Australia is a country located quite far from Europe. However, this distance is not an obstacle to the desire of students to get a quality education. According to this indicator, this state is in serious competition with such giants as the USA, Great Britain and Canada. Studying in Australia has many advantages, the main ones being the cost of education and a high standard of living. It should be noted the loyal attitude of local residents to foreigners. Many students come to Australia in order to stay there to live and work in the future. This country is famous for its favorable environmental conditions and high wages.
Education system
The concept of education here is quite simple, practically does not differ from the Russian one. Education for children in Australia begins at the age of 6 years. Each child receives compulsory education in elementary school for 6 years. At age 12, children go to high school, where they study for 4 years. Then follows another year in high school, after which a certificate is issued.
This document is an analogue of the Russian certificate and contains information about student performance. After that, everyone has a choice: to get a secondary special or primary higher education. Training in both cases lasts for two years. At the end of these institutions, you can easily enter any university in Australia.
Schooling
The level of school education in this country is quite high. State educational institutions prevail here, the share of which is 70%. The rest of the schools are private, and most of them are Catholic. These two types of educational institutions differ only in the cost of training and equipment. It can also be noted that private schools are characterized by fewer students in the classroom, which allows teachers to pay attention to each individually. Belonging to the form of ownership does not affect the quality of education.
Education in Australian schools is characterized by a focus on sports and student creativity. They are actively involved in football, cricket, chess, etc. Windsurfing is very popular here. Every self-respecting Australian should be able to do this at a high level.
There are few foreigners in schools, only 10-15% of the total number of students. In private educational institutions there are special pensions where children live. Public schools resettle children in host families.
Colleges
The intermediate link between the school and the university in this country is college. You can get a good education here, and upon graduation, a diploma is issued. Like schools, colleges in Australia are divided into two types: public and private. The former are considered more prestigious. Those educational institutions that are united in the TAFE (Technical and Further Education) system stand out especially against the general background. The cost of training in such colleges is $ 10,000 per year for both foreigners and local residents.
In addition, after graduating from college, a student is assigned a specialty. The most popular of these are professions in the field of management, industry and accounting. Education in Australia at all levels can be described as one of the most budgetary in the world, but at the same time quality.
Higher Education Australia
The institutes and universities of this country are traditionally among the best on the planet. Higher education in high technology is in great demand here. Students of this faculty easily find work, as experts in this field are in demand on the labor market.
In addition, among other specialties, jurisprudence and everything related to medicine stand out. Studying at universities in Australia is characterized by a loyal attitude towards foreign students, they are placed on a par with local residents. There are also no differences in the admission process, everyone has an equal chance.
Students are admitted to universities in Australia in February and September. The academic year is divided into two semesters, at the end of which it is necessary to confirm the acquired knowledge by passing exams. The cost of studying at universities varies from 17,000 to 25,000 dollars.
Studying in Australia for Russian students seems rather complicated. Firstly, to be among the lucky ones who went to universities, you must graduate from a local school or college. The fact is that the Russian certificate here has no value. Secondly, the student exchange program is practically not being implemented. In theory, it exists, but in practice it rarely happens.
Language courses
The official state language in Australia is English. Studying in this country, you must have at least basic knowledge. In order for students to communicate freely, language courses were created. Thanks to them, everyone will be able to go from an inexperienced user to a specialist. Language courses in Australia are quite diverse and offer a large number of different programs that will help to enhance knowledge of English for everyone, regardless of their current level of proficiency.
To enter such courses, you do not need to take exams. Usually, on the first day, each student undergoes testing, according to the results of which he is assigned to the group in accordance with his knowledge. Learning English in Australia takes place on the basis of seven levels: from beginner to professional. After completing the course, the student receives a certificate confirming his qualifications.
Scholarships and grants
As you know, financial assistance to a student can be provided by the state or the university itself. Government scholarships are virtually inaccessible to Russians. In Australia, there is one type of financial aid for our students - Endeavor International Postgraduate Research Scholarships. It is issued only to graduate students or masters to pay for scientific work.
Grants for study in Australia are not uncommon. Every year the government spends a lot of money to attract students to universities in the country. Those who can’t get a state scholarship should not be upset, because there are many universities that are ready to offer help. It is expressed in two types: full payment of tuition and accommodation or partial reimbursement of financial costs. It is logical that the second option is more common. In order to get a full scholarship, you need to try very hard.
Part-time study
Australia uses the practice of most European countries. The student has the right to work no more than 20 hours a week. This applies to the period when training takes place. In the summer, students can work full time. At the same time, foreigners receive the same money as local residents. That is, in Australia there is no discrimination, this country is distinguished by its friendliness.
Many specialties involve two years of practice in the country. Most international students take advantage of this, as in addition to invaluable experience, there is a chance to stay in Australia for permanent residence. Those who want to earn extra money should understand that the student’s visa does not give the right to get a job. In order for the student to be accepted, you need to present a certificate stating that he is studying at an institution.
Tuition fees
As already noted, the cost of obtaining an education in Australia is much lower than in the same UK or USA. But the quality of education in these countries is approximately at the same level. Therefore, Australia is one of the most attractive places to get an education.
The price for a year of study depends on the institution, faculty and specialty. To assign a bachelor's degree in economics, you need to pay from 10,000 to 15,000 dollars a year. If a student decides to study in a technical specialty, he needs to fork out for an amount from 12,000 to 18,000 dollars. The most expensive area of study is medicine, the cost per year is about $ 50,000.
Studying in Australia: Benefits
Of the main advantages stand out:
- High quality education. No wonder the seven universities of this country are among the hundred best universities in the world.
- Cost. With an equally excellent quality of education, prices in Australia are much lower than in the United States or Great Britain.
- Loyal attitude to foreigners. Hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world come to the country every year, and they treat everyone very well.
- The right to work. Education in Australia is designed in such a way that a student can earn money while still a student. In addition to money, he gets a great experience.
- Great place to live. An environmentally friendly and friendly country attracts with its safety and tranquility. Australia is famous for its low crime rate, wonderful nature and high level of education.