OCEANIA: Higher Education in Australia & New Zealand Destination Coffee Morning Presentation to Parents WAB High School Counseling Office March 10, 2016
Alumni Destinations - 2015 By country/region self-reported by students
Why choose to study here? High standings in world rankings of research universities Cost of higher education is more affordable than some countries Non-citizens can often work on a student visa Employability rates strong around the world Going home for many students, close to family Built in 6 month gap experience English-medium programs Multicultural societies near to Asian countries
Australia
Types of Australian Unis Research-based ANU, Monash, Universities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Western Australia, Queensland, Sydney, New South Wales Technology focus RMIT, Curtin, University of South Australia, University of Technology Sydney, Queensland University of Technology Focus on undergraduate teaching Edith Cowan, University of Canberra, Central Queensland, Charles Sturt TAFEs (Technical and Further Education) Vocational education
Research for entry Must know the course you want to study, at which faculty and university More about the course, rather than the location/campus Do research on Bachelor of Arts vs Bachelor of Science Most direct-entry to degree programs require the full IBDP IBDP points (out of max. 45) are converted to Australian ATAR score scale for some regional admissions centers With IB courses, apply as US High School Diploma applicant to degree programs need to take SAT Lots of bridging programs and TAFEs May need IELTS if non-citizen for visa purposes
Sample IB:ATAR score conversion table
Preparation Timeline G10 Research whether or not to do full IBDP courses, use WOW experience to set up internship contacts, decide what course may want to study G11/G12 Research how specific courses are taught, what are entry requirements, last year s ATAR score cutoff for entry, presumed knowledge, career possibilities Ask teacher for a recommendation letter! Make a plan for the gap semester G12 Do the best you can on IB exams Results released: July 6 for May exams Arrange for your scores to be sent from IB to prospective universities, before you leave WAB
Application Timeline: All after WAB graduation September: Online applications open Each state has its own central processing center (domestic) Each university has its own application for international students October: Complete online applications, rank your course choices Confirm that IB exam scores have been received from IB January: Admissions decisions. You will gain entry to the top ranked program on your list, for which you earned the points (so be careful of your original ranking) February: Term begins. You must arrange housing in a short time between admissions and enrollment
Tertiary Admissions Centers New South Wales University Admissions Centre (UAC) www.uac.edu.au Queensland Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) www.qtac.edu.au South Australia South Aus. Tertiary Adms. Centre (SATAC) www.satac.edu.au Western Australia Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) www.tisc.edu.au Victoria Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) www.vtac.edu.au
New Zealand
New Zealand Unis Major Research Universities Auckland, Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, Lincoln, Massey More focus on academic programs 25 Polytechnics and/or Institutes of Technology More focus on practical training Direct application to each university Prefer full IB DP points Generally, first-year entry is not as competitive as other countries (total points) But then, must prove minimum level of study to continue to second year
Resources http://www.internationalstudent.com/school-search/ international-colleges.shtml http://www.australian-universities.com/ http://www.idp.com/ http://dir.yahoo.com/regional/countries/australia/ Education/Higher_Education/Colleges_and_Universities/ http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/sia/en/home.htm http://www.studyingnewzealand.com/ http://www.i-studentadvisor.com/international-courses-newzealand.html
Advice for students & parents From WAB Alumni
Tips Remember: Will be on gap semester through the application process Do as much research as you can in Grade 12 Can contact counselors as alumni, for questions Think carefully about your gap semester plan When meet or speak to a uni staff member who understands your situation, keep their contact details! Most difficult hurdle is usually arranging accommodation See next slide
Accommodation Residence is very difficult to get think about shared housing and start looking before you apply. Important: which city, lifestyle do you want? Many WAB students apply to multiple states, cities Keep an open mind, especially when returning to your home country Short timeframe Will usually need a teacher or counselor recommendation
Q & A Ms. Bernie (Grades 9 & 11) Mr. Ciffizari (Grades 10 & 12) Mr. Foster (Grades 9 & 11) Ms. Michelle (Grades 10 & 12)