Australian universities have a great deal to offer students from around the world. With a proud tradition of teaching international university students and an impressive record of achieving excellence on the world stage Australian universities have been at the forefront of the internationalisation of Australian education. There are 37 publicly funded and two private Australian universities. Australia is also actively involved in globalising Australian universities through overseas branch campuses, twinning arrangements and exchange programs for students and staff worldwide.

Recent growth and competition in the higher education sector has resulted in greater flexibility and diversity in course offerings, teaching methods and research orientation. Many Australian universities concentrate on traditional areas of learning and inquiry, while others are more vocational and applied in focus. All, to some extent, combine tuition with research. Some undertake research across all disciplines, while others concentrate their research on areas of particular strength.

There are 35 special Research Centres and Key Centres of Teaching and Research based in Australian universities undertaking high-level research and providing a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate and specialised professional education courses in a variety of fields. Another 67 Cooperative Research Centres are promoting links with industry and developing products and technology in fields as diverse as mining, manufacturing, agriculture, communications, environment and medical science.

Australian scientists and researchers have been responsible for many advances in business and industry, and have made significant contributions in medical science. Their investigations through the years have had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people around the world and have won prestigious international awards including seven Nobel Prizes.  Australians are acknowledged for being dynamic and innovative. Australia has been a pioneer in solar energy research and Australian scientists are investigating other potential energy sources. Australian advances in technology include the development of an internationally accepted aircraft landing system, the black box flight recorder, bionic ear implants, a heart pacemaker and computer hardware and software. Australia is also at the forefront of producing new technologies such as our wave-piercing ocean catamarans, solar-powered cars and the revolutionary orbital engine.

There are 2 major levels of study: (I) undergraduate & (II) postgraduate or graduate. Undergraduate study comes after the successful completion of secondary (high) school. This initial university diploma is anything from 2 to 6 years depending on the subject studied. Often known as a bachelor degree the average duration is 3 years. Here are a few examples: a Bachelor of Science = 3 years, a Bachelor of Engineering = 4 years, a Bachelor of Medicine = 6 years. Some undergraduate degrees are called “Diplomas” and they are usually practical courses like accounting and last 2 years.

Postgraduate or graduate studies are specialist degrees, which require successful completion of a first degree. They are also known as “research” degrees but do not always involve research or completion of a thesis.  There are 2 types: (I) course work and (II) research. Course work degrees can be Graduate certificates (6 months), Graduate diplomas (one year) or Masters (1-2 years) full-time. These are practical courses. Research degrees are either Masters (Honours) or PhDs, which require a thesis

The two main student intakes are end February and mid July. Teaching per semester is approximately 14 weeks excluding exams. Students can often begin mid-year. In addition, some universities offer accelerated courses.

All students enjoy excellent facilities and support services. These include: computerised libraries and Internet access, sports facilities and playing fields, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, banks and shopping. In addition, medical clinics and Student Union facilities such as clubs, social activities and an orientation service make life as a student enjoyable.