higher education in australia
DESCRIPTION
New enrolment data from the Australian government shows that the country's international education sector is, at best, in the early stages of recovery. Most of the new data point to continued enrolment declines with the exception of one sector: ELICOS (the English-language training sector), which in recent years has been particularly hard hit. Read our accompanying ICEF Monitor article ''Australian international education sector enrolment and commencement trends'' here: http://bit.ly/1yvAroS. For more industry news, market intelligence, research and commentary for international student recruitment please visit http://www.icefmonitor.com, subscribe for free daily or weekly updates, and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/icefmonitor.TRANSCRIPT
FUTURE UNLIMITED
Higher Education in Australia:
Pathways and Student Visa Aspects
March 2013
Natalia Konovalova
Australian Trade Commission, Moscow
Future Unlimited:
a new brand of
Australia’s international education
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ANZA 2012
Future Unlimited: the rationale
Australia is known by
• Beautiful beaches
• Wildlife
• Natural beauty and
• A great lifestyle
BUT
It has much more to offer
• Innovation
• Technology
• The arts
• Science
• Business
• Education
• Global citizenship
• Hard work and determination
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Fast facts
Resilience of the economy to economic crisis
• The fifths in the world in 2012 with an average score: the first between 2008-2012 (Institute for Management Development; World competitiveness Online 1009-2012)
Australia’s Human Development Index (HDI) – looks at annual rankings of national achievement in health, education and income
• The second best in the world, behind only Norway (UNDP Human Development Report 2011)
Australian qualifications and institutions are globally recognised
• In a recent study to benchmark education policies, Australia was placed at the top with a score of 9.4 out of 10 (Major Australia’s competitors were ranked: Germany - 8.9; UK - 8.3; US - 5.0
*Illevia, J.B., and Goh, J. (2010) Measuring the Internationalisation of Countries’ Higher Education Systems: A comparative Perspective from 11 countries
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Top 10 reasons to study in Australia
• World-class quality education and value
• Education outcomes
• Safe and multicultural society
• A welcoming society
• Internationally recognised qualifications
• Ability to work
• Rigorous consumer protection
• Strong student support
• Beneficial study experience
HIGHER EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA
Australia’s Higher Education
• 40 universities, of which
• 37 public universities & 3 private universities
• > 150 other providers of HE
• Increasing number of branches of international universities
• Around 130 accredited private providers
• 4 self-accrediting institutions
International students enrolments
– 515,853 international students; of which
– 230,923 study at Higher Education institutions
– 95,224 studying English language programs
– 145,540 are in VET sector
Source: AEI 2012
Russian students enrolments 2009-2012
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Source: AEI, 2012
Banner ups
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Australian education system
Australian education system promotes and encourages
• Innovative, creative and independent thinking
• Choice
• Flexible delivery
• Lifelong learning
• Quality teaching
FLEXIBLE LEARNING PATHWAYS
Australian Qualifications Framework
Protects the quality of Australian education
• Quality assured framework of national qualifications
issued in the:
• senior secondary schools sector
• vocational education and training (VET) sector
• higher education sector
• Recognised around Australia and by other countries
Australian Qualifications Framework
(AQF)
• Specifies Australian qualifications types
• The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system
• The AQF allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another as long as you satisfy student visa requirements (www.aqf.edu.au)
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AQF – national system of learning
pathways
• Seamless and
diverse
• Encourages cross
sectoral linkages
PATHWAYS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
17
Pathways to higher education
Direct entry
for those who
meet entry
requirements
Alternative pathways
• English language courses
• University preparation and Foundation programs
• College diplomas
Recognition of prior learning – articulation arrangements
Apply for credit transfer at the time of lodging applications. Students are encouraged to apply for credit, via the admission application, to receive a Notification of Credit Transfer entitlement at the time of their offer from university.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES
English language centres
Many to choose from:
• small privately run colleges with small group tuition
• secondary schools preparing students for further
studies
• vocational education centres
• universities offering English in its own right or as a
transition to any number of other tertiary or further
training programs
English Language Courses
Offer English language training to help with future studies
• General English – focus on the development of communication skills, particularly speaking and listening.
• English for Academic Purposes – will prepare you for study at an English-speaking university or a vocational institute.
• English for Specific Purposes – focus on practical English for specific course areas, including English for Business, Aviation, or Tourism.
• Secondary School Preparation – will develop English for entry into an Australian secondary school.
• Examination Preparation
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English Language Intensive Courses for
Overseas Students (ELICOS)
• Australia’s ELICOS is one of the best known in the
world
• Designed for ESL speakers to receive high quality
instruction to
- Develop their English
- Continue on to academic studies
• > 150 English centres to choose from
What to do after ELICOS study
EL
IC
OS
Certificate
Diploma
Bachelor Degree
Master Degree
Doctor Degree (PhD)
EXIT
anywhere
PREPARATORY AND FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
Foundation programs
• Help students transit smoothly into university by developing academic skills
• Focus on developing academic, study and learning skills, and practicing English
• Allow to choose preferred fields of study in line with a selected HE program
Formats:
• Standard (12 months)
• Intensive (fast-track)
• Extended (may include an additional semester)
Dates, entry requirements and duration may differ!
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General requirements
• Age (>16y.o.)
• Academic skills (good academic results)
• English language requirements:
– completed Australian Year 11
– studied a program that was delivered in English
– satisfactory marks in English
Or
– presented results of international English language tests (eg. IELTS, TOEFL)
Russia: Certificate of Secondary Education/Attestat; Average in academic subjects (dependent on university requirements); IELTS/TOEFL, other.
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What subjects can be offered?
Standard format
• Accounting
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Economics
• English
• Geography
• IT
• Mathematics
• Physics
Extended
• English
• Business communications
• Learning Studies
• Introductory maths
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Academic Calendar
Universities intake
Most degree programs have two
intakes per year:
• Autumn Session: February
to June (16 Weeks)
• Spring Session: July to
November (16 Weeks)
Some universities offer 3 intakes per year:
• January; May; August
Foundation programs intake
Vary dependent on the format and
institutions but many are offered in:
• January
• March
• July
• September
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PATHWAYS VIA VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING (VET)
Pathway via Australia’s world-class VET
System
Australia boasts a truly national, world-class vocational education and training system:
• Training in leading edge technologies
• Developing skills for work and life
• Strong links to industry
• Continuing process of improvement
• Client focussed
• Flexible system – responsive to change
What is VET?
VET aims to provide people with the skills and
knowledge they require to:
• Enter the workforce for the first time
• Re-enter the workforce after absences
• Train or re-train for a new job
• Upgrade their skills
• Gain specific skills
• Move into further study in VET or university
What do VET students study?
• Students can study just about anything in the Australian VET sector. It provides a vast array of subjects and programs which range from: – traditional trades to business and commerce and the
creative arts.
– basic skills training for social and community participation, such as English language training.
• Approximately 45% of international VET students enrol in management and commerce programs, the most common field of study.
Diplomas – preparation for entry into
university programs (1st or 2nd year)
Content: courses which constitute the 1st year of a bachelor degree.
Transfer to a linked university program, with credit, exemption or advanced standing, is possible if students:
• complete a diploma program in a related area at partner institutions, offshore or overseas institutions (subject to university)
• achieve a required Grade Point Average (GPA)
• meet English language requirements
• meet any other conditions.
Diploma programs can incorporate an ELICOS course to help improve English language proficiency.
Expected outcome: entry into the second year of a relevant bachelor program.
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Examples of pathways
SCHOOL
In Australia or
Year 12 in home
country
UNIVERSITY IN AUSTRALIA
Bachelor of Commerce
CAREER
OPTIONS
Accountant
Business Analyst
Financial Planner
VET IN
AUSTRALIA:
Diploma of
Marketing
UNIVERSITY IN
AUSTRALIA:
Bachelor of
Business
(Marketing)
CAREER
OPTIONS
Market
Researcher
Marketing Officer
Tourism Manager
CAREER
In home country:
Information
Technology
VET IN
AUSTRALIA:
Diploma of
Information
Technology
UNIVERSITY IN
AUSTRALIA:
Bachelor of
Information
Technology
CAREER
OPTIONS
IT Manager
Network
Administrator
Software Engineer
1
2
3
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS PATHWAYS IN AUSTRALIA
Trends for international students
pathways in 2010 Three out of five students began their studies in English language programs, VET, or other college
Students who completed ELICOS:
ELICOS - HE: 35% (40%*)
ELICOS - VET: 20% (21%*)
Students who completed School:
Schools – HE: 27% (30%*)
Schools – VET: 8% (10%*)
*when other indirect study pathways undertaken
Source: Study pathways of international students in Australia (AIE Research Paper 2012/01)
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Trends for international students pathways
in 2011
International students who commenced in Higher Education were in:
ELICOS: 30% (40%*) VET: 14% (16%*)
Non-award: 11% (12%*) Schools: 5% (8%*)
Of whom 40% commenced Higher Education without prior learning.
International students who commenced in VET were in:
ELICOS: 39% (50%)* HE: 12 % (13%)*
Schools: 4% (6%*) Non-award: 2% (4%*)
*when other indirect study pathways undertaken
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Students expectations and experience
Source: Fiocco, M. An evaluation of a pathway program: the students’ view. Australian International Education Conference 2006 – www.idp.com/aiec
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Students expectations and experience (cont.)
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Study in Australia website: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/russia
46
PIER • PIER online (Professional International Education Services)
http://www.pieronline.org/
• The Education Agent Training Course (EATC)
– There is no cost to access the information and materials of the EATC;
interested participants simply need to fill in an online registration form at
the EATC website
• To become a Qualified Education Agent Counselor you will need to
undertake the EATC Formal Assessment. 80 minute test, comprising of 50
multiple choice questions. Fee based exam.
• List of qualified Education Agent Counsellors
http://eatc.pieronline.org/qeac
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Australian Student Visas
Student Visa Processing Framework
March 2013
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Australian Student Visas • Streamlined Processing and AL Exempt
• Genuine Temporary Entrant Criteria
• Documentary requirements
– Checklists
– Translations and certified copies
– Agents and Authorised recipients
• Label-Free Visas
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Streamlined Processing - Eligibility
Subclass 573
Bachelor
Degree
Master Degree
(coursework)
Subclass 574
Doctoral Degree
Master Degree
(research)
Subclass 575
Non-AQF Award
(exchange)
Non-AQF Award
(Study Abroad)
Course
Packaging
Subsequent
Entrants Subclass 580
6
Standard processing
Streamlined Processing
Student
Student
CoE or letter
of offer
Course of Study
Country of Pp Assessed under
AL 1- 4
CoE Eligible Provider Assessed under
AL Exempt
Eligible Course of Study & Level
Streamlined processing – AL Exempt
Case Studies
PERSON A
Person A from Russia has applied
after 24 March 2012 to study a
Bachelor of Business.
Person A has lodged a paper
application and has attached a CoE
from an eligible university provider.
Q1. What AL Level should Person A be
assessed against?
Q2. What evidence of English
Language proficiency should Person A
provide?
52
Answer 1 – AL Exempt
Why? - Person A is intending to study
an eligible course at an eligible
provider and has a CoE, therefore the
applicant will assessed as AL Exempt.
Answer 2 – The same evidence as an
AL 1 applicant.
Streamlined processing – AL Exempt
Case Studies
PERSON B
Person B from Russia has applied after
24 March 2012, to study an ELICOS
course followed by a Graduate Diploma
(subclass 573).
Person B has lodged their application
and attached a CoE for both courses.
Upon inspection you can see the CoE’s
provided belong to eligible providers.
Q1. Should Person B be assessed
against
AL X or AL2?
53
Answer:
Assessment Level 2
Why?
Graduate Diplomas are not eligible
courses for exemption of Assessment
Levels
Genuine Temporary Entry • The main criteria for assessing student visa applications
• Does the applicant genuinely intend to enter Australia, obtain a qualification, and then leave Australia to return home?
• We consider many aspects of a person’s circumstances, including reasons for study, incentive to return from Australia, previous international travel, relevance of proposed study to history/ future plans of the applicant, future employment prospects in their home country etc.
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Motivation Letter – GTE Requirement • All applicants should provide a personally written statement about
their reasons and motivations for wishing to study their proposed course. – Why did choose the course/ location? – How does the course relate to their previous study/ work? – Why are they changing their career or study path? – What is the value of the course to their future (future employment
prospects, financial expectations)?
• If the statement is clear, detailed and logical, we may not need to interview the applicant. This may reduce processing times.
• Can be in English or in Russian
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Other Documents - GTE Requirement • Evidence of previous related study/ work
• Incentive to return from Australia
– Evidence of previous international travel (copies of visas)
– Evidence of property/ asset ownership
– Family ties to home country
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Documentary Requirements • Checklists at russia.embassy.gov.au
• Translations not required if in Russian
• Certified copies only required for official identification documents (Birth certificates, Death certificates, Marriage certificates)
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
- Ensure you are using the updated forms (available from www.immi.gov.au)
Agents and Authorised Recipients • All agents must be authorised recipients to receive
grant and refusal notifications (and other information)
• Agents MUST ensure a completed form 956 or 956A (depending on the circumstance) is provide with each application. See each form for an explanation of when each should be used.
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
E-Medical • Many panel doctors now have e-medical facilities.
• Applicants should wait for notification of their HAP ID number with their acknowledgement letter from the Embassy. They must take this to the panel doctor.
• Applicants should not do medicals before they lodge their application
• Medical results transferred electronically to Australia for clearance and our systems update automatically
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Other Changes • Can grant visa up to 4 months before start of course • Students can now work up to 40 hours per fortnight • Assessment Level changes for Ukraine and Kazakhstan • Student Guardian visa holders can now study English up to 20 hours
a week • Fraud PIC 4020 – 3 year ban for providing fraudulent documents or
information in an application • Introduction of a new post study work visa for graduates of eligible
courses • See: www.immi.gov.au/students/ to keep up to date with the
latest news and developments
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Visa Label-Free Travel • Visas are now granted to all Russian and Ukrainian
citizens WITHOUT a visa label. • Passports should NOT be provided to the Embassy. • A photocopy of each applicant’s passport data page
must be provided with the application. • The visa will be an electronic record held on Australian
Immigration systems. • Clients will be provided with a visa grant letter for their
reference. • Airlines and border staff have been trained.
Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Информация по вопросам
получения студенческой визы
• http://www.immi.gov.au/students
• www.immi.gov.au/allforms
• www.russia.embassy.gov.au/mscw/StudentVisa.html
• www.russia.embassy.gov.au/mscw/VisaInform.html
Contacts at Austrade
Natalia Konovalova
Business Development Manager Russia/CIS
T +7 495 231 3615
F +7 495 231 3602
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/russia
www.austrade.gov.au/futureunlimited