UK

England is the biggest country in Britain, and is home to the largest city in Europe. It’s also home to over 600 miles of beautiful coastline and some of the world’s top tourist attractions. This country is divided into 9 distinct regions, each with its own unique personality, history and culture – from the rolling hills of the Cotswold and charming Cornish villages to the bustling city life of London and the dramatic coastlines of the North East.

Higher Education System in UK :

Advanced Program (HND) & Pre-University (Foundation Studies)

Advanced courses (HND or Higher National Diploma) program offers technical and expertise, usually around 1-2 years depending on the chosen majors and certification. Qualification obtained is a Certificate of Higher National Diploma or Higher National Certificate.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate courses which include first degrees (honours and ordinary), first degrees with qualified teacher status, enhanced first degrees, first degrees obtained concurrently with a diploma, and intercalated first degrees (where first degree students, usually in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, interrupt their studies to complete a one-year course of advanced studies in a related topic).

Postgraduate

courses leading to higher degrees, diplomas and certificates (including Doctorate, Masters (research and taught), Postgraduate diplomas and certificates as well as postgraduate certificates of education (PGCE) and professional qualifications) which usually require a first degree as entry qualification.

Master’s programs are generally divided into two (2) kinds of learning systems, namely:

• Learning in The Classroom (Taught Program)

  This is a more detailed academic program, designed to provide depth of knowledge you will be the subject that you take earlier in S1. Some programs also serve as a ‘conversion course’ which will introduce you to a new field of study that you take, if the field of study is different from your previous S1 field of study.

  Taught courses are subdivided into two Master’s program – usually lasts one (1) year consists of classroom learning, seminars and dissertations; and Diploma Program – held nine (9) months of teaching the same elements with the Master’s program but WITHOUT dissertation.

• Research Program

  For Research Program, the average duration of study is two (2) years. This is a program where 70% of learning is the research outside of school such as in the lab, field or company; and 30% are students asked to formulate a hypothesis of the research conducted.
  The research program gives you the opportunity to conduct research in specific areas of your interest. You will formulate a research topic under the supervision of one (1) or two (2) mentors who specializes in your chosen field. To succeed you must be able to demonstrate intellectual ability to be independent, have good time management and discipline as well as your own set time and schedule of research you do.

USA

The USA has the world’s largest international student population, there are over 800,000 students choosing to continue their higher education and enjoy the life style of Americans. The American dream is exist and true. You can find everything in the USA. The United States has many universities, colleges and been recognized in term of English language program in the world. Therefore, having the chance to study in the U.S. is a great opportunity for this country has the best universities in the world.

Higher Education System in USA :

Graduate Professional Program (Undergraduate Degree)

USA has more than 4760 colleges and universities, including its 17 scientific research in leading universities and eight top universities in the world.

After earning a high school diploma, the student can continue studies for a Bachelor’s degree for four (4) years. Students are expected to determine the direction of interest in the second year at the latest.

The term used for first year students are freshman, in both the sophomore and junior and senior in his third year in the last year. State College and the University is run and owned by state or local government. Usually this government schools are given word “State” in its name. Private College and University run by private parties. In addition to its costs are more expensive than government-owned schools, was also a smaller scale.

Community College is a two-year state or public college, which is available to local communities. However, many international students who choose this institution because of the intensive English language program or ESL and special services such as free tutoring.

Postgraduate Professional Program (Graduate Degree)

After completing Bachelor’s Degree, the student can take the Master’s program which has average duration of two (2) years. Often the student can be accepted in certain majors programs Master if they obtain a Bachelor’s degree with majors related. However, many exceptions granted to students who wish to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program.

Postgraduate

courses leading to higher degrees, diplomas and certificates (including Doctorate, Masters (research and taught), Postgraduate diplomas and certificates as well as postgraduate certificates of education (PGCE) and professional qualifications) which usually require a first degree as entry qualification.

Furthermore, students can complete a PhD which lasted about three (3) to six (6) years depend on the majors explored, the ability of the student, and the thesis topic. The thesis takes as a graduation assignment is an in-depth research assignment; sometimes to graduate from the Master’s Degree thesis was required. This applies to majors such as law, medicine and dentistry.

Switzerland

Switzerland has a population of about 8.04 million. Foreigners account for around 23.3% of the resident population. The average age is increasing, as people live longer and have fewer children. Lifestyles are changing as the Swiss adapt to new demands. Religious belief has declined in recent years, but the religious landscape has diversified. Switzerland has four unevenly distributed languages and a wealth of dialects.

Higher Education System in Switzerland (Tertiary Level) :

Switzerland offers students a broad choice of third-level education opportunities. However, the options open to school-leavers depend on the type of secondary education they received. Access to university, Federal Institutes of Technology, Universities of Applied Sciences and teacher training college is open to holders of a Matura (high-school diploma). Students who opted for the vocational route can continue their education at a higher vocational college or sit one of Switzerland’s two national higher vocational examinations: the Federal PET Diploma examination and the Advanced Federal PET Diploma examination.

Singapore

Singapore has grown since Sir Stamford Raffles founded the island, from a small fishing village to a thriving commercial and business centre. In 2006, it was the busiest port in the world, the world’s fourth largest foreign exchange trading centre and a major supplier of electronic components. It is also a major centre for oil refining and a leader in ship-building and repair. Its infrastructure is superb and it is no wonder that it has been rated in 2006 as the most business-friendly economy in the world.

Higher Education System in Singapore :

Pre-University (Junior College)

After finishing the GCE ‘O’ Level examination, to prepare the students to enter the university curriculum, students can choose to apply to the Pre-University (Junior College) or directly go to the ITE (Institutes of Technical Education) or Polytechnic. Pre-University or Junior Colleges provide 2-year program leading up to the A-Level Examination. After Junior College, students will get Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education ‘Advanced’ (GCE ‘A’ Level) and they can continue their study to the first year in Singapore universities.

ITE (Institutes of Technical Education) & Polytechnic

ITE and Polytechnic both provide 3-year diploma courses. They accept students based on their GCE ‘O’ Level or GCE ‘A’ Level (or in the case of ITE, it accepts GCE “N” Level). The difference between ITE and polytechnic is on their requirements to apply. Polytechnic has higher requirements than ITE.

Public University

Singapore as the tertiary centre of education offers a different study opportunity. In Singapore, there are three national universities that offer Bachelor program, Master program, and PhD program; with a really competitive entry requirement and also scholarship with working contract upon graduation.

The 3 public universities are NUS (National University of Singapore), NTU (Nanyang Technological University) and SMU (Singapore Management University). For the recipients of tuition grant, they have to work in Singapore-based companies for 3 years upon completion of their study.

Private Education Institutions

A side from three public universities that have been explained, there are still a lot of choices of private education institutions and international universities that run their programs in Singapore. Offering programs including Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor Degree, and Master Degree. All private education institutions normally partner with foreign universities in United States, Australia, and United Kingdom.

New Zealand

With a patchwork history of M?ori, European, Pacific Island and Asian cultures, New Zealand has become a melting-pot population – but one with some uniting features that make it unique in the world.

Today, of the 4.4 million New Zealanders (informally known as Kiwis), approximately 69% are of European descent, 14.6% are indigenous M?ori, 9.2% Asian and 6.9% non-M?ori Pacific Islanders.

Geographically, over three-quarters of the population live in the North Island, with one-third of the total population living in Auckland. The other main cities of Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton are where the majority of the remaining Kiwis dwell.

Higher Education System in New Zealand :

Institute of Technology & Polytechnic

The programs offered emphasis on experience and practical application in work situations, such as agriculture, art and design, building and construction, media studies, hospitality and tourism. All of them are developed based on cooperation with advisory groups representing industry, organized a program for relevant, current and innovative.

The graduates from this education obtain an equal status with university degree.

Undergraduate Degree & Postgraduate Degree

New Zealand has 8 universities that offer an attractive learning environment and high quality qualification, ranging from undergraduate to post graduate levels in academic and professional studies.

The eight universities are spread throughout New Zealand. Universities that located in the North Island are The University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), University of Waikato in Hamilton, Massey University, Victoria University. While the one that were located in the South Island are the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, Lincoln University who is also in the city of Christchurch, and the University of Otago in Dunedin.

Malaysia

The Malaysia capital of Kuala Lumpur is by far the largest city in the country and home to an estimated 1.6 million people of both local and foreign origin. The bustling, vibrant city plays host to most of Malaysia’s tourists, serving as the main entry point for visitors bound for other exotic destinations within the country.

Kuala Lumpur is a modern day metropolis, with a skyline rivaling those of most cities worldwide. The presence of multinational corporations and a variety of businesses underline Kuala Lumpur’s importance as a commercial and financial centre in the South East Asian region, even with Singapore’s close proximity. An extensive network of roads and an integrated public transport system ensure that travel within the city remains relatively hassle free and easy.

Higher Education System in Malaysia:

College & technical Institute

Pre-University Education is a continuation education after high school education where students are prepared to enter University level such as Form 6, matriculation, and special education. SPM examination will be held as the acceptance requirement for this Pre-University.

Level 6 Program (Form 6)

At Form 6, students will be given two choices of program, science or literature. The length of those programs is one and a half year. The final examination decides a student will enter a university level or not.

Matriculation Program

Exclusively matriculation program, the graduates will get a certificate that only can be used in University in Malaysia.

Undergraduate Degree

Malaysia is known as the pioneer country of the twinning program in 1980 with cooperation with foreign university in USA, UK, France, New Zealand, Germany, Australia, etc. This program is well known as the 2+1, where students will continue their study in foreign institution to get bachelor’s degree after finishing 2 years program in Malaysia. Beside 2+1 program, there is also 3+0 program from foreign institution through private institution that located in Malaysia.

Canada

Even though has younger nation history, Canada has been developed as science-based country, which is recognized with her world-class administration system, business, culture and life-style. Canada is really proud to have natural attractiveness and the very broad nature. With good commitment in education, environment, and health for people, Canada leads the citizen to face the future confidently.

Higher Education System in Canada :

College & technical Institute

The most popular choice in Canada is college and technical institute, because it offers a professional program one (1) to three (3) years including internship. It was also offered a program of University Transfer Program (UTP), which provides opportunities for students to get a Bachelor Degree at the university. Credit transfer value from the first two years at a college or university college would be a provision for that student.

University

University colleges combine the tradition of Canadian universities and colleges, where practical and academic programs are combined in a campus environment. Programs are offered as degree programs, diploma, certificate, UTP, and even programs like English as Second Language (ESL).

Career School

As the name suggests, Career schools are private institutions in Canada that offer training programs and career-oriented by teaching them practical skills for students. Programs that are offered such as multimedia, movies, hotels, culinary, etc.

Italy

Italy is situated on the West Southern border of Europe; the peninsula, along with its surrounding islands, stretches out southwards almost to the coasts of North Africa, while eastwards it faces the Slav-Balkan territories.

Italy has played an important role in European higher education: it is one of the four countries that first engaged to create the so-called “European Area of Higher Education” (Sorbonne Declaration, May 1998), thus starting that type of higher education reform which, known as “Bologna Process” (Bologna Declaration, June 1999) is being implemented all over Europe.

Today Italy ranks among the 8 most industrialized countries in the world. Alongside some big companies, both state-owned and private, it has developed a sound network of small and medium-sized undertakings, promoted a few scientific parks, and is incentivizing basic and applied research in a great variety of fields (biology, ICT, medicine, physics, etc.).

Higher Education System in Italy :

Italian higher education is structured in a binary system, consisting of two main articulations:

• the university sector
• the non-university sector

At present, the university sector is made up of 89 university institutions, which are classified in:

• 58 State universities
• 17 non-State universities (legally recognized by the State)
• 2 universities for foreigners
• 6 higher schools specialized in postgraduate university studies
• 6 telematic universities

The non-university sector includes 4 education typologies with their institutions:

• higher schools of design: polytechnics for the arts, academies of fine arts, higher institutes for applied arts, music conservatories and recognized music institutes, higher institutes for musical and choreographic studies, national academies
• higher education in language mediation: higher schools for language mediators
• higher integrated education (FIS): programs of higher technical education & training (IFTS)
• a few specific fields (e.g. archiving, diplomatic, restoration, military studies, etc.) which, along with their respective institutions, fall under the supervision of ministries other than that of Education.

Australia

Join the drive of young people who choose Australia to fulfill their dream of a gap year, career break, working holiday or overseas study. Australia offers endless opportunity for student to develop life skills in a positive and outgoing environment. Importance is given to personal development as well as academic studies.

Australia’s cities offer a warm, friendly and relaxed lifestyle with their festivals, hip urban enclaves and markets. They form the backdrop for iconic Australian events such as the Grand Prix, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Melbourne Cup. Australian cities come alive with the Australian passion for all manner of sport. There’s also a host of uniquely Australian events happening in Australia’s outback and along the coast like the Camel Cup and the Gama Festival in the Northern Territory and the open water Coolly Classic on the Gold Coast.

Higher Education System in Australia :

English Course (ELICOS)

ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) is an English language-training course organized by specialized institutions which numbers approximately 160 institutions in Australia.

Vocational Education & Training (TAFE & VET)

Vocational study program such as polytechnic is called TAFE (Technical And Further Education) government property and VET (Vocational Education & Training) private property or also mentioned as College.

Pre-University Program (Foundation Studies)

Pre-University Program (Foundation) is an intensive preparation study program as a foundation and bridge that prepares students for entry into university, with duration of 6 to 12 months. Pre-University Program (Foundation) is divided into several branches of science, such as business, sciences, arts, design, media and social sciences.

Graduate professional Program (undergraduate DEGREE)

Australia has 37 universities and 2 private universities. All universities offer a learning environment that is attractive and high quality qualification. In the year 2009 there were more than 100,000 international students from 180 countries studying in Australian universities.

Most Australian universities offer a combination of various fields of study, so students can get more than one qualification (Double Degree).

Post Graduate professional Program (Postgraduate Degree)

This postgraduate program consists of the Graduate Certificate (6 months), Graduate Diploma (1 year), Master Degree (1-2 years), Doctoral Degree (3-4 years).