University courses 

undergraduate	postgraduate
bachelor
	graduate certificate
	graduate diploma
	masters (e.g. MBA)
	doctorate

Courses cover many disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, environmental education, education, science, mathematics and computing, visual/performing arts, engineering and processing, health sciences, business, economics, law and agriculture. Courses can vary considerably in form, entry requirements, duration and method of assessment. Read more about these qualifications in the Australian Qualifications Framework page.

Foundation studies

If you don’t meet academic requirements, there are a few options to prepare you for further study. Depending on your previous studies and the final qualification you want to study, you can enrol in secondary school or Foundation Studies.

Foundation Studies is a one-year intensive preparatory course that will give you the skills you need to enter an undergraduate course. They are divided into streams such as business studies and science studies, and offer both compulsory and elective subjects. English language support is usually available.

Many schools, vocational education and training institutions, and universities offer Foundation Studies courses. The common feature of Foundation Studies is that a university allocates a provisional place in an undergraduate program assuming you achieve the prescribed grades.

Other courses

Australian universities also support lifelong learning, offering short courses and training workshops for professionals interested in updating or expanding their skills base.

Study Abroad courses are available if you wish to study in Australia for one or two semesters and count the subjects completed towards your university studies at home. Study abroad courses are available to you at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The experience is intended to expand your knowledge and present you with the personal challenges and rewards of successfully adapting to another culture.

Academic year

University courses run from early March to late November. The year is divided into two semesters. However, some institutions offer a trimester system and/or run summer schools from December to February. The Universities Australia website provides a list of university semester dates.

Undergraduate and postgraduate by coursework students enrol for their courses at the beginning of the year. Australian universities do allow enrolment in mid-year (around July) for certain courses. Commencement dates can vary, depending on the course.

Students studying towards a Doctoral Degree or other postgraduate research awards may be able to negotiate an alternative starting date with their study supervisor.

Foundation studies have student intakes at several times during the year.