The Australian education system offers primary, secondary and tertiary education linked across the country and across the world.
School education (Primary and Secondary)
School education is similar across all of Australia with only minor variations between states and territories. School education (primary and secondary) is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9 or 10). School education is 13 years and divided into:
- Primary school - Runs for seven or eight years, starting at Kindergarten/Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7.
- Secondary school - Runs for three or four years, from Years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10.
- Senior secondary school - Runs for two years, Years 11 and 12.
Tertiary education
Tertiary education includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET).Language of instruction
English is the official language of Australia and the main language of instruction in the education system. Many schools offer bilingual programs or programs in other languages.Australian Qualifications Framework
The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF was established in 1995 and is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life.
If you are studying an AQF qualification, you can be sure that your institution is Government-authorised and nationally accredited, and that your degree or other AQF qualification will be genuine.
Our institutions are linked across the country and across the world, which makes it easy to move throughout the education system between courses or institutions and formal agreement and recognition frameworks mean every step of the path will contribute to your future no matter what your study or career goals.
Academic year dates in Australia
The academic year in Australia varies depending on the type of study you are undertaking. Many institutions also offer a mid-year, or second semester start. Start dates and the number of semesters vary by course and institution, so please check directly on your institution’s website for details.
Below is a general guide on the academic year for the different levels of study in Australia:
Schools
- Length - 13 years in total (Kindergarten/Preparatory to Year 12)
- Semesters - 4 (usually called terms')
- Starts - Late January/early February
English
- Length - From 5 weeks to 1 year
- Semesters - The year is split into weeks
- Starts - Throughout the year
Foundation
- Length - 1 year (some may be longer)
- Semesters - The semester breaks will depend on your course
- Starts - February but can vary by course and institutions
Vocational Education and Training
- Length - 1 to 4 years
- Semesters - Two
- Starts - February, but can vary by course and institutions
Undergraduate
- Length - Typically 3 years (4 years for honours degree)
- Semesters - Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
- Starts - Typically March, but can vary by course and institution
Postgraduate
- Length - 1 to 2 years
- Semesters - Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
- Starts - Typically March, but can vary by course and institution
Doctoral
- Length - 3 years (plus 1 year for review)
- Semesters - As most doctoral candidates do not attend class, there are usually no formal semesters
- Starts - Start dates are negotiated with PhD supervisor
Course credits and exemptions in Australia
In Australia, you can apply to use course credits you have already earned to build on your studies.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), or credit transfer, refers to the recognition of previous informal and formal training, work experience, professional development, professional licensing and examinations, and other work-based education and training. Credit transfer is available in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, at the discretion of the institution. Credit can also be given for previous vocational education and training (VET) studies.
Australia has a system to recognise qualifications from other countries. The Australian Government organisation National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) helps Australian institutions to recognise qualifications from overseas, allowing for recognition of your previous studies.
Below is a brief explanation of the difference between credits and exemptions.
Credits
- You need an overall number of units or subjects during a course to earn your qualification.
- If you bring work or study experience from somewhere else, your new provider may allow credit that contributes to your total, so you don't have to repeat classes.
Exemptions
- An exemption also means you're excused from attending a unit or subject.
- If you get an exemption rather than a credit, you might have to take another unit or subject to earn credits and contribute to your overall qualification.
How do you get a course credit or exemption?
The requirements and process vary by institution and course, but generally details of your work experience can be anything that proves your experience - from a workplace reference to a published work. Study experience will usually be an academic transcript or qualification documents from your last education institution, as well as a description of the curriculum you covered.
Once you have decided on a preferred course and institution, contact one of their course specialists or admissions team and tell them about your study plan. They will be able to give advice about the best education pathway that allows for credits or exemptions and suits your goals.
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