Comparison and Contrast: Educational System in Australia and in the Philippines

Society classifies education as a continuous learning process that contributes to

the succession of skill development. Education is a key to success. Education is divided
into three main levels: the primary, secondary and the tertiary. Tertiary level is where a
student has to formulate, unravel or even come to a decision with complex problems.
Australias tertiary educational system and the one in the Philippines have
similarities in terms of students admission, classification of qualifications and class
sessions. The differences between the two tertiary education systems are financial aid
from the government, subject being taught, campuses and uniforms.
Both Australia and the Philippines has a grading system to admit a student to
universities. This means that universities in both countries are using a grading system as a
guide for student admission. In the Philippines, before a student can enrol in private or
public colleges, the student has to undertake a national examination to demonstrate the
students literacy in various subjects, such as mathematics, science, English subjects,
Filipino and Araling Panlipunan. National Secondary Achievement Test known as NSAT
in 1990s and now is called National Achievement Test. Students who could reach 75% or
up are competent, while 50% or below shows inadequacy of the learned subject. Australia
has a similar national test known as High School Certificate or HSC for short. Students
who wish to enrol in university should undertake the test. A course such as medicine and
laws would require a higher HSC mark.
School types are very similar in both private and public universities in both
countries. Private universities in the Philippines are either sectarian or non-sectarian.
Most private universities are catholic colleges such as Ateneo de Manila University
(Jesuit) and University of Sto Thomas (Dominican). Siliman University (Protestant) and
Trinity University of Asia (Anglican) are non-sectarian. Australia has one catholic
university (Australian Catholic University), which is funded buy the Australian
government. Public universities in the Philippines are divided into two groups: (a) the
state universities and colleges: (b) the local colleges and universities. While in Australia,
there are 39 public universities such as the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the
University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Australia has 2
private universities the Bond University in Wagga Wagga and the University of Notre
Dame. TAFE (Technical and Further Education), on the other hand, is the only national
provider of both vocational courses and skilled training programmes so far.
Classifications of qualifications in the Philippines are very similar to the ones
provided by the Australias tertiary educational system. Both offer a Bachelor Degree
within a four year course. Masteral and Doctoral Degree are for another two years. Some
private institutions in both countries can offer a two year certificate or diploma courses.
TAFE colleges offer a diploma course such as information technology and some skill
enhancing courses. Similarly public colleges in the Philippines such as BCAT (Bicol
Colleges of Arts and Trades) also offer diploma and graduate courses teaching
engineering and mechanical skills.

Class sessions in the Philippines vary, depending on subjects availability and

students flexibility. Those students who wish to attend a class in the morning, or
afternoon, or in the evening class should enrol with the corresponding subjects. Summer
class sessions are offered in most of the universities in the Philippines. In Australia
similar class sessions are presented.
Despite the above mentioned similarities between the Australian tertiary
education system and the one in the Philippines, there are differences when it comes to
the government funding, subjects, campuses and uniforms.
The government funding has an enormous impact on the tertiary education system
in each country. Education is regarded as a very important aspect of their life in Australia.
That is why the government tries to support its students with financial aid such as HECS,
which means that an applicant can study first and repay later to HECS. In addition,
AUSTUDY and Youth Allowances and some other form of scholarships are offered in
some universities. Whereas, in Philippine the government only concentrates on the major
state universities. The University of the Philippines and other major universities around
metro Manila stand a chance to receive a colossal amount of funding. Scholarships are
granted to brilliant students.
Subjects taught in the Philippine universities completely focus on mandated
subjects, for instance life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal (the national hero of the country),
three subjects of Filipino language, basic math and science, and Filipino cultural.
Whereas in Australia it is diverse, TAFE, for instance, focalizes its courses on developing
or enhancing students skills.
Some college campuses in the Philippines have three educational levels namely
primary, secondary and tertiary. They are in one campus. The University of Nueva
Caceres is one of such example. While in Australia, it is different as these three levels are
put on separated campuses. In terms of uniform, major catholic universities in the
Philippines are on compulsory uniform policy. Such example is the Universidad de Sta
Isabel. Australian tertiary colleges do not oblige their students to wear uniform.
Although there are differences between the Australias tertiary education system
and the one in the Philippines in terms of government funding, subjects, campuses and
uniforms. There are similarities in terms of students admission, classification of
qualifications and class session. There is a hope in pursuing a good education no matter
what the circumstances are or which country a person happens to be. No matter what the
barriers are, there is always a way to get a good education. It is up to an individuals
eagerness and yearning for education to pursue higher level of education.

Point of Similarities
and Differences
Entrance Test or
Admission of Students
before enrolling in
university
Types of School
Classification of
Qualification for public
and private institution
or universities

Class session on public

and private
Financial aids from
government

Subjects being thought

Campus and uniforms

Philippines
National Secondary
Achievement Test
(NSAT) 1990
National Achievement
Test
Private and Public
University
Associates, Certificate
and Diplomas offered in
private and public
institution 2 year course
Bachelor Degree 4 year
course
Masteral Degree 2 year
course
Doctoral Degree 2 year
course
Morning Class
Evening Class
Afternoon Class
Summer Class
Private university and
institution are not funded
by government
Public university funded
by government but huge
budget in major
university
Scholarships

Australia

Same or
Different

High School
Certificate (HSC)

Same

Private and Public

University
Certificate and
Diploma offered in
TAFE 2 year course
Bachelor Degree 4
year course
Masteral Degree 2
year course
Doctoral Degree 2
year course

Same

Morning Class
Evening Class
Afternoon Class

Same except
for summer
class

Private and public

university such as
TAFE are funded by
Australian
government
Financial aids like
HECS, AUSTUDY
and Youth
Allowances
Mandated subject
Major subjects and
developing of
student skills
Three levels of education Separated campuses
system are in one campus No uniform
Compulsory uniforms in
Catholic university

Same

Different

Different
Different