Australia is a popular destination for Indian students being a few hours away in terms of flight time from the Indian sub continent. It is an attraction to students seeking post graduate, graduate and technical education. The demand for educational opportunity in Australia is indicated by the increase in the number of over seas students studying in Australia from 1000 in1986 to 1.5 lakhs in 1997. India is ranked in the top 10 source countres for overseas student population in Australia. Let us begin with the structure of Education.

School Education

Each Australian State operates its own public school system which depends largely on funding by the Federal Government. Private schools are run by Roman Catholic churches and are more expensive than public schools. Elementary education begins at the age of 6 years and continues for 6 to 8 years. The number of years varies from one state to another. The number of years varies from one state to another. Secondary schools offer 5-6 years of education and following junior or secondary school, students may opt for vocational education. Only students who have completed 12 years of schooling are eligible for higher education.
They can go to University, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions or business colleges or for vocational training. In accordance with the National Curriculum Framework, the following subjects are taught at School-English, Maths, Science, Technology, Society and Environment Education, Health and Physical Education, Arts and Language.

Higher Education

University education was introduced in Australia in 1850 and the very first universities of Melbourne and Sydney were designed like Oxford and Cambridge. Six metropolitan towns had each established a university by 1911 to keep pace with the developments in the country. After the 2nd World War, several new universities were opened to meet the demand for higher education. New Universities followed the British System for higher education where they enjoyed public status, autonomy, government funding, central accredition and offered academic specialization and 3 to 4 years academic degrees.
Today, there exist 38 Australian universities in every state and territory.
Many Australian Universities have a multi campus structure with associated campuses offering specific disciplines or extension programs under the supervision of parent institutins.

Funding of Australian Universities

Most Austalian Universities unlike privately run American and British, receive substantial financial support from the government. The institutions are expected to maintain consistently high standards in teaching and infra structural facilities. 37 % of educational funding cmes from the Fedeal Government, 56% from sate ovenment and 7% from non govenmental surces eg. The corporate sector, private cntributers, etc.

National Qualifications Framework

IN 1995, the National Qualifications Framework was introduced to make the curriculum nationally consistent as well as to make them better understood and accepted internationally. It further aims to encourage flexibility by opening ways between vocational education and training sectors.

Higher Education Institutions

Universities

Australian Universities offer both academic and professional courses. The institutions are concerned with a variety of interests and activities with provision for both, extensive specialization and multi disciplinary approach.

Colleges of Technical and Further Education (TAFE)

In the Australian Education system, TAFE has been conceived between secondary school and university courses offering another route into higher education. TAFE colleges have a vocational focus and links with the industry. Entry requirements are usually not as competitive as those required by universities making it useful to many students who have not attained the grades for direct entry into a degree course. 2 years TAFE study is sufficient for entry into university.

Method Of Instructon

Instructional methods vary between institutions and fields of study. Professional fields such as engineering, medicine and science, include more lectures, tutorials and practical classes than humanities and social sciences where there are fewer hours of formal class.
The latter have to spend more time in individual reading and research.

Assessment

Methods of Assessment also differ from courses and institutions. Final and mid year examinations are most important in some courses while others may be assessed through written assignments spread over the year, participate in class discussions, practical work and short tests..
Doctorates and research masters degree are assessed by way of a major thesis. Some post graduate diploma courses and bachelor with honours degrees comprise of minor thesis as part of assessment.

Grading

2 systems are in use. The alpha system(A,B,C, etc) with + or - variables, A+=90% or higher, B-=65%-70%,etc. Alternatively, descriptive grades are used, eg, High Distinction(HD), distinction(D), Credit(C) and pass(P).

Academic year

The Australian academic year runs from February to November. Australian institutions operate either on a 2 semesters or three term year. Some institutions offer mid year- july entry for some courses.

Quality Assurance

International Reputation

The Australian vice chancellors committee sponsors university mobility in asia and the pacific (UMAP) program. This allows Australia to work with countries in the asia pacific region and encourages academic staff and student mobility, which enhances internationalization of curricula and teaching.

The Application Process

Inspite of differences between institutions in acceptance levels and entryrequirements, there are certain standard admission requirements.

1. Completed application forms
2. Authenticated copies of Records of academic work and exam results
3. A personal statement indicating choice of institution and intended study program
4. Evidence of funds to cover all costs during the study period

Cost, Financial Aid And Visa

Cost Of Studying

Tuition cost in Australia may be similar to costs in other countries but the cost of living is comparatively cheaper. Some prevalent tuition costs are-

Additional charges of between A$ 100-250 a year cover student association, library and sports facility costs.. a single student requires about a$8000-10000a year for living expenses.
Temporary working arrangements for courses lasting 6 months are liable for taxation for earnings for over A$5800. Permission to gain employment depends on the type of visa issued and covers a maximum of 20 hours a week during the course / full time during vacation. It should not be used as a means of financing one's education.

Financing Australian Education

1. Post Graduate Scholarships
2. Australian International Development Assistance Bureau
3. Australian Development Scholarship
4. Post Graduate Research Scholarship Scheme For Over Seas Students.

Study Visa

After presenting the AA Form to the embassy or consulate or and filling the student visa application form, the student is issued a Student Temporary Visa.

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