Are you trying to determine if college is the right fit for you? Are you wondering what kind of qualifications you can get from an Australian college? Are you struggling to decide which college you should attend?
To help you out, here are some of the key things you need to know about colleges in Australia and how they can help prepare you for success in your career.
What is an educational college?
In Australia, the word college has several meanings. When referring to educational colleges, this includes some secondary schools and other tertiary institutions.
A college is typically a smaller institution than a university and focuses on vocational education training (VET) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) principles. This means you get more hands-on, practical experience rather than strictly theory-based learning. In addition to acting as vocational institutions, colleges can also serve as bridging institutions between grade schools and universities.
A college can be an independent entity or part of a university, and even offer higher education degrees.
It’s important to remember that educational colleges should not be confused with residential colleges, which are accommodation halls that house students on or near campus.
College qualifications
Colleges in Australia offer a variety of qualifications and certifications. Each certification type has a different course duration and offers students a unique level of specialisation.
Prerequisites for colleges in Australia
To pursue vocational studies at an Australian college, students must have completed education equivalent to Australian Year 10, 11 or 12. Certain programs may require specific subject prerequisites or prior work experience. Make sure to consult programs’ websites to find out if your courses of interest require such experience.
Choosing the right college in Australia
A great way to make sure you’re choosing a college that best meets your needs and goals is to search which colleges offer the course you want to take. Whether you’re hoping to study design, hospitality or IT (Information Technology), you can use search engines or StudyAdelaide's free course search tool to select your desired program and find all the colleges in Australia that offer these courses.
When choosing a college, be sure to research the cities that host these institutions as well. If you’re after an affordable yet cosmopolitan city that offers easy access to incredible naturescapes and regional food and drink experiences, you might want to consider Adelaide!
Why study in Australia?
Australia is one of the most popular destinations in the world for international students, alongside the UK and the US. So, what makes Australia such an attractive destination for international students?
Not only does Australia offer a wide array of courses and qualifications, but it is also known for its welcoming and inclusive society.
With hundreds of universities, training colleges, and English language institutions and schools, international students have thousands of courses to choose from. Year after year, Australian institutions are ranked among the top 100 in the world by independent ranking systems, such as Times Higher Education, QS and Shanghai Rankings.
Australian institutions also offer support and guidance to help international students settle into their new way of life. Many colleges have designated international student support centres, which provide practical advice on issues like legal rights, job skills, and opportunities to meet and socialise with other students.
Picking a college is a big decision but informing yourself of all your college options in Australia is the best step to ensure you make the right choice for you. Happy studying!