Degrees/Diplomas

University system:
Undergraduate level:
This first cycle of studies are at the undergraduate level. These studies can take between 3 and 4 years, depending on the discipline. After successfully completing the undergraduate studies, the student will receive a bachelor degree (BA). At that point the student can start working professionally or continue their studies.
aim: To prepare the student to attain:
An Associate Diploma or the Diploma  (2 years)
An Advanced Diploma  (3 years)
A Bachelor Degree (3 to 4 years)
A Bachelor Honors (post Bachelor Degree)

Duration: From 3 to 4 years depending on the discipline:
Sciences, commerce, and arts: 3 years
Education, engineering, and law: 4 years
Medicine, architecture: 6 years (exception)

Content : Lectures and supervised work.

Diplomas awarded at the undergraduate level:
The Associate Diploma and the Diploma is awarded after 2 years of studying and gives the student enough qualifications to start a professional job. These diplomas are granted within the following areas of study: science, agriculture, education and commerce.
The Advanced Diploma is awarded after 3 years of studying in a specialized discipline such as physical education or music.
A Bachelor's Degree can take between 3 and 4 years (6 years are exceptions depending on your discipline) and is awarded to a student after they have studied a discipline at a more indepth level.
The  Bachelor Honors is awarded to a student after they have received a Bachelor’s Degree and completed one more year of studies in which they have researched and written a thesis. This degree entitles you to be a qualified professional.

Graduate level
aim: To prepare the student to attain
A Graduate Certificate (1-year)
A Graduate Diploma (1 or 2 years)
A Master's Degree  (1 or 2 years)
A Doctorate or Ph.D. (3 years minimum)

Diplomas awarded at the graduate level:
The Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma are intended for short and specialized studies. The certificate and the diploma allows a student to receive a professional qualification.
To receive a Master’s Degree, the student has two studying methods. They can either study by researching and writing a thesis (Master by Thesis) or by participating in courses (Master by Course Work). The courses taught in the Master by Course Work are based on theory and practice. This level of the education system is constantly supervised to maintain the high standard of education.
A Master by Thesis can also be attained if you combine courses and research work. One can do the same program of study as the Master by Thesis but be awarded a Master Honors.
The Doctorate or Ph.D. is a cycle which can only be done once they have a Masters. To receive a Doctorate a student must research and write a thesis over a minimum of three years.

Professional and technical education
Technical and Further Education Colleges (TAFE) :
TAFE are state schools. There are currently 90 TAFE schools located throughout Australia.
aim: To get a professional and technical education recognized at national level.

Duration: 2 or 3 years

Diplomas awarded:
A Diploma (2 years)
An Advanced Diploma (2 or 3 years)
A Bachelor Degree (2 years).
Classes are taught in collaboration with industrial and professional associations in relation to the job market. The admissions conditions vary according to the chosen discipline.

Contents : Studies are in both theory and practice.
The courses are constantly inspected to ensure the level of standard.
The schedule is flexible to enable working students the opportunity to attend class. Professional experience is appreciated. A student is able to transfer to the university system if they wish to continue their studies.

Private Education and Training Providers:
This institutions also offers professional courses and short cycle educational programs. These institutions are also recognized by the Australian government.