Australia

School lasts 13 years (a preparatory year plus 12 grades) and ends with a state certificate — each state calls it something different. The academic year runs from February to December, which is convenient when moving to and from the southern hemisphere.

Between school and university there is a well-developed vocational education sector (VET/TAFE) with practical qualifications and the option to transfer to a university later.

The last two years of school are preparation for admission: a pupil chooses subjects and sits final exams in them. The results form a ranking score, the ATAR, which decides places at universities.

For international students there are one-year Foundation programmes that replace the missing school year.

A bachelor’s takes three years (longer for engineering and law), a master’s one to two. Universities are strong in biology, medicine, earth sciences, ecology, agriculture and information technology.

Tuition is paid; the cost depends on the university and the subject. There are scholarships for international students, but not many, and competition is high.

You need IELTS 6.0–6.5, a school certificate (or a year of university / a Foundation programme) and a subclass 500 student visa. A visa requires proof of funds and a student health insurance policy (OSHC).

Intake is for the February and July semesters; applications are made directly to the university or through an agent.

A student visa allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and with no limit in the holidays.

After a degree, graduates can stay in the country on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for two years or more — one of the main reasons to choose Australia.