You have so many educational options to choose from in Australia, so take some time to think about your career and life goals. The course you study will shape your career and life plans. Also think about whether you want to study in the city or in the country. Do you want to study at a small or large college or university? What level qualification do you want? (eg certificate, diploma, degree etc). You will probably find that the course you want to study is offered at several places in Australia. Is it important that you live somewhere warm or cold?

You will also need to consider the institution’s academic entrance requirements, as each college or university and each course has its own standards. If you don’t have enough English, you will need to think about English Language too.

University (undergraduate and postgraduate)
There are 39 universities in Australia ranging in size from 3000 students to more than 30,000 students. Two of Australia’s universities are privately owned and funded and 37 are public, funded by the Australian government. There are more than 600,000 students studying in Australian universities and over 65,000 of these are international students. All Australian universities are strictly monitored to maintain high standards in teaching and research. Most Australian universities are located in cities, while some are found in rural environments.

Universities offer courses in a wide range of areas at the following levels:

Bachelors Degree 
Graduate Certificate 
Graduate Diploma 
Masters Degree 
Doctorate (PhD) 

University in Australia is a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, as well as individual study in laboratories and libraries. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities that balance academic life.

Each university has its own entrance requirements for each course offered. You will also need to have a minimum level of English before you can start a course.

Average fees for classroom-based courses (eg Law, Arts, Economics, etc) range between $9,000–$11,000. Laboratory-based courses (eg Science, Engineering, Medicine) on average range between $12,000–$27,000.

Most courses start in February, however, some may also start in July and October.

Private and Specialist Colleges
Private and Specialist colleges offer courses in almost every area of study, usually at certificate, diploma and advanced diploma level. These courses are often designed to teach practical skills you can use in the workforce. Courses can range from 10 weeks to 3 years, and each college will have its own entrance requirements. Many private and specialist colleges have credit transfer arrangements with Australian universities so you can earn credit towards a bachelors degree.

Study Abroad (one semester or one year)
Many students choose to study at an Australian university or college for one semester or one year and earn full credit points towards their degree at their home college or university. You are able to study across a range of subjects and disciplines as Australian universities ensure the Study Abroad program is as flexible as possible. The credit transfer arrangements at each university may vary, as do the entrance requirements.