Glossary

Terms

Academic calendar

Academic calendar

Definition

Most institutions will have an academic calendar which will list holidays, exam periods, result release dates, census date and other important dates you need to know.

Acceptance

Acceptance

Definition

You will need to accept the offer of study your institution gives you; this is your formal acceptance.

Accreditation

Accreditation

Definition

Accreditation is the process by which a course or training program is officially recognised and approved. Different institutions in Australia are accredited by different bodies, depending on the level of study and the type of institution. In general, for more information about Vocational courses (see VET) check with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and for Higher Education more information is available through the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Admission

Admission

Definition

Admission is when the institution gives a place to a student, to allow a person allowing them entrance to undertake a course of study at the institution.

Advanced diploma

Advanced diploma

Definition

An Advanced Diploma is a qualification in the vocational education and training and higher education sectors. See Australian Qualifications Framework.

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing

Definition

Advanced Standing is when you enter a course with credit for previous study, for example you might be able to commence the course in the second year of a three year degree. See also Credit(s) and Recognition of Prior Learning.

Airport Reception

Airport Reception

Definition

Airport Reception or Airport Pickup is a service offered in some areas where you are met at the airport by a representative from your institution or another body.

Alumni (alumnus)

Alumni (alumnus)

Definition

When you complete your studies you become an alumnus of your institution. Many institutions offer networking, professional development and other activities for alumni groups.

Articulation

Articulation

Definition

Articulation is usually the progression of a student from one course to a course at a higher level, with some partial credit given. It is often documented through an Articulation Agreement between two institutions. See also Pathways.

Assessment tasks

Assessment tasks

Definition

Assessment tasks are tasks, exams, essays or other pieces that will be used to assess your ability within the unit, module or course. See also Assignments.

Assignments

Assignments

Definition

Assignments are any process designed to test a student's learning, including assignments and essays, in class tests and exams. See also Assessment tasks

Associate Degree

Associate Degree

Definition

An Associate Degree is a lower level undergraduate degree, usually completed in two years. See Australian Qualifications Framework.

ATAR

ATAR

Definition

An Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is a ranking given to students who have completed Year 12 in Australia and wish to enter university. It is based on their academic performance in Year 12.

Australian culture

Australian culture

Definition

As with most countries, Australia has a unique culture, which includes many customs that you may find different or strange. Before you arrive familiarise yourself with some of the more common customs, your institution may have some information that will help you.

Australian Government

Australian Government

Definition

Australia has a federal system of government, democratically elected by citizens over the age of 18. Federal Government departments and bodies that you may find useful are: - Department of Immigration and Citizenship: www.immi.gov.au - Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education: www.innovation.gov.au - Austrade: www.austrade.gov.au - Australia.gov.au - AQF: www.aqf.edu.au - ASQA: www.asqa.gov.au - TEQSA: www.teqsa.gov.au See also State Government, Local Government

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

Definition

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. More information can be found at their website – www.aqf.edu.au.

Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)

Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)

Definition

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national regulator for Australia’s vocational education and training sector. More information can be found at their website – www.asqa.gov.au.