Lifestyle and Leisure
Australian higher education
Jo-ann Hodgson investigates how British emigrants can gain entry to Australian universities and looks at what they can expect once they are there.
If you've relocated to Australia with school leavers you'll be pleased to know that there is a correlation that Australian universities use to convert UK qualifications to the local equivalent. However, there are many variables you'll have to take into account when enrolling on higher education courses. For example, not all qualifications are accepted in Australia and additional exams may first need to be taken before you will be able enrol. This is especially the case in the medical field. "Some qualifications will be recognised in Australia, but it depends what it is as acceptable course are so varied," says Gordon Marshall, who has worked in Australian universities and schools for the last few years, giving guidance on careers and teaching. "For example, my PGCE teaching qualification were accepted but certain other professionals will have to sit a test when they arrive."
Obviously, when converted into Australian qualifications, your UK grades must then meet the entrance marks required by your chosen course. "My sons were born and went to school here in Oz and are both now at the University of New South Wales," says Nicky C, a senior member of the British Expat Forum. "In order to get onto their chosen courses they had to get the required marks. Some courses, like Law, Medicine, Vet Science etcetera need seriously good exam results, along the lines of being in the top 1 per cent of the state, in order to get into the main city universities. "Other courses, those at newer or country universities, don't need quite such high marks."
Once you've been accepted into an Australian university, you'll take a full-time undergraduate programme with eight courses, which will make up your 'programmes'.
"Courses (as called in the UK) are called programmes here," explains Marshall. "It is all very US of A. "These Courses or units comprise your programme and, generally speaking, you take the core course and then choose other electives, which you must enrol yourself during the enrolment period at your chosen university." Whether you have the status of an overseas student, permanent resident or Australian citizen will determine the structure and final cost of your university fees. "International Fees tend to cost a lot more than what Aussies pay but they may still turn out to be not too expensive depending on the exchange rate at the time," says Marshall. "You must also allow for around AU$16,000 per year to live on. "As an International student you are basically self-funding, but are allowed to work a certain amount of hours per week. "After year 12 many Australian students work for a year or so and build up credit in the tax system through Centre Link – however this is only an option for Australians."
Australian citizens also qualify for Higher Education Contribution Scheme places, which means they can defer paying part of their fees until they are earning over a certain amount – the fees are then taken out of their earning as tax. However, this scheme is not open to overseas students or permanent residents – only Oz citizens. As in the UK, due to the increasing cost of higher education, many Australian students are now choosing to live at home whilst they study, instead of living in halls or student houses. "Most students would attend a university in their home city so they tend to live at home, at least during the first year," says Nicky. "The only kids living in halls of residence at the university of New South Wales seem to be overseas or country kids." However, student accommodation is available in Australia and many students choose to immerse themselves in the student lifestyle by opting for this type of house-sharing. So, with nothing much to stop you, get studying and maybe find the time for a little bit of partying too.
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