Australia

Australia is the largest island and the smallest continent on the earth. Inland area, Australia is the 6th largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America, and Brazil.

Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a highly developed country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

It is divided into six states and two territories.

Education System

Australia’s system of education is of the highest standard and enjoys international renown. Australia is widely recognized as a world leader in the field of international education and English language training.

University / Colleges / Courses

Australian institutions have major intake in the month of February/ Early March each year.

July/ August intake is also prominent, but specialized programs are limited.

Some courses also start in May, October, and November.

The most popular courses for international students in Australia are Engineering (All specialties including Mining, Petroleum), Information Technology, Information Systems, Biotechnology, International Business, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Accounting, Business Administration, and Social work. Also, many students choose health-related courses like Nursing, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, etc.

Eligibility Test Requirements

The top universities require 75-85 % in 12th standard for undergraduate students.

Any GOOD university requires – 65 to 70 %. Masters require – 60-65 % in relevant degrees.

English Language Proficiency

The International English Language Testing System is normally known as IELTS, administered by the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES), British Council, and IDP Education Australia. The score of IELTS is valid for two years.

Also, Australian institutions and DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) accepts TOEFL as well as PTE (Pearson Test of English)

IELTS is a compulsory exam required for all students planning to go for Australian studies. Minimum scores required – 6.0/9 for UG and 6.5 / 9 Post Graduate students and equivalents.

Fee Structure

The list below gives you an indication of the range of course costs for different types of qualifications.

School- $7,800 to $30,000

English language studies- Around $300 per week depending on course length

Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree- $15,000 to $33,000*

Postgraduate Master’s Degree- $20,000 to $37,000*

Doctoral Degree- $14,000 to $37,000*

Living Expenses as per the Australia High Commission visa guidelines:

From 1st February 2018, the 12-month living cost is:

Applicant – 20,290 AUD per year

Partner or Spouse – 7,100 AUD per year

Child – 3,040 AUD per year

The costs below are an approximate guide only. Students should be aware that these costs can vary depending on their study location in Australia.

Student Visa

Student visas are granted by the Australian DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) DIBP will grant you a student visa if your course is registered or a part of a registered course on a full-time basis. Once the offer is made, the student accepts the offer by paying the first-semester Tuition fees, after which they get the COE (confirmation of enrolment issued by the institution). One of the primary aspects of the Australian student visa is that each student need to establish a GTE factor (Genuine Temporary Entrant)

Along with the COE, Education Documents, and correct financial Documents, the student will be applying for his educational visa. The Financial documents will defer according to the institution, fees, living cost, source of funds, etc. Once all the relevant documents are ready visa is filed through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

You may be required to undergo health examinations as part of the visa application process. Your health examination reports are forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (the department) for assessment to determine if you meet the health requirement. The department uses an online system known as eHealth to process your health examination results. You can expect your visas within 4 to 5 working weeks after its lodge.

Work Opportunities

International students in Australia with student visas have permission to work. Students are permitted to work 40 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during vacation periods. In some cases, family members can apply for permission to work. It is not difficult to find part-time jobs in Australia to supplement your living expenses. Your student visa typically entitles work rights as per your visa conditions, and you can start working in Australia after you arrive in Australia and have begun studying.

Australia is one of the few countries that promote skilled migrant programs targeting young people with skills, education, and abilities to contribute to the Australian economy. International students with Australian qualifications account for about half the people assessed under the skilled migrant programs. There is a shortage of skilled workforce in Australia, mainly in engineering, Information Technology, Nursing, and Accounting. Applicants must pass a points test and satisfy some basic requirements to get permanent residency (PR) in Australia. These include a maximum age limit of 45 years, English language proficiency, post-secondary school qualifications, or work experience relevant to your occupation. Additional points are awarded to applicants with Australian qualifications.

Please refer to http://www.border.gov.au/ for more information about Immigration to Australia.