Whether it's spotting koalas in the sparsely populated outback, surfing the waves of the Gold Coast, or mixing with the locals in both big cities and small towns, life down under is always interesting. Learn about ancient Aboriginal culture, get involved with Australian sports and revel in the array of unique wildlife you'll find down under.
Languages Spoken:
English
Education System
HIGHER EDUCATION OVERVIEW
Most Australian Bachelor’s degrees take three years to complete. Typically, Australian students complete their general education requirements in high school, so upon arrival at university, they have already decided on a major and start taking major courses immediately.
Students who receive high grades can be invited to a fourth "Honours" year, during which they complete a major research project or thesis. If an Australian student decides to pursue a double major, the Bachelor’s degree program can take four to five years.
Some academic fields including Law, Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry can take up to six years to complete. If a student then goes on to pursue a Master’s degree, it typically takes one to two years to complete.
The majority of students live at home and attend university in their home state. In all universities, students have substantial control of the student unions, councils and athletic clubs. Compulsory fees that support these activities are collected from students by the universities.
The academic calendar is based on the Southern Hemisphere calendar and generally runs from February to November. The first semester typically begins in February to early-March and ends with an examination period in June. The second semester typically begins in late-July and ends in November.
Australians do not use the terms "school" or "college" to refer to the university level of education; rather, they will simply say "university" or "uni."
The term "course" is used to refer to an entire program that leads to a degree—for example, a course can be a Bachelor of Arts.
A class, or subject is a "unit."
A "mark" is used to refer to a grade.
STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA
Courses
Classes involve a combination of formal lectures (often with large numbers of students in attendance) and discussion-oriented "tutorials" (with around 10-15 students). Professors present core material during lectures but you should not expect to ask questions during that time—the tutorials are the time to work through the material in small groups and student participation is encouraged. Laboratory sessions for students in the sciences and practical studio time for design students are also incorporated into the curriculum.
Registration
Check with your host institution regarding registration procedure, as enrollment in courses may take place after an on-campus orientation or before departure. Certain courses may have prerequisites or other requirements for enrollment.
Course Load
A normal course load for an Australian student is three to four classes (units) per semester. The number of credits per unit is determined based on time spent in private study, group work, etc., in addition to class time spent with instructors. Even then, the total number of hours required to get the necessary work done will vary from unit to unit and does not directly relate to the number of credits the unit is assigned.
You will typically find yourself in lectures and tutorials for 15 hours a week. The rest of the time you are meant to study and research on your own. The Australian education system generally emphasizes independent study over class time, attendance and participation. There are usually fewer assignments counting towards the final grade, so a final exam or paper will carry much more weight. For these reasons, independence and self-discipline are very important in keeping up academically.
Because Australians begin specializing in their majors early on, you may find that a unit with a seemingly lower level or course number may actually be equivalent in content to a mid-level class in your country.
In Australia, the term "credit" represents the weight of an individual class in relation to others within the major, rather than the number of classroom or study hours. Therefore, an introductory course may be worth ten credits, while an advanced core course may be worth 20 credits. Thus, the credit value listed on your transcript may not have any bearing on the number of credits ultimately transferred to your home institution.
Exams & Grading
In Australia, you will generally not encounter continuous assessment, in which assignments are given frequently throughout the semester and you can track your academic progress. Rather, the final grade will be based on two or three major assignments or essays, plus a final exam or essay. Essays must be well-written and academic; professors will not be looking for "reflection papers" among these relatively few assignments. You are responsible for keeping up with the outside work throughout the semester, even though professors will not necessarily be checking up on them regularly.
Grades are usually offered as qualitative assessments and are recorded on transcripts as high distinction, distinction, credit, pass and fail. This system represents a mixture of the pass/fail system and a numerically-graded system. Most institutions also provide a number to represent the qualitative descriptions with "high distinction" reflected as an 80 to 100 percent, down to "pass," as 50 to 59 percent.
It is important to note that in Australia, instead of beginning with 100 percent in a unit, you begin with 0 points and earn points for correct answers. In this case, earning 75 percent is a very good grade.
Transcripts
Host institutions will send your transcripts directly to ISEP to forward to your home institution at the end of term. Be sure to check with your host to ensure all grades are correct and there are no outstanding financial obligations.
Visa and Residency
Please note that students should ALWAYS check the website of the embassy/consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence first, as the information in this handbook regarding visa application instructions is subject to change without warning.
VISA FOR STUDIES
Type of visa: Student Visa Subclass 500
Visa fee: AUD 1,600
Expected processing time: Students should allow 2-3 months to apply for their visa. In many cases it may be very quick to process, but in rare cases it may take longer. Please reach out to your ISEP Student Services Officer for more details on your expected processing time. You will be notified by email when your visa has been granted. Take note of your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) as it can be used to track the status of your visa application.
When to apply: As soon as you receive your Certificate of Enrollment (CoE). You must enroll in OSHC insurance and receive your Certificate of Enrollment prior to applying for your visa.
Application Requirements and Guidelines:
· Proof of Identity (a copy of your passport). Some students will be required to provide a certified copy of their birth certificate or national identity card
· Proof of enrollment in Australian National Health Insurance, OSHC. This is not done through ISEP. Your host university will provide you more information on how to enroll. OSHC is not included in ISEP Direct or ISEP Exchange and will be an additional cost.
· Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) for all intended courses emailed or e-mailed to you by your host university upon your acceptance. You cannot apply for a visa without a CoE.
o Most ISEP Australia host universities have CoE application requirements as well. Be sure to review your acceptance letter from your host university carefully.
o You will be asked for the number that appears on the upper right hand corner of the CoE when you apply for your student visa
· Proof of English proficiency if you are from a non-native English-speaking country or university.
o NOTE: IELTS and TOEFL tests must be taken IN PERSON for this requirement. Online IELTS results are NOT acceptable for the visa requirement.
· Provide a genuine temporary entrant document: a personal statement to support that you are entering Australia temporarily to study
RESOURCES:
- Step By Step Guide to the Subclass 500 Student Visa
- Document Checklist Tool (Note: In the "Education Provider" drop-down menu, students should choose their Australian host university - La Trobe, Australian Catholic, Western Sydney, etc.)
- Australian Department of Home Affairs Tips for Student Visa Applications
- Study Australia Prepare to Travel Guide
- Australian Embassy in the United States Visa and Migration Website
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Updated July 2024
Culture
CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
Multiculturalism
Australia was first inhabited by indigenous Aboriginal peoples and later vastly populated by the British. However, following liberal immigration policies just after World War II, Australia's population is now vibrantly multicultural, and composed of people from at least 210 different nationalities. Due to (relative) geographical proximity, many of these people hail from Asia originally, although there are also significant Greek, Italian and Turkish populations, among others. You will find the student population to be likewise diverse. Therefore, it may be difficult to precisely define what Australian culture truly is. Not surprisingly, you will find that values of egalitarianism and tolerance are paramount.
Try to make a sincere effort to meet and get to know the locals. You will find that people are generally friendly, good-natured and willing to give you a "fair go." In conversation, show an interest in Australian sports (perhaps the fastest way to an Aussie’s heart!), politics and social issues, or Australian movies and arts. Meanwhile, prepare yourself to be asked and challenged about your own political beliefs. If you notice that Australians have a habit of frankly mocking political figures or others (no topic is sacred), try not to be offended or take it personally – this is just part of the Australian sense of humor. If you don't want to talk about these issues, simply politely decline to talk about them. Read more about Australian society and culture on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
LIFESTYLE
Greetings
With family and friends, women may greet each other and say goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. Men will greet each other by shaking hands.
Time, Work, and Leisure
Australians work hard, yet perhaps take their "leisure ethic" more seriously. They are infamous for their relaxed lifestyle and quality leisure time is a strictly enforced priority.
Sports
Sport is perhaps the favorite pastime of Australians, and you may miss out on a significant part of the culture if you choose to avoid it. Read up on Australian Rules Football (or Aussie Rules), cricket and rugby before you leave and get ready to dive into the mania and root for a side upon your arrival. Since most cities are along the coast and weather is quite good for most of the year, water sports and activities are also very popular.
Alcohol
Australia's beer-drinking culture ranks up with that of Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Ireland, and the legal drinking age is 18, so don't be surprised if you find much of student social life takes place at the local pub — especially after sporting events. It's common for friends to take turns ordering rounds of beers for each other ("shouts"), so be prepared; if you accept a beer from someone, the implicit expectation is that you will return the favor next time.
It is important to keep in mind that although alcohol consumption does play an important role in Australian society, binge drinking is dangerous and a significant social problem. Please be responsible in your habits, as this will impact your own health and safety, as well as the reputation of study abroad students in general.
LGBTQIA+
It is recommended that LGBTQIA+ students conduct personal research on their host country before departing for their program. The link below may be a good starting point on such research. However, students should keep in mind that social attitudes and acceptance may vary based on a number of factors including region, age, and the local political climate. If you would like to be connected with your host coordinator or an alumni who identifies as LGBTQIA+ before your departure, please contact your Student Services Officer.
Daily Life
CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
Multiculturalism
Australia was first inhabited by indigenous Aboriginal peoples and later vastly populated by the British. However, following liberal immigration policies just after World War II, Australia's population is now vibrantly multicultural, and composed of people from at least 210 different nationalities. Due to (relative) geographical proximity, many of these people hail from Asia originally, although there are also significant Greek, Italian and Turkish populations, among others. You will find the student population to be likewise diverse. Therefore, it may be difficult to precisely define what Australian culture truly is. Not surprisingly, you will find that values of egalitarianism and tolerance are paramount.
Try to make a sincere effort to meet and get to know the locals. You will find that people are generally friendly, good-natured and willing to give you a "fair go." In conversation, show an interest in Australian sports (perhaps the fastest way to an Aussie’s heart!), politics and social issues, or Australian movies and arts. Meanwhile, prepare yourself to be asked and challenged about your own political beliefs. If you notice that Australians have a habit of frankly mocking political figures or others (no topic is sacred), try not to be offended or take it personally – this is just part of the Australian sense of humor. If you don't want to talk about these issues, simply politely decline to talk about them. Read more about Australian society and culture on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
LIFESTYLE
Greetings
With family and friends, women may greet each other and say goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. Men will greet each other by shaking hands.
Time, Work, and Leisure
Australians work hard, yet perhaps take their "leisure ethic" more seriously. They are infamous for their relaxed lifestyle and quality leisure time is a strictly enforced priority.
Sports
Sport is perhaps the favorite pastime of Australians, and you may miss out on a significant part of the culture if you choose to avoid it. Read up on Australian Rules Football (or Aussie Rules), cricket and rugby before you leave and get ready to dive into the mania and root for a side upon your arrival. Since most cities are along the coast and weather is quite good for most of the year, water sports and activities are also very popular.
Alcohol
Australia's beer-drinking culture ranks up with that of Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Ireland, and the legal drinking age is 18, so don't be surprised if you find much of student social life takes place at the local pub — especially after sporting events. It's common for friends to take turns ordering rounds of beers for each other ("shouts"), so be prepared; if you accept a beer from someone, the implicit expectation is that you will return the favor next time.
It is important to keep in mind that although alcohol consumption does play an important role in Australian society, binge drinking is dangerous and a significant social problem. Please be responsible in your habits, as this will impact your own health and safety, as well as the reputation of study abroad students in general.
LGBTQIA+
It is recommended that LGBTQIA+ students conduct personal research on their host country before departing for their program. The link below may be a good starting point on such research. However, students should keep in mind that social attitudes and acceptance may vary based on a number of factors including region, age, and the local political climate. If you would like to be connected with your host coordinator or an alumni who identifies as LGBTQIA+ before your departure, please contact your Student Services Officer.
Health and Safety
Prescription Medications: If you’re planning to bring your prescription or over-the-counter medicine on your trip, you need to make sure your medicine is travel-ready. More information can be found here, and please contact your Student Services Officer and ISEP Home University Coordinator with any additional questions.
General Health Guidelines: Your health and safety is our number one priority. Please read and reference our Guides and Tips section for general information regarding health and safety abroad and contact your ISEP Student Services Officer with any questions or concerns as you prepare to study abroad.
- Detailed information about Australia can be found here. Please pay special attention to the Safety and Security, Local Laws and Special Circumstances and Health sections.
Note: Information sourced on this page is provided by the U.S. Department of State. Non-U.S. nationals should disregard the Embassies and Consulates and Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements sections.
- Health information for Australia can be found here.
Currency
CURRENCY
Australian currency is the Australian dollar. Similar to the US dollar, it is divided into 100 cents. Dollar bills come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations, while coins come $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. Exchange facilities are available at international airports, banks and major hotels. Exchange rates vary depending on the facility used, although banks often have some of the best rates. See Xe.com for the current exchange rate.
BANKS, ATMs, AND CREDIT CARDS
In Australia, the banking system is regulated by a central reserve bank. The banking system is rigorously controlled and "standardization" is such that there are fewer independent savings banks. The Commonwealth Savings Bank has the most branches throughout Australia (it is federally owned). In general, it is most convenient to have an account with one of the larger banks such as Commonwealth or ANZ and obtain an ATM card. As such banks are located throughout Australia, you can withdraw money with the card from almost any city. To open a bank account you will need your passport (stamped by Australian Immigration), student ID card and money to deposit into the account (it can be as little as AUD $10). Most bank branches are open from Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except public holidays).
ATM’s are widely available, and you should be able to use your own debit cards to withdraw cash from an Australian ATM. Most major credit cards and debit cards are accepted. However, Discover Card is not accepted in Australia. You can also usually use your own credit cards or debit cards to pay at most restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. Just be sure to call your bank and credit card companies before departure to notify them of the dates you will be traveling; otherwise those monitoring your accounts may notice foreign charges and disable the cards for security purposes. It is a good idea to have a backup card, should you encounter a problem withdrawing funds for any reason. When traveling to more remote areas or smaller towns, have a small amount of cash on hand.
DISCOUNTS
Look into purchasing an International Student ID Card (ISIC) card. It can often get you discounts on travel, movie tickets and more. You should also research whether a monthly public transportation pass is available for purchase, and whether this is more cost advantageous than individual fares, which can add up quickly.
TIPPING
Tipping is always optional as Australian workers receive a minimum wage and do not need to rely on tips as a means of income. However, a 10% tip for good service at a restaurant is common, as is simply rounding up your fare to the next dollar or two when tipping taxi drivers.
Sources of Information
LEARN MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIA
Check out these great websites below to help prepare for your Australian experience!
Check out these great guide books to help prepare for your Australian experience!
*All links below will take you to the Amazon.com Web site for content and purchasing information
Frommer’s Australia
Australia (Country Guide)
CultureShock! Australia: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette
Let's Go Australia