Study in Australia Overview:

Australia is one of the fastest-growing economies across the globe, despite being one of the least populated countries. It is also a highly sought-after destination for international students due to its natural beauty and advanced lifestyle. Australia continues to attract thousands of students to enroll in its leading schools, colleges, and universities.

There are ample job opportunities for international students, allowing them to work part-time during their study terms and full-time during vacations. Throughout your study period in Australia, you can sponsor family members and dependents that can stay with you. However, upon completing your studies, they must return with you to your home country.

An additional benefit is that after finishing your studies in Australia, you may apply for Permanent Residence (PR) status. After a certain period, you can take up full employment, eventually leading to obtaining Australian citizenship, which is a requirement to meeting the prescribed criteria.

Benefits of Studying in Australia

High-quality education
Renowned for research and training methodologies
Several internationally accredited universities
Education system recognized worldwide with a wide variety of programs.
The government offers numerous international scholarships.
Diversity of educational programs
Beautiful country with a wonderful population
Booming economy with opportunities in all sectors
Work opportunities available post studies
World-class universities with excellent infrastructure and facilities

Why Study in Australia:

International students consider Australia a highly appealing and attractive study destination due to its affordable educational costs and the provision of high-quality education by colleges and universities. The living conditions and lifestyle are also excellent, reflecting the tolerant multicultural society prevalent in the country.

Higher education in Australia is recognized for providing value for money through shorter and more intensive courses. These courses quickly incorporate the latest innovations in science and technology, as well as modern trends in marketing and management, into the diploma/degree programs offered. This practical and responsive approach makes Australian education stand out, meeting the diverse needs of various sectors such as business, trade, industry, commerce, banking and many more.

Australia as a study destination is further underscored by several key factors:
Duration for master’s courses: 1 year, 1.5 years, and 2 years
Affordable tuition and living costs.
Worldwide recognition and acceptance of Australian education
Excellent research facilities with state-of-the-art equipment in laboratories
Straightforward, fair, transparent, and hassle-free visa process
Highly qualified teaching faculties recruited globally.
Global job opportunities for Australian academics and graduates
The ESOS Act safeguards the interests of international students.
Australia is known for being a very safe country.
Pleasant climate throughout the year
Stable democracy, fast-growing economy, and friendly people

A notable aspect of quality assurance in Australian education is the CRICOS Code assigned by the Australian Government to every course offered by colleges or universities. This code ensures that the education system is fully controlled and regulated by the government, emphasizing a commitment to quality assurance. <br>

Education System in Australia:

International Students in Australia have access to one of the highest standards of quality education that is well-defined, administered, and imparted.

Primary School:

Education in Australia typically begins at age seven, with children starting at 5 years (Year-1) and completing their general education by the age of 12 (Year-7). This foundational education prepares students for societal roles and readies them for the next level, which is Secondary School.

Secondary School:

Secondary education begins in Year-8 at the age of 12 and is mandatory until Year-10, constituting two years of 'junior high school.' After completing junior high, students can opt for vocational education, apprenticeship training, or decide to continue their studies. If they choose the latter, an additional two years of 'high school diploma' (Year-12) is mandatory, leading to further education in Tertiary School.

Tertiary School:

After completing their Final Year (Year-12), Students enter Tertiary (Higher Education) education that awards degree such as Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Studies. It is usual to find that the majority of International Student comes to Australia to pursue Tertiary Level Education since they have already completed their Primary and Secondary Education in their home countries.

Besides the three distinct types of Education Systems that Australia offers, other types offered are mentioned below.

·Vocational Education & Training (VET)

·TAFE (Technical and Further Education):

These Courses are offered by colleges and other private institutions in Australia with course tenures ranging from one to two years and depending on the field of study and knowledge of employment experience.

Diploma:

It is a 1-2 year full time course of study that offers high professional qualification. Diploma under AQF is a dual-sector qualification – higher education sector and vocational education & training sector. Diploma of higher education sector is depended on the selection of the academic program by the functional focus that provides general or specified training for employment at high professional level. They can coherent to advanced diploma courses and can provide advanced standing or credit transfer (usually one year) into a Bachelor Degree program.

Advanced Diploma:

Advanced Diploma under AQF is a dual-sector qualification – higher education sector and vocational education and training sector. It is a Specialized Level requiring 2 years of full-time study with units from Bachelor’s Degree. This provides exit point with a stand-alone requirement featuring an option to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree.

Note: Advanced Diplomas can provide advanced standing or credit transfer (usually two years) into a Bachelor Degree Program.

Associate Degree:

For being eligible for the 2 years of full-time education program you need to have one or more academic disciplines and the progress of standard work skills. The Program highlights preliminary research-based expertise and provides advanced standing or credit transfer (usually two years) into a Bachelor Degree program in the same field.

Foundation Courses (For International Students):

These Courses are most suitable for those International Students looking for an Australian Bachelor’s Degree especially intending to pursue courses in medical/paramedical/science. More importantly, these Foundation Courses are for those who fail get the required minimum scores in their Year-12 of study (Secondary School Education level in their home country).

The Intake months for enrolling in Foundation Courses in Australia are in mostly January, June and October of every year.

Bachelor Degree:

Once you acquire your Recognized Australia Bachelors Degree, you would be lucky enough to experience a modern and inspiring culture deeply ensconced in the lifestyle of modern day Australia! Divisions in Bachelor’s Degree Program of Australia includes ‘3-year degrees’, ‘4-year degrees’, ‘professional degrees’, ‘combined degrees’ and ‘Honors degrees’.

Postgraduate Education:

For admission into an Australian Master’ Degree (Postgraduate Program), it is essential that you complete your Bachelor’s Degree with certain exceptions for pertinent work experience which is a prerequisite. Additionally, you also need to have completed one or more academic disciplines and achieved progress in standard work skills. The qualifications are based on the institution and the course for Master’s Degree adopted.

Assessment for admission into your Master’s Degree Program will be based on the following determining factors beside level of university in your own country.

Master Degree by Coursework – Bachelor Degree, Honors’ Bachelor Degree or Graduate Diploma.

Master Degree by Research – Bachelor Honors’ Degree, Master’s Preliminary Year, a Research-based Graduate Diploma (or equivalent Research experience).

Professional Master Degree – Bachelor Degree with appropriate work experience. Further, an entry may also be based on articulation from a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma Program.

Doctoral Degree:

Australian Doctorate Degree Programs require a minimum qualification of Master’s Degree or equivalent qualification in your chosen field of study. These Programs are the top level of education award offered by universities in Australia. On the other hand, if you hold a Degree with work experience you should articulate eloquently, the knowledge of the discipline in which you plan to initiate your research.

Research Doctorate:

Entry is made on the basis of a Research or Part-research Master’s Degree or a Bachelor Honors’ Degree (First or Second Class, Upper Division).

Professional Doctorate:

Entry is on the basis of a fine combination of Research and Coursework Master’s Degree, (or) by a Bachelor Honors’ Degree (First or Second Class, Upper Division) or equivalent.

Credit Transfer:

This System appreciates your student-preceding level of education so that your study is repeated. Credit Transfer facility is available for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses. This System is more complex than it seems as it is highly dependent on the formal study for which recognition is required. Once you succeed in getting your Credit Transfers, it will help you to move between courses and institutions. You will also be able to utilize various opportunities to accomplish your prospective employment and respond effectively to them.

Academic Year:

Commences in the month of February ending in November of every year. However, many universities and colleges in Australia also accept enrolments in July. It is usual for universities and vocational institutes to conduct semester end exams in June and November. After such exams, there is a four to six week break between semesters followed by a long summer holiday (from December to February). This is your golden opportunity to work Full-Time and earn some extra welcome cash! Some institutions operate on a three semester (trimester) calendar or a four semester (terms) calendar.

Student visa options:

Student Visa ( Subclass 500)
Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)

Living Expenses:

Expenses per year per individual student (in Sydney):

Approximately $25000 AUD/- for rent, food, local transport, telephone, gas/electricity, school stationary, clothing and entertainment. This includes weekly grocery bill (about $55 per person per week).

Student Card:

Your Student Card is one of the most valuable money-saving tools ever! Use it for cheap entry into museums, cinemas, theatres as well as on-campus services.

Cheap Textbooks:

For second-hand books at amazingly affordable prices, do visit your local Co Op book store often!

List of common costs (all prices are in Australian dollars)
Apartments/Flats: 1 bedroom $170 – $250 per week
Apartments / Flats: 2 bedrooms $180 – $300 per week
Room in share house $80 – $150 per week
House: 2/3 bedroom $250 – $550
Movies: $14
Eating Out: $30+
Take away food: $10 – $17
A cup of coffee / tea: $2.50
Fast food (McDonalds, Burger King, KFC): $5 – $10

Meal Deals & Happy Hour:

You can avail special meal deals at many restaurants in cities around lunch-time and bars that have happy hours (usually between 5pm and 6pm or 6pm and 7pm). Happy hours means you can buy cheap drinks (if you drink!). Hunt for great money-saving local bargains.

Free Magazines and Newspapers:

Check out the free magazines that are distributed throughout cities. Look out for them as these are freely distributed in subways and on the streets, in cafes, shops and bars, in fact wherever you go! Look out for highly valuable information ABOUT JOBS besides other entertaining news about what’s on in your city!

Click on the following link to compare the average cost of living in your country with the cost of living in Sydney:

http://moneymanager.com.au/tools/calculators/costofliving.html

Student Life in Australia:

Living life in Australia as an International Student is FUN! If you are living in glamorous Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide, you can live life to its fullest pleasures. But as an International Student you will be lost like an “Alice in Wonderland”. Hence we at SIEC have complied some very useful information to help you settle down faster and easier!

Application Procedure:

Intakes:
There are generally TWO Intakes in Australia – February and July of every year. Yet, very few Universities offer multiple intakes in September and November.
Strongly Recommended: Make your applications 7-8 months prior to the intake deadlines. Universities generally take around 4-6 weeks to process your applications.

Documents needed:
An application
Resume
Statement of Purpose
Mark Sheets/Transcripts
Passing Certificates (from Class 10 onwards)
Two Reference Letters (from colleges/employers)
Passport copy or Birth Certificate
IELTS Score Sheet

Entry Requirements:

Undergraduate – Bachelors:
A good academic record in High School Certificate or 12 years of schooling
Some courses such as Computing and Engineering will require Mathematics and /or Science as pre-requisites
6.0 IELTS

Postgraduate – Masters:
A good academic record in Bachelor’s degree obtained from a recognized university is necessary
Any work experience in the field will be helpful
For MBA programs at some Universities students need to have work experience along with their Bachelor’s degree
6.5 IELTS

Visa Guideline:

Simple Australia Student Visa Application Procedure
Submit your application for admission to your chosen university.
Receive an Offer Letter
Complete the Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) (It is advisable to wait till you get the guidance from the university to obtain your eCoE).
They University will provide you information regarding how to apply and what documents are required to be enclosed with your application.
To complete the process, make payment of the prescribed tuition fees
See if you need to pay other fees such as Overseas Student Health Cover and Application Fee (if any).

What is eCoE – Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment?

An eCoE is the certificate issued by the DIBP for the students to confirm the acceptance of their admission in the university the student has applied, and which is an essential requirement for the processing of the visas application or for visa extension.

In either case, the importance of an eCoE can never be underestimated or ignored.

Before the issuance of an eCoE, students have to undergo a Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) based on the nationality and principal course of study.

To be eligible for the student visa, students have to enroll in an Australian university/institution and receive an eCoE.

The eCoE Form includes the critical information such as the course starting date, ending date and other codes used by the DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) that students have to be aware of.

Typically, an eCoE will be issued after the university receives the student’s tuition fee.

A copy of your eCoE must be submitted to your local DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) office before your Australia Student Visa can be issued.

English Language Requirements:

If you are an international student belonging to a non-English speaking (Native speakers of English language) country, you have to take an IELTS/TOEFL test to prove your English language abilities.

Essential Conditions for Australia Student Visa

International Students have to:
Pursue a consistent study program that is recognized by the Australian government
Fulfill all the requirements of the study program
Maintain a valid enrolment – attendance requirements may apply
And can work without getting any additional permission
And are not allowed to work for more than 40 hours fortnightly during their semester, except any specific permission.
Sustain their OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) all the time during their stay in Australia.
And Students under the age of 18 years have to arrange for their accommodation, support and general welfare provisions certified by the Australian government – DIBP.
In case of changing the residence or other arrangements students have to get the written approval from the Government of Australia.

Note: International Students cannot stay in Australia beyond their visa expiry date, unless it is an extremely critical situation.

Required Documents – A CHECKLIST

Students applying for Australian Student Visa have to carry the following list of documents to file for processing their applications:
Visa Application Charge payable through Credit Card
Additional Information Form 1221
Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) issued by your education provider for the course(s) you are undertaking stating the course, total tuition fees, duration and the course start date along with OSHC
Letter of Offer issued by your education provider for the course(s) you are undertaking stating the course, total tuition fees, duration and the course start date.
Original Passport (min 6 months validity)
Copy of the passport (Notarized)
Four recent passport sized photographs (Light colour background)
Statement of Purpose (Original – Signed by the student)
Academic Certificates (ORIGINALS)
Copies Academic Certificates (Notarized)
Work Experience Certificate (on the original company letter heads)
Copies of the Work Experience Certificates (Notarized)
IELTS Score Card (ORIGINAL) / TOEFL / PEARSON
Copy of the IELTS Score Card (Notarized)
Evidence of Liquid Funds
Evidence of Income
Affidavit of Support by the Sponsors
Student Affidavit, if the student is self-sponsoring for his studies in Australia
Evidence of Relationship (Dependents)
Documents of dependents included in the application- Birth Certificate, Marriage certificate and evidence of marriage (Photos etc.)

Work Permits for Students:
Working Opportunities during Study
Students are allowed to work 40 hours fortnightly during study and full-time during vacations.

Post Study Work Permit:

Upon completion of Bachelor, Master or Doctoral degree from recognized institution, student is eligible to obtain two-year post study work permit. Now any qualification below degree level will be considered for PSW. Study resulting in a diploma level qualification or trade qualification will not be considered.

Conditions of PSW:
Student must have completed a single qualification comprised of minimum two academic years study or multiple qualifications completed in a total period of at least two academic years.
Qualification must be through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Course for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Qualification must complete and conducted in English language.
Student has been physically remained in Australia for minimum two-year duration of course.
Student must have hold valid student visa.
Qualification used to fulfill the Australian study requirement must have been undertaken at any education provider which is accrediting to offer degree level programs.
Any qualification will be counted only once towards the Australian study requirement for PSW and any stay for English language proficiency courses (ELICOS) cannot be used to meet the Australian study requirement.
Two academic years study is considered 92 weeks of study, but students may take longer to complete the course, but will only be credited with the number of weeks that CRICOS determines as a standard duration. Like, if student complete a course in 92 weeks but according to CRICOS it is 78 weeks course, then student will only receive credit of 78 weeks.
Failed subjects will not be considered.
Study completed outside Australia cannot be considered to fulfill the Australian study requirement.
An eligible degree level of qualification is minimum Bachelor’s degree or above like Masters by coursework degree, Masters (extended) degree, Masters by research degree or Doctoral degree. Remember degree level courses which are packaged with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma course may be considered if Australian study requirement is met. Example: Students who complete a Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies which articulates (or leads) into a Master of Education are able to use both the study at the Graduate Diploma and at the master’s level towards meeting this requirement. Example: Students who complete a Bachelor of Arts and then a Graduate Diploma in Asia-Pacific Studies will only have study undertaken at the Bachelor degree level considered, as the Graduate Diploma did not contribute towards the conferral of an eligible degree level qualification.

Jobs:

For many one of the top priorities on arrival in Australia is finding a job, either part-time or full- time, depending on the type of visa you hold. For some of you, this might be casual work, such as working in a café or restaurant or as a waiter/waitress, for others you may have skills enough to work in an office.

Part Time Employment:
Students can work up to 22 hours a week (anywhere) during course time and 40 hours per week full-time during vacation periods if they have been granted a work permit.
Average earnings: Casual Jobs are available (A$15-18 per hour) as PT work option