WHAT ARE EDUCATION PATHWAYS?
Studying in Australia is an excellent way to further your education and career prospects, and pathway programs have made Australian higher education more accessible than ever before. If you are falling short on meeting the entry requirements for your desired course in Australia, there are multiple pathway options available at all qualification levels to help you reach your goal. The pathways include Foundation Studies Programs, Bridging Courses, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses, Postgraduate Pathway Program and English Language Courses. These programs and courses are tailored to provide you with the academic knowledge and English language skills required to meet the minimum entry requirements of your dream course.
THE ADVANTAGES OF PATHWAYS
Lower entry requirements
A pathway program helps you build the necessary skills, knowledge, and qualifications to enter a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. It allows you to work your way up the qualification ladder, so you can pursue your desired course even if you do not meet the entry requirement initially.-
Direct entry
Most Australian providers that offer pathway programs for international students also offer conditional direct entry into a relevant undergraduate degree after completion of the program. In some cases you may be awarded credit for the study you already completed once you enter your degree. This allows you to finish your degree at the same time as the students who are admitted directly.-
Cost-effective
Pathway programs could be a cost-effective and innovative way to accelerate your undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These programs may contribute towards credit, exemptions or advanced standing that allow you to transfer into the second or third year of your chosen degree. In many cases, the tuition fees for studying at a pathway provider can be less than a university’s tuition fees, which may reduce the overall cost of your degree. -
Cultural Adjustment
Pathway programs offer you the opportunity to adjust to Australian culture. You will study alongside fellow international students as you all adjust to studying in Australia. In addition to gaining academic knowledge and improving your communication skills in English, you will familiarize yourself with Australian lifestyle, culture, and customs.
THE PATHWAYS JOURNEY
While most journeys begin after high school graduation, some courses also admit candidates who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 11. The admission requirements into a pathway program vary depending on the education providers, intended degree, and country of origin. In general, candidates are required to submit a high school diploma or equivalent, and an acceptable language test result like IELTS or TOEFL.
Each pathway program offers a unique experience and curriculum, but they usually involve coursework that aligns with the higher education degree that a student plans to pursue. Typically, students study core subjects, such as sciences, mathematics, and business, as well as English language. Most pathway programs in Australia can be completed within a year where minimum completion grades are required to proceed. Graduates with appropriate grades may receive guaranteed entry into their desired program without submitting any additional materials, though requirements vary by institutions.
If you think a pathway program is the right choice for you, you may contact us to discuss which pathway is best for your entry into your course. We will help you choose the pathway program that best suits your needs.
Foundation Studies
Foundation Studies Programs provide a pathway for international students to gain entry to undergraduate study at Australian universities and colleges. They are divided into different streams and offer a broad introduction to subjects of your choice. These programs are intensive preparatory programs that prepare students for the language and study demands of the Australian curriculum.
Foundation studies are offered by universities, TAFE institutes and some private colleges and are typically one year in length. Some education providers offer direct entry into a relevant undergraduate degree upon the completion of the foundation studies..
Bridging Courses
Meeting the entry requirements for some tertiary degrees can be a challenging obstacle to overcome, and a bridging course can help you meet the prerequisites requirements for your chosen degree. Bridging courses are short courses which cover the “assumed knowledge,” or the minimum level of knowledge on the subject you need in order to take a particular course. They focus on a specific knowledge gap, which will help you build a strong foundation you need to move on into more advanced studies.
Do not let your limited prior studies in particular hold you back, and demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in your tertiary studies and chosen career.
Vocational Educational and Training (VET) Courses
A VET qualification is also a great pathway to a university degree in Australia. VET courses cover a wide range of industries including trades, retail, hospitality, technology, business and administration. Depending on your previous studies and the final degree you want to pursue, you may enroll in a Certificate I, II, III, IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Vocational Graduate Certificate or Vocational Graduate Diploma course.
VET courses equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to earn admission to Australian degree programs. Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas can be used as pathways to undergraduate studies, while Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are the pathways to postgraduate degrees in Australia. These certificates and diplomas may allow you to transfer credits to another higher education course, which shortens the length of your degree.
Postgraduate Pathway Program
International students at all levels can find pathway programs in Australia. Graduate students who intend to pursue their postgraduate degrees in Australia, but do not meet the admission requirements can access their preferred graduate program by first enrolling in a pathway program. Some pathway programs allow students to complete relevant master’s courses while still in their pathway programs, reducing their overall study time and costs.
There are also pathway programs that package their course offers, which allow their candidates to apply for a pathway study and a PhD at the same time. After successfully completing their pathway programs and meeting all the conditions specified, they can transition straight into PhD at an Australian university. Postgraduate pathway programs emphasize on academic writing, oral communication, research and study skills. The courses are determined by the discipline focus of the degree in which enrolment is sought.
English Language Courses
English language courses in Australia are designed to enable international students to develop their English language skills for a variety of purposes. They are available at different levels and lengths to suit varying levels of English language proficiency.
English language courses will help you improve your English skills so you can meet the English language entry requirements to enter a diploma or degree program in Australia. Attending the required English language tuition at approved English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers may gain you direct entry into some Australian academic institutions without an IELTS or TOEFL test. The English language courses offer the very best preparation for success upon your entry into your main academic program.
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