Study in Australia
In land area, Australia is almost two and a half times bigger than India and the population is just about 23 Million (Kerala population is 30 Million !!)
Australian qualifications and institutions are recognized globally for their high quality and excellence in academics. Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold prominent positions worldwide. Furthermore, they are readily accepted for further studies at leading international universities.
Why Australia
Geographically Australia situates 11,000 Km southwest of North America and 3,200 kilometers southeast of mainland Asia. The largest island and the smallest continent in the world.
Australia is blessed with temperate climate and the highlands and tablelands of Tasmania and the south eastern corner of the mainland are the coldest areas. It is a land of bright sunshine, surf beaches, tropical rivers, rainforests, mountain ranges, red deserts and rich green coastal plains. Summer is from December to February; autumn from March to May; winter from June to August; and spring from September to November.
Australia is country of dynamic multiculturalism with invaluable contributions from migrants from all parts of the world. Australia owns a rich tradition of art and culture. Australians provide strong support towards films, music, theater, painting and a range of other fine arts forms. They are also a strong global presence regarding sports.
The transportation options at Australia are wide and well equipped. It has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines. Metropolitan areas are divided into zones and your ticket type and cost depends on which zone you are going to travel in and for how long. Tickets are sold at train stations, on buses and trams and at news agencies.
Education systems
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.
Cost of Living & studying
The annual tuition fee varies from AU$ 16000 to AU$ 40000 (i.e. Rs 8 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs) depending on the university or college. Approximate annual living expenses of an Indian student would be in the range of AU$ 15000 to AU$ 20000.
The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on housing, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs.
In Australia accommodation will not be a problem for international students. There are several options like university flats or halls of residence, private accommodation or home-stays or farm-stays. Most of the students opt for university accommodation since it makes the university life much livelier. It makes you mingle with other students on a long term. Generally, there are three types of housing available to students.
On-Campus Accommodation
The on campus housing provides halls of residence and this can be sometimes hard to secure as spaces are limited. Fees will vary depending on which school you attend, and most provide meals and some furniture.
Off-Campus Accommodation
The student can stay at flat or rental houses during their academic education preferably in the second or third year.
Home Stay
Home stay is available in Australia which is a good option for those who want to experience the real Australian culture as it will involve living with an Australian family either with your own private room, or shared.
Courses and universities
The most popular courses for Indian 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 there are many students choose health related courses like Nursing, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy etc.
Eligibility Test Requirements
The top universities require 75-85 % in 12th Std for undergraduate students. Any GOOD university requires – 65 to 70 %. Masters require – 60-65 % in relevant degrees.
IELTS
IELTS is a compulsory exam required by all the students planning to go for Australian studies. Minimum scores required – 6.0/9 for UG and 6.5 / 9 PG students.
MBA
Some MBA programmes require no work experience. However TOP MBA programs will require 3 to 5 years of work experience. And will also require a GMAT score of 600/800. An average GMAT scores required are 570-600.
IELTS OR TOEFL or PTE
International English Language Testing System is normally known as IELTS which is administered by University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES) ,British Council and IDP Education Australia. The score of IELTS is valid for 2 years. The test fee comprises Rs. 11,800/. For more info visit the official website at www.britishcouncil.org or www.ieltsindia.com. Students can make registration either in person or by mail.
Also Australian institutions and DIBP (Department of immigration and Boarder Protection) accepts TOEFL as well as PTE (Pearson Test of English)
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFLis a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by many English-speaking academic and professional institutions.
PTE Academic
The Pearson Test of English Academic.PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
Admission and application procedure
For admissions, the applicant needs to demonstrate sufficient academic preparation for the proposed course and required English proficiency. Also Universities do check the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement, which is an integrity measure to ensure that the student visa programme is used as intended and not as a way for international students to maintain ongoing residency in Australia.
Visa process
Student Visa
Student visa 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 is a part of 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 he /she gets the COE (confirmation of enrolment issued by the institution). One of the primary aspect of the Australian student visa is that each students need to establish 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 on-line system known as eHealth to process your health examination results. You can expect your visas within 4 to 5 working weeks after the visa is lodged
Scholarships
Apart from few tuition fee bursaries, scholarships provided by Australian Universities to international students are very few except for PhD programs. However scholarships are offered by the Australian government, students' home-country governments, Australian education institutions and private organizations. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) are combined under one umbrella of Australian Scholarships and offer a number of scholarships for students. They manage a range of scholarships to promote sustainable development and excellence in education
The organizations that offer scholarships for students have different criteria. All scholarships vary in their eligibility requirements, based on your English test score, country, or GPA. Students applying for a scholarship should ensure they meet the selection criteria of specific scholarships. Students must understand fully the terms and conditions of the scholarship.
Work opportunities
International students in Australia with student visa have for 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 normally 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 among the few countries, which promote skilled migrant programs targeting young people having skills, education and abilities that will 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 dearth of skilled manpower in Australia mainly in the fields like Engineering, Information Technology, Nursing and Accounting. Applicants must pass a points test and satisfy some basic requirements in order 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
FAQ
TAFE program will cost between AUS$ 12000-15000 per annum. Bachelors program will cost between AUS$18000-30000 per annum. Masters program will cost between AUS$20000-35000 per annum.
An international student can work for 40 hrs per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during semester breaks. If you are enrolled for a research program (Masters by research or PhD) you will not have any work restrictions.
For all the programs listed above only IELTS is required.
Students with low academic percentage and backlogs have to take PQP. PQP is Post Graduate Qualifying Program. Student has to undergo this program before he takes up the main course in Masters Program.
If a student submits the documents required for admission to any University without IELTS score sheet and passing certificate of his current pursuing program a conditional offer letter of admission is obtained by the student.
February and July intakes are considered as major intakes at Australian Universities. Few universities do accept students during summer term (November) too. In some universities for popular programs like management they follow trimester system and may have 4 intakes in a year mainly January, April, September and November
Not required.
Yes, he can apply but he has to mention the date of test when he has scheduled to appear. University may give conditional offer of admission subject to the fulfillment of requirement of IELTS score.
Every student has to undergo medical examinationsas the part of their visa application
To obtain ane-CoE(electronic conformation of enrollment)after making the payment it will take minimum of one to two weeks depending upon the payment method, wire transfer of funds or through Demand Draft.
The bank loan, which does not have preliminary, or a partial sanction then it is called a fully sanctioned bank loan letter. Australian High Commission accepts only fully sanctioned bank loans.
No, the process of admission varies from one country to another in terms of documentation and pre-requisite tests based on the program of study. It is very important to know the requirements before we apply to any particular country.
Yes, the primary step after deciding to go abroad is the country of preference. As one has to initiate the admission process based on the requirements of that particular country.
You should definitely choose a country, which will help you attain your long-term objectives. This could also coincide with a country, which is a popular destination since they are designated so mainly because of the opportunities they offer. It is always better to choose a country based on the selected program of study.
There are over 200 major fields of study to choose from. Australia is one among very few nations in the world to offer different programs as per student choice..
Students who do not meet IELTS requirement specified by the University should take ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students)
Duration of ELICOS depends upon students present score of IELTS. Based on the score the students few weeks of ELICOS is designed by the admission department of Universities..
If the student initiates his admission at least 5 months prior to semester is considered as right time..
No, Australian Universities do not follow specified ranking. Each University has its own requirements and one has to fulfill the requirements to get admission in that particular program
There is no such thing as the best university in Australia. Different Universities excel in different areas. Popularity of the university depends on individual preferences and perceptions. But recently Australian education department has introduced a tool where you can compare the university’s teaching quality, employment rate, student satisfaction etc. for different areas of study. You may check and compare the same at www.qilt.edu.au
