We provide consultation service to overseas students and help them choose the most suitable courses to fulfil their ultimate intention. Our commitment is to see that you reach your goal in life. As an education consultancy in Australia, we are committed to providing the best possible education options so that you succeed.

What can we do for you? The advantage of using our service is that we are headquartered in Australia. Parents can have a peace of mind that their children have somebody (normally from the same cultural background) to turn to in time of needs. Parents who intend to visit their children while they are studying here can also use Blue Travel to book accommodation and plan their tours.

Guide for a new student

http://www.excitingaustralia.com/newstudentguide.htm

Below are the steps that normally an overseas student would go through to come to study in Australia, starting from researching the lifestyle and living cost of different cities in Australia, the universities/colleges, the courses, where to stay when you in Australia and permission to work etc.

Guide for a new student

Below are the steps that normally an overseas student would go through to come to study in Australia, starting from researching the lifestyle and living cost of different cities in Australia, the universities/colleges, the courses, where to stay when you in Australia and permission to work etc.


Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
Research and enquiry Apply for the course you wish to study Apply for a Student Visa Arrive in Australia
    Medical Check up and Chest X-ray

Find panel doctors in your country
Settling into living and studying

See our settlement services.
      Visit our office or call to speak to us if you encounter any problem

Japanese students have the option to visit our Japanese site, http://www.blueeducation.com/

The evolution of primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary education in WA has created a system internationally recognised for its quality and excellence. Perth has a well-earned reputation as an 'Education City', offering courses every year to over 36,000 international students seeking university degrees, vocational qualifications, secondary and primary education, foundation and pathway courses and English language skills.

Return to Top

Studying in Perth

Schools

In Western Australia, there are government and non-government primary and secondary schools. It is compulsory for all Australian children to attend school between the ages of six years and sixteen years. Most students continue in education until they are 18.

Children enrol in primary schools for years 1 to 7 with most children attending kindergarten and pre-primary before starting Year 1. Upon completing their 7th year of primary school, they transfer to secondary schools for Years 8 to 12.

Western Australian and Australian government legislation ensures high educational standards and quality premises, whilst the educational programs in all schools are monitored with the standards regularly evaluated through testing programs. Most government schools are co-educational and non-government schools and are either boys only, girls only or co-educational. Some non-government schools also offer boarding facilities.

All government schools are secular while most non-government schools have a religious affiliation. Schools that enrol international students require additional registration from the state government.

All schools share a common approach to learning, based around the individual needs of the student. All schools regularly report to students and to parents regarding educational progress and well-being.

The academic year commences early in February and finishes in December with the year being divided into four terms, two in each semester.

Return to Top

Primary

At primary schools (Years 1 - 7) the students are generally taught by one teacher for most of the school day. Some schools also have specialist teachers for some subjects like music, art, drama and religious studies.

The curriculum integrates skills, knowledge and understanding from eight learning areas - English, Mathematics, Science, Technology and Enterprise, the Arts, Society and the Environment, Health and Physical Education plus Languages other than English.

Return to Top

Secondary

Choice and diversity increases at the secondary school level.

In Lower Secondary (Years 8 - 10) the curriculum is again based on the eight learning areas as well as a range of elective subjects that the students can choose from. The students are taught by different teachers with specialised qualifications in their subject areas.

In Upper Secondary (Years 11 and 12) students are encouraged to study subjects in which they excel or which relate to their career aspirations. Students are required to develop a more detailed theoretical knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

In Year 12, students can elect to sit for the Tertiary Entrance Examination (TEE). Their Tertiary Entrance Ranking is based upon school assessment and their TEE results. Depending on their TER score students can access universities and colleges in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, and the UK.

Return to Top

Universities

There are five universities in Western Australia offering courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. They all have excellent facilities and high standards of excellence in teaching and research. Consequently they have earned international recognition and admiration for the quality of their graduates.

Return to Top

Bachelor degrees, taking three to five years to complete, are offered in a wide range of disciplines. Undergraduate students can also opt for shorter Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Associate Degree courses.

Graduate certificates and graduate diplomas, taking between six months and one year, are designed to further develop professional knowledge and skills gained from an undergraduate degree.

Masters degrees, which usually take two years to complete, can be undertaken by course work or by research. The highly popular Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degrees are recognised as demanding, relevant and prestigious qualifications for people seeking careers that will take them to the most senior positions in the private and public sectors.

The Doctoral degree (PhD), taking a minimum of three years to complete, is the highest award offered by Universities. It is a research degree but some programs may have a coursework component.

The standard university academic year runs from early March to late November and is divided into two semesters. Some courses have mid-year enrolments in July. The commencement date for postgraduate research studies is usually more flexible for students. Enrolment and orientation usually take place one to two weeks before the formal commencement of courses. Prospective students need to attend both. Orientation allows students to get to know their campus, adjust to student life, and meet academic staff.

Return to Top

Vocational

Vocational and Technical Education (VTE)

Australia's Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) and Pathway sector is a nationally recognised system of vocational education and training courses. Courses range from three months to three years full time and some programs lead to credit at university level. There are more than 200 study areas to choose from and they are more practical than theoretical in nature. Courses are developed in collaboration with industry and the community to ensure they are internationally recognised and that the most up-to-date training is provided.

VTE and Pathway colleges usually run from early February to late November with the year divided into two semesters. Some courses have mid-year enrolments in July. Some colleges offer a trimester academic calendar with three intakes a year. Typically, enrolment and orientation take place one week before the commencement of courses. Students need to register their choice of subjects with the appropriate faculty.

Return to Top

ELICOS

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, or "ELICOS", are offered by a number of institutions in Perth. ELICOS courses typically comprise 20 hours (or more) of classroom teaching per week. Student visas can apply for permission to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week.

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)

ELICOS courses usually fall into four categories:

  • vacation or short courses
  • courses preparing students for entry into secondary, vocational, pathway, foundation or university courses
  • English for examination purposes (eg: IELTS preparation); and
  • Specialised English for academic or professional purposes.

Return to Top

Parent Information

As a parent, the thought of letting your son or daughter go off to another country for study can be a daunting one. On the one hand, you realise the experience will open a whole new world of possibilities for your child. They will experience life in another country, with all the opportunities for personal and professional growth that come from studying abroad. On the other hand, they will be living in a new country with different values, beliefs, culture and language. Will they be able to adapt and fit in? Will they be a target of racism? Will your child be safe, and free from physical and mental harm? How trustworthy are the educational institutions overseas? How can you be sure any qualifications received will be of value to your child's future? Can you afford to send your child overseas to study? These are all perfectly natural questions. The following information attempts to address these issues.

Return to Top

Student Support

When you move to a foreign country, the first three months are vital. It can be a time of loneliness and vulnerability. Most students find that after the first three months, things get a lot easier and they begin tho enjoy themselves. That is why the support services offered to students are so important.

Student support services are an important part of Western Australia's education system. It is an international leader in safeguards and support services for international students. Specialist services for international students are well resourced, quality-assured and can be enjoyed in a safe and welcoming society. Institutions are sensitive to religious and cultural needs and provide a range of support and monitoring services to help deal with settling into a new environment, the practicalities of living in Perth and completing studies.

Among the excellent range of services supporting the personal and academic achievements of international students in Perth are:

Academic Services

Code of conduct

Australian Government legislation includes a code of conduct that is consistent and legally enforceable. Many institutions are members of professional bodies with their own codes of conduct. For example, the institutions in Western Australia that are part of the Perth Education City (PEC) consortium apply their own code of conduct. These codes set standards for academic and support services for international students. PEC represents the majority of Western Australia's leading educational institutions and provides a first point of contact and information to prospective international students.

Student protection

The Australian Government, through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 regulates education and training services to overseas students. It protects the interests of all people on student visas, by providing tuition and financial assurance through an Australia-wide approach to provider registration.

Government Institutions

Every education provider that recruits, enrols or teaches international students, must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). This applies to each course regardless of State. CRICOS lists all providers registered to offer courses to those on student visas, and the courses offered. The Western Australian Parliament has also enacted separate legislation that enforces the obligations on education providers to meet stringent codes of conduct in order to be officially registered to promote to, and enrol, overseas students.

Flexible Pathways

Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national system of learning pathways and awards linking universities, pathway, vocational education and training, and school education.

The AQF structure allows students to move easily from one level of study to the next and from one institution to another - subject to visa requirements. A small number of scholarships may be available for continued studies in Australia.

Qualification

International students in Australia and their parents enjoy a level of service and financial protection that is unrivalled. Providers must be registered with the Australian Government and meet special registration conditions for delivering courses to international students in Australia. Public and private institutions must meet high standards of quality and ethical practice that take into account such issues as curriculum, qualifications of teaching staff, and facilities. Australia is seen as a benchmark for quality assurance in international education.

Return to Top

Employment

Getting a Job After You Finish Studying

The Australian Government works to promote the recognition of Australian qualifications internationally so that graduates of courses in Perth can be confident that their qualification will be internationally recognised whether for employment or further study.

Perth Lifestyle

Perth has one of the highest standards of living in the world. This is reflected by the high quality of education, health care, transport, accommodation, and recreational facilities. It is clean and safe with a relaxed, healthy lifestyle and a stress free environment. It is just the right size. Not too big (expensive, cold, dangerous) but not too small (still vibrant and exciting)

Multicultural

Perth is a melting pot of harmonious cultural diversity. Over 200 different nationalities live, work and study in this young, progressive society. People in Perth are very welcoming and used to living with people from all over the world. No matter where your child is from, they will find a tolerant and understanding community that is eager to know more about international students and international culture

Affordable

Perth is one of the most affordable places to study in the English-speaking world. Its tuition is also comparable to the world's best. Living costs in Perth are significantly lower than other cities in Australia, the UK and United States.

Religious Freedom

Religious freedom is a major characteristic of a truly multi-cultural society. Perth offers an environment where all international students can feel comfortable.

Most major religions are represented in Western Australia. Human rights legislation guarantees freedom from discrimination on the basis of religion, which is seen as a matter of personal choice. Perth has churches, temples, mosques, synagogues and other centres of worship for most religions. Homestay families and student hostels can ensure that religious dietary requirements are respected.

Tertiary institutions have Catholic and Protestant chaplains who can link students with members of the Islamic, Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Jewish and other faiths. This kind of support is very important when you are away from your own family and country.

http://www.excitingaustralia.com/uni_aus.php

Return to Top

Universities in Australia

Western Australia

Main Campus

Website

Curtin University of Technology

Perth

www.curtin.edu.au

Edith Cowan University

Perth

www.ecu.edu.au

Murdoch University

Perth

www.murdoch.edu.au

University of Notre Dame

Fremantle

www.nd.edu.au

The University of Western Australia

Perth

www.uwa.edu.au

South Australia

Main Campus

Website

Adelaide University

Adelaide

www.adelaide.edu.au

Flinders University

Adelaide

www.flinders.edu.au

University of South Australia

Adelaide

www.unisa.edu.au

Victoria

Main Campus

Website

Australian Catholic University

Melbourne

www.acu.edu.au

Central Queensland University

Melbourne

www.cqu.edu.au

Deakin University

Melbourne

www.deakin.edu.au

La Trobe University

Melbourne

www.latrobe.edu.au

Monash University

Melbourne

www.monash.edu.au

RMIT University

Melbourne

www.rmit.edu.au

Swinburne University of Technology

Melbourne

www.swin.edu.au

University of Ballarat

Ballarat

www.ballarat.edu.au

The University of Melbourne

Melbourne

www.unimelb.edu.au

Victoria University

Melbourne

www.vu.edu.au

New South Wales

Main Campus

Website

Australian Catholic University

Sydney

www.acu.edu.au

Central Queensland University

Sydney

www.cqu.edu.au

Charles Sturt University

Albury-Wodonga

www.csu.edu.au

Macquarie University

Sydney

www.mq.edu.au

Southern Cross University

Lismore

www.scu.edu.au

The University of Newcastle

Newcastle

www.newcastle.edu.au

The University of New England

Armidale

www.une.edu.au

The University of New South Wales

Sydney

www.unsw.edu.au

The University of Sydney

Sydney

www.usyd.edu.au

University of Technology Sydney

Sydney

www.uts.edu.au

University of Western Sydney

Sydney

www.uws.edu.au

University of Wollongong

Wollongong

www.uow.edu.au

Queensland

Main Campus

Website

Australian Catholic University

Brisbane

www.acu.edu.au

Bond University

Gold Coast

www.bond.edu.au

Central Queensland University

Rockhampton

www.cqu.edu.au

Griffith University

Brisbane

www.gu.edu.au

James Cook University

Townsville

www.jcu.edu.au

Queensland University of Technology

Brisbane

www.qut.edu.au

The University of Queensland

Brisbane

www.uq.edu.au

University of Southern Queensland

Toowoomba

www.usq.edu.au

University of Sunshine Coast

Maroochydore

www.usc.edu.au

Australian Capital Territory

Main Campus

Website

Australian Catholic University

Canberra

www.acu.edu.au

The Australian National University

Canberra

www.anu.edu.au

University of Canberra

Canberra

www.canberra.edu.au

The University of New South Wales (Australian Defence Force Academy)

Canberra

www.unsw.edu.au

Tasmania

Main Campus

Website

University of Tasmania

Hobart

www.utas.edu.au

Northern Territory

Main Campus

Website

Charles Darwin University

Darwin

www.csu.edu.au

Return to Top