Study Options in Australia: What Education Can You Pursue?

International students want to know about all the study options available in Australia.

Australia offers a wide range of study options for international students. The country has 22,000 courses and more than 1,100 educational institutions.

Educational institutions in Australia rank well regarding the sense of student community, student satisfaction, quality of life and employability. As per the QS ranking, Sydney and Melbourne are among the best student cities worldwide.

These courses include high school programs, TAFE (Technical and Further Education), English language, undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses.

Study Options	Explanation
Secondary Education	Secondary education is available in Australia for five to six years, depending on a particular state or the duration of primary education. Students usually begin their secondary schooling at the age of 12 or 13. It provides the skills to prepare you for future study and employment in Australia or other parts of the world.
Higher Education (Undergraduate Studies)	Undergraduate courses in Australia last from 3 to 4 years, depending on if it’s a professional or a general degree. Around 40 registered universities in Australia offer a broad range of undergraduate programmes. Australia is a popular study destination for international students planning to complete their higher education.
Higher Education (Postgraduate Studies)	Postgraduate programmes in Australia are categorised as extended postgraduate programmes lasting for three to four years and postgraduate by research lasting for one to two years. You can enrol in a postgraduate programme in Australia if you have obtained a bachelor's degree in the corresponding field. And if you have a bachelor's degree from another country, the Australian Qualification Framework must recognise it.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)	The Australian vocational education and training (VET) qualification provides a pathway to enter a university or workforce. Various VET courses are available in tourism and hospitality, information technology, construction, transport and logistics, mining, rural industries, manufacturing, arts and media.
Technical and Further Education (TAFE)	Technical and Further Education (TAFE) is very popular in Australia. It offers a wide range of courses and is a practical substitute for tertiary education. A TAFE course could be the best option if you are looking for a direct pathway into higher education or the workforce.
MBA and Management Education	MBA and management education in Australia includes internationally recognised degrees that offer students theoretical and practical knowledge to help them understand how people and policies work within the business industry and in the broader community. Different Australian universities and private education providers in Australia deliver around 77 internationally recognised MBA programs to students. These courses help students to build worldwide networking opportunities, improve their skills and create a successful careers.
English Language Courses	About 20% of all international students enrol in English Language courses known in Australia as ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) to improve their English Language proficiency. This helps them to master the skills of reading, to listen, speaking and writing.
Foundation Courses	Foundation courses help overseas students enter undergraduate studies at Australian colleges and universities. These courses also help newcomers adapt to the Australian lifestyle and academic environment. Some foundation courses promise students to get a place at university after successfully completing the course.
Online or Distance Education	Many online and distance education programmes enable international students to get Australian education without leaving their country. For distance learning, you can apply at several institutions and select from a wide range of higher education and VET courses.
Study Abroad	Studying abroad in Australia is a great way to experience and learn a new culture and education system. If you are an international student, you can choose from various study abroad programs by Australian institutions. You can also participate in an exchange program and apply for an Australian secondary school or a tertiary institution. Still, your chosen institution must have an exchange partnership with your country's educational institution.