how to choose a university course australia

by Winifred Emard 8 min read

Choosing a university in Australia

  1. Academic excellence. First of all, be sure the courses provided by the institution are of high quality, with an...
  2. International student support. In other words, make sure that help will always be there when you need it. A good...
  3. Location. Look at a map on the internet to see exactly where the institution is located and...

Top 11 Tips On Choosing The Right Course For You
  1. Understand Why Do You Want To Study. ...
  2. Understand The Industry You Want to Work In. ...
  3. Focus on What you Are Really Interested In. ...
  4. Do a Two-Part Degree. ...
  5. Choose a Generalist Degree. ...
  6. Complete a Foundation Course. ...
  7. Try A Shorter Course. ...
  8. Pay Attention to Course Subjects.

Full Answer

Where are the best universities in Australia for international students?

The majority of universities in Australia lie within the East Coast area which consists of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Being Australia’s largest capital cities, Melbourne and Sydney have long been all-time favourites with International students. However, in recent years, there’s been a shift with Adelaide gaining in popularity.

What should I look for when choosing a course?

You may wish to opt for a course that is offered in a location that specialises in the field of study or has increased opportunities for employment once you graduate (for example, Western Australia for courses in engineering and mining). It is important to check whether your course is accredited by relevant industry bodies.

How to compare courses from different institutions?

Compare courses from different institutions and share with your friends and family to help you make the right choice. Begin the application process directly from our website where you will be linked to the correct admission centre for your course. Compare the quality of education and student experiences using ComparED.

How much do Australia’s Universities spend on research?

The eight universities combined spend around AUD $6 billion on research each year, which is around 73% of all category 1 competitive grants available in Australia. This is why they are so highly ranked, and rightfully so.

How do I choose a university course?

10 steps to choosing a course you are truly interested in1) Identify which category you fall under. ... 2) Ask yourself why you want to study. ... 3) Decide on what career you want. ... 4) Study Destination. ... 5) Mode of study. ... 6) Identify the most important factors you are considering. ... 7) Research. ... 8) Narrow down your options.More items...

What uni course should I do Australia?

Business Management, Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, etc are the top-recommended courses to study in Australia. Apart from these, there are various other UG and PG courses which are gaining more popularity among students.

Which course is most demanding in Australia?

The top ten degrees that international students study in Australia are a mix of skills that will help them gain employment and increase chances of successful immigration.Biomedical engineering. ... Core engineering. ... Earth sciences. ... Computer science and information technology. ... Psychology. ... Tourism and hospitality management.More items...

What degree gets most employable?

Top 10 Most Employable DegreesMedicine & dentistry – 99%.Veterinary Science – 98%.Subjects allied to medicine – 93%.Architecture, building & planning – 92%.Education – 90%.Engineering & technology – 85%.Computer Science – 80%.Mathematical sciences – 79%.More items...

What is the most useful course to study?

The 9 Best University Courses to StudyNursing. Deciding to become a nurse is one of the safest career choices there is; wherever you go in the world, nursing skills are in demand. ... Mathematics. ... Computer Science. ... Mechanical Engineering. ... Marketing / Business Studies. ... Law. ... Accounting. ... Architecture.More items...•

Which short course is best in Australia?

What are the best short term courses to get you a job in Australia in 2022?Information technology courses.Beauty therapy courses.Human resources courses.Health courses.Web design and graphic design courses.

What degree is Australia known for?

Law. Nearly all higher education institutions in Australia offer law programmes; law students are taught logical reasoning, creative problem solving and effective communication. Internationally recognised, Australian law degrees are highly sought-after around the world.

What is the best uni degree to have?

RankDegree subject% high meaning1Petroleum Engineering72%2Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)44%3Applied Economics and Management69%4Operations Research48%6 more rows

How long does it take to get a VET certificate?

While, as a general rule, you will find that VET certificates usually take a year or less of full-time study , diplomas and advanced diplomas around two years, bachelor degrees around three years and so on, there are many exceptions.

What is international study?

Some courses (especially those with "global" or "international" in the name) integrate a compulsory international study experience or industry placement as part of the course content. Other courses allow students to undertake optional study tours, summer semesters or exchange opportunities. These are a great way to develop some international experience and intercultural awareness, and they also look great on your résumé. Be sure to check out the opportunities available within your course and whether credit is granted.

What are the requirements for a course?

Most courses are offered at many institutions, and entry difficulty varies considerably. Entry may require a certain level of education (Year 10, for example), a required ATAR score, subject prerequisites (such as mathematics) or industry experience. Some courses rely more heavily upon the submission of a portfolio, an interview or an audition. When choosing a course, you need to be sure to select one for which you meet the entry requirements or investigate whether alternative entry is available. See Getting into a course for more details.

What do you need to know when choosing a course?

When choosing a course, you need to be sure to select one for which you meet the entry requirements or investigate whether alternative entry is available. See Getting into a course for more details.

What are alternative entry criteria?

This may include an aptitude test (the STAT test being the most common) in place of an ATAR score, special entry requirements or programs for students from certain groups in society (Indigenous students or students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, for example), special entry requirements for mature age students or recognition of industry experience in place of academic criteria. See Getting into a course for more details.

What should a course be taught by?

Regardless of their subject matter, courses should be taught well by experienced staff and (if applicable) meet industry standards. It's hard to define, but you'll know when you're not getting it. What you should aim to get, at least some of the time, is sheer intellectual excitement. At the very least, a program should be solid, well run and worth the trouble.

What are the factors to consider when weighing up courses?

There are many factors to consider when you are weighing up courses and the institutions that offer them, but the key considerations include: What you will learn. How you will be learning it. The conditions and cost.

What is foundation course?

Foundation courses help international students to get entry into undergraduate courses at different universities in Australia. These courses not only offer you a chance to fit into the Australian culture and its education system but also provides you with an opportunity to discover your study interest.

When you are not sure whether you want to study a particular field for a longer duration, can you take answer

When you are not sure whether you want to study a particular field for a longer duration, you can first take up a short term lower-level qualification to see if you like it or not.

Is it too late to take a course in Australia?

However, if you get to Australia and realize that you have made a huge mistake by taking up a particular course, remember it’s never too late.

Can you get discouraged from a pathway program?

If not, do not get discouraged as a pathway program can help you to achieve all your dreams. You can also get some financial help by applying for a scholarship. Additionally, you may also need to consider how long you want to study a course.

How long should I wait to go to university in Australia?

Choosing a university in Australia. You should start searching for potential Australian universities you might like to attend about 18 months before beginning your studies, as it can take some time to complete the application process. First, you should have a good idea what course (s) you would like to study, plus a rough idea ...

What to do if you have friends studying in Australia?

If you have any friends or relatives who have studied in Australia, it’s worth talking to them to find out about their experiences, and what advice they can offer you in choosing a place to study.#N#It’s important to research universities and colleges carefully so you choose the ones that will meet your needs and interests – spending time and effort on choosing an institution can ensure you have a successful and rewarding experience.#N#If you can not find all the information you require about a particular institution on their website, contact them and ask for it.

Does Australia offer financial aid?

Most Australian universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices, although generally there is much less money available for undergraduate study than there is for graduate study.

Do all universities have strengths and weaknesses?

All universities have strengths and weaknesses, and although a list of top universities might have greater strengths than weaknesses relative to other institutions, any student who completes a degree at one of these top universities might encounter the 'weakness' when they might have experienced the 'strength' of another university. 2.

What makes a university unique?

Every university has its own unique personality and culture which is born from the university’s history, tradition and its people. It is what defines the university apart from the others. Some may be more academic and prestigious and some more fun and relaxed. It is best to find one that complements well with your personality. The more you feel comfortable in the environment, the greater your overall study experience will be.

Why is it important to choose a university?

Taking into consideration that different fields of study have very different desired experiences and also the fact that everyone’s learning style is not the same , it is important to choose a university that gives you the best skills suited to your chosen field of study.

How many universities are there in Australia?

Choosing the right course and university is not an easy task. Australia has over 1,100 institutions including 43 universities (40 Australian universities, two international universities, and one private specialty university), offering over 22,000 courses.

What is QILT in Australia?

The Australian Government funds the Social Research Centre to produce the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT). The website provides transparent and relevant information about Australia’s higher education institutions from the perspective of recent students and graduates, measuring things like student experience, graduate satisfaction, graduate employment and more. Let’s take a look at one particular dimension – overall employment.

Step 4: Know Your Employment Prospects

The reality is that university degrees are becoming commodities. Universities don’t want you to know this. But it’s true.

Step 5: Research Accessibility

I speak to students all the time who live practically right next to a university. And yet, they are considering travelling over 3 hours each day to go to another university…

Step 6: Look at Administration and Support Services

This refers to how organised the university is. Might seem like a moot point, but it can make a huge difference when it comes to organising your timetable for studies and your life.

Step 7: Research Facilities and Technology

To be honest, these days most universities in Australia have some pretty incredible facilities. So you might be splitting hairs.

Step 8: Consider Exchange

If you ask some of the world’s top thinkers right now, “If you were 18, what would you be studying?”

Need more help choosing your university?

We provide personalised consulting and mentoring with our team to help you answer the big question, “What am I going to do with my life when I finish school, and how do I get there?”

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What You Will Learn

How You Will Be Learning It

  • Intellectual style
    Some courses are mainly 'quantitative' (how's your maths?), while others are 'verbal' or language-based. Some encourage you to have your own ideas, ask the big questions and find out about the world (communications or humanities and social sciences are both good examples of this), whil…
  • Work patterns
    Courses vary in the time students spend in formal classes and completing self-directed study. You should be able to understand how you will be spending the majority of your time and whether the work is more practical or theoretical by contacting the course coordinator or referring to the …
See more on gooduniversitiesguide.com.au

The Conditions and Cost

  • How you can study
    Courses may be offered full time, part time, by distance education or on an accelerated trimester schedule. Not all courses offer all options, and some institutions may offer more flexibility than others. Alternative study options may come in handy if your circumstances change, such as if yo…
  • How long they take
    Courses differ considerably in the length of time they take to complete. While, as a general rule, you will find that VET certificates usually take a year or less of full-time study, diplomas and advanced diplomas around two years, bachelor degrees around three years and so on, there are …
See more on gooduniversitiesguide.com.au

The End Result

  • Accreditation
    It is important to check whether your course is accredited by relevant industry bodies. There are numerous benefits, the most obvious being that some fields and employers require students to have completed an accredited course and gain membership with the relevant industry associati…
  • Where it leads
    Some courses lock you into an occupation (dental therapy and surveying are both good examples). This type of vocational study is the main focus of most VET courses. Others, especially arts and science, are much broader in scope. Courses in business or law are somewh…
See more on gooduniversitiesguide.com.au

Academic Excellence

  • First of all, be sure the courses provided by the institution are of high quality, with an excellent standard of teaching. You can look at Australian university rankings to see which ones score the highest at Australian-Universities.com. However, keep in mind that the best universities in Australia according to rankings does not include all the var...
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International Student Support

  • It’s worth investigating how good the course is for international students by seeing if the institution has: 1. an International Student Program Director 2. help with housing 3. an orientation to the university, city and Australian education system, and 4. advice services specifically for international students. In other words, make sure that help will always be there when you need it…
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Location

  • Look at a map on the internet to see exactly where the institution is located and investigate the area it is in. Consider whether it is a place you would like to live for a prolonged period of time, and the sort of cultural and social activities it offers. Would you prefer to live in a large urban city, or somewhere more rural? Find out if your accommodation will be on the campus, and if not, how g…
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Costs

  • You will also need to take into account financial considerations, as costs can vary greatly from institution to institution. You will find that your living costs will be more expensive if you attend a university in a big city such as Sydney, and your accommodation is located in the centre. To save yourself some money, try to find accommodation further out of the city, though make sure trans…
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Funding

  • Most Australian universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices, although generally there is much less money available for undergraduate study than there is for graduate study. Private institutions can sometimes discount or reduce the costs of tuition, though public institutions rarely have this option. Ask the institution for informat…
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Course Content

  • Go to each university's website and see if the course covers the content you want to learn more about. If there are particular topics you enjoy, you want to make sure you're going to become an expert on them - you might regret your decision later on if they're not part of the course! If anything is unclear, contact the university directly and check whether they teach the areas you want to dis…
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Facilties and Social Life

  • The social side of university is a very important part of student life, so it’s important to make sure the range of social, sports and cultural activities and clubs offered by the university fulfil what you're looking for. In Australia, these are likely to differ slightly to what you would find in the UK, so it's a great chance to try new things. Taking a degree isn’t all about studying – you need to balan…
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Research Thoroughly

  • If you have any friends or relatives who have studied in Australia, it’s worth talking to them to find out about their experiences, and what advice they can offer you in choosing a place to study. It’s important to research universities and colleges carefully so you choose the ones that will meet your needs and interests – spending time and effort on choosing an institution can ensure you h…
See more on studential.com

Further Information

  • For more help and advice on applying to university in Australia, please see: 1. Why study in Australia? 2. Australian Higher Education System 3. Applying to university in Australia 4. Entry requirements 5. Documents 6. Finance
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