The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Ages: 6 to 17
13 years total (Kindergarten to Year 12)
Prepares students for university, VET, or the workforce
Certificates I–IV, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas
Industry-focused, skill-based education
Offered by TAFEs and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
Ideal for students who want practical training or pathways to university
Undergraduate: Bachelor Degrees (usually 3–4 years)
Postgraduate: Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Master’s, and PhDs
Delivered by universities and some higher education providers
Australia is one of the most popular destinations in the world for learning English. With its safe, welcoming cities and high-quality education standards, it offers international students the perfect place to improve their English for academic, professional, or everyday use.
Australian degrees are respected worldwide, with several universities consistently ranked in the top 100 globally. The education system emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
Australia offers a world-class education system that is structured, flexible, and internationally recognised. It provides students with multiple pathways and qualifications designed to meet individual goals, whether academic, vocational, or professional.
One of the unique strengths of the Australian education system is the AQF — a national framework that integrates all levels of education into one system.
10 levels ranging from Certificate I to Doctoral degrees
Connects school, vocational, and university education
Enables easy transitions between different levels and institutions
Ensures qualifications are nationally and globally recognised
This flexibility means students can move between institutions or switch between vocational and higher education while keeping their previous achievements.
Australian degrees are respected worldwide, with several universities consistently ranked in the top 100 globally. The education system emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
Students can:
Start in VET and move into university later
Earn credits for previous study or experience
Tailor their education journey to suit their personal goals and visa needs
All institutions that enrol international students must be registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
Strong student protection through the ESOS Act and Tuition Protection Scheme (TPS)
Support services for academic help, career advice, and wellbeing
Includes Australian Aid (supports education through international development initiatives)
Regulates vocational education and training (VET) providers, including those enrolling international students
Responsible for national education policy, including international education strategy
Manages student visas, compliance, and immigration policies
Handles complaints from international students about private education and training providers in Australia
Regulates and assures quality in higher education (universities and some non-university providers)
Protects international students if their education provider closes or fails to deliver the course
