Australia offers a diverse range of study options for international students, with more than 1,100 institutions and 22,000 courses to choose from.

You can study at all levels of education from primary and secondary school, to vocational education and training (VET), from English language courses to higher education (including universities). Teaching at universities normally takes place in large group lectures and small group tutorials.

Regardless of what you are studying for or how long you are studying, Australia’s laws promote quality education and protection for international students. This includes the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (National Code). These provide nationally consistent standards for providers of education and training for international students.

Tertiary education

Tertiary education includes higher education (universities) and vocational education and training (VET and TAFE colleges).

Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national policy that shows how qualifications relate to each other at each level of education.