Studying in Australia

All  University lectures and classes are taught in English. Classes may be taught in a combination of lectures or seminars, tutorials (discussion groups), and practical/laboratory sessions. Assessment of students work may include written assignments, seminar presentations, design folios and examinations. The number of class hours varies between each program. Generally classes are held during the day with some programs, particularly at postgraduate level, held in the evening.

All Universities complies with Australian Government legislation regarding education services provided to international students.

Academic year

The Australian academic year is divided into two semesters.

·         Semester 1 begins late February/early March and finishes in late June.

·         Semester 2 begins mid July and is completed by mid November.

Teaching Styles and Learning Environment

The Australian higher education system is similar to the British system.

o        Classes are a combination of lecture, tutorial, studio and laboratory sessions.

o        The core information is given in the lecture and further work is carried out in seminar and tutorial (discussion) groups of 10 to 20 people. Open discussion is encouraged and expected and this can make for lively tutorial sessions.

o        Science, engineering, technology and language programs will also include laboratory classes. Art and design programs will have practical sessions.

Study hours
Students at Australian universities and TAFE colleges usually attend 3-4 lectures or tutorials each day, Monday to Friday. Each class can last from one to three hours. Classes in some programs, particularly postgraduate, are held in the evening.

Programs in some disciplines, for example social sciences, require students to do more individual reading and research and may have fewer class hours.

Teaching and assessment methods
Each school has its own teaching and assessment methods. Your lecturers and tutors are required to tell you about assessment methods when you begin classes in each course.

Plagiarism is an offence. You must not use another person's thoughts, writing or invention as your own. Instead, you are expected to acknowledge the original sources and use these as a basis to develop your own ideas.

Most lecturers and tutors require essays and assignments to be typed rather than hand-written. All universities has computer laboratories on its main campuses and you are encouraged to use them for your study. Purchase of your own computer is, however, strongly recommended.

Student participation

You are encouraged to participate in class. You may be required to answer questions, put forward your own ideas in a general discussion, or make a presentation to your class.

Students are expected to be self-motivated and the problem solving approach is the usual method of teaching and learning.

The relationship between students and staff is generally informal and relaxed. You should always ask for assistance, particularly when you do not understand something that was said.

Although International Services is your first contact point, there are staff in every school who are responsible for assisting international students.