Destination

Australia
Using your Cambridge
qualifications to study
in Australia
 Contents
A pathway to university success.............. 1
Why choose Australia?............................2
Student success stories.......................... 4
What you need to know...........................6
What qualifications do I need
to get a place on a course at
an Australian university?.........................7
How do I apply to study at an
Australian university?.............................8
 ecognition of Cambridge
R
qualifications...........................................9
Australian universities that accept
Cambridge International A Levels........ 10

About us
Cambridge Assessment International Education prepares school students
for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for
learning. We are part of the University of Cambridge.
Our Cambridge Pathway gives students a clear path for educational success
from age 5 to 19. Schools can shape the curriculum around how they want
students to learn – with a wide range of subjects and flexible ways to offer
them. It helps students discover new abilities and a wider world, and gives
them the transferable skills they need for life, so they can achieve at school,
university and work.
A pathway to university success
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are recognised as a passport to success in
education, university and employment. They are valued by Australian universities as
academically rigorous qualifications that equip students with the skills they need to
succeed, both at university and beyond.

Nearly all Australian universities with undergraduate

programmes recognise our qualifications, including
those from the Group of Eight coalition of top
universities. Each of these member universities is well
regarded in a number of different areas and Cambridge
students are currently enrolled at or have graduated
from these universities.
We believe that it is essential to make sure that
students holding Cambridge qualifications don’t just
get into universities in Australia, but also that they are
well prepared to succeed in their studies and are well
equipped with the necessary academic skills. We offer
over 50 subjects at Cambridge International AS &
A Level, so students can pick the subjects they love
and the subjects they want to specialise in.

Did you know?

• A
 ustralia has the third highest number of
international students in the world, behind
only the United Kingdom and the United
States, despite having a population of
only 23 million.

• C
 urrently, there are more than 500 000
international students studying in Australia
across different education sectors, with
Please note: All information is correct at March 2018. For the
more than 80 per cent of them coming
latest information and statements on Australian universities
from Asia. accepting Cambridge qualifications, search our database at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognitionsearch

We are delighted to welcome Cambridge International A Level

students to our campus. We have many students who enter Macquarie
University following their A Level study and they are typically confident,
well prepared and adjust well to university life.
Ms Nicole Brigg, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Macquarie University

Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia 1

 Why choose Australia?
There are many reasons to apply to study at undergraduate level in Australia. Australia
is home to some of the world’s leading universities and they welcome applications
from international students.

Universities in Australia are extremely keen on

internationalisation, and welcome large numbers of
international students each year.
Twenty-two Australian universities were ranked among
the top 400 universities worldwide in the 2015/2016
Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
All of them accept students with Cambridge
International A Levels.
Australian universities offer a high level of support to
international students, including foundation years and
pathways and help with English language and
academic studies.
According to the QS Best Student Cities 2018 poll,
Australia has four of the 30 best cities in the world for
students, based on student mix, affordability, quality
of life, and employer activity – all important factors Facts and figures
for students when choosing a study destination.
• T here are 43 universities in Australia (40 Australian
Australia has an international reputation as one of the universities, two international universities, and one
best places in the world to live. It is a unique and diverse private speciality university). Higher education
country in every way – in culture, population, climate, courses are also offered by many other institutions.
geography, and history. Over the years, cities such as
Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney have repeatedly
• In Australia it is quite common for students to enrol
in a double or combined bachelor degree programme,
been voted as the world’s most liveable cities. These cities
which leads to the awarding of two bachelor degrees.
are also top of the list of tourist destinations.
This is most common in the fields of the arts,
commerce, law and science.
• E nglish is the official language of Australia and the
main language of instruction in the education system.
Many schools offer bilingual programmes or
programmes in other languages.

Did you know?

Of Australia’s 23 million population, almost
half (47%) of all Australians were either born
overseas or have one parent born overseas.
More than 260 languages are spoken in
Australian homes: in addition to English,
the most common are Mandarin, Italian,
Arabic, Cantonese and Greek.

2 Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia

 Did you know?
There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites
in Australia – more than any other country
– including the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu
National Park, Lord Howe Island Group,
Tasmanian Wilderness, Fraser Island and
the Sydney Opera House.

Tip
You can search for institutions which
have given their formal acceptance of
Cambridge qualifications on our website at
cambridgeinternational.org/recognitionsearch
Adelaide University

• T he academic year usually starts in February/March

but varies depending on the type of study you are
undertaking. Many institutions also offer a mid-year,
or second semester start. Start dates and the
number of semesters vary by course and institution,
so please check each institution’s website for details.
• Australian
 institutions offer a wide range of courses.
There are more than 20 000 courses available in over
1200 institutions – from science to management and
commerce, humanities to engineering, and law to
health sciences. Australian institutions rank among
the world’s best by discipline, particularly in
engineering and technology, medicine, environmental
science, and accounting and finance.
• T he costs of studying in Australia depend on
the institution and the level of study chosen.
For international students, the tuition fees are
payable before you study. There may be additional
costs for the chosen course, including course
materials and access to institution facilities.
• T ypical course costs for different types of
qualifications are:
– English language studies – Around AUD 300 per
week depending on course length
– Undergraduate bachelor degree – AUD 15,000 to
AUD 33,000 per year*.

*N
 ote: This does not include high-value courses such
as veterinary and medical. Please visit the institution The information on this page is extracted
websites to see costs for these courses. from www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia 3

 Student success stories Taalib Haniff

A passport to study in Australia Course: Mechanical Engineering

School: Wycherley International
School, Sri Lanka
University: University of
Melbourne

Gideon Richard Budiono “ The Cambridge International A Level

curriculum has sparked my curiosity and offered
Course: Bachelor of Medicine me a comprehensive coverage in the breadth and
School: IPH School, depth of my subjects, especially in physics.
Indonesia
The curriculum provided me with a detailed
University: University of New South Wales
understanding of my subjects and thus helped
“ One of the most tangible benefits I gained from
Cambridge International A Levels was familiarity
me to develop my knowledge at my university with
ease. Taking Cambridge International A Level Physics
with the scientific content in the first classes I meant that I would have to perform practicals
attended at university. I was able to not only revise regularly and also improve my laboratory skills.
the content I studied at Cambridge International A This proved essential in my university course as
Level but also to think and analyse more deeply on it enabled me to think critically and apply my
each topic. knowledge to solve problems. The curriculum has
Cambridge International A Levels laid a solid aided me immensely to undertake a Mechanical
foundation for my knowledge of chemistry and Engineering course at the esteemed University
biology, providing a smooth transition from high of Melbourne.
”
school to university. Cambridge programmes
also instilled in me a passion for learning and the
application of knowledge. These skills and values
are essential for any university student, regardless of Quynh Anh Mai
particular interest, in order to use their discoveries Course: Bachelor of Commerce
and knowledge for the advancement and welfare School: The ABC International School, Vietnam
of society.
” University: University of Sydney

“ Having completed my Cambridge International

A Level qualifications, I was able to gain a direct
Ooi Wenn Lynn entry into the University of Sydney, rather than
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science having to take the Foundation pathway like many
School: Taylor’s College, Malaysia students from Vietnamese high schools. Moreover,
University: University of Melbourne I feel that I have also gained a competitive
advantage compared to other international

“I first
I was a little apprehensive when
enrolled for the Cambridge
students. I was familiar with the terminologies,
particularly the technical concepts in Business
International A Level programme Studies, which fast-tracked my
because I was told that it was very learning in the university
challenging. But looking back, I’m thankful for my environment. This is evidenced by
decision as it provided me with a solid background in the fact I was placed second in a
preparation for my university studies. Here, lecturers unit of study called Management
often build upon knowledge that students are Accounting A and third in a
expected to have learnt previously. Having done
Cambridge International A Levels, I found the
Marketing Research unit.
”
transition from college to university easier than
other students.
”

44 Destination
Destination Australia
Australia –– Using
Using your
your Cambridge
Cambridge qualifications
qualifications to
to study
study in
in Australia
Australia
Rebeca Indira Zhang Xifan
Course: Bachelor of Applied Course: Bachelor of Education in
Science (Psychology) Early Years and Primary
School: SMAK Penabur 8, Education
Indonesia School: Guangdong Guangya
University: Deakin University School, China
University: Monash University
“ Taking Cambridge International A Level lessened
my initial stress of going to a foreign university
because many of its attributes already helped shape
“provided
The Cambridge International A Level curriculum
me with opportunities to fully immerse in
me to fit better with Australia’s education system. an English-centred study world. My specialisation in
Not only did it expose me to a higher level of English Early Education requires me to develop outstanding
language in both reading and writing, it also English language and academic skills.
encouraged me to be more independent with my
The dynamic and helpful English course at
studying method. This worked to my advantage
Cambridge IGCSE prepared me for my future
as I found that Deakin University gives students
academic life at university. The curriculum gave
more autonomy on how they’d like to tackle
me a detailed and comprehensive understanding of
study materials.
” my Cambridge International A Level subjects which
included chemistry, physics, mathematics and
biology. It provided the foundations for
understanding the holistic strategies to promote
Suit Yin Thing
children’s literacy and numeracy, science, health
Course: Bachelor of Pharmacy
and physical education. The curriculum provided
(Hons)
an excellent preparation for my future as an
School: Sunway College, Malaysia
University: University of
outstanding student in Monash University.
”
Queensland

“ I am very grateful to have undertaken the

Cambridge International A Level before pursuing
Leon Lazarou

my degree at the University of Queensland. Course: Bachelor of Business (Management)

The knowledge I have gained during A Level not only School: The Heritage Private School, Cyprus
helped me to cope with the university syllabus, but University: RMIT University
also was critical in rationalising my logical thinking.
For example, A Level Biology required me to think “Cambridge
Being introduced to the
curriculum from
reasonably with supporting evidence, integrating a young age at The Heritage
knowledge gained from books with real-life Private School in Cyprus has
situations. contributed to the necessary
The practical experience in A Level helped build skills I have developed today.
my confidence and my ability to accomplish a task Taking computing,
with little supervision. As a Pharmacy student, mathematics and physics at Cambridge
this is particularly vital because we need to present International A Level unlocked the independence
our knowledge in a professional yet simple way for and open mind required to study in Australia.
patients to understand. Overall, the depth of the The two-year qualification provided me with a
A Level syllabus provided a strong foundation for significant advantage when it came to my university
my UQ degree, especially in the freshman year. course in that it eased the psychological changeover
Studying Pharmacy at UQ is fantastic yet into university life and the higher standard of work.
challenging. I believe this four-year programme This has aided me tremendously in undertaking my
can transform me into an empathetic health care Management and Marketing course at RMIT
professional who focuses on patient-centred care.
” University.
”

Destination Australia
Destination Australia –– Using
Using your
your Cambridge
Cambridge qualifications
qualifications to
to study
study in
in Australia
Australia 55
 What you need to know
There is every chance Australia has a course suited to your specific study interest.
Before selecting a course, there are a number of things to check first, such as the
courses available and fields of study.

What courses can I study? Fields of study

There are thousands of excellent courses offered Courses in Australia are categorised by ‘Fields of
by Australian universities and colleges which lead to education’, also called ‘Fields of study’. It is a
qualifications that are respected by employers and classification system used by Australian institutions
academics worldwide. At undergraduate level, most to describe courses, specialisations and units of study.
students study for a bachelor’s degree. Shorter courses The 12 fields are:
are also available including foundation degrees
1. Natural and Physical Sciences
and diploma courses. A full-time bachelor’s or
undergraduate degree normally takes three years 2. Information Technology
to complete (four in some cases, such as language 3. Engineering and Related Technologies
courses that require a year of study abroad or 4. Architecture and Building
business courses that require work experience). 5. Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies
If you have an interest in a specific study area, there is 6. Health
every chance an Australian institution can meet your 7. Education
needs. At least three Australian universities are ranked
8. Management and Commerce
in the top 50 worldwide across the study areas of Arts
and Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Natural 9. Society and Culture
Sciences, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Social 10. Creative Arts
Sciences and Management (according to QS World 11. Food, Hospitality and Personal Services
University Rankings).
12. Mixed Field Programmes

Australian universities feature in the top 50 ranked

universities in the world in the following study areas:

Arts & Clinical, Engineering Life Physical Social

Humanities Pre-Clinical & Technology Sciences Sciences Sciences The information on this
& Health page is extracted from
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
Source: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
Source: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/

Cambridge International A Levels have a very well-deserved reputation.

They are qualifications which allow us to be confident that the students
will be well prepared for higher education.
Professor Nick Shaw, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland

6 Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia

What qualifications do I need to get a place on a course
at an Australian university?
Entry requirements test before sending in your application. If you are
For academic courses at established universities, invited to attend an interview, the university will let
typical Australian university entrance requirements you know about the arrangements.
are three A Level passes at minimum grade C or English language
above, although some courses may have lower entry
The English language requirements vary between
requirements. Two AS Level subjects can be counted
Australian universities, and according to the course
in place of one A Level subject for some universities,
you want to study. For entry into law and medicine,
including Monash University and Queensland University
for example, the English language requirements are
of Technology. Competitive courses require three
generally higher than for other courses. The IELTS test
A Levels with good grades (ABB or above).
is the most common way of demonstrating your
Each higher education course has its own entry English language ability. Many universities require
requirements. You’ll have to achieve certain exam you to obtain a minimum score in each band of IELTS
grades and you may need qualifications in particular (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) in a single
subjects to ensure that you have the right skills and sitting. Cambridge English Certificate in Advanced
knowledge to successfully complete the course. English (CAE) is also widely accepted by universities.
Universities list the entry requirements for each of their
courses on their websites alongside other requirements, Student visa
such as an admissions test or an interview. Check the In addition, you will need to meet the Australian
entry requirements for each of your selected courses government’s English language requirements. To apply
carefully since these vary from university to university, for a student visa, you must be accepted to study full
even for the same course of study. time at an educational institution in Australia. For the
purpose of visa application, an IELTS average score of
Applying with Cambridge International 5.5 is required. A Cambridge English: Advanced score of
AS & A Levels 162 is deemed as equivalent to the required IELTS score.
You need to make sure that your choice of Cambridge
You should carefully check student visa information
International AS & A Level subjects is suitable for your
on both the Department of Immigration and Border
intended degree course, especially if you have a specific
Protection (www.border.gov.au) and the institution
career path in mind such as medicine, engineering or
websites for English language requirements.
law, which may have specific subject requirements.
For medicine, for example, two science subjects or
one science and a maths subject are often expected.
A number of courses have subject-specific requirements Australian National University – Canberra
so bear this in mind when selecting your university
course. Check the entry requirements carefully for
your chosen course on the university’s website before
submitting your application.

Do I need to sit an
admissions test?
You may be asked to take an admissions test,
particularly for medicine or law, and/or attend an
interview or audition (for performing arts) as part of
the admissions process. Admissions tests often assess
particular abilities, such as thinking skills and logical
reasoning. Most admissions tests happen at the start
of the academic cycle. The standard academic year in
Australia starts in February or March and runs until
December so, if you do need to sit such a test, make
sure you register on time. You may need to take the

Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia 7

 How do I apply to study at an Australian university?
Choosing a university programme is a very important decision. You will need to think
about the type of university you are most interested in, the courses offered, the
location of the university, the choice of activities on offer, and the costs.

The application process

Step 1: Choosing courses

• Identify Australia as your preferred destination
• Decide on a course and institution
• Check entry requirements for the course and visa requirements

Step 2: Applying
• Make your application1
• Receive your offer letter
• Receive Confirmation of Enrolment

Step 3: Starting your course

• Apply for your visa (www.border.gov.au)
• Plan your travel

1
Cambridge students from Australia and New Zealand may apply through the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) of the
chosen university, e.g. those who wish to study at the University of Melbourne may apply through the Victoria Tertiary
Admissions Centre (VTAC).

8 Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia

Recognition of Cambridge qualifications
Universities across Australia welcome applications from Cambridge students.
Cambridge International A Levels are widely accepted for direct entry to
undergraduate degree courses. A growing number of universities now also accept
Cambridge Pre-U, an alternative to A Level taken in UK schools.

Here are some examples of entry requirements for three (or two) A Level subjects or a combination of
Australian universities: A and/or AS Level subjects equivalent to three (or two)
A Level subjects will be converted into an aggregate
University of Melbourne: Minimum of three
score as follows: A*=5, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1.
A Levels at grades BBC are required for application.
Requirements differ and some courses require Australian National University (ANU):
significantly higher grades. Admission is guaranteed ANU welcomes applications from students holding
to students who achieve certain grades. Cambridge Cambridge International A Levels. Points will be
Pre-U is recognised for direct entry. The University of calculated as follows: A*/A= 5, B=4, C=3 etc.
Melbourne will also accept a combination of Cambridge A minimum of 12 points is required in the best
Pre-U and A Levels to meet the entry requirements. three subjects, all of which much have been taken
in one year.
University of Queensland: The University of
Queensland welcomes applications from students Tertiary Admissions Centres
holding Cambridge International A Levels or the A Tertiary Admissions Centre is a state-based
Cambridge AICE Diploma. Grades from the best organisation that administers application processes
for places in tertiary courses in higher education
Example of a search in our recognition database. institutions and universities in the different states in
Australia, excluding Tasmania and Northern Territory.
This service is only available to Australian and New
Zealand citizens as well as Australian Permanent
Residents.
For example, the University Admissions Centre (UAC),
which works with universities in New South Wales
and the Australian Capital Territory, recognises both
Cambridge International A Levels and Cambridge Pre-U.
All UAC participating institutions consider A Levels
(or comparable qualifications) equivalent to an
Australian Year 12 qualification.

Recognition database
Our recognition database shows all the institutions
worldwide that have given formal written acceptance
of Cambridge qualifications. It is regularly updated
with new recognition statements, allowing students to
see where their Cambridge qualifications are accepted.
For the latest information, or to search for your chosen
institution, go to
www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognitionsearch

Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia 9

 Australian universities that accept Cambridge
International A Levels
All universities under the Universities Australia umbrella, as well as other Australian
tertiary institutions, recognise our qualifications – including those from the Group of
Eight coalition of top universities.

Australian Capital Territory

• Australian National University
www.anu.edu.au/study/information-for/
international-students

• University of Canberra
www.canberra.edu.au/international

New South Wales

• Australian Catholic University
www.acu.edu.au/international

• Blue Mountains International Hotel Management

School www.bluemountains.edu.au

• Charles Sturt University

www.csu.edu.au/international

• Macquarie University
www.mq.edu.au/international.php
Northern Territory

• Southern Cross University • Charles Darwin University

www.cdu.edu.au/international
www.scu.edu.au/international

• SP Jain School of Global Management, Sydney

www.spjain.org Queensland
• University of New England • Bond University
www.une.edu.au/study/international https://bond.edu.au/future-students/bond-international
• University of New South Wales • CQ University
www.international.unsw.edu.au www.cqu.edu.au/international-students
• University of Newcastle • Griffith University
www.newcastle.edu.au/international www.griffith.edu.au/international
• University of Sydney • James Cook University
www.sydney.edu.au/future-students www.jcu.edu.au/international
• University of Technology, Sydney • Queensland University of Technology
www.uts.edu.au/future-students/international www.qut.edu.au/international
• University of Wollongong • University of Queensland
www.uow.edu.au/future/international/index.html www.uq.edu.au/international
• Western Sydney University • University of Southern Queensland
www.uws.edu.au/international www.usq.edu.au/study/international

10 Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia

South Australia Tasmania
• Flinders University • University of Tasmania
www.flinders.edu.au/international-students www.utas.edu.au/international
• University of Adelaide
www.international.adelaide.edu.au
Western Australia
• University of South Australia
• Curtin University
www.unisa.edu.au/study-at-unisa/international-
www.international.curtin.edu.au
students
• Edith Cowan University
www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/international
Victoria
• Murdoch University
•
Deakin University www.murdoch.edu.au/Future-students/
http://www.deakin.edu.au/international-students International-students
• Federation University of Australia • University of Notre Dame Australia
www.federation.edu.au/international www.nd.edu.au/nav-future-students/international-
students
• La Trobe University
www.latrobe.edu.au/international • University of Western Australia
www.international.uwa.edu.au
• Monash University
www.monash.edu/study/international
• RMIT University
www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-
students
• Swinburne University of Technology
www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international
• University of Melbourne
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/info/
international
• Victoria University
www.vu.edu.au/study-with-us/international-
students

Whatever goals students may be pursuing, we are here to help.

We have welcomed a number of students to The University of Western
Australia community after they have successfully completed their
Cambridge International A Levels. They have settled into campus life
well and are achieving very good results.
Zoe Morrison, Associate Director, Admissions, University of Western Australia

Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia 11

 Australian universities that accept Cambridge International A Levels continued

Recognition of Cambridge
qualifications in Australia
Darwin

Townsville

Rockhampton

Brisbane

Perth Newcastle

Adelaide
Sydney

Canberra

Melbourne

Hobart Tasmania

Universities that recognise Cambridge International A Levels.

You may find the following sources of information useful

1. General information for international students 4. Information on the Australian Group of Eight
planning to study in Australia is at universities is at www.go8.edu.au
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au 5. The OECD website gives information about Australia’s
2. The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and education system. Go to www.oecd.org/australia
Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is the 6. Information on the ranking of Australia’s universities
official Australian government website that lists all and the university landscape in general is at
Australian education providers that offer courses www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-
to people studying in Australia on student visas. rankings
Go to www.cricos.deewr.gov.au
3. Information related to student visa and English
language requirements is at www.border.gov.au

12 Destination Australia – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Australia

Notes
Cambridge Assessment International Education
Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge CB2 8EA, United Kingdom
t: +44 1223 553554 f: +44 1223 553558
www.cambridgeinternational.org

® IGCSE is a registered trademark

Copyright © UCLES April 2018

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