Australia, one of the most fascinating and highly developed, is the sixth largest country in the world. Endowed with astounding beaches, plenty of wildlife, natural wonders and cosmopolitan conurbations, the country offers some unique experiences that are hard to find somewhere else.
Australia is currently the third most popular destination for international students in the English-speaking world, behind the United States and the UK. Many international students choose to study there because of the cultural diversity, friendly natives, and high quality of education.
Institutions in Australia offer a wide variety of courses and degrees, so international students can easily find the school and field that are right for them.
Some of the major reasons that let international students choose Australia as their study destination are:
- Advanced teaching styles
- Plethora of Specialist Institutions
- Quality of Scientific Research
- Global Acceptance of Australian Higher Education Standards
- Multicultural Community
- A Safe Environment
- Unique Travel Choices
- Flexibility to work up to 20 hours per week and 40 hours during semester breaks
Fee Structure
Under Graduate Studies:
Universities 16,000.00 – 27,000.00 AUD per year
Colleges 13,000.00 – 17,000.00 AUD per year
Post Graduate Studies:
Universities Bt. 17,000 .00 – 28, 000.00 AUD per year
Colleges Bt. 15, 000.00 – 21,000.00 AUD per year
Living Expenses
| Hostels and guesthouses | A$80 to A$135 a week |
| Shared rentals and On-Campus Accommodation | A$70 to A$250 a week |
| Homestay | A$110 to A$270 a week |
WEEKLY EXPENSES
| Groceries or eating out | A$80 to A$200 |
| Gas and Electricity | A$60 to A$100 |
| Phone and Internet | A$20 to A$50 |
| Public Transport | A$10 to A$50 |
| Entertainment | A$50 to A$100 |
Work Opportunities
International students who are studying in a course of more than one year duration can work part time up to 40 hours per fortnight during course time and full time during vacation, provided this does not interfere with their study program. Almost all Universities and TAFE institutions have a Careers Office, which regularly posts employment vacancies. Spouse of a student in Australia can also work full time if the student is enrolled for a 2 year Master program and part time ( 40 hours per fortnight) in other cases.
Australia provides a work permit for a period of 2 years to students who have taken up an education program of 2 year or more on completion of the educational program. With this work permit the student can work full time for a period of 2 years after completion of the course. International students who have graduated in Australia would also gain points under the Skilled Migrant Category and are eligible for applying for PR.
Australian Industries offering Part-time work
- Hospitality (Restaurants, bars and cafes)
- Agriculture (Farming and fruit-picking)
- Retail (Super markets and clothing stores)
- Tourism (Hotels and Motels)
- Tutoring
- Administration or Clerical roles
- Sales and Telemarketing
Australia’s Education System
Australia not only has the excellence for providing international education but great opportunities also to form a global network. Over the years, the educational institutes of Australia have nurtured the needs of its students by focusing on practical learning and a thorough understanding of different topics.
Like other countries, the education system of Australia is mainly divided into three broad areas – Primary School, Secondary/Senior Secondary School and Tertiary Education.
Primary School: It runs for seven or eight years, starting from Kindergarten
Secondary School: It starts from the years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10 and runs for three or four years
- Senior Secondary:It starts from the years 11 and 12 and runs for two years.
Tertiary Education: It includes both higher education and Vocational education and training (VET).
Intake
- Feb / March
- July / August
- November – few universities offer limited programs
Australian universities & colleges accept both IELTS & PTE scores as a proof of English proficiency. The following guideline for IELTS/PTE score is just an approximation, each University or institute will have their own benchmark score for their respective courses.
| Programms | English Test Score |
| Diploma programs | IELTS – Overall band score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 PTE – Overall 45; no less than 36 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | IELTS – Overall band score of 6.0; no less than 5.5 PTE – Overall 50; no less than 45 |
| Graduate Diploma | IELTS – Overall band score of 6.5; no less than 6.0 PTE – Overall 65; no less than 50 |
| Master Programs | IELTS – Overall band score of 6.5; no less than 6.0 PTE – Overall 65; no less than 50 |
Visa Process
Student Visa process normally takes around 3 to 8 weeks. It is compulsory to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your study. The visa officer usually relies on the university or institution’s assessment of your candidature but they may also carry out independent assessment. A student has to submit all documentation to visa authorities. Just like the university student will need to prove to the visa authorities of financial preparedness to pay for living expenses, education costs and travel for the course. Students will be required to show AU$18,000 towards living expenses per annum along with the balance fee for the remaining year as finances for visa purposes. (For a detailed list please contact any of our offices). The visa officer may also conduct a telephonic interview wherever necessary.
Funding
The minimum cost of living required by the Department of Home Affairs to issue a student visa is $20,290. The immigration department must be satisfied that an applicant, once in Australia, will have genuine access to the funds they claim to possess to cover the travel, tuition and living costs for themselves and their family members
Finance Sources
You must submit evidence of sufficient funds that must be 3 months prior from the date of application for the duration of your stay in Australia.
| Unacceptable Funds | Acceptable Funds |
| KVP, NSC, Capital Account in business | Fixed Deposits |
| Shares, debentures, bonds, LIC surrender value |
Balance in Savings Account |
| PPFs, EPF, GPF, PF, CPF | Education loan |
| Co-op bank balance and FDs | Personal loan (but disbursed fully) |
