Thread: Universities in Australia

Greetings To Those from Oz. My twins (dual US/Filipino citizens, one boy and one girl) are approaching 13 years old. There's a lot of time left, but I need to start thinking about university options for them. At this point, I'm pretty much down to US or Oz. Cost, while obviously a factor, is not a huge one as I should be able to handle all but very expensive private Ivy League colleges in the US, even with the two enrolled at the same time.

Distance is more of a factor. As most posters know, I am based in the Philippines. Oz is much closer (and cheaper) than going back and forth to the US.

My wife and I have visited OZ, but not traveled extensively there (Sydney, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef).

I wonder if some folks from Oz might offer some general thoughts. Good universities, good cities, annual cost per kid inclusive of all (housing, food, etc).

I also would be interested in thoughts on the quality of education in Oz as opposed to the US. I would request slamming by the Brits be contained as much as possible - these are serious requests for information.

I am also interested in the question of racism. I know that this can be as issue for Asians in Oz (at least I think so), while it is not much of a factor in the US. The twins are mature, attractive, and well-grounded. They are both Karate black belts, and good athletes. They are both also academic achievers.

Once I get some initial feedback, I'm sure I'll have additional questions on the application process and other things.

I like Oz, and Aussies, and find them to be much like Americans before the beginning of the decline of America.

I look forward to your input and thank you in advance.

I would also solicit similar information from any Kiwis who might be lurking out there.

what degree have you decided on

^They have no idea at this point.

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

I would also solicit similar information from any Kiwis who might be lurking out there.

this is what I'm thinking of for the future

^What? NZ?

I am thinking the same thing. But I have noticed the cost of living is much higher in both Australia and New Zealand than America. In fact in trying to plan a vacation I about fell over at how expensive both can be.

I will be following this thread. Nice start Davis.

Originally Posted by aging one

I am thinking the same thing. But I have noticed the cost of living is much higher in both Australia and New Zealand than America. In fact in trying to plan a vacation I about fell over at how expensive both can be.

Wow. Depressing start...........

Firstly, I don't think that racism is going to be much of an issue. There are a lot of Asians in most capital cities, especially Melbourne and Sydney (the two biggest cities in Australia) so they will hardly raise an eyebrow on that score.

In Australia they have a system where you study now - pay later. I have included a link here with a bit of info on that.

Making Study Affordable - Financial Options Available - SEEK Learning Australia

In Melbourne (Victoria) the main universities are:
Melbourne University (probably the most respected, prestigious but dearest) The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
Latrobe University, La Trobe University, Australia
Monash University, Monash University
Victoria University. Home | Victoria University | Melbourne Australia
It really depends on which course your kids decide to do as to which Uni would be best for them. There are other universities in Melbourne as well, but not as highly regarded.

Here is a link to a list of universities in Victoria and what they offer.

Victorian Universities in Victoria Australia

Sorry, I can't be of any help for any universities in other states.

^Many thanks for the links. The pay later option, however, appears to be limited to Aussie citizens.

Brisbane is a great city, a lot warmer than the other cities, if they are used to living in the Philippines. Good public transport, and many Asian students.

universities brisbane qld -

Davis.
Have you considered any English universities?
The university of Liverpool is particularly outstanding in the fields of thievery and banditry, whilst Oxford or Cambridge offer a different type of banditry but only thievery in the first person.

Good luck.

North Queensland has James Cook University in both Townsville and Cairns


and the newly created website causing ructions amongst the intelligentsia

http://myuniversity.gov.au/

I wonder if you'd do better in the USA give their citizenship status and the $ exchange rates. Anyway they'd be welcome in Aus, Asian faces and culture are well accepted.

Would you want your kids coming back sounding like Barry Humphries or Terry 57though?

Originally Posted by palexxxx

In Australia they have a system where you study now - pay later. I have included a link here with a bit of info on that.

Australian citizens only.

As far as the cost of living goes, who can predict where it will be in a dozen years time. I dont think there is a great difference really. (between USA and Australia).

Plenty of good Universities in Australia and New Zealand. It sort of depends on where and what you kids want to do.

It's becoming a bit clearer (and Baldrick's question is making more sense) that where you choose to study in Oz is dependent on what you plan to study (called your 'major' in the US) much more than in an American colleges. The first two years of college in the US are normally devoted to a course of "General Studies", more or less the same for all students. Then you choose a major, and devote the bulk of your course study over the second two years to that field. Most American students don't really know what they want to do when they begin college, thus the system gives them two years to test it out before making a selection. Many students also select a "major", and then end up changing it if some other field later catches their fancy.

New question: High School in the Philippines is through Grade Ten. Students graduate at age 16 with ten years of schooling. In the US, it is through Grade 12. Students graduate at age 18 with 12 years of schooling.

Is it Grade 10 or 12 in OZ/NZ?

If I plan to send the kids to college in the US, they will have to finish the first two year of "college" here to meet the 12th grade requirement for admission to an American college.

gusG: Thanks for the link.

Withnallstoke: Never crossed my mind.

Bazzy: Possibly. Just looking at options.

Kwang: That, of course, is a concern

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

Is it Grade 10 or 12 in OZ/NZ?

If I plan to send the kids to college in the US, they will have to finish the first two year of "college" here to meet the 12th grade requirement for admission to an American college.

Year 12. Students normally start University at age 17 or 18.

BTW - In Australia we do not have four year colleges like the States does. A college is normally the residence halls of a University.

However, there are some University bridging programmes to make up the two years, many Universities aggressively market these as an alternative to the last two years of high school and then guarantee that the students will be able to enter the University.

Monash University.
Melbourne University
RMIT
Sydney University
Maquarie University
ANU
Swinburne

are all well known, and excellent quality Universities.

Originally Posted by Sir Wilson

four year

engineering ?

SAT scores required for US entrance. Only achievement to grad 10 will not be acceptable for US as you know. SAT test in grade 11.

My son is doing his honours in physics at RMIT and my daughter is doing a sports science degree at Victoria University in Melbourne, both are excellent schools.Although overseas students pay more for courses their entry requirements are lower,eg if a local needs an enter scorer of 95 to do law, a foreign student would only need 85-90.

^ My son is also doing a sports science degree at Vic. Uni.

There is far less "McDonaldization" in Australian culture. Brisbane is a very nice city to live in. And compared to the States, crime and violence are far less.
Griffith University and Queensland University are leafy, green campuses in lovely areas.

Originally Posted by ltnt

SAT scores required for US entrance. Only achievement to grad 10 will not be acceptable for US as you know. SAT test in grade 11.

I can handle the SAT requirement through the International School in Manila.