNA --ROLL NO -97

International Education in Australia Australia is one of the most unique countries in the world. With over 100 ethnic groups, a low crime rate, and fourteen World Heritage Areas, it is no wonder that Australia's 21,000,000 residents are proud to call the Land Down Under home. Couple this with the growing number of high quality of schools and well recognized degree programs, and it is obvious why Australia is becoming the premiere destination for international education among students, teachers, and other university staff.

Australia is ideal for an international education because of the multitude of top schools available. The history of Australia's universities is actually relatively young, starting in the 1850s when Sydney University and Melbourne University opened their doors. Australian universities have consistently ranked well in international education. Many of the universities in Australia have updated facilities, skilled teachers, innovative degree programs, and quality curriculum that is catered to the needs of the modern student.

THE MELBOURNE DECLARATION

Australian Education Ministers released a new National Declaration of Educational goals for Australians , called the Melbourne Declaration , on the 12th December 2008 .It replaces the previous declaration called the Adelaide Declaration on National Education goals. It comprises of two major goals: 1) Australian Schooling promotes equity and excellence. 2) All young Australians becomes successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens.

OBJECTIVES OF EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA.

Schooling provides for young Australians an intellectual, physical, moral , spiritual and aesthetic development. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, schooling contributes to the development of students sense of self-worth, enthusiasm, for learning and optimism for the future. To provide high quality schooling and enable a diverse range of educational choices.

Australian universities are noted for providing multiple learning options for students. Students can pursue degrees at all levels, including vocational certificates, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, master degrees, and doctorate degrees. This variety makes it easy for students to study in Australia at any point of their educational careers.

THE FIRST EXPOSURE IS USUALLY A PARENT RUN PLAYGROUP OR A DAY CARE CENTRE. PRE SCHOOL IS OFFERED TO THE 3 TO 5 YEAR OLDS PRE SCHOOL IN AUSTRALIA IS NOT COMPULSORY . SCHOOL (PRIMARY AND SECONDARY) IS COMPULSORY BETWEEN THE AGES OF 5- 6 TO 15-16. GOVT SCHOOLS ( RUN BY THE RESPECTIVE STATE GOVT) ARE FREE WHERAS THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS CHARGE FEES, BUT THE CURRICULUM IS IN THE SAME FRAMEWORK. GOVT SCHOOLS ARE OF 2 TYPES: OPEN GOVT SCHOOLS open 2 all SELECTIVE GOVT SCHOOLS where there is high entrance requirement.(in terms of performance). Private Schools are run mostly by States Catholic Education Department

Year 11 and 12 are the most important years as they are the ones to be evaluated for entry levels in Universities. The results of these two years give you a rank. The board of Secondary Studies then creates an OP Score (Overall Position Score) using a formula of High School results and a test called QCS , taken by year 12 in the State. The student chooses what to study depending on the Career chosen by him.

TERTIARY EDUCATION
In Australia, Tertiary Education Comprises of 1) Universities 2) RTOs 3) TAFEs RTOs stand for Registered Training Organizations TAFEs stand for Technical and Further Education Colleges

1) UNIVERSITIES IN AUSTRALIA
Any reference in Australia to Universities begins with a discussion about G8, which is a group of 8 Tertiary Universities that have grouped together in recognition of their perceived status and history. The Entire Australian University System consists of both public and private Universities.

2) STATE AND TERRITORY ACCREDITED HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

These are primarily the TAFEs (Technical and Further Education Colleges In Australia) ,which form an integral part of the Australian Higher Education System. And provide a wide range of predominantly vocational tertiary education courses in Australia. The courses covered include subjects like Hospitality, Tourism, Construction, etc.

3) Other Self Accrediting Higher Education Institutions

Academic focus is narrow in such private institutions hence cannot be deemed as universities. They are usually referred to as RTOS (Registered Training Organizations ) or VETS (Vocational Education And Training Colleges). Usually provide training to students for a career that does not require any university degree. Different levels of certificates are awarded to students ranging from I to IV.

ACADEMIC YEAR IN AUSTRALIA

The Academic Year in Australia usually varies between States and Institutions, but generally runs from late January until Mid- December for Primary and Secondary schools and TAFE Colleges and from late February until midNovember for Universities with seasonal holidays and breaks for each Educational Institute.

AUSTRALIAN QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK (AQF)

Australian Qualification Network regulates the education levels and qualifications from the Secondary Education level onwards. Thus there is a UNIFIED system of Qualifications in Schools , Vocational Education and Training Colleges. This allows the students to move from one level of study to another, thus change Universities and States without loosing out on the Qualifications and Credits acquired.

COURSES OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITIES OF AUSTRALIA

1) Bachelor s Degree .Three to four year program after year 12 2) Master s Degree .A two year program after the Bachelor s Degree. 3) Doctoral Degree ..Done after Master s Degree 2 types A) Research Doctorate consists of Supervised Research B) Professional Doctorate .Consists of Coursework , Research And Professional Practice.

EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA

..A VALUE FOR MONEY

1. CHEAPER EDUCATION THAN USA AND UK 2. LIVING AND TUTION COSTS INCURRED BY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IS COMPARATIVELY LESS 3. THERE ARE A LOT OF ONE YEAR PROGRAMMES 4. OVER THE YEARS, MANY AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES HAVE CLIMBED THE LADDER IN TERMS OF RANKINGS ..