Study Philosophy in Australia
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Philosophy in Australia
There have been many philosophical questions that have given rise to different scientific research. And, indeed philosophy is just as important as the sciences that answer its questions. In Australia, universities that offer courses in philosophy feature among the best in the world, with the Australian National University ranking fifth in the world for this subject. Academic advantages of studying philosophy in Australia are many, but what makes the country even more worth studying in are its beautiful landscapes, rainforests, monuments, and cultural sites.
Reasons to Study Philosophy in Australia
World-Known Universities
Central to each country’s education system are its universities and Australia has some of the best. These universities are world-known for their quality education which places them quite high in international rankings, especially in the field of philosophy. Apart from the quality of education, what sets Australian universities apart from many other universities are its innovative facilities, the record-high levels of the study experience of all international students, and the vast number of philosophy courses.
Professional Staff
One of the main strengths of the Australian higher education system is its academic staff. These professionals are fully aware of what their students need to succeed in their respective fields, so they are fully prepared to meet their needs. Additionally, the academic staff in Australia is driven by integrity and passion for their field which is one important trait so you will not only have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of these people but also from their passion for philosophy.
Diverse Culture
Millions of people have migrated to Australia over the years and this fact has made Australia the vibrant diverse country that it is now. It can be said that this cultural diversity is what identifies Australia the most. In addition to this, many people have claimed that they felt a sense of belonging once they migrated to Australia, so if you plan to remain in the country after graduation know that you will be more than welcomed by the welcoming nature of the Australian population.
Top Universities to Study Philosophy in Australia
Some of the best universities in Australia for Philosophy are:
- Australian National University
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
- University of Melbourne
- University of Adelaide
- University of New South Wales
- La Trobe University
- University of Wollongong
- Macquarie University
- University of Queensland
Requirements
In Australia, to be eligible for admission for a course in philosophy you must demonstrate that you first meet the English language requirement. This is crucial since the language of instruction in Australian universities is the English language. To demonstrate your fluency in English you may be asked to send scores of TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Test or other (depending on the preference of your university).
Part of the requirements will also be submitting your previous academic qualifications. These can either be high school diplomas or a Bachelor’s degree. In addition to this, some universities may require that you submit your CV and have work experience, prove that you are financially stable (i.e. have proof that you can finance yourself during your studies), and lastly obtain a study visa.
Application Process
Australia does not have a centralized application portal which students can use to apply to their chosen universities. So, international students will have to apply directly to their chosen university either online or via post. Information about the application process is usually available on the website of the university.
As part of the application process you should:
- Choose the university
- Check your eligibility (make sure you meet all the requirements)
- Prepare the supporting documents
- Fill out the application form
- Apply before the deadline (make sure you apply early so you leave some time for arrangements such as visa application and travel arrangements)
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Philosophy in Australia?
Australian universities offer philosophy courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Therefore, the duration of your degree will mainly depend on the level of study you plan to pursue. In essence, an undergraduate degree in philosophy takes 3 years of full-time study to complete in Australia. In some universities, it might take 4 years.
In Australia, postgraduate studies in the field of philosophy such as a Master’s degree take at least 1 year of full-time study to complete. In some universities, a master’s in the field of philosophy takes 2 years to complete. If you wish to pursue a Ph.D. you should be prepared to dedicate at least three years of full-time study to your degree.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Philosophy in Australia?
The cost of tuition in Australia is calculated differently compared to other countries. Australian universities charge their students based on the subjects they study. Philosophy degrees at the undergraduate level usually cost from AU$15,000 (US$10,728) to AU$33,000 (US$23,600) per year.
In Australia, the cost of a postgraduate degree in Philosophy for international students ranges from AU$22,000 (US$15,749) to AU$30,000 (US$21,477). As an international student, you will also need to cover other costs which include visa application fees, travel expenses, health cover, accommodation, and arrival in Australia.
Philosophy Career Prospects in Australia
Although there are few careers in philosophy that are directly linked to a degree in this field, in Australia students still develop skills that come in handy in a variety of employment settings. The fact that graduates of philosophy are adept in solving problems, organizing information, thinking critically, and analyzing information makes them ideal candidates across multiple professional sectors.
In Australia, as a philosophy graduate, you can work in education, public sectors, publishing, journalism, law, consultancies, etc. Afterward, depending on the profession you choose, you can earn from AU$25,000 (US$18,094) to AU$83,072 (US$60,072) per year. It is important to note that your salary after graduation may not necessarily be the same as the above-mentioned salaries. However, you will most likely be able to earn a good salary and make a decent living.
