The academic year in Australia 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 directly on your institution’s website for details.
Below is a general guide on the academic year for the different levels of study in Australia:
Schools
- Length - 13 years in total (Kindergarten/Preparatory to Year 12)
- Semesters - 4 (usually called terms')
- Starts - Late January/early February
English
- Length - From 5 weeks to 1 year
- Semesters - The year is split into weeks
- Starts - Throughout the year
Foundation
- Length - 1 year (some may be longer)
- Semesters - The semester breaks will depend on your course
- Starts - February but can vary by course and institutions
Vocational Education and Training
- Length - 1 to 4 years
- Semesters - Two
- Starts - February, but can vary by course and institutions
Undergraduate
- Length - Typically 3 years (4 years for honours degree)
- Semesters - Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
- Starts - Typically March, but can vary by course and institution
Postgraduate
- Length - 1 to 2 years
- Semesters - Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
- Starts - Typically March, but can vary by course and institution
Doctoral
- Length - 3 years (plus 1 year for review)
- Semesters - As most doctoral candidates do not attend class, there are usually no formal semesters
- Starts - Start dates are negotiated with PhD supervisor