The Education System
Australian education system is flexible and offers a wide range of study options to international students. Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for Hong Kong students. According to statistics from the Australian Department of Education, there were more than 15,700 student enrolments from Hong Kong as at November 2023.
Australia provides international students with rigorous consumer protection, backed by national legislation Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS). In addition, overseas students may be eligible for the Post-study Work Visa if they complete an eligible Diploma or higher education programme, including Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree, in Australia.
(a) Primary and Secondary Education
The Australian school system is generally 12 years. The primary level comprises 6 or 7 years, depending on the State / Territory. Many Australian schools, both public and private, accept overseas applications.
Australian schools prepare students for further study at universities, vocational colleges or other higher education institutes. Upon completion of Year 10, students will be issued with the Secondary Certificate of Education by states and territories. Based on their needs and ability, student can continue their senior school studies or vocational and education training at certificate level. Senior secondary years, leading to matriculation, are Years 11 and 12. Australian schools issue the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education after successful completion of the final 2 years of schooling. International students can apply to an Australian senior secondary school (Year 11 and 12) and sit for the public examination as the benchmark for university entry. The academic year begins in late January or early February and ends in December. Some schools may accept new students during the year.
(b) Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) providers, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and a number of universities and schools provide vocational courses.
These courses offer practical and professional knowledge and skills. The VET sector offers a vast range of options – from apprenticeship programmes to certificate and diploma programmes and even selected degrees. Several universities across Australia provide vocational courses in association with TAFE institutes or private VET institutions. That means students completing VET courses in these institutions can enroll in the higher education faculties and receive credit towards a degree. Courses usually commence in February and July each year, with some commencing in October.
(c) Foundation Studies
Foundation Studies is another pathway to undergraduate study at universities in Australia. Foundation Studies are designed for international students. It is based on the undergraduate programmes offered at Australian universities, providing them with a better understanding and foundation of the subjects they will study. Students are not required to sit for the public examination. They are assessed and examined based on their performance in assignments, examinations, class participation, attendance and group exercises. They must reach a certain academic standard before a place at the specified university is confirmed.
Foundation studies have several intakes throughout the year, generally starting in February / March or July / August.
(d) Higher Education
Australia is home to 42 universities, with 37 public Australian, three private Australian and two private international universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. Along with these universities, many other institutions offer higher education courses. Bachelor degrees are normally 3 or 4 years in duration. Master degrees, by research or course work, take 1 to 2 years and PhD programmes need a minimum of 3 years. The first semester usually commences in late February or early March, but it is also possible to enrol in some courses in July.
Secondary 6 graduates from Hong Kong who hold the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination results can enter university in Australia if their academic performance and English proficiency meet the university’s entry requirements. On average, most institutions require Level 3 to 4 in 3 to 5 subjects. Some require Level 4 and 5 in 4 or more subjects. Individual institutions also accept English Language at Level 4 for admission. Students are advised to check with the individual institutions for detailed admission requirements.
In addition, overseas students may be eligible for the Post-study Work Visa if they complete an eligible Diploma or higher education programme, including Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree, in Australia. Please visit the website of Australian Department of Home Affairs – Immigration and Citizenship ( https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) for details.
(e) English Language (ELICOS)
Many schools of English, both in the private and public sector, offer English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS). They are able to prepare students to reach the required level of English to enter a formal course of study.
Study Cost
(a) Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for international students vary across cities and programs. Students should also be aware that the cost of studying in Australia will depend on:
- Your education provider
- The level of study you choose
- Your study location in Australia
There may be some additional costs for your course, such as learning materials or clothing requirements (e.g. work safety boots or a laboratory coat).
Students are advised to make use of the Course Search Tool on Study Australia website of obtain information on Australia’s complete offering of courses and their tuition fees.
https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/study/find-a-course
(b) Living Costs
Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. To get a better idea, check out the Cost of Living Calculator on Study Australia website.
The Cost of Living Calculator is designed to help you think about how you spend money and to give you a broad estimate of potential costs in Australia.
https://costofliving.studyaustralia.gov.au/
(c) Health Insurance for Overseas Students
The Australian Government requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while in Australia. Currently there are 6 Australian companies providing OSHC.
https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc
Application Procedures
Students may apply via internet, by mail or submit their applications to institutions at education fairs. Students can also apply through education agents appointed by institution. It is advised to lodge their admission applications 6-9 months before the course commences.
Apart from meeting the academic requirements, candidates may have to satisfy the English proficiency requirements of the institutions concerned. Students also need to fulfil the English language requirements for student visa. Institutions set their own English language requirements for course entry, and the English proficiency score needed for your course may be different from the score needed to secure your visa. You should check entry requirements for both your visa application and your course application.
Visa Application
International students must apply for the student visa online. Students must accept the offer and obtain the Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from their education provider before applying for a student visa online.
For further information on student and related visa, please visit the website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs – Immigration and Citizenship ( https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) for details.
Enquiry
This webpage serves as a general guide to studying in Australia only. For more information about Australian education, please visit the following official websites or follow the social media accounts.
Study Australia website: www.studyaustralia.gov.au
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