History/Background
Australian universities are highly competitive and internationally recognized. University education follows a similar tradition to the British education system. The first Australian university was established in 1850. Today there are 39 universities in Australia (two are private).

Australia stands by strict, academic standards in their higher degree programs and elects to admit the most qualified and interested individuals. Universities in Australia are accredited by their respective governments and created only through an official act of Parliament. The US and Canadian governments recognize all these universities as outstanding institutions for a full degree program. There are no true levels of good vs. bad institutions. Unlike the US, with 3,300-plus institutions of higher learning, the Australian government closely monitors their universities to ensure that they maintain high standards of education.

The bachelor's degree, typically three years in most disciplines, is followed by the graduate/postgraduate diploma, master's and PhD/professional doctorate degrees.

Bachelor's degree
This is generally a three-year program, although in certain specialized disciplines and double-degree areas a degree can take from four to six years. In one university, you can even earn a bachelor's degree in as little as two years. Australian undergraduate degree programs forego the electives that typically make up a fourth year in North American universities.

Students who excel academically may be invited into an Honour's Year, which makes up the fourth year of study in Australian bachelor's degrees. This is a graduate-level year of study with an intensive research component. In some universities, superior academic performance in an honour's year can lead directly into a PhD program.

Graduate/postgraduate diploma
This is a one-year intensive coursework program open to those who possess a bachelor's degree. Although there is no US equivalent, the diploma can serve a bridge between a bachelor's and a master's degree, and in some cases is the first year or first half of a master's program. A diploma can lead to certification in some fields. For example, people who are interested in teaching careers typically enrol in and complete the graduate diploma to gain their teaching qualification.

Master's degree

A master's degree can be completed in one year in many disciplines in Australia, although one and a half to two years is not uncommon. In Australia, two types of master's degrees are available: the master's by coursework, and the master's by research. For students with a significant research background, it is possible to complete a master's in one year by thesis. Master's by coursework: This is by far the most popular and applied-to type of master's degree, and involves a program of classes in your major and typically a smaller research project in the second half of the degree.

Master's by research: For those whose goal is either a PhD or to conduct intensive research, then this option may be for you. Most research master's degrees do not involve a coursework component. Rather, they are made up of intensive, self-directed research leading to production of a thesis or major research project. The standard requirements for entry are submission of a research proposal IN ADVANCE of being accepted - which means you must have a well-thought-out research plan and the university having a faculty member available to supervise you.

Doctorate
Professional Doctorate: You can earn a professional doctorate, which is typical for fields such as psychology, education and law. These are typically two-to-three-year coursework intensive programs, with a research component. A master's degree in the same or a closely-related discipline is usually required.

PhD: The PhD you earn in Australia is similar to that at most any North American university. Typically you spend three to five years of self-directed research leading up to a major dissertation. The same application policies apply as for a master's degree by research. A master's degree in the same or a closely-related field is typically required for entry into a PhD program.

Degree accreditation
If you are interested in earning a degree in which you need a license to practice in the Canada, such as law, medicine, psychology, education, nursing, etc., it is highly recommended that you contact either the accrediting body in your field or trade organization for your chosen field. The degree you earn will be recognized, but you need to be sure you have enough components such as practicum hours, professional practice, coursework, etc. to be sure that when you return to North America that you will prepared to sit for your licensing examination.