Australian and New Zealand Universities: More than Just Koalas and Kiwis
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Australian and New Zealand Universities: More than Just Koalas and Kiwis
Lea-Anne Allen Macquarie University leaanne.allen@mq.edu.au Sara Cavalieri College Apps Abroad sara@collegeappsabroad.com Tori Ellenberger Deakin University T.Ellenberger@deakin.edu.au Anna Frisk The University of Auckland a.frisk@auckland.ac.nz Todd St Vrain University of Melbourne todd.stvrain@unimelb.edu.au
Get to know Australia & New Zealand Benefits of an Education Academic and Student Life Application processes Financing a degree
The Land Down Under
• Geographically similar size to the U.S.
• Population: 25 million
• 90% of the Australian population lives
within 60 miles of the coast
• 1 in 4 Aussies born overseas
Australian Universities 43 universities: • 40 public • 2 international • 1 private
Aotearoa New Zealand • Geographically the size of Colorado • Population: 5 million • Even at the most inland point in the Southern Alps, it’s only 75 miles from the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean • 1 in 4 Kiwis born overseas
New Zealand Universities 8 public universities: • 5 in the North Island • 3 in the South Island • All ranked in the top 3% of universities in the world
Education System Comparisons
Most schools allow for students to enroll as “undecided” Students enter with a major/degree already selected
Students can switch majors Students rarely switch majors, but it is possible
Degrees are four years, if not longer Degrees are mostly three years except for professional
programs which are 4+ years
Grades are based on overall performance on assignments Grading can be more exam heavy
Applications: Common App, UCs/CSUs, Coalition, direct Applications: direct & online – usually rolling and free
applications
Both holistic & academic approaches to admission Admission is based largely on standardized testing and
decisions GPA – very much focused on academics
Graduate school required for med, vet, law, etc. Undergrad “fast track” & grad programs in med, vet, law,
etc.
Merit based aid & need based aid available. Some schools Merit based aid available, but likely limited. Need based
meet full need. Federal grants (i.e. Pell, SEOG) & aid through FAFSA is in loan form. Only sub/unsub/parent
sub./unsub/parent plus student loans are able to be used plus student loans are eligible if university if part of Direct
by filing FAFSA. Loan Program. Grants are not eligible at any foreign
institution. Visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/ for list of
schools who are part of DLP.
Academic and Student Life
Academic Life
Large lectures and smaller tutorials
All lectures recorded and put online
All subjects supplemented with tutorials
Small group discussions or labs
Fewer assessments that count heavily towards final
grade (E.g., final exam 65% of mark)
Stricter grading standards more to a bell curveThe ‘right’ fit
• Mature, independent learner, resourceful
• Academically rigorous
• Well-travelled, thrives in multi-cultural and international environment
• Loves city life but easy access to nature
• Appreciates the more laid-back approach to life
• Open to cheeky humor
• Likes having summer breaks November through February, and
‘winter’ break in JulyStudent Life
Orientation, including international student orientation
Australians tend to stay local and commute to university
Accommodation
- Students have many options on or off campus
- Residential colleges: all-inclusive campus living
- Growth in 3rd party student housing close to campus
- Separate applications to accommodation providers
Sports: Clubs and societies; American college sports
culture doesn’t existSupporting Learning Differences
Students are protected under The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
Education Standards.
A range of support is available including:
•Assistance communicating needs with academic staff
•Provision of study materials in accessible formats
•Alternative assessment arrangements
•Access to academic support works, including note-takers and
interpreters
•Longer library loan periods and off-campus library services
•Access to assistive technology
•Support during practical sessions and placements including
ergonomic furnitureApplication Process
Application Process Apply direct to university • In-country high school diploma or IB • SAT or ACT • Some universities set minimum GPA • Some require AP exams • Interviews, essays, extra curriculars are rare Mostly rolling admissions
The Cost of a Degree in Australia and New Zealand
Financing a Degree in Australia • Students are able to work up to 20 hours per week during class time and full time in non-teaching weeks • Minimum wage in Aus is now AU$19.84 per hour • Merit-based scholarships, NOT need based • Exchange rate very favourable • Overseas Healthcare Insurance
Financing a Degree in New Zealand • Students can work up to 20 hours per week during class time and full time in non-teaching weeks • Minimum wage in NZ is NZ$18.90 per hour • Merit-based scholarships, NOT need based • Exchange rate very favourable • Overseas Healthcare Insurance • US Financial Aid eligibility at 4 universities
Tuition Fee Comparison
Wake Forest Australian New Zealand
UCLA (out of state)
University University University
Tuition $57,760 $42,218 $24,000 $20,000
Board $15,520 $16,625 $15,000 $14,000
Books and supplies $1500 $1,464 $450 $400
Transportation &
$2,498 $1,947 $1,795 $1,600
Personal
Total per year $77,342 $62,254 $41,245 $36,000
Total of degree $309,368 $249,016 $123,725 $108,000You can also read
