EDUCATION PATHWAY

IN AUSTRALIA

YEAR 12 – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

The final year of high school, where students complete an ATAR
(Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for university entry.

FOUNDATION STUDIES & DIPLOMAS

Alternative entry pathways to university, often offered by TAFE and private colleges.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE (3–4 YEARS)

Undergraduate degree providing in-depth knowledge and skills in a chosen field.
Some programs, like engineering, may take 4 years.

MASTER’S DEGREE (1–2 YEARS)

Advanced studies after a bachelor’s, either coursework-based
(professional skills) or research-based.

PHD (DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, 3–4 YEARS)

The highest academic qualification, involving original research and a thesis.