Australian Universities

 

 

Introduction

IDP Education Pty Ltd

The Australian College/ University system

Ranking System for Australian Universities

Accreditation

The Australian University Applications Process

Other FAQs

Useful websites

List of Australian Universities

 

 

 

Introduction

 

The application process for Australian Universities is complicated by the fact that there is no central authority that processes the applications - each university conducts its own admissions exercise. Even though there is no central authority that conducts and oversees the application process to Australian universities, many of the universities permit applicants to apply through the university's official international representative, IDP Education or to apply directly to the university.

 

There are 37 public universities and three private universities in Australia which offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The most popular courses of study for international students have been in the fields of Business, Administration and Economics, followed by Science, then Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

 

You are generally advised to apply to not more than 6 universities: 1-2 highly competitive universities, 1-2 universities you are confident of gaining admission to, and 1-2 universities as 'fallback options'. Each application costs about A$50 to A$100.

 

 

IDP Education Pty Ltd

 

To find out more about studying in Australia, you can visit IDP Education Pty Ltd. IDP Education is owned by Australian universities and is Australian's independent international education and professional development organization. It offers the following free services: comprehensive counseling on accurate information about Australian universities' programmes and admission requirements, application process, tuition fees receipting, visa application, accommodation, flight arrangements, airport-reception arrangements and pre-departure briefing.

 

IDP office in Singapore:

4th level,

Regional Language Centre (RELC),

30 Orange Grove Road,

Singapore 258352

Tel: 6732 6988 (hotline)

Tel: 6736 7025 / 7040 / 7041

Fax: 6737 1736

http://www.idp.com/singapore/

Email: info.singapore@idp.com

Operating Hours:

Weekdays 10 am to 4 pm except Thursday 10 am to 6.30 pm.

Saturday 10 am to 2 pm. Closed first Saturday of the month.

 

 

The Australian College/ University system

 

The words "college" and "university" are used interchangeably in the Australia. Both colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees which usually take 4 years to complete. "College" usually refers to a smaller institution or part of a larger institution which focuses on undergraduates with few or no graduate (postgraduate) programmes. A "university" is usually larger with more graduate degrees available.

 

 

Ranking System for Australian Universities

 

There is no official ranking of Australian universities and there is no 'best' university. Different universities excel in different areas. However, several magazines and newspapers publish rankings of Australian institutions in comparison to other universities around the world. All universities are accredited by the Australian Government and are internationally recognized. Since each institution has different entry requirements, you need to select the one that is best suited to your qualifications and grades and the courses you wish to apply to.

 

In rankings published in 2007 Top World 200 Ranking Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) University Rankings shown below, 12 of Australia's universities ranked in THES's top 200 making Australia third on the list for the most institutions featured, after the United States and United Kingdom.

 

 

University

Aus Rank

(World Rank)

Australian National University

1

(16)

University of Melbourne

2

(27)

University of Sydney

3

(31)

University of Queensland

4

(33)

Monash University

5

(43)

University of New South Wales

6

(44)

University of Adelaide

7

(62)

University of Western Australia

8

(64)

Macquarie University

9

(168)

Queensland University of Technology

10

(195)

University of Wollongong

11

(199)

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)

12

(200)

 

 

 

Accreditation

 

It is very important to have your Australian degree recognized by professional boards in Singapore if you are planning to work in Singapore. Check the requirements for different professions listed below:

 

Medicine

Flinders University

Monash University

University of Adelaide

University of Melbourne

University of Newcastle

University of New South Wales

University of Queensland

University of Sydney

University of Tasmania

University of Western Australia

You can find more information at the Singapore Medical Council website, https://www.smc.gov.sg/html/SMC_Home.html

 

Dentistry

All Australian institutions offering Denistry.

 

Pharmacy

All Australian institutions offering Pharmacy.

 

Architecture

All Australian institutions. You can find more information at Singapore Board of Architects website. http://www.boa.gov.sg/.

 

Law

Australian National University

Flinders University

Monash University

Murdoch University

University of Melbourne

University of New South Wales

University of Queensland

University of Sydney

University of Tasmania

University of Western Australia

You can find more information at Singapore Board of Legal Education website, (http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/ble/).

 

Accountancy

All Australian institutions. You can find more information at Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore website, (http://www.accountants.org.sg/).

 

Engineering

Curtin University of Technology (Civil & Construction, Electrical, Mechanical)

James Cook University (Civil, Electrical)

Monash University (Clayton Campus) (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

Queensland University of Technology (Civil, Electrical and Computer, Electrical, Mechanical)

RMIT University (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

University of Adelaide(Civil, Electrical & Electronic, Mechanical)

University of Melbourne (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical & Manufacturing)

University of Newcastle (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

University of New South Wales (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

University of Queensland (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

University of Sydney (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

University of South Australia (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechanical)

University of Western Australia (Civil, Electrical & Electronic, Mechanical)

Univesity of Wollongong (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

You can find more information at the Singapore Professional Engineers Board, Singapore website, (www.peb.gov.sg).

 

 

The Australian University Applications Process

 

Applying to universities in Australia is an easy and guided process for many international students. In Singapore, IDP Education counsellers will offer personalised service and guide you through the application process from selecting a course to applying for a student visa. Applicants should possess a strong academic background and proficiency in the English language.  The TOEFL, IELTS and SAT are some of the additional test results applicants often include in their application.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

 

TOEFL stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Its purpose is to evaluate the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. The TOEFL is a computer-based test. Many Australian admission officers understand that Singapore students are taught in English and so do not require this test. There are, however some universities which may still require this test. Note that there will be a new TOEFL format with effect from September 2005. For more information on TOEFL, please refer to their official website (www.toefl.org). TOEFL registration forms can also be obtained from USEIC.

 

 

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

 

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It is the preferred English Language proficiency qualification, but many universities may accept other evidence of proficiency in English in individual cases. IELTS tests can be taken at IDP Education Singapore, 4th level RELC Building, 30 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258352. You can find more information at Singapore's IDP Education website, http://www.idp.com/singapore/ or www.ielts.org

 

 

Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT)

 

The SAT is required for admission to almost all Australian universities. The SAT is a series of paper-and-pencil tests that evaluate students’ proficiency in English, writing and math. The SAT I exam is offered six times a year, and the SAT II (Subject Tests) are offered between four and six times a year.

The USEIC has the latest SAT and SAT Subject Tests information booklets that contain registration and schedule information. You can obtain a copy from the Education & Career Guidance Room.

You can also call the RELC Examination Bureau on Orange Grove Rd. at 6734 9868 for more detailed registration information or go to www.collegeboard.com to register on-line. You should contact Testtakers Singapore for help with test preparation: testtakers.com-sg.com

SAT scores must be sent directly by the College Board (the organization that administers the test) to the university you are applying to. Photocopies of results are not acceptable. If possible, you should indicate the universities that you want the College Board to send your results to when you register for the test. If that is not possible, you can still request for the College Board to send your results to the designated universities after you have taken the test but each request costs money. You can do this directly at the College Board website www.collegeboard.com.

 

 

Additional Selection Criteria

 

Some programs consider other selection criteria in addition to qualifications. For example, most music programs require applicants to undertake an audition, while medicine, nursing, oral health and dentistry applicants are required to undertake a Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA), and if successful, attend an interview.

 

 

 

 

Step-by-Step process for application to Australian Universities

 

1.          Choose your course – with the advice of your IDP counselor. IDP will explain the best options for your career and personal goals.

2.          Complete the application form – IDP will explain what documentation you need.

3.          Apply for your course – IDP will liaise directly with Australian institutions for you.

4.          Receive a letter of offer – if you meet the entry requirements, you will receive a letter of provisional acceptance from your Australian institution and information about tuition fees.

5.          Accept your offer – through your IDP office, pay your tuition fees to accept the offer of placement in your chosen course.

6.          Arrange health insurance – the Australian Government requires international students to take out compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in Australia. Your IDP counselor can help arrange this for you.

7.          Confirmation of enrolment – you will receive a letter confirming your enrolment.

8.          Apply for student visa – your IDP counselor will guide you through the visa process, explaining the documents you need to submit to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

9.          Your IDP counselor can help you with information for arriving in Australia.

10.     Fly to your new study destination!

 

 

Other FAQs

 

1.  Application

 

Even though there is no central authority that conducts and oversees the application process to Australian universities, many of the universities permit applicants to apply through the university's official international representative, IDP Education or to apply directly to the university.

 

 

2.  Financial assistance

 

There are two types of aid: need-based and merit-based (i.e. scholarships). Need-based financial aid is given to students who can demonstrate that they are qualified to attend a certain university but cannot afford to go there. Unfortunately, most Australian universities do not offer need-based financial aid to international students. Some universities will offer merit-based scholarships to international students. However, these scholarships are very competitive and very few in number. You will stand a better chance of getting a scholarship from the Singapore government or a Singapore organization (but that will usually come with a bond). Most courses cost between A$12 000 and A$18 000. Science and Engineering courses are from A$16 000 to A$ 24 000. While Medicine and Dentistry ranges from A$30 000 to A$38 000. Living expenses range from A$800 to A$1500 per month, depending on individual lifestyles.

 

 

3.  National Service

 

Most Australian universities understand that male Singaporean students need to perform national service. Do not apply before you begin your national service. No university will hold your place for two years. Some universities will defer admission for one year but others may not. You should apply when you are in your second year of national service since you will attend university the following year. The only exception to this is if you are confident of getting a PSC scholarship which allows you to defer your national service to attend university. Note that the PSC scholarship is the only scholarship that allows for deferment of national service.

 

 

Useful websites

 

1. http://www.australian-universities.com/

 

You can learn about Australian education network, tuition costs, admission requirements, international student support and facilities here. Search for an Australian university, college or English language program and request information from schools in Australia.

 

2.    http://www.studyoverseas.com/f_australia.htm

 

This website allows you to do a customized search for information on Australian universities.

 

3. http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/Help/US/Advisors/Advisordetails/CIS.htm

 

This website has information on SAT, scholarships, universities profile, Australian culture, application process as well useful information for prospective students.

 

4. http://www.australearn.org/

 

You can learn about study abroad opportunities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Students may participate in a semester or year abroad or earn an entire degree at one of more than 30 major universities. There are also opportunities to participate in a high quality internship in Australia or New Zealand or a January term or summer abroad program.

 

5.                http://www.thegoodguides.com.au

 

This website offers a guide to the good universities in Australia.

 

 

List of Australian Universities

Adelaide University
Australian Catholic University
Australian Defence Force Academy
Australian National University
Bond University
Central Queensland University
Charles Sturt University
Curtin University of Technology
Deakin University
Edith Cowan University
Flinders University
Griffith University
James Cook University
La Trobe University
Macquarie University
Monash University
Murdoch University
Northern Territory University
Open Learning Australia
Queensland University of Technology
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Southern Cross University
Swinburne University of Technology
University of Ballarat
University of Canberra
University of Melbourne
University of New England
University of New South Wales
University of Newcastle
University of Notre Dame Australia
University of Queensland
University of South Australia
University of Southern Queensland
University of Sydney
University of Tasmania
University of Technology Sydney
University of Western Australia
University of Western Sydney
University of Wollongong
Victoria University