When considering study in Perth Australia, especially Western Australia, there are several things that you should know about the education system in Australia. Western Australia has an 11-year compulsory education system, starting from the age of 6 through to 16. Almost 99% of all Australians are literate. The school type or education system in Perth Australia is divided into 3 (three) sectors :
Schools sector:
- Primary education: from 6 years up to 12 years of age
- Secondary education: from 13 up to 17 years of age
Tertiary:
- VET (Vocational Education and Training) or TAFE (Technical and Further Education) Perth WA
- University Perth WA
Students who wish to continue their study at a tertiary level may choose to study at a TAFE Perth WA/vocational school or go directly to University in Perth WA. TAFE is a type of further education that specializes in an industrial and practical method of learning (in Indonesia better known as a polytechnic). In Western Australia, TAFE Perth WA is run and funded directly by the government. There are more than 80 TAFE campuses located in several states of Australia with a mixture of local and international students. TAFE Perth WA offers courses which have been adapted to the standards and requirements of various industries so that students who have graduated from TAFE Perth WA are able to work in various areas of Western Australian industries. In addition to TAFE Perth WA, there are many other private educational institutions offering industry-based courses.
University in Perth Western Australia (WA) offers a higher level of education than TAFE Perth WA. Here, students can earn a bachelor/ master/graduate certificate degree which will be able to support their careers in Western Australia. Most universities in Perth Western Australia are managed by private institutions, so do not be surprised if the tuition fees more expensive than TAFE Perth WA or other vocational schools. Western Australia has several universities that are on the list of best universities in the world such as University of Western Australia and Curtin University of Technology.
For those who wish to study in Perth Australia, there are several requirements proposed by the educational institutions in Western Australia including:
- High school certificate or other highest education level (diploma or degree) or a report card for students in grade 10/11 who want to directly go to TAFE Perth WA.
- A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 to enter TAFE Perth WA/other vocational school or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for university entrance.
- 18 years or older when applying for vocational school or university in Perth Western Australia (WA).
Students in grades 10/11 who want to enter TAFE Perth WA or university in Perth WA who are under 18 years old will usually be advised to join a Foundation program for 1 year or more to equalize their education. They can also choose to enter directly to the diploma program in a vocational school because there are certain vocational schools that can accept students under 18.
Prospective students who do not achieve IELTS 5.5 or 6.5 for TAFE Perth WA or university in Perth WA need to take an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) before they enter to the mainstream course of Diploma or Bachelor degree. The duration of the English course will depend on the last score of their IELTS or level of their English which can be assessed by a test provided by their institution. The lower the IELTS score, the longer duration of the ELICOS courses. For those who wish to continue studying in Australia it is important to prepare everything as early as possible. Requirements include the certificate of completion of previous studies, birth certificate, family card, medical examination results, police clearance, tuition fees and living expenses.
If you would like to find out more about the education system in Perth Australia, particularly in Western Australia, please contact education ONE now. Our expert education consultants will be able to answer your enquiries and provide the best solution for your future studies in Australia.