Study in Australia
While many Irish people consider Australia as a destination when they finish college, they may not necessarily think of applying for postgraduate study at an Australian university. Maybe this is because they are not aware that Australia is one of the world’s biggest spenders on education, research and development, and produces a similar amount per capita of scientific research papers as the US and the UK. Suffice to say, it’s not all surfing and barbies down under. More Information
Australian institutions offer a diverse range of postgraduate options and are involved in many advances in the telecommunications, information technology, manufacturing, mining and agricultural industries. There is a strong practical and vocational prominence and an emphasis on quality, diversity, access and equity.
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, so international students (and certainly Irish students) can be confident of being made to feel at home. It is the third most popular study destination in the English-speaking world, with more than 200,000 international students enrolled in Australian third-level institutions. As well as Europeans and Americans, this includes a growing number of students from Asian neighbours such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Third-Level Education System
Australian universities are mostly public and vary significantly in size, ranging from 40,000 students down to around 2,000. Each major Australian city has a significant university, and smaller institutions are dotted around the country. At postgraduate level, there is a practical emphasis on career-orientated and vocational education. Australian universities begin the academic year in late February and finish in November. Many universities and colleges also accept enrolments in July.
The system of awards is broadly similar to the Irish system:
Associate Degree – 2 years
Bachelor Degree – 3 to 4 years
Graduate Certificate – 6 months
Graduate Diploma – 12 months
Masters Degree – 1 to 2 years
Doctoral Degree – 3 to 5 years
Universities also offer Vocational Graduate Certificates, which involve the development of specific professional knowledge and skills.
Qualifications are centrally accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework, which is overseen by the Australian government. This makes transferring between courses and institutions easier, and also ensures a certain standard for all qualifications. The Australian government takes an active interest in attracting international postgraduate students and ensures that institutions provide education to international students of a nationally consistent standard in educational delivery, facilities and services.
Application Process
Postgraduate admissions at Australian universities are very competitive, and this is no different for international students. Deadlines can vary from institution to institution and it is advisable to begin researching your application far in advance of closing dates. As international admissions can be difficult, it is recommended that you submit all documentation six months before the deadline to allow for any problems that may arise. The same advice goes for funding and scholarship applications.
There is a standardised application process for postgraduate admissions to Australian third-level institutions. Application forms can be obtained from your local Australian Embassy or directly from the institution or university at which you wish to study. Candidates may also need to submit academic transcripts and show their competence in the English language. Masters programmes generally require a good standard of undergraduate qualifications. For research programmes, you will need to submit a detailed research proposal.
Although the Irish and Australian third-level systems are broadly comparable, there is no official equivalence between Irish and Australian academic qualifications – so candidates should contact their chosen institution directly to find out the exact entry requirements and ensure that they give themselves the best possible chance of admission.
Irish students must acquire a valid student visa for the duration of their studies in Australia. It may be necessary to pay tuition fees before applying for the student visa, but candidates should make contact with the relevant embassy before officially enrolling. There are different visas available for students who do or do not intend to work during their studies. Students need to organise adequate health insurance and show they have adequate resources available to them before a visa will be granted. You can apply for a student visa online.
Fees and Costs
Typical fees for masters and doctoral degrees range from $11,000 – $18,500 per year, which is approximately €6,500 – €11,000. This is before accommodation, travel and living costs are considered. Official statistics state that the average international student in Australia spends $335 (or €200) per week – the amount spent depending on where you live and your lifestyle.
As with postgraduate study anywhere else, it is important to work out how you are going to survive financially during your time at college. Before you come to Australia, you must demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for living expenses, education costs and travel for the duration of your study – otherwise, you will not be granted a student visa.
The good news is that funding and scholarships are available but, unsurprisingly, competition is fierce. The Australian and Irish governments, the EU Erasmus Mundi scheme and individual universities and institutions all offer scholarship opportunities. The Endeavour Programme is an Australian government initiative offering scholarships to talented students from around the world – including Ireland – for study and research in Australia. Contact the Australian Embassy and your future university to find out what options are open to you. The Internet is a great resource to find out about other potential funding opportunities.
Many students work part-time during their studies. A visa with permission to work enables you to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods. Some students tutor schoolchildren or find jobs on- campus in the canteen, the bookshop, in the institution's offices or as teaching or laboratory assistants. Family members of masters and doctorate students can apply for permission to work unlimited hours.
Employment Prospects
The Australian economy is in good shape. Rates of unemployment and inflation are relatively low and the outlook for the future is promising. Graduates from Australian higher education institutions enjoy a wide range of career options, with technology and tourism being two high-growth areas. The high standard of living, attractive climate and natural resources mean that graduates of Australian universities may well decide to stay a while longer.
The Australian Government Skilled Migration Company targets young people who have particular skills, education and abilities to contribute to the Australian economy. International students with Australian qualifications account for about half of people assessed under the skilled migrant programme. This is a useful way of securing a working visa when your student visa expires.
Australian postgraduate qualifications are officially accredited and, therefore, acceptable to employers in Australia and throughout the world. If you do well, you may be able to take advantage of opportunities for further study in Australia.
The Australian government have set up an excellent website to attract international students, which has a wealth of information on courses, costs and funding options. This is the number one resource for anyone considering postgraduate study in Australia: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.
IDP is a not-for-profit Australian organisation representing Australian universities, informing and advising international students on Australian education and assisting in enrolment in Australian institutions across all sectors. Their website is www.idp.com.
The Australian Embassy in Dublin has information on scholarship and funding opportunities: www.australianembassy.ie
The Endeavour Programme is a potential source of funding for international students enrolled on Australian postgraduate programmes:
www.dest.gov.au/International/Awards/endeavour.htm
Information on visa requirements for international students travelling to Australia is available from the Australian government’s immigration website: www.immi.gov.au/
EDNA (Education Network Australia) has a good quantity of information on the entire Australian education system: www.edna.edu.au
The Australian Qualification Framework oversees qualifications at higher lever in Australia: www.aqf.edu.au/
The Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee advances higher education through voluntary, cooperative and coordinated action. Their website has news and links to all of Australia’s universities: www.avcc.edu.au/
