01 – Diploma
Many current students in Australia are no strangers to the Diploma program, which is widely recognized in Australia and is sometimes referred to as Fast Track First Year or International First Year. So how is it different from a normal first year undergraduate program? Today ACIC will take you to learn more about the Diploma program in Australia!
02 – What is Diploma?
Diploma is a formal diploma in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) at Level 5. By undertaking a Diploma program, students are able to learn the knowledge and skills of a specific profession and apply these theories and techniques to prepare them for further advanced skills work or academic study.
03 – Where to study for a Diploma?
Students can study a Diploma program at a tertiary education institution (e.g. university) or a vocational and technical training institution (e.g. TAFE) and be awarded a Diploma certificate by these institutions.
04 – Differences from freshman year
Diploma in Higher Education
Entry requirements for the Diploma are usually more relaxed than for the first year of an undergraduate degree. For students who do not meet the university admission criteria, a Diploma program can lead to an undergraduate degree. In addition, Diploma programs are taught in a different way to first year undergraduate programs, with small class sizes, which helps students adapt to the new learning environment more quickly. However, the number of institutions offering Diploma programs in Australia is relatively small, and the number of specializations is also relatively small. Diploma programs at tertiary institutions (such as universities) are often referred to as International First Year or Fast Track First Year, and focus on specialized university courses, which are more academic than technical courses, and provide a foundation for future undergraduate courses. Different universities offer Diploma programs in different majors, usually for a period of 1 year.
Course Pairing Options: Diploma programs at universities are usually paired with the second year of an undergraduate program at the university. Students will also need to choose between different specializations to match different undergraduate majors.
Diploma in vocational and technical subjects
Diploma of Vocational and Technical Training Institutions (e.g. TAFE) focuses on a number of skilled vocational professions, such as chef, carpentry, cosmetology, hairdressing, massage, renovation and so on. Through cultural learning and internships, students are able to master specific crafts and prepare for employment. Most Diploma programs are 1 to 2 years in duration. Course Pairing Options: Technical Diplomas can usually be paired with Certificate III or Certificate IV programs, and some technical colleges can also pair them with undergraduate programs. Whether or not you choose to take a complementary program depends on your specific needs.
05 – Differences between the different pathways
Another common bridging program to enter an Australian university is Foundation, so what is the difference between Foundation, Diploma and Undergraduate First Year? Difference between Matriculation and Diploma: Matriculation program is equivalent to Year 12 in Australia in terms of content and level, and successful completion of Matriculation can directly enter the first year of undergraduate study. Diploma programs are equivalent in content and level to the first year of a university degree and lead to a full diploma. Successful completion of a Diploma program in a particular field of study can lead to the second year of university in that field, which is more time efficient than the Foundation program.
06 – Difference between Diploma and direct entry to first year undergraduate program
While the Diploma is similar to the first year of an undergraduate degree and students have access to university resources, the Diploma is usually taught in small classes and students have access to more academic support. Although the entry requirements for Diploma are relatively low, students need to successfully complete the Diploma program and meet specific requirements in order to enter the second year of university. There is no difference between entering university through a Diploma and an undergraduate degree earned directly from the first year. Many Australian universities now have their own designated Diploma programs and also accept Diplomas from partner institutions. For example, Griffith University’s Griffith College offers the International Freshman Diploma, but also recognizes the Diploma in Hospitality Management from TAFE or some other private schools.
07 – Course Recommendations
07.A – University of New South Wales
UNSW College offers the Diploma program as a bridge program that provides students with a pathway into the second year of university. The program includes six areas of study: Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Science, Media and Architecture.
Diploma in Business Business Starts: January/May/August 2024 Tuition: $45,030 Entry Requirements (Australian High School): Completed Year 12, ATAR70 Entry Requirements (Chinese High School): Completed Senior 3, average score of 85 %; Or local VCE reached over 60%; IELTS 6.5 or equivalent English score.
Diploma in Computer Science Computer Starts: January/May/August 2024 Tuition: $43,440 Entry Requirements (Australian High Schools): Year 12 completed, ATAR70 Entry Requirements (Chinese High Schools): Completed High School with an average score of 85 %; Or local VCE reached over 60%; IELTS 6 or equivalent English score.
Diploma in Engineering Engineering Start Date: January/May/August 2024 Tuition Fee: $43,440 Entry Requirements (Australian High Schools): Completed Year 12, ATAR70 Entry Requirements (Chinese High Schools): Completed Senior High School 3, with an average score of 85 %; Or local VCE reached over 60%; IELTS 6 or equivalent English score.
Diploma in Science Science Starts: January/May/August 2024 Tuition Fee: $43,440 Entry Requirements (Australian High Schools): Completed Year 12, ATAR65 Entry Requirements (Chinese High Schools): Completed Senior High School, average score of 80 %; Or local VCE reached over 60%; IELTS 6 or equivalent English score.
Diploma in Media and Communication Commencement: January/May/August 2024 Tuition Fee: $40,710 Entry Requirements (Australian High School): Completed Year 12, ATAR65 Entry Requirements (Chinese High School): Completed Senior High School, average score of 80 %; Or local VCE reached over 60%; IELTS 6 or equivalent English language score.
Diploma in Architecture Architecture Start Date: January/August 2024 Tuition Fee: $43,440 Entry Requirements (Australian High Schools): Completed Year 12, Architectural Studies requires ATAR70; Interior/Landscape requires ATAR65 Entry Requirements (Chinese High Schools): Completed Senior 3, Architectural Studies requires average score of 85; Interior/Landscape requires average score of 80; or attained a local overall score of 60; IELTS 6 or equivalent English score. Entry Requirements (Chinese High Schools): Completion of Senior 3, Architectural Studies requires an average score of 85%; Interior/Landscape average score of 80; Or local VCE reached over 60%; IELTS 6 or equivalent English score.
07.B – Monash University
Monash College offers a Diploma program that provides students with the opportunity to enter a freshman or sophomore program.
Diploma of Art and Design Art and Design Starts: February/June/October Course Duration: Stage 1: 9 months; Stage 2: 4-9 months 2023 Tuition: Stage 1: $28,540; Stage 2: $31,400
Diploma of Arts Humanities Start date: February/June/October Course length: Stage 1: 9 months; Stage 2: 9 months 2023 Tuition: Stage 1: $27,450; Stage 2: $30,560
Diploma of Applied Data Science Applied Data Science Start Date: February/June/October Course Duration: Stage 1: 9 months; Stage 2: 9 months 2023 Tuition: Stage 1: $30,800; Stage 2: $35,200
Diploma of Business Business Starts: February/June/October Course Duration: Stage 1: 9 months; Stage 2: 9 months 2023 Tuition: Stage 1: $31,400; Stage 2: $34,700
Diploma of Engineering Engineering Start Date: February/June/October Course Duration: Stage 1: 9 months; Stage 2: 12 months 2023 Tuition: Stage 1: $31,800; Stage 2: $36,190
Diploma of Information Technology Computer Studies Starts: February/June/October Course Duration: Stage 1: 9 months; Stage 2: 9 months 2023 Tuition: Stage 1: $31,400; Stage 2: $35,820
Diploma of Science Science Start date: February/June/October Course duration: Stage 1: 9 months; Stage 2: 9 months 2023 Tuition: Stage 1: $30,800; Stage 2: $35,200
07.C – University of Adelaide
Adelaide College offers a Degree Transfer program that provides students with fast-track entry into sophomore courses.
Degree Transfer Extended Extended Program (15 months) Starts: March/October 2023 Tuition: Business and Economics: $45,300; Other Program Areas: $48,300
Degree Transfer Standard Standard (12 months) Starts: February/July 2023 Tuition: Business and Economics: $37,500; Other Program Areas: $39,900
Degree Transfer Accelerated Extended Program (9 months) Starts: October 2023 Tuition: Business and Economics: $37,500
07.D – University of Western Australia
UWA College and INTO offer Diploma programs that provide students with an expedited pathway into sophomore courses.
Diploma in Commerce Express Freshman Year in Business (8-12 months) Starts: 2023: October; 2024: February/June/September; 2025: February 2023 Tuition: $34,500
Diploma in Science Express Freshman Year in Science (8-12 months) Starts: 2023: October; 2024: February; 2025: February 2023 Tuition: $38,000
Diploma in Computer and Data Science Express Freshman Year in Computer and Data Science (8-12 months) Starts: 2023: October; 2024: February; 2025: February 2023 Tuition: $38,000
Diploma in Engineering Express Freshman Year (10-14 months) Starts: 2023: October; 2024: February/September; 2025: February 2023 Tuition: $39,500
08 – Conclusion
Compared to the eight universities in Australia, there are other institutions that offer Diploma programs. The Diploma programs offered by these institutions also have many advantages, such as more affordable tuition fees and less stringent entry requirements. If you are interested in the Diploma programs offered by these institutions, please contact ACIC for more information! If your education or English level is not sufficient to meet the entry requirements of your desired university or program, or if you would like to learn more about entry pathways, please contact us for more information, and we will find the most appropriate pathway for you based on your specific situation!
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