Australia

Study in Australia

This is generally a three-year program, although in certain specialized disciplines and double-degree areas a degree can take from four to six years. In one university, you can even earn a bachelor's degree in as little as two years. Australian undergraduate degree programs forego the electives that typically make up a fourth year in North American universities.


Students who excel academically may be invited into an Honor's Year, which makes up the fourth year of study in Australian bachelor's degrees. This is a graduate-level year of study with an intensive research component. In some universities, superior academic performance in an honor's year can lead directly into a Ph.D. program.


GRADUATE / POSTGRADUATE / DIPLOMA

This is a one-year intensive coursework program open to those who possess a bachelor's degree. Although there is no U.S. equivalent, the Diploma can serve a bridge between a bachelor's and a master's degree, and in some cases is the first year or first half of a master's program. A Diploma can lead to certification in some fields. For example, people who are interested in teaching careers typically enroll in and complete the Graduate Diploma to gain their teaching qualification.


MASTERS DEGREE

A master's degree can be completed in one year in many disciplines in Australia, although 1.5 to two years is not uncommon. In Australia, two types of master's degrees are available: the master's by coursework, and the master's by research. In New Zealand, master's degrees are typically two years, with the first year being coursework and the second year involving a major research project or thesis. For students with a significant research background, it is possible to complete a master's in one year by thesis.


Master's by Coursework: This is by far the most popular and applied-to type of master's degree, and involves a program of classes in your major and typically a smaller research project in the second half of the degree.


Master's by Research: For those whose goal is either a Ph.D. or want to conduct intensive research, then this option may be for you. Most research master's degree does not involve a coursework component; rather, they are made up of intensive, self-directed research leading to production of a thesis or major research project. The standard requirements for entry are submission of a research proposal IN ADVANCE of being accepted-which means you must have a well-thought out research plan-and the university having a faculty member available to supervise you. AAPKA HOLIDAYS LIMITED Consultancy can assist you in the development of your research proposal, and in finding universities with research interests matching yours.


DOCTORATE

Professional Doctorate: You can earn a professional doctorate, which is typical for fields such as psychology, education and law. These are typically two to three year coursework intensive programs, with a research component. A master's degree in the same or a closely related discipline is usually required.


Ph.D.: The Ph.D. you earn in Australia or New Zealand is similar to that at most any North American university. Typically you spend three to five years of self-directed research leading up to a major dissertation. The same application policies apply as for a Master's Degree by Research. A master's degree in the same or a closely related field is typically required for entry into a Ph.D. program.


Standard semesters:

1st Semester/Term: Begins February

2nd Semester/Term: Begins July

Some universities also have terms beginning in May and November.


Seasons:

Summer: December to February

Autumn: March to May

Winter: June to August

Spring: September to November