22 January 2024 News

What is public health?

What is public health and why should you apply for a public health program? Public health—it maybe a topic that you’ve heard a lot about lately. But what exactly is it?

Step 1

Send Transcripts to OzTREKK

❑  Have your school email your transcripts to OzTREKK at transcripts@oztrekk.com (only one copy is required from each institution at which you’ve studied; must be in English)

  • Send now: If you’ve completed your degree (transcript usually says “credentials awarded,” “graduated,” or “degree conferred”).
  • Send during your final semester: If you’re not finished your degree, wait until your last semester; after your degree is conferred, have the university send us the “final” transcript.

If you require a password on the digital transcript, please use the following:

Question: The educational agent that I am working with
Password: OZTREKK1 (no spaces, all capitals); for PINs or character limits, use 1234

See Transcripts FAQs for more information.

Step 2

Send Required Application Documents (All Universities)

Please upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal (PDF only). We only require one copy of each document, even if you’re applying to multiple universities.

❑  Copy of your passport photo page; must be in colour
❑  Fill out the online OzTREKK SSVF Form

 

Step 3

Send University-specific Documents

Please upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal (PDF only). We only require one copy of each document, even if you’re applying to multiple universities.

 

Adelaide University – Master of Public Health

No additional documents required. If you’ve completed steps 1 and 2, above, your application is ready to submit.

  AUD$150 application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you do not wish to pay the application fee and we’ll cancel your application.

 

Curtin University – Master of Public Health

   Complete a Curtin Public Health Personal Statement explaining why you’re interested in the Curtin MPH program
   CV (no more than 4 pages), that contains detailed information about (as relevant):

  • Qualifications
  • Detailed description about paid work (dates and descriptors about tasks, duties, and outcomes)
  • Key training and professional development completed
  • Volunteer work
  • Publications
  • Grants
  • Conference presentations
  • Referees – 1 professional and 1 academic who can speak to your application for study at Curtin University

 

Deakin University – Master of Public Health

 Deakin Application – Handwritten or e-signature only
 Deakin Application Declaration – Handwritten or e-signature only

 

Flinders University – Master of Public Health

No additional documents required. If you’ve completed steps 1 and 2, above, your application is ready to submit.

 

Griffith University – Master of Public Health or Master of Global Health

   Select a major focus of study: dissertation, standard, or undeclared

 

James Cook University – Master of Public Health

  Personal statement outlining your interest in JCU’s program (100–250 words)
 JCU Application – You must provide contact info for one of WeChat, Viber, or WhatsApp

 

La Trobe University – Master of Public Health

  La Trobe Personal Statement outlining your interest in the program

 

Macquarie University – Master of Public Health

No additional documents required. If you’ve completed steps 1 and 2, above, your application is ready to submit.

 

University of Melbourne – Master of Public Health

  Download and fill out the University of Melbourne Agent Nomination – Handwritten or e-signature only
  Personal statement outlining your interest in Melbourne’s program (250 words)
  Melbourne MPH Referee Report (optional) – Please include if you have 2 years + of full-time paid work in a public health field and would like to be considered for advanced standing based on this work experience. It is recommended that you provide one report for each role/position held in that field, as well as a detailed CV including working history, specifying if the positions were part time or full time and the number of years/months employed. You must inform OzTREKK if you plan to include these documents.
  CV (optional) – Only required for applicants with borderline results but who have substantial relevant work experience

 

Monash University – Master of Public Health

  Personal statement outlining your interest in Monash’s program (250 words)
  Reference letters – Must include dates of employment, basis of employment (full/part time), position title held, and list of responsibilities/specific duties; signed and dated by the reference and printed on the company letterhead paper. Must be sent directly from the referee to rehabsci@oztrekk.com or by mail to OzTREKK.
  Résumé/CV showing relevant experience in health or public health
❑  AUD$125 Monash application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you don’t wish to pay the fee, and we’ll cancel your application.

 

University of Queensland – Master of Public Health

 UQ Authority Form – Handwritten or e-signature only
  Review UQ’s Transfer Policy and Procedures
  High school transcript – Used to establish English language requirements only (see “Step 1” instructions above)

 

University of Sydney – Master of Public Health or Master of Global Health

Master of Global Health
  Résumé/CV showing relevant global/public health work experience
  Personal statement outlining your interest in Sydney’s program
 AUD$150 Sydney application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you don’t wish to pay the fee, and we’ll cancel your application.

Master of Public Health
  Résumé/CV showing relevant public health work experience
  AUD$150 Sydney application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you don’t wish to pay the fee, and we’ll cancel your application.

 

University of Western Australia – Master of Public Health

No additional documents required. If you’ve completed steps 1 and 2, above, your application is ready to submit.

 

FAQs

If you can’t find the answers to your questions, please reach out to OzTREKK.

 

What if I have an IB transcript?

For requests after July 5 (for May exam sessions) or December 16 (for November exam sessions), IB graduates can request for their transcripts to be sent directly to OzTREKK by placing a request through rrs.ibo.org.

Choose “Request for results to Institutes of higher education,” then select the following:

Institute Country: Canada
Institute State: Ontario
Institute: OzTREKK Educational Services

Choose “Add transcript request,” which confirms you would like your transcript to be sent to us.

Prior to results (issued July 5 for May exam; December 16 for November exam) candidates are advised to contact the IB coordinator at their school for the request to be submitted.

What’s a “grad letter”?

Occasionally, we might ask that you have grad letter from your uni’s registrar’s office sent directly to our office. This is a standard letter that will indicate you’ve met your degree requirements and will show your expected conferral date. So, while you can submit an interim or completed transcript, they won’t show the conferral date. That’s where the grad letter will come in handy.

Don’t worry—we’ll let you know if you’re required to submit a grad letter.

Why can’t I use unofficial transcripts?

Your entire education history must be supported by official documents, otherwise you could be disqualified for academic dishonesty. That’s why opened transcripts we receive from students cannot be certified as official. Transcripts we receive must come directly from your university, college, or secondary school board so that we can certify them.

If you’ve already arranged for your transcript to be mailed to you, please do not open the envelope once you receive your paper copy in the mail. Just pop the sealed transcript into another envelope and forward it to our office.

If you have opened your transcript, please order another one to be sent directly to our office.

Can I send my transcripts from British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, or Saskatchewan?

Once you’ve finished your high school studies and your transcript is final, you’ll need to request a final copy from your provincial Ministry of Education. Final copies are typically not available in BC, Alberta, or Saskatchewan until late June/early July, so you’ll want to be in close contact during this time to make a transcript request.

The Australian universities will not accept a final high school transcript sent from your high school.

What if my degree isn’t completed yet?

If you’re in your last semester, we can sometimes submit your application with an interim transcript, then send the final version once it’s available. This option may not work for all programs, so be sure to chat with your admissions team.

Be prepared to request a final transcript once it becomes available, usually about 4–6 weeks after you’ve finished your studies.

What’s the difference between a “completed” transcript and a “final” transcript?

A completed transcript will show all your completed courses but will be missing a line stating something like, “Credentials Awarded,” “Graduated,” or “Degree conferred,” and it won’t show the conferral date.

A final transcript will show the degree name (e.g., Bachelor of Science) with the conferral date; this is the date recorded on your transcript showing when your degree was officially recognized. They are usually only considered final after your convocation. We’re required to submit official final transcripts.

If you’re still in your last semester of study, we can submit your application with an interim transcript then send the updated final version once it’s available.

How many transcript copies do I need to send?

We only require one copy of each transcript, even if you apply to multiple universities or programs. You must submit final transcripts (showing your degree/diploma is completed) from every institution you’ve attended.

If you have taken any IB or AP studies through your institution, we’ll require a separate transcript from those organizations, too.

How do I send my transcripts?

We’ll need a transcript from every institution you’ve attended since high school, including college, exchanges, transfer credits, or AP/IB studies.

By email (preferred): Ask your school(s) to send your up-to-date transcript directly to transcripts@oztrekk.com or through an official service like Parchment or MyCreds. If a password is required, use OZTREKK1 (all caps, no spaces). For PINs or character limits, use 1234.

By mail (only if email isn’t possible): Use FedEx or Purolator for the fastest delivery. If using Canada Post Xpresspost, please don’t request a signature to avoid delays.

OzTREKK
301–1 Sherbrooke St. E.
Perth, ON K7H 1A1 Canada

We’ll let you know as soon as your transcript arrives!

What is an “official” transcript?

An official transcript is one that is

  • emailed directly from your university to OzTREKK via an official transcript service like Parchment or MyCreds; or
  • mailed directly from your university to OzTREKK.

To process your application(s), universities require your transcripts to be certified, which we do on your behalf.

 

What if my transcripts / documents are not in English?

If your documents are not in English, you must provide full translation of each document, either prepared by your university or by a registered translator. You must not translate the documents yourself.

For translations, have your institution send OzTREKK your official transcript. We’ll certify it and email it to the translator of your choice, directly.

Usually, the translators wait for your payment before completing the translation and returning it to our office. Please read How Do I Send My Transcripts for more information.

What is an “interim” transcript?

An interim transcript is your current, official academic record. It lists all your completed courses and grades to date and includes any courses you are currently taking (in progress), even if you haven’t finished your full program or degree. It’s often used by students who are still enrolled and provides a snapshot of their academic progress, usually for applications or other purposes until the final transcript is available.

For example, if you’re in the final year of a 4-year degree, your interim transcript will show your grades from the first 3 years, plus the first semester of your final year.

Many universities accept this document and may issue a “conditional offer” based on your performance so far. The condition is that you must later submit your final transcript proving you successfully completed your degree and met the required grades.

We recommend requesting your interim transcript during the final semester of your undergraduate program.

Overview

Wondering how to apply to an Australian public health program? Look no further. We’ll guide you through the process, step by step.

Here’s what you’ll find on this page:

If you have questions or concerns at any stage in the process, we are just a call or an email away!

1. Eligibility

Determining Your Eligibility

Have you met the minimum GPA requirement? Do you have all the prerequisites?

Figuring out if you’re eligible to apply to a program is a great first step. Eligibility is based on several factors and can differ across universities. To get started, have a look at the following resources:

 

Minimum vs Competitive
Even if you meet the minimum requirements, it doesn’t always mean you’ll be a competitive applicant.

Minimum GPA scores are defined by each university and are the lowest scores required to be eligible to apply.

Competitive GPA test scores are the minimum scores that receive an offer and can vary year to year.

 

We’ll always be transparent about your chances of receiving an offer. Not competitive? We’ll help you figure out your options. Sometimes applicants decide to pursue a different study area—we can help with that, too! Check out our helpful FAQs for more insight on eligibility.

2. Apply Online

Start Your Application

Fill out the OzTREKK application. This application only comes to us, so don’t worry about making a mistake.

Completing your OzTREKK application early is a great way for us to get to know you and your goals, and it ensures you don’t miss a deadline!

 

What to Expect on the Application
The basics: your full name, address, program of interest, etc., plus your education history.

Once you’ve pressed “Submit,” congratulations! You’re officially an OzTREKK student! We’ll send you a confirmation email and let you know what else is required to complete your university application.

If you’d like to make changes to your application or to your program selection, no problem. We can adjust anything as we go.

3. Submit Documents

Submit Your Documents to OzTREKK

You’ve pressed “Submit” on your OzTREKK application and you’re ready for the next step.

 

Upload Your Documents to the myOzTREKK Portal
You’ll receive an email with your log-in credentials. Once you’re set up, you can begin uploading your application documents (except transcripts) to the myOzTREKK student portal. We only need one copy of each document.

The myOzTREKK portal is where you’ll be able to keep track of your applications:

  • Manage your applications (see where you’ve applied or cancel applications)
  • Upload documents like your passport and résumé
  • Review your files and education history (make sure everything looks right!)
  • Submit questions to your admissions team

 

When Should I Send My Documents?
The earlier the better! We’ll need all your documents before the application deadlines; the earlier we have them, the more guidance we can provide.

Remember, we’re here for you throughout the entire process, so always feel free to ask us questions.

4. OzTREKK Submits Application

OzTREKK Submits Your Complete Application(s)

Once all your documents are in, we’ll submit your application to the university and send you a confirmation email with estimated outcome dates.

This is the waiting period. It can be stressful, but now that your application is under assessment, we’ll share everything you need to know in this “layover” phase:

  • Resources for confident decision-making if you receive an offer (or multiple offers!)
  • Financing information (including contacts)
  • Community connections (OzTREKK events and more!)

FAQs

If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us. We’re here to help!

 

Can my partner or family come to Australia with me if I get an offer? 

Many Canadians wish to fulfill their career goals after getting married, having kids, or both! We’ve had plenty of students who have taken their partner and/or children with them.

If you want to take your partner or family with you, you’ll need to add them as a secondary applicant or dependents to your student visa application. Even if you don’t plan on taking them with you, we suggest you add them to your application anyway because it can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming to add them afterwards. You’ll then need to provide additional documentation to support your claims of a relationship or your children’s dependency status.

In addition to looking after the visa, you’ll also need to ensure they’re included on your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you have appropriate accommodation, and if you’re bringing children, you’ll need to enroll them in school.

Visit our Health Insurance page for more information.

When should I apply?

We recommend you begin your OzTREKK application about a year before your program would start. Most programs in Australia start between January and March, so that means you would start your OzTREKK application between January and March the year prior. Some programs also have intakes in June/July and September/October/November.

Here’s how the typical “cycle” works if your program starts January – March:

October – May: You gather all required documents like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement, and send them to our office. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly what we need!

June – August: Interviews (if your program requires one)

September – December: Offer time! If you get an offer, we’ll walk you through the acceptance (or decline) process and give you all the help you need to get ready to go.

January – March: Time to head Down Under!

Can my entire application be submitted through OzTREKK?

Absolutely. We manage and submit your application(s) on your behalf and communicate any updates from the universities.

Applying to an  Australian or New Zealand university starts by filling out our OzTREKK application: You’ll tell us a bit about yourself, like your name, address, date of birth, education history, and what schools you want to apply to!

When you click “Submit,” the application with all your information only comes to us, so there’s no need to worry about making a mistake at this stage. We then create a file for you (based on your name, not a number!) and email you a list of documents required to complete your application—things like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement—but it depends on the program, as some programs require more paperwork than others.

If you get an offer, we’ll help you with that part, too! Whether you want to accept or decline, we’ll help you figure out your next steps. If you accept your offer, we’ll even help you get ready to go. We’re here to be an advocate for you, and to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Should you have any questions along the way, just send us an email or book a chat. That’s why we’re here!

Are there any scholarships for international students?

Scholarship options in Australia are usually limited for international students as they tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees; however, we can advise you where to look and whether specific programs have a history of offering scholarships.

Occasionally, scholarships are granted to high achievers—those with very high marks. In previous years, we have seen $5000- to $10,000-scholarships given to OzTREKK students.

Check out OzTREKK’s Financing page to learn more about scholarships and paying for your degree.

What does “rolling admissions” mean?

Rolling admissions means the university assesses applications as they are received, or on a “first come, first served” basis. As soon as they’ve met the quota and the program is filled, they close the applications. So, for a program that has rolling admissions, the earlier you apply the better!

How does OzTREKK know if my application will be competitive?

The majority of Canadians applying to full-degree programs in Australia (i.e., not study abroad courses, which usually only last a semester or two) apply through OzTREKK. They’re studying medicine, dentistry, law, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.

Since they’re using OzTREKK’s services, this gives us a good idea of the starting point of a competitive application each year, allowing us to help you determine which universities/programs are most likely to present you with a letter of offer!

You can get started on determining your chances by reviewing the admissions requirements on each program page. Then, visit our GPA Conversions and Eligibility pages for details and suggestions to help you get into the program of your dreams. Of course, OzTREKK is always here to help if you have questions.

What is a 5.0 GPA in Australia?

Unlike in Canada, GPAs in Australia are simple. They are standardized, so they mean the same thing to everyone.

In Australia, a 5.0 / 7.0 would roughly translate to a 2.7 / 4.0 or approximately 70% – 72%, but keep in mind all universities assess slightly differently.

Learn more on our GPA Conversions page where we list the most common Canadian GPA scales to their corresponding Australian GPA grade.

Which prerequisites do I need?

Prerequisite courses vary by university and by program. We’ve listed university- and program-specific requirements on each program’s page under “Admissions Requirements.”

How do universities calculate GPA?

Calculations differ by university, but most use cumulative (all units within a program) or weighted GPA (typically last 2 or 3 years of study). See GPA Calculations for more information.

What is an “official” transcript?

An official transcript is one that is

  • emailed directly from your university to OzTREKK via an official transcript service like Parchment or MyCreds; or
  • mailed directly from your university to OzTREKK.

To process your application(s), universities require your transcripts to be certified, which we do on your behalf.

 

What if my transcripts / documents are not in English?

If your documents are not in English, you must provide full translation of each document, either prepared by your university or by a registered translator. You must not translate the documents yourself.

For translations, have your institution send OzTREKK your official transcript. We’ll certify it and email it to the translator of your choice, directly.

Usually, the translators wait for your payment before completing the translation and returning it to our office. Please read How Do I Send My Transcripts for more information.

What is public health?

Public health is the science of protecting the safety and improving the health of communities through education, policy making, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health practitioners work to enhance and protect the health of populations by identifying their health problems and needs and implementing programs and services to address these needs.

Learn more.

Are there any specialization areas in public health degrees?

Yes, most public health degrees offer concentration in a specific area. Some examples include

  • Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs;
  • Health Promotion and Disease Prevention;
  • Nutrition;
  • Ageing;
  • Epidemiology & Biostatistics;
  • Gender and Women’s Health;

Please contact OzTREKK for details and to discuss your options.

Are there public health degrees that focus on rural, remote and Indigenous communities?

Yes, the Master of Public Health at James Cook University (JCU) specializes in public health problems in tropical Australia and its near neighbours.

The Anton Breinl Centre at JCU was one of a select group of academic institutions funded by the Commonwealth Government to assist in training public health professionals. Special attention is given to the needs of high-risk community groups, including refugee and migrant populations, and Indigenous Australians. Specific elements within the programs are tailored to workforce needs, including refugee health, disaster health management, travel medicine, tropical marine and diving medicine, infection control, communicable disease control, aeromedical retrieval and more recently, health promotion.

Are there any online degrees for public health?

Yes, several universities offer online options for public health degrees:

  • University of Sydney
  • Griffith University
  • James Cook University

Contact OzTREKK to discuss your options. Let’s chat!

Can I practice in Canada after I graduate?

You bet! Canada does not have an accreditation process in place for public health degrees; therefore, there is no need to apply to an accrediting body in Canada or to complete any further schooling in order to have your credentials recognized.

 

Are there any fast-track public health degrees?

Yes, several universities offer public health degrees from 1 – 1.5 years, depending on your previous studies. Please contact OzTREKK for more information.

What can I do with a public health degree?

Graduates may move into careers in a range of areas within the health sector. These may include professional practice, research, public health management, management positions within health care facilities, international positions with aid organizations or within developing countries.

Graduates of MPH programs are usually employed within the governmental public health system at the local/regional, provincial/territorial, national or international level. They may also be employed by the non-governmental sector. Learn more about public health careers.

University of Melbourne graduate talks about how robust data informs better public health policies and the importance of critical thinking to stay ahead of the global pandemic.
University of Melbourne graduate talks about how robust data informs better public health policies to stay ahead of the global pandemic.