Pathways to Top Australian Universities
When talking about success, we want to be able to start with something that is promising for the future. Taking a degree in a world-class university, for example, It is crucial to really look at how we start our study. One of the paths is by choosing a well-known educational institution that could help students to achieve what they desire.
But what if (let’s not hope so) you don’t meet the requirement for some Universities? One of the best options is to take a pre-university program then continue your bachelor at University. Now, you might be wondering: what are the best colleges in Australia? Maybe you have a more specific question: what are the best colleges in Melbourne? Maybe you’re looking for colleges in Sydney, Australia? Whatever your question is, we’ll provide you with 5 best colleges in Australia
Read more: Why Australia is the best place to study abroad.
1. Curtin College
Curtin College is a direct pathway for a students to pursue a bachelor degree, especially at Curtin University. Located in Perth, Australia, Curtin College is located in the main Curtin University campus itself, so students will experience the university vibes as the others.
Why Choose Curtin College?
- Pathway to world-rank university
As mentioned previously, Curtin College enables students to continue their bachelor at Curtin University. In 2020, Curtin University place #230 for the world’s best university, according to QS World Ranking. Hence, Curtin College ensures students graduate their diploma degree with an internationally recognized certificate.
- Small class size
At Curtin, they focus on how to make a convenient and comfortable place for students to study. Therefore, each of its classes consists of a maximum of 25 students, helping them to gain more focus and increasing relationships among students.
- Various subjects available
With 6 different study areas available, students can have the freedom to choose the one that suits them the most. These are the subjects that they offer:
- Business and Commerce
- Engineering
- Health Science
- Architecture & Construction
- Communication, design, and arts
- Computer Science & IT
What are the programs at Curtin College?
1. Diploma Part 1
Diploma part 1 is suitable for students who completed their year 11 (or equivalent in their country). The duration of the program is usually 2 or 3 trimester, depending on the study area.
Intakes | Feb, Jun, Oct |
General Requirement | Local: Year 11 with 50% (4 subjects) International: Depending on the country Malaysian: GCE O-Level with 4 passes (D grade or better), |
English Requirement | Local: Year 11 English with 50% or better International: IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0) |
2020 Fee | Local: AUD 15,000 International: AUD 24,600 |
2. Diploma Part 2
Students who have finished their year 12 with an ATAR (or equivalent in their country) can directly go to diploma part 2 (which is equivalent to year 1 of the corresponding Curtin University degree) without having to enter diploma part 1. Typically the program studied over 2 or 3 trimesters, depending on the study area.
Built Environment, Commerce, Arts &Creative Industries, and IT | Engineering and Health Science | |
Intakes | Feb, Jun, Oct | Engineering: Feb, Jun, Oct Health Science: Feb, Jul |
General Requirement | Foundation: Australian Foundation University Course with CWA 45% or GPA 4.5 out of 10 Local: Minimum ATAR of 50 International: Depending on the country Malaysian: STPM ‐ Minimum CGPA / NGMP of 2 from 2 relevant subjects with no grade less than C (NGMP 2.00) OR UEC – with 2 Bs and 2 Cs | Foundation: Australian Foundation University Course with CWA 45% or GPA 4.5 out of 10 Local: Minimum ATAR of 60, all except Pharmacy which requires minimum ATAR of 70 International: Depending on the country Malaysian: STPM ‐ Minimum CGPA/NGMP of 2.33 from 2 relevant subjects with no grade less than C (NGMP 2.00) OR UEC – with 4 Bs |
English Requirement | Local: Year 12 English with a C grade or 50% OR English ATAR with a scaled mark of 5 International: IELTS .5 (no band below 5.5) | Local: Year 12 English with a C grade or 50% OR English ATAR with a scaled mark of 5 International: IELTS .5 (no band below 5.5) |
2020 Fee | Local: AUD 15,600 International: AUD 29,200 | Local: AUD 15,000 International: AUD 24,600 |
For more information/application to Curtin College, contact us here!
2. Deakin College
Established in 1974, Deakin College is a perfect pathway for students who want to continue to a bachelor degree afterward especially to Deakin University who ranked 271 worldwide. Deakin College is located at Deakin University, has 3 campuses spread across Victoria, Australia, which are Melbourne Burwood Campus, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, and Geelong Waterfront Campus.
Why Deakin College?
- Fast-track your way into Deakin University
With Deakin College, students will only need to do your diploma degree for mostly 8 months. This means that it’s possible for students to enter university earlier, rather than the usual conventional pathway program.
- Flexible Program
Foundation and diploma are their main 2 programs. With 3 intakes available, you can have the freedom to choose when to start your studies, as you like it.
- Multicultural Environment
If you’re an international student, fret not since at Deakin College, you will surely feel like home. With thousands of students, 60% of them are international students from all over the world where the rest 40% are Australian residents.
What are the programs at Deakin College?
1. Foundation
The foundation program at Deakin College is aimed at students who have completed their year 11 and want to continue to a diploma. This program usually took 8 months to finished. Here is the overall information of the foundation program:
Intakes | Mar, Jun, Oct |
General Requirement | Local: Successful completion of year 11 or equivalent International: Depending on the country Malaysian: Successful completion of Form 5 (SPM); or |
English Requirement | 5.5 (with no band score below 5) |
2020 Fee | Local: AUD 25,350 International: AUD 25,350 |
2. Diploma
Diploma at Deakin College provides students who have accomplished their year 12 to continue to Bachelor at Deakin University. Typically the program lasts up to 12 months. For diploma program, they offered different subjects that students can choose to study:
- Diploma of Business
Location: Melbourne Burwood
- Diploma of Commerce
Location: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waterfront
- Diploma of Communication
Location: Melbourne Burwood
- Diploma of Construction Management
Location: Geelong Waterfront
- Diploma of Design
Location: Melbourne Burwood
- Diploma of Engineering
Location: Geelong Waterfront
- Diploma of Films, Animation, and Television
Location: Melbourne Burwood
- Diploma of Health Science
Location: Melbourne Burwood and Geelong Waterfront
- Diploma of IT
Location: Melbourne Burwood - Diploma of Science
Location: Geelong Waterfront
Overall information of Diploma Program:
Intakes | Mar, Jun, Oct |
General Requirement | Local: VCE ATAR score of 40 and above VCAL Senior International: Depending on the country Malaysian: 2 passes (minimum E grade) in STPM; or UEC |
English Requirement | Diploma of Communication: IELTS 6.0 (with no band score below 5.5) Other Diploma: 5.5 (with no band score below 5.5) |
Below we provide the fee for each course:
Diploma Course | 2020 Fee |
Diploma of Business, Commerce | Local Students: AUD 22,720 International Students: AUD 29,400 |
Diploma of Communication | Local Students: AUD 21,720 International Students: AUD 26,720 |
Diploma of Construction Management | Local Students: AUD 21,720 International Students: AUD 28,600 |
Diploma of Design | Local Students: AUD 21,400 International Students: AUD 27,400 |
Diploma of Engineering | Local Students: AUD 25,040 International Students: AUD 31,320 |
Diploma of Films, TV, and Animation | Local Students: AUD 21,400 International Students: AUD 28,520 |
Diploma of Health Science | Local Students: AUD 25,040 International Students: AUD 30,200 |
Diploma of Information Technology | Local Students: AUD 23,040 International Students: AUD 27,880 |
Diploma of Science | Local Students: AUD 25,040 International Students: AUD 31,440 |
For more information/application to Deakin College, contact us here!
3. Edith Cowan College
Edith Cowan College (ECC) is one of the choices for students that want to pursue a bachelor degree at Edith Cowan University (ECU). They have 2 campuses which are located in ECU itself, Joondalup Campus West and Mount Lawley Campus. Their fast-track diploma course uses ECU curriculum.
Why ECC?
- Study in an affordable city
ECC is located in one of the most affordable cities in Australia for students, which is Perth. Perth has one of the cheapest housing with mediant rents around 40% cheaper than Sydney. Furthermore, all public transport around the central business district are free!
- Faster track to graduate
After finishing your study at ECC, you will be able to enter directly to ECU if you met the minimum requirements. At ECU, some of the bachelor’s courses offered by ECU allows students to complete their study in only 2.5 years! Allowing them to graduate faster than other undergraduate program.
- Industry Experience for students
At ECC, their diploma students are provided with free guaranteed industry experience to help them gain some working experience and increase their employability skills that will surely be useful for the future.
What are the programs at Edith Cowan University (ECU)?
1. Diploma
Similar to Diploma at Curtin, ECC provides a Diploma that can be divided into Diploma part 1 and Diploma part 2. For diploma part 1, it is aimed at students who have completed their high school year 11 and want to continue for an undergraduate course. On the other hand, Diploma part 2 targeted students who have accomplished their year 12 high school. ECC provides 6 different diploma courses:
- Diploma of Commerce
- Diploma of Communications and Creative Industries
- Diploma of Hotel Management
- Diploma of Science (Computing/IT)
- Diploma of Science (Engineering Studies)
- Diploma of Science (Health Studies)
Overall information of the Diploma Program:
Intakes | Feb, Jun, Oct |
General Requirement | 1. Diploma Part 1 Local: Year 11 with a minimum of 50% in 4 WACE subjects, plus International: Depending on the country Malaysian: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with a minimum 2. Diploma Part 2 Local: Year 12 with a minimum of 50% in 4 WACE subjects, plus International: Depending on the country Malaysian: Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with a |
English Requirement | 1. Diploma Part 1 Nursing: IELTS score of at least 6.0 with no band less Others: 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 2. Diploma Part 2 Nursing: IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 Others: 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 |
Below we provide the fee for each course:
Diploma Course | 2020 Fee |
Diploma of Commerce, Hotel Management, | 1. Part 1 2. Part 2: |
Diploma of Communications and Creative | 1. Part 1 2. Part 2: |
Diploma of Science (Engineering studies) | 1. Part 1 2. Part 2: |
Diploma of Science (Health studies) | 1. Part 1 2. Part 2: |
For more information/application to Edith Cowan College, contact us here!
4. Griffith College
Griffith College offers a remarkable pathway for students that want to achieve their bachelor degree at Griffith University, one of the top Universities in Australia. From day one, students will study on Griffith University Campuses in both the Gold Coast and Mt Gravatt in Brisbane.
Read more: Top reasons to study in Brisbane, Australia
Why Griffith College?
- Internationally recognized
Upon your course completion, you will receive a degree and certificate which is internationally recognized. With your diploma, you can continue to pursue a bachelor’s not only limited to Griffith University(ranked 320 worldwide), but also other universities.
- Convenient Place
Located on campus in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, you will have the choice of studying close to the city or the beach. The best of both worlds
- Student Support
A positive learning atmosphere to help maximize the chances of success, with small class sizes and special learning assistance.
What are the programs at Griffith College?
1. Foundation
Foundation program at Griffith College provides a bridge between secondary school and undergraduate studies. Upon completion of the program, you can either go straight to bachelor or continue to diploma first. It all depends on how you did on the program. The duration of the program is 2 trimesters (8 months).
Here is the information you need to know about the course:
Intakes | Feb, Jun, Oct |
General Requirement | Local: Completion of Year 11 with a pass in 3 academic International: Depending on the country Malaysian: Form 5 (SPM) with a pass in 3 academic subjects |
English Requirement | 5.5 (with no band below 5.0) |
2020 Fee | Local Student: AUD 15,525 International: AUD 22,000 |
2. Diploma
Whatever you wanna take for your bachelor degree, the Diploma in Griffith College has a starting course for you! With 11 different fields, Griffith College prepares their students and allow them to focus on what they want to take. These are the course that Griffith College offers:
- Diploma of Arts and Communication
- Diploma of Commerce
- Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Diploma of Design
- Diploma of Engineering
- Diploma of Health Care
- Diploma of Health Science
- Diploma of Hotel Management
- Diploma of Information Technology (IT)
- Diploma of Science
- Diploma of Social and Psychological Science
Intakes | Feb, Jun, Oct |
General Requirement | Local: Obtained a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) International: Depending on the country Malaysian: UEC with a pass in 2 academic subjects, or STPM |
English Requirement | Diploma of Health Care: IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 6.0) Other Diploma: 5.5 (with no band below 5.0) |
Below we provide the fee for each course:
Diploma Course | 2020 Fee |
Diploma of Arts and Communication |
|
Diploma of Commerce |
|
Diploma of Criminology and criminal justice |
|
Diploma of Design |
|
Diploma of Engineering |
|
Diploma of Health Care |
|
Diploma of Health Science |
|
Diploma of Hotel Management |
|
Diploma of IT |
|
Diploma of Science |
|
Diploma of Social and Psychological Science |
|
For more information/application to Griffith College, contact us here!
5. La Trobe College Australia
Previously known as La Trobe Melbourne (LTM), La Trobe College Australia help students that do not meet the University’s academic and/or English requirements gain entry to the first or second year of their chosen course at La Trobe University. The college is located in 2 separated areas, Sydney and Melbourne campus.
Why La Trobe College Australia?
- Guarantee Entry to La Trobe University
After the completion of the pre-university at La Trobe College, you are guaranteed a place at La Trobe University, subject to minimum grade requirements.
- Flexible Program
La Trobe College provides flexibility for its students. It offers various study fields for both foundation and diploma. Furthermore, with 3 intakes per year, February, June, and October, students can choose when to start their degree as they like.
- Early University Experience
As the college itself located inside the University campus, students will instantly feel like a university student, having access to all the best facilities, social activities, and clubs
What are the programs at La Trobe College?
1. Foundation
Foundation program at La Trobe College provides international students who have completed their year 11 and want to continue to a diploma in different study fields that they can choose. This program usually took 8-12 months to finished. The study fields that are offered are:
- Foundation Studies for Business, IT and Humanities
- Foundation Studies for Engineering and Computer Science
- Foundation Studies for Health and Life Sciences
These are the informations you need to know about the foundation program:
Intakes | Business, IT, and Humanities: Feb, Jun, Oct Other Foundation: Feb, Jun |
General Requirement | International: Depending on the country Malaysian: Successful completion of Form 5 (SPM) |
English Requirement | 5.5 (no band score below 5.0) or SPM/STPM English with |
2020 Fee | AUD 21,800 |
2. Diploma
The Diploma program provides students who have accomplished their year 12 to continue to Bachelor at La Trobe University. Typically the program lasts up to 12 months. They offered different subjects that students can choose to study:
- Diploma of Bioscience
- Diploma of Business
- Diploma of Engineering
- Diploma of Health Science
- Diploma of IT
- Diploma of Media and Communication
- Diploma of Psychology
And here are the general information of the program:
Intakes | Bioscience, Engineering, Psychology: Feb, Jun Business, Health Science, IT, Media and |
General Requirement | Local: Year 12 satisfactory ATAR score or completion International: Depending on the country Malaysian: 2 passes at minimum D grade in the STPM; |
English Requirement | Business and IT: 5.5 (no band score below 5.5) Bioscience, Engineering, Health Science, Psychology: Media and Communication: 6.0 (no band less than 6.0) |
Below we provide the fee for each course:
Diploma Course | 2020 Fee |
Diploma of Bioscience | Local: AUD 22,720 International: AUD 29,400 |
Diploma of Business | Local: AUD 21,720 International: AUD 26,720 |
Diploma of Engineering | Local: AUD 21,720 International: AUD 28,600 |
Diploma of Health Science | Local: AUD 21,400 International: AUD 27,400 |
Diploma of I.T | Local: AUD 25,040 International: AUD 31,320 |
Diploma of Media and Communication | Local: AUD 21,400 International: AUD 28,520 |
Diploma of Psychology | Local: AUD 25,040 International: AUD 30,200 |
For more information/application to La Trobe College, contact us here!
That’s it for our recommendation of 5 top colleges in Australia! If you need more information regarding colleges mentioned above or other colleges, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Read More: International Scholarships for A-Level and UEC Students in Australia 2020
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About Post Author
Amanda Kaffah
I am a part-time content writer, a part-time Computer Science student, and a full-time dreamer. Likes to munch some food while doing some work or watching Netflix.
