“Australian international education has further surpassed its record financial year, after the Australian Bureau of Statistics valued the industry at $28.6 billion for 2016/17 … Among the broad suite of changes implemented, the ABS said the most major was moving from using a survey of international student spending on non-tuition fee items, such as accommodation and public transport, to using the International Visitor Survey which provided a more detailed overview.



“This is a testament to the reputation of Australian education across the world,” education and training minister Simon Birmingham said.



“International student numbers are up 15 per cent on last year and while the sector supports more than 130,000 jobs in Australia and delivers billions of dollars to our economy, what’s even more important are the global knowledge connections the sector fosters,” he added.



“We know that educating international students here in Australia makes a profound contribution to our country’s cultural strength and diversity, the cross-cultural skills and outlook of Australian-born students, and to our future diplomatic and bilateral relationships in the world,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson told The PIE News.”

WHY CHOOSE AUSTRALIA ? Education Quality Australia boats eight Nobel Prize winners amongst its best-known achievers. The Australian higher education system is federally regulated, meaning that the Australian government regulates every university in the country each year to ensure that they are maintaining Australia’s high standard of education. Students who study abroad in Australia can be well assured that they are receiving a world-class education during their time in Australia. Education Services for Overseas Students Act In 2000, Australia introduced the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. Under ESOS, institutions are obliged to meet certain requirements in order to enroll international students. Every Australian institution that meets these requirements is listed on the publicly available Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The requirements covered under ESOS include stringent standards for marketing activities, education delivery, facilities, and students support services. If an institution does not meet the standards for any one of these requirements, it isn’t registered, and cannot enroll international students. For this reason, potential employers know that students who have studied in Australia have received some of the highest quality educations available. It is important to note, however, that people who enter Australia on a non-students visa do not have the assurance provided to most international students under ESOS. Extended Support Australian education institutions are required to ensure that the marketing materials they provide to international students (such as brochures and handbooks) are accurate and not misleading. Institutions must provide international students with current and accurate information before issuing proof of enrollment. They must also support international students in adjusting to life in Australia, and must provide them with information on legal services, emergency and health services, facilities and resources, and any student visa conditions relating to course progress and/or attendance. International students in Australia can be secure in the knowledge that their school has their best interests at heart. Qualification Recognition After graduating from an Australian university, a student’s education qualifications are recognized by international employers and education institutions around the world. This is due to the fact that all Australian education qualifications are included under one national system—Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF makes it easier to progress to the next AQF level anywhere in Australia by linking school, vocational, and university qualifications. Because of the AQF, it is also easier for overseas governments to recognize education qualifications. International employers know that the AQF stands for a world class education in a modern and technologically advanced society. Because of this, students who study in Australia but choose to pursue careers elsewhere find it easier to find work following graduation. International students in Australia can be confident that the education qualifications they receive during their time in Australia will service them well throughout their lives, no matter where life takes them. Australia also has a system to recognize students’ qualifications from other countries: the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). The NOOSR allows Australian institutions to recognize education qualifications from overseas, making it easy for international students to continue their educations in Australia Education institutions in Australia are among the best in the world. International employers recognize the value of a degree from an Australian university, making it far easier for students who study in Australia to find work in their chosen field following graduation. Australia also has a system to recognize students’ qualifications from other countries: the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). The NOOSR allows Australian institutions to recognize education qualifications from overseas, making it easy for international students to continue their educations in Australia. Education institutions in Australia are among the best in the world. International employers recognize the value of a degree from an Australian university, making it far easier for students who study in Australia to find work in their chosen field following graduation.

MBBS IN AUSTRALIA Let us begin by understanding the educational structure of medical studies in Australia. Prior to 2004, the education system for medical studies in Australia was similar to that of UK. Essentially, there was a bachelors’ degree program that conferred the title of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery) and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree was more of a graduate degree reserved for its research training program. Both these programs, however, continued to be graduate programs (meaning that a bachelors’ degree was must for eligibility). A change in the AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) has qualified the medical studies as a master’s degree program. As of now, there are two levels of entry to the Medical Schools in Australia. Undergraduate programs for medical studies are essentially the programs that accept students after the matriculation or high school. These usually last for about 5 – 6 years and degrees offered are MBBS. At the graduate level, the course is usually for 4 years and confers the degree of MD. Undergraduate Medicine Courses - MBBS These are essentially 6 yearlong programs and have a theoretical coursework followed with extensive Practice Based Learning as suggested by the AQF. While many of the Universities/ Medical Schools in Australia only offer Graduate Degree Programs in Medicine (MD), a few of the good medical schools do offer the undergraduate entry level programs. University of Adelaide and University of New South Wales are good examples. Eligibility English Language Proficiency (often a minimum IELTS score of 7)

Completion of Higher secondary education from a recognized board/institute

Minimum 17 years of age (which might vary from university to university)

Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) Graduate Medicine Courses – MD Essentially, almost all of the medical courses in Australia are graded at Level 9 as a Master’s program and confers the degree of Doctor of Medicine – MD. This is usually a 4 year graduate program and offered by many top universities of Australia like University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Deakin University, etc. It is important to note that some universities’ medical program might not be called MD and have a different nomenclature. The best way to judge whether or not it is a graduate or an undergraduate program is to check the entry level. It is often clearly mentioned that it is a graduate program. Eligibility To apply to the graduate medicine courses in Australia a candidate ought to have English Language Proficiency (often high levels of proficiency is expected)

Bachelors’ Degree

GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) Score or MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) Score Curriculum Most medical schools follow a similar education program, which includes essentially two phases: 1. Pre-Clinical (first 1–3 years) is typically classroom focused and theoretical in developing foundational medical knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, whilst gradually introducing the principles of patient care and basic clinical skills 2. Clinical (last 2–3 years) is typically based in the hospital or clinic where the student partakes in clinical placements in various specialties similar to an observership or clerkship where they learn from clinicians in order to further develop their clinical skills Most learning is multi-modal and includes traditional didactic learning through lectures, workshops, seminars, clinical simulation and tutorials, group-based tutorials such as Cased-Base-Learning (CBL) or Problem-Based-Learning (PBL), in addition to any hospital facilitated educational activities. Research project(s) are mandatory in the Master's level MD programs and optional in the Bachelor's level MBBS programs. This is in addition to encouraging students to be able to critically appraise literature and practice Evidence Based Medicine Assessments commonly include a mixture of written (MCQ, EMQ, short and long answer) and clinical exams (OSCE) at the end of each term or unit. It is important to note that unlike our counterparts in the United States where there is a standardised exam (USMLE) across the country in order to become licensed to practise medicine, Australian medical school exit exams are set by the individual medical school and serve as the qualifying exam to be eligible for Medical Board registration. Successful completion of medical school allows the graduate to be registered provisionally with the Medical Board and proceed to applying for an internship. It is not until speciality training where there are standardised examinations held across the nation that is facilitated by respective medical speciality colleges.

POST-GRADUATION- RESIDENCY & LICENSURE IN AUSTRALIA Graduation outside Australia and Residency in Australia International medical graduates (IMGs) whose medical qualifications are from a medical school outside of Australia and who are seeking registration to practise medicine in Australia must provide evidence of eligibility to undertake one of the following assessment pathways: Competent Authority pathway

Standard pathway, or

Specialist pathway Graduation and Residency/Speciality in Australia Prevocational training is the beginning of postgraduate medical education in which doctors develop competencies after completion of their basic medical qualification. The first year after graduating from medical school is a compulsory supervised training year known as internship or postgraduate year 1 (PGY1). The following year/s (PGY2, PGY3 etc.) are spent working as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO). The PGY1 and PGY2+ years that a doctor undertakes prior to entering a vocational training programme provides the grounding for future vocational training.

Scholarships Available in Australia They provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. Benefits of the program are : Full tuition fees

Return air travel—payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route

Establishment allowance—a once only payment as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, text books, study materials

Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) – a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by the department.

Introductory Academic Program (IAP)—a compulsory program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on living and studying in Australia

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only)—provided to cover the scholar's basic medical costs (with the exception of pre-existing conditions)

Pre-course English (PCE) fees—if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training

supplementary scademic support may be available to ensure a scholar's academic success or enhance their academic experience Fieldwork (for research awards and Masters by coursework which have a research component where fieldwork is compulsory) may be available for eligible research students for one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia. NOTRE DAME SCHOLARSHIPS: First-time incoming freshman having extraordinary student profile can be given funds starting from $5000/yr to a full attendance cost. Under Notre Dame, students can work on student Visa for 20 hours a week, but the tuition fees have to be paid in advance. During the breaks, students can work full-time, and the University of Notre Dame offers affordable Catholic education to international students. TASMANIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP Over a decade, the University of Tasmania provides a generous award named as Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS) as an initiative of the Australian government. This is the most generous award provided to the international students as it helps in the reduction of 25% of the tuition fees within the stipulated course duration. UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA SIBLING DISCOUNT Apart from TIS, the University of Tasmania Sibling discount has also been provided. This discount is given to the international students who either currently or previously have a sibling taking education in UTAS. The discounted amount is of 10% of the tuition fees and is given throughout all the undergraduate and postgraduate courses. But the thing to be noted is that this discount is given only if you fail to get TIS or any other funded studies. LINDSAY MCWHA INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION FUNDING FOR INDIAN STUDENTS Under the University of Adelaide, 50% of accommodation in the urbanest apartment is provided for the Indian students who begin their bachelor study. Those who have commenced a study at the University of Adelaide are not eligible. The students need to pay 50% of the fees to the most-urban apartment. A 6 bedroom shared apartment is provided to the students. This is a merit-based scholarship where the English language scores are also considered. If there are some conditional offers for the students, all the conditions should have been met by the students. MONASH INTERNATIONAL MERIT AWARD There are various awards offered by this university, the Monash University International merit awards for outstanding international students is for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of foreign nations who study at the University of Monash. The institution that hosts the award is the University of Monash. The students across the globe can be benefitted by this award, provided they undergo undergraduate or postgraduate study in this university. From $50000 to $100000 is paid for the full-time study per year. Undergraduate or postgraduate students, who can be commencing or continuing students in the University of Monash campus in Australia, are eligible for this award. Only international students are eligible.

UNIVERSITIES IN AUSTRALIA Content

SCOPE GRADUATION OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA AND RESIDENCY IN AUSTRALIA International medical graduates (IMGs) whose medical qualifications are from a medical school outside of Australia and who are seeking registration to practise medicine in Australia must provide evidence of eligibility to undertake one of the following assessment pathways: Competent Authority pathway

Standard pathway

Specialist pathway GRADUATION AND RESIDENCY/SPECIALITY IN AUSTRALIA Prevocational training is the beginning of postgraduate medical education in which doctors develop competencies after completion of their basic medical qualification. The first year after graduating from medical school is a compulsory supervised training year known as internship or postgraduate year 1 (PGY1). The following year/s (PGY2, PGY3 etc.) are spent working as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO). The PGY1 and PGY2+ years that a doctor undertakes prior to entering a vocational training programme provides the grounding for future vocational training.

PMCWA was established in 2003 to provide leadership for early postgraduate medical education and training in WA. AIMS OF PMCWA Development of guidelines and protocols for the education and training of prevocational doctors and other medical practitioners not in vocational training programs.

Setting standards for prevocational training positions within health services

Accrediting and monitoring medical training positions for prevocational doctors (PGY1 and PGY2+)

Monitoring and advising on the supply and demand for the prevocational workforce in WA

Supporting clinicians and other professionals involved in the education and training of prevocational and other non-vocational doctors

Identifying and advising on matters that impact the health and welfare of prevocational and other non-vocational doctors. MEDICAL BOARD OF AUSTRALIA In 2010 all states and territories joined the Medical Board of Australia, which is a division of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Medical Board of Australia has an office in all capital cities, including Perth. The Board is an independent statutory authority. Its role is to: Register medical practitioners and medical students

Develop standards, codes and guidelines for the medical profession

Investigate notifications and complaints

Where necessary, conduct panel hearings and refer serious matters to tribunal hearings

Assess International Medical Graduates who wish to practise in Australia

Approve accreditation standards and accredited courses of study The Board consists of eight medical practitioners, one legal practitioner and three community representatives. DPME – DIRECTOR OF POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION The DPME is a consultant who has general responsibility for overseeing hospital-wide postgraduate medical education activities, including orientation of doctors. This person is only available at sites directly employing interns. S/he has specific responsibility for overseeing the training of prevocational doctors in accordance with the PMCWA Accreditation Standards, as well as the Australian Medical Council and Medical Board of Australia Standards. DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL TRAINING (DCT) The DCT is a person to approach in times of stress or difficult situations as they will be able to provide you with support and advice. It is usually a consultant at the hospital whose role includes assisting with the prevocational training program, providing Guidebook and advice to junior doctors and liaising with term supervisors regarding JMO issues. MEDICAL EDUCATION REGISTRAR (MER) The MER is a good first point of contact for junior doctors in need of help. S/He is a registrar employed by the hospital whose role includes teaching, development of educational materials/programs, supporting and advocating for junior doctors and supporting the work of the Postgraduate Medical Education Unit. MEDICAL EDUCATION OFFICER (MEO) The MEO specifically assists with the prevocational education and training experience. You will come to know your MEO very well in your intern year as he/she will be present at the intern teaching sessions and will keep you up to date with news relevant to interns.