Australian culture generally encourages independence.
This is particularly evident at universities where a premium is placed on independent study. International students commonly find that they have fewer class (contact) hours than in their home country. However, in Australia you are expected to do more private study, and spend more time in the library. Although most courses have prescribed textbooks, you will be required to do some extra research from a variety of sources. In an Australian university the primary function of academics is research. Therefore, most lecturers have a mind-set related to research which is expected to rub off on students.
Length of Degrees
A basic Australian Bachelor degree, for example in Arts or Commerce requires 3 years of study. If your marks are sufficiently high you may be offered a place in the "honours" program which will require an extra year study and confer an Honours degree. The honours year usually contains additional coursework and research, culminating in the submission of an "honours thesis".
In the Engineering, Law or Medical facilities the length of a Bachelor degree is generally 4, 5 and 6 years respectively.
Although most courses have structured pathway and core subjects, it is possible to choose some elective subjects to suit your interests.
Teaching Styles
In Australian Universities, the core material of a subject is usually given by the lecturer (a qualified and experienced academic) in a lecture theatre. The size of the lecture theatre and the number of students who attend the lecture can vary greatly according to institution, course and subject.
A lecture is conducted with little if any interaction between student and lecturer. The lecturer presents the material normally in the form of a monologue usually supported with white board notes, slides or videos. In this the internet age, many lectures are also available for download on the internet with notes.
In addition to lectures most university subjects also have tutorials. Using the Socratic method of teaching, tutorials provide students the opportunity for discussion in a more intimate environment with a smaller number of students. Typically the tutor and students engage in a dialogue relating to the content of the subject covered by the lectures. Students are expected to contribute to tutorials.
Science and technology based subjects, as well as psychology, also have labs.
Examinations
Most subjects are assessed by written assignment only (essays, papers, tutorial presentations), and a final examination which can last up to three hours in length. The examination period can be up to three weeks after the end of the semester.
Some subjects allow an "open book" exam (whereby you can bring your text books into the exam room). Further, in some subjects you students are given the questions or topics beforehand. In most cases however the examination will be closed book. The weighting of exams in relation to final marks is a matter for each institution. In Australia it may be that final exams account for a larger proportion of your grade than back at home.
Campus life
Campus life in Australia is generally relaxed, with most activity occurring during the day when lectures and tutorials are structured. Most Australian university students commute to campus each day, with only a small proportion of students living on campus. However the social life in Halls of Residence can be quite busy during evenings and on weekends.
Daily non-class time of students is often spent in the University Union Buildings, where there are cafeterias, shops, banks and theatres, clubs and societies
Common Facilities and Services
Libraries
There is probably be more than one library on each university campus - a main library, as well as smaller faculty and departmental libraries.
Computers
All Australian campuses have computer labs which supply ready access to PC's equipped with cable internet and word processing and other applications. Halls of Residence normally provide computing facilities for their resident students. Some students use laptops however you should make sure that they are compatible with Australian 220-240 volt current.
E-mail
Most Australian universities will provide an email account and free access to e-mail. Students are given an email address soon after enrolment (registration).
