The Schools in Australia are divided into three main groups:  
Primary Schools (years 0-6 or 7) 
Secondary High Schools (years 7 or 8-12) 
Junior Colleges (years 7 or 8-10 only) 
Senior or Matriculation Colleges (years 11 and 12 only). 
After year 10, most students go straight on to Years 11 and 12 (Senior Secondary).
Year 12 or Adult Matriculation is necessary if students want to go on to higher education courses at universities, and also necessary for some TAFE and private commercial courses. 

The School Years
The school year varies a little from state to state but generally begins in late January/early February and ends in December. Schooling is compulsory in Australia and is divided into primary and secondary levels. In the last two years of secondary school, students may undertake studies, which may lead them to university/ vocational education or employment. Schools operate directly or indirectly (non-governmental schools) under the respective state governments, however all of Australia’s post school qualifications are linked by a single nationwide system of qualifications known as the Australian Qualification Framework  (AQF). Another attractive feature for students going from abroad for higher studies in Australia is the protection of their interests provided by the government through Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. The act ensures protection of international students in matters such as tuition fees and provides for grievances to be addressed and service to be guaranteed all such educational institutions. University (undergraduate and postgraduate) There are 39 universities in Australia ranging in size from 3000 students to more than 30,000 students. Two of Australia’s universities are privately owned and funded and 37 are public, funded by the Australian government. There are more than 600,000 students studying in Australian universities and over 65,000 of these are international students. All Australian universities are strictly monitored to maintain high standards in teaching and research. Most Australian universities are located in cities, while some are found in rural environments. Universities offer courses in a wide range of areas at the following levels:

• Bachelors Degree 
• Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Diploma 
• Masters Degree 
• Doctorate (PhD)

University in Australia is a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, as well as individual study in laboratories and libraries. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities that balance academic life.Each university has its own entrance requirements for each course offered. Most courses start in February, however, some may also start in July and October.

TAFE
Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) is a government owned and operated education system that offers courses in almost every field of study. There are more than 230 government TAFE colleges around Australia that offer courses at certificate, diploma and advanced diploma levels. Many TAFE courses will lead to credit transfer arrangements at Australian universities so you can earn credit towards a bachelors degree. Some TAFE courses are only a few weeks while others may take up to three years to complete. Some TAFE colleges are located in cities, while others are in rural areas. Most courses start in February, however, some may also start in July.TAFE courses emphasize practical and professional learning that will help you get a job.

Private and Specialist Colleges
Private and Specialist colleges offer courses in almost every area of study, usually at certificate, diploma and advanced diploma level. These courses are often designed to teach practical skills you can use in the workforce. Courses can range from 10 weeks to 3 years, and each college will have its own entrance requirements. Many private and specialist colleges have credit transfer arrangements with Australian universities so you can earn credit towards a bachelors degree.Some examples of the types of courses you can study at a private or TAFE college:

Accounting, Aviation, Business management, child care, Computer studies, Graphic design, Hair and beauty therapy, Information Technology (IT), Marketing, Office administration, Secretarial Studies, Travel and tourism, Hospitality and hotel management. 

Academic Year
The academic year starts in late February and finishes in November. Many universities and colleges also accept enrolments in July. You can start an English Language course at any time. Study Methods
Students at Australian universities and colleges attend lectures, tutorials, seminars, as well as conducting independent research in libraries or laboratories. You will be encouraged to collect and analyze data by yourself or in teams, to ask questions, to develop an argument in a logical form and to participate in discussion and debate with other students and lecturers. This means students are active learners in Australia, and don’t just passively listen and rote learn. Most colleges and universities can help you with study skills so you can adapt to the Australian way of learning.

Assessment methods
Each school, college or university has its own assessment methods. You may be assessed by examination, through essays and reports, oral presentations, class participation, practical work and tests. Postgraduate degrees (Masters and PhD) by research are assessed by thesis. The approximate time taken in completion of each course is given in parenthesis. Certificates I and II may be undertaken as part of Senior Secondary Certificates of Education or as separate courses. Students can continue on this pathway and gain a diploma through training institution or through learning at work place or they may even use this as credit towards degree. The flexibility that it provides, by allowing a student to move from a course in vocational college to a degree course in a university and to take credit with him, so that he doesn’t have to repeat the studies, is one of the best features of the AQF system.

Comparison table 

INDIA	AUSTRALIA
CLASS X	HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS XII	YEAR 12 CERTIFICATE
GRADUATION (3 yrs)	BACHELORS
POST GRADUATION	GRADUATE DIPLOMA
MPHIL	MASTERS DEGREE
PH D	DOCTORATE