ACADEMIC YEAR

Many colleges and universities also offer a mid-year, or second semester, start. Start dates and semester lengths vary by course and institution, so please consult your institution's website for more information.
 
The following is a general guide to the academic year in Australia for the various levels of study:

Schools

Length - 13 years in total (Kindergarten/Preparatory to Year 12)
Semesters - 4 (usually called terms')
Starts - Late January/early February

English

Length - From 5 weeks to 1 year
Semesters - The year is split into weeks
Starts - Throughout the year

Foundation

Length - 1 year (some may be longer)
Semesters - The semester breaks will depend on your course
Starts - February but can vary by course and institutions

Vocational Education and Training

Length - 1 to 4 years
Semesters - Two
Starts - February, but can vary by course and institutions

Undergraduate

Length - Typically 3 years (4 years for honours degree)
Semesters - Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
Starts - Typically March, but can vary by course and institution

Postgraduate

Length - 1 to 2 years
Semesters - Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)
Starts - Typically March, but can vary by course and institution

Doctoral

Length - 3 years (plus 1 year for review)
Semesters - As most doctoral candidates do not attend class, there are usually no formal semesters
Starts - Start dates are negotiated with PhD supervisor