Bridge to success: Exceptional pathway programmes in Australia

An international degree comes with many perks. Firstly, most are recognised worldwide. It gets your application to the top of the stack in a competitive job market, gives you a chance to gain valuable multicultural perspectives, and helps students build an international network fundamental to professional success. 

Too often, however, many who desire to study abroad do not realise their dreams. This is understandable. Moving to a foreign country can be hard — challenges can arise, like culture shock, language barriers, and lack of familiarity.

Pathway programmes ease this transition. They are specifically designed for international students, preparing them to thrive academically and socially in a foreign land. Education centres across the world are currently offering programmes that address the needs of these students who come from a wide range of backgrounds. They provide experienced teachers who can guide in accordance to specific requirements, like more training in second languages, which requires highly visual and interactive lesson plans. 

When done right, pathway programmes produce graduates with the confidence to embark on degree-level studies in a foreign land. Here are four colleges with a track record of realising study abroad dreams:

Taylors College (Study Group)

Taylors College is part of Study Group Australia, a global leader in providing programmes that produce highly-qualified and well-prepared international students ready to transition to some of the best universities in the world. It delivers the University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) and the High Achievers Preparation Program (HAPP), trading as Taylors College on behalf of the University of Sydney.

One of Australia’s highest-ranking universities, the University of Sydney ranks first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability. When it comes to impact, the university ranks first in Australia and second in the world. Its programmes are no exception — several nab the top spot nationally and internationally. Recently, it improved its position in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2020, climbing six places from last year’s 80th ranking to 74th in the world.

Source: Taylors College (Study Group)

Taylors College offers the most effective pathways to this elite institution — in 2019, 97% of USFP graduated students, and 100% of HAPP students received offers to Australia’s most prestigious university.

The USFP comes with a range of start dates and programmes throughout the year: Intensive (39 weeks), Standard (52 weeks) and Extended (72 weeks). Compulsory subjects include English A and English B, as well as other prerequisite subjects for entry into their chosen University of Sydney degree.

In light of COVID-19 restrictions, four in five Taylors College Sydney students are studying in virtual classrooms from their home country. Their feedback? Overwhelmingly positive — 99% of students who started their course online in late April indicated they are satisfied with their course so far, 80% said they are highly satisfied with the quality of their online study materials and the interaction with their teachers online.

Thanks to pathway providers like Taylors, there is no reason why you have to put your academic success on hold. Make plans to watch whales migrate, swim in Bondi Beach’s turquoise waters and watch a show at the Sydney Opera House. With Taylors College, you can start online and finish in Australia’s largest and most famous city.

Canning College

Source: Canning College

Established in 1982, Canning College was formed by the Education Department of Western Australia to provide the opportunity for adults to return to education at a Year 12 level. Since its formation, Canning College has formed an enviable reputation for providing excellent education opportunities and services for international students who seek a smooth and high-quality pathway to the universities of their dreams. 

Located in Perth, the college provides access to dedicated and trained student advisors, pastoral care services, pre-departure information, recreation facilities, student experience programmes, special care arrangements for minors, accommodation placement services and many more. Basically, anything an international student would need to prepare for university life comfortably. 

The college’s academic offerings are extensive, providing opportunities for students to complete education at Year 10, Year 11, pre-diploma and first-year university levels. For international students looking to upskill, Canning’s Bridging Programme is an ideal choice. While the programme’s focus is English language competency, it also provides the chance for students to develop their knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, business, economics and computing before commencing a degree.

Trinity College

Trinity College is a pathway school for international students wishing to complete their academic journeys at the University of Melbourne. It is also a theological school that offers courses accredited by the University of Divinity. Opened in 1872, the college has significantly expanded and today consists of three divisions: the Pathways School, the Residential College and the Theological School. 

Source: Trinity College

Its diverse student body of more than 2,000 students come from a wide range of socioeconomic, geographical and cultural backgrounds. They create a vibrant and supportive learning experience for international students who are nervous about life in a new country. 

Trinity College’s main campus is located at Parkville, Melbourne where residential students live and a majority of Foundation Studies classes are taught. Here, the opportunities are plenty for students who wish to explore new interests and pursue extra-curricular passions whether they are musical, cultural, spiritual, entrepreneurial or in the areas of leadership and social responsibility.  

Eynesbury College 

At Eynesbury College, students from all over the world who wish to study in Adelaide, South Australia are invited to join and kick-start their academic careers. The college considers its style of pre-university education to be unique, having always maintained a strong emphasis on university entrance and education pathways. 

Source: Eynesbury College

Here a comprehensive range of pathway programmes provide maximum flexibility in assisting students to gain entry to their chosen degree paths, preparing them for academic success at university. Their specialist, unique approach combines small class sizes, expert teachers, and personalised guidance to support students as they prepare.

Frequent activities for students take place on and off campus including sporting clubs, social clubs, day tours, weekend trips and more. These make Eynesbury the ideal destination for a vibrant student experience and go hand-in-hand with the College’s in-depth English language programmes, pre-university foundational programmes, Student Leadership programmes and forums, job search support services, volunteering opportunities, and supportive student assistance services.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International