There are some disciplines/fields of study that have very specific criteria when it comes to acceptance of an overseas qualification (even when you have studied at an overseas university which is `accredited’) and equating the qualification to a local license, an occupational license or simply a certificate (or other clearance) which allows you to practice in that field. The disciplines/fields of study listed in this document therefore, require you to undertake some additional steps on your return to the US and Canada. You should also make every attempt to talk to the various agencies in your home country to ensure that you will be able to continue your professional path, after you return with the overseas qualification.

Australian qualifications are well recognized internationally. However, international recognition and accreditation of the university does not necessarily overcome the `additional steps’ you may be required to undertake locally on your return for some fields of study – example, medicine. We therefore, require that you read this document based on your interest in these subject areas.

The information below has been compiled for the My Study Australia website by the Australian Education Connection (AEC) so that prospective students have an overview about the particular discipline/field of study and how they can go through the admission process and later the re-entry home to continue professionally in their chosen field. While this information is mainly for students who are considering undertaking a full degree qualification in Australia or New Zealand – example: Undergraduate degree, Masters, PhD or Doctoral program – the information may also be relevant to semester abroad and year abroad students who want to know about future possibilities in case they choose Australia for a future degree program.

You have the following options to study law:

If you have already completed High School successfully or are on target to complete high school, you may apply for admission as a Bachelor of Law student (commonly referred to the LLB) which is usually of 4 years duration. As each university has a slightly different application process, below are general guidelines for entry:

• You will be required to have completed 12 years of schooling (High School) at an accredited high school with good academic grades.

If you have already completed an undergraduate degree successfully and then decide to pursue Law, you may undertake entry into a Graduate Entry Bachelor of Law (referred to as the LLBG). This option recognizes that you already have an undergraduate degree, however, you are expected to complete 2.5 to 3 years on this program. The duration is based on which universities offer accelerated completion options and who offer the traditional 3 year programs. As each university has a slightly different application process, below are general guidelines for entry:

• You will be required to have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited university with good academic grades. 

OR 

You may choose to go directly from an undergraduate degree program to the Juris Doctor program and have options ranging from fast track 2 year to regular 3 year programs. The duration is based on which universities offer accelerated (fast-track) programs. As each university has a slightly different application process, below are general guidelines for entry:

• You will be required to have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited university with good academic grades.

Other Matters of Importance

There are slight variations on program style and content, duration and admission requirements, however, your AEC Counselor can discuss any aspect or respond to any questions you may have about the program.

Australian qualifications in Law are acceptable in the USA and Canada. In the USA, every State has a process to follow in order to practice law; in Canada a national body provides the necessary documentation to practice law. Contact the AEC Counselor for further information.

Depending on your current educational qualifications, you may be able to undertake a 4 year program or you will have to undertake the total 5-6 year program. The following are your choices for entry into medical school:

• If you have completed high school and want to go to medical school, you will need to apply for entry into an undergraduate medical study program.  It will normally take six years for you to complete this degree program.

Or

• If you have already completed undergraduate study and now want to pursue medical school, you could enter into a Bachelors Program at a graduate entry level. It will take four years to complete this program.

Other Matters of Importance

Entry into medical school in Australia is complex, however, it does require plenty of lead time. The process is also extremely competitive.

Students pursuing the 4 year graduate entry program will require MCAT testing and those pursuing the 6 year option may require the International Student Admission test.

Students returning to the US will need to go through residency requirements and complete certain exams in order to practice medicine in the USA. There are very similar procedures in place for Canada. Contact the AEC Counselor to discuss your options.

It is common to pursue Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy as an undergraduate qualification in Australia.  If you have completed an undergraduate degree which is unrelated to Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy, it may still be possible to fast track into a Bachelors program by doing a select group of core subjects.

Discuss your requirements with an AEC Counselor.

You should be aware that transferring your qualifications and working in these occupations will require you to follow some procedures. Again, talk to an AEC Counselor who will guide you through the process.

There are plenty of schools in Australia that accept students in teaching programs. There are several ways in which you can gain acceptance into teaching.

You may enter directly into the Bachelor of Education program.

Or, where you have already completed a Bachelor degree, you may opt to undertake any of he following options:

• Enter with due credit for your already completed Bachelor’s degree and obtain a second Bachelors Degree (Bachelor of Education). Usually Australian schools will allow you to complete a Bachelor Degree in approximately 2 years if you already have a completed Bachelors degree from an accredited university.
• Enter directly into a Graduate Diploma of Education (usually of 1 year duration).
• Enter directly into a Masters of Education (usually of 2 years duration although some universities do have a 1.5 year program). Note, many schools may first admit you into the Graduate Diploma (which is a component of the Masters of Education degree program) and then let you transfer to do the balance of the Masters degree.

Other Matters of Importance

As there is a demand for teachers not just in Australia but also in the USA and Canada, universities are keen to train teachers. The process may seem complex but the AEC Program can assist you with your application and provide you the support you require to follow the various procedures for admission.

The AEC can also provide you with a document related to the procedures you need to follow to gain a Certificate for Teaching in each State in the US and the various Provinces and Territories in Canada.

Entry into veterinary school in Australia is highly competitive. Programs are generally of five years duration. There are procedures to be followed in order to practice in the USA or Canada, however, an AEC Counselor will be able to assist you with the application process.