Frequently Asked Questions

What can I study?

Anything you like! Australian and New Zealand universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes (Bachelors, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Masters by coursework or by research and PhDs). There are hundreds of programmes available covering a vast array of subjects – from Antarctic studies to accounting, mathematics to marine biology, sport coaching to speech therapy, environmental science to economics. Almost any academic subject you can study in the UK or Ireland will be offered by at least one university in Australia or New Zealand.

How can I find out what courses are available in my subject?

Contact Study Options to get a course list. You can submit a request online, at www.studyoptions.com, or email info@studyoptions.com.

What are the entry requirements – will I have to sit a test?

No. Your application will be assessed on your UK or Irish qualifications (regardless of whether those are A-Levels, Scottish Highers, Irish School Leaving Certificate, BTEC National Diploma, International Baccalaureate, or a degree from a UK or Irish university). Students applying for degrees in medicine or dentistry may have to sit extra tests as part of the application process. Each university sets its own entry requirements, so they do vary considerably. Entry requirements for each degree are clearly set out on Study Options’ course lists. 

When do courses start?

The academic year in Australia and New Zealand starts in February (rather than September). The first term runs from February to June, the second from July to November. The long university holiday falls over the southern hemisphere’s summer – November through to February. Almost all programmes can be started in the first semester (February) and some can also be started in the second (July). 

When should I apply?

Between five and 18 months before your course is due to start. If you’ve already finished school or university, it’s up to you when you apply within that timeframe. If you’re currently studying, you can apply for a conditional offer in your final year. This works in the same way as it would in the UK or Ireland – your place will be dependent on your getting certain grades in your final exams. Alternatively, you can wait until you’ve completed your studies, and go for an unconditional offer. Please make sure you apply at least five months before the course is due to start (applications for February 2011, for example, should be submitted to Study Options by the end of September 2010). Some specialist courses, such as medicine and dentistry, and performance-based courses such as drama, music and art, have earlier deadlines. These will be clearly stated on course lists from Study Options. 

When will I find out whether I’ve been offered a place?

Most universities take between three and six weeks to assess an undergraduate application, and between four and eight weeks to assess a postgraduate application. 

Will my qualification be recognised when I come back?

Yes. Australian and New Zealand qualifications are internationally recognised as being equivalent to UK and Irish degrees and are well regarded by employers. There are currently some 500,000 Australians and New Zealanders working in the UK, and graduates of Australian and New Zealand universities go on to postgraduate study at universities in the UK, the US, and around the world.  

What about professional degrees, like nursing And teaching?

Anyone who wishes to work in a profession must register to practice after they graduate, in whichever country they wish to work. For graduates with Australian and New Zealand degrees, registration is usually a formality, although a test may be required. In some areas, for example engineering, and veterinary science, professional recognition has been formally established. Graduates of veterinary science degrees in Australia and New Zealand are eligible to work immediately in the UK as well as in Australia and New Zealand, and some programmes also have approval from the professional veterinary science board in North America.

If the UK or Irish governing body of your profession does not approve registration immediately, or following a test, you may be asked to do a conversion course.

Each professional degree course taught at an Australian or New Zealand university will have its professional accreditation clearly marked on its course description. Please note it is your responsibility, as the student, to check the course you apply to will allow you to work in your chosen profession in the country in which you intend to live.