To study abroad in another country is a big experience. Australia offers a lot of different possibilities. The high academic standard of the universities mixed with the beautiful nature, nice beaches and friendly atmosphere make people from all around the world want to go there.
Studying in Australia
An Australian university gives you both an international education and opportunities to get a global network. Australian universities have long experience of taking care of international students. The universities have departments with competent staff who are there only to help international students. You can ask the staff at this department about anything and they will help you as good as they can.
The week before the semester starts the school arranges an Orientation Week to help international student to get to know the university, campus and the student life. The different student organizations are there to tell you about their activities and to recruit new members. During the week there are a lot of social activities which give you a perfect opportunity to get to know new friends.
The education system
The Australian education system has three main sectors where you can study after primary and secondary school.
- Universities: You can choose from a lot of different courses and fields, and you can get an undergraduate or postgraduate degree depending how many years you want to study. At many of the Australian universities you can also choose to study only one semester as an international student.
- Vocational and technical education: In a vocational and technical education you gain career-focussed skills that are valued and sought by employers. You can go straight from this education to a job, or you can continue at a university. When you are done with the education you get a Certificate or a Diploma.
- English language training: It is very common for international students to enrol in English Language Training. You can take a short course and learn English as a part of your holiday or you can learn English as part of a formal course that prepares you for accredited levels of English language recognised by education and immigration authorities around the world.
You can easily move from one sector and qualification level to the next and from one institution to another.
Six steps before you can start your semester at an Australian university
This is a summery of what you need to do before you can start your new life in Australia.
1. Study planning
You need to think about what fields of study you are interested in, what level of qualification that is best suited for you, where in Australia you want to go and how much it can cost.
At a university you can study undergraduate or postgraduate courses covering almost all the fields you can think of, for example agriculture, business, economics, education, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, information technology, law, mathematics and computing.
Vocational and technical education institutions offer practical, career oriented courses including business, computing, marketing, tourism and hospitality.
English language training suits all students, from beginner student to advanced student to teacher training.
You have to think about what part of Australia you want to study in, or what city. Australia is a big country and the nature, environment and climate vary a lot from the south to the north.
The cost varies a lot depending what kind of school you want to go to and what kind of courses you want to take. As an international student you do not get student loans in Australia. Most of the international students are full-fee paying students and are not awarded scholarships. You must also think about the cost of living.
2. Course selection
In Australia you can study almost any courses you like. You must find out what kind of courses you want to study and which institutions that offer the courses you are interested in. All the courses available for international students must be registered by Australian Government.
When you know what to study you have to find out if you meet the entry requirements and the English language requirements for the selected course. Contact the institution for more information. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country. Be prepared to show evidence of your academic achievements and English language knowledge.
You can get application forms from a local Australian education agent or from the institution where you want to study. Contact the Australian Embassy for more information about local Australian education agents.
You need to enclose certain documents to your application. Those are normally a document with the name of the institution you are applying to, the name of the course you are applying for and second and third course preferences at the same institution, full details of previous study, including copies of qualifications already awarded to you, and evidence of your English language knowledge (for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and vocational education and training). You need to enclose all the required documents. If you have any questions about this, contact the institution where you want to study. Depending on the country you are from and the institution you have selected, you may be instructed to send your form to either a local agent of the institution in your country or to the international office or nominated contact officer of the institution.
After applying and if the application is correct and you fulfil all the requirements you will receive a confirmation of enrolment, called Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). You need the eCoE for processing student visa applications. You may be required to pay tuition fees before applying for the student visa.
You need a valid student visa to study in Australia. In some countries you need to obtain official confirmation of your enrolment and pay tuition fees before you can apply for a visa. The Australian Embassy in your country can give you information about the application. To get a student visa you must study a full-time course that is accredited and registered by the Australian Government. All students must show evidence that they have health insurance cover before a visa can be issued.
4. Applying for a visa
You can get application forms from the Australian Embassy in your country. You can also download application forms in English, Spanish and Portuguese from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) website. Contact the Australian Embassy in your country if you need help filling out the visa application forms. Normally you send the application and all the required documents to the nearest Australian Embassy.
If your application is successful you will be issued with a Multiple Entry Visa allowing you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which the visa has been granted. That period will depend on the course for which you have been accepted.
5. Pre-departure
When you have your visa and you are accepted by the institution you are ready for the next step. The school or the institution will send you a confirmation of enrolment and an information package. This package contains very important information about your selected courses, accommodation options and important dates. It might also contain information about the city you are going to, transport, banking and the climate for example.
When you have received the information package and you know what date you have to go to Australia you can buy an air ticket. Make sure that you have a place to stay the first nights when you have arrived. You also have to decide if you want to live on or off campus. The institution can give you information about different options.
Before you go it is a good idea to exchange some money for Australian Dollars. Contact the bank in your country for more information about exchange of money and how different credit cards work in Australia.
Since Australia has a spectacular natural environment and many native plants and animals which are unique to this planet, you can not bring what ever you want into the country. For more information about this, contact Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).
6. Arrival and reception
Normally someone at the institution where you are going to study can pick you up at the airport, train station or other place where you arrive. Make sure to arrange this before you leave your home country.
Before school starts you will receive orientation at your institution by the international officer. They will help you to find your way on campus, tell you about the institution’s rules and regulations and help you with your timetable.
After this orientation you are ready to start studying!
3. Applying for admission
Working while studying
If you want to work while you are studying in Australia there are certain rules and regulations you have to know about. As an international student you have a student visa and then you have to apply for permission to work. It costs 55 Australian Dollars to apply for the permission. Contact the Embassy for more information about working while studying.
With a student visa you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods.
FAQ
These questions are copied from Australian Government website for advice on study in Australia.
- What is so good about Australian education and training compared to other countries?
Australia is an internationally recognised source of high quality education as well as research excellence. The universities, vocational and technical education colleges and schools are world-class. And Australia is a world leader in English language courses for international students.
Australian Government legislation requires quality assurance agencies and codes of conduct to be in place so that international students in Australia and their parents enjoy a level of service and financial protection that is unrivalled.
Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel in an English speaking country. Australia also offers excellent value for money and a high standard of living.
- Are Australian qualifications recognised in my home country?
Australian qualifications are respected internationally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which is a national system of learning pathways recognised throughout Australia and by other countries.
- Where are other students from my country enrolled?
More than 280,000 international students from about 195 countries study in Australia each year.
- Do I need a visa to study in Australia?
Yes. To be granted a student visa you must complete a visa application form, lodge it with the evidence required, pay the application charge and satisfy the student visa requirements. You can be granted a student visa only if you intend to study a registered course on a full-time basis and comply with a number of visa conditions after you have entered Australia.
- How much does it cost to study in Australia?
An Australian Government survey showed that in terms of total costs—including tuition fees and living expenses—Australia was consistently less expensive than the USA and UK. Tuition fees will vary depending on the course or institution this website provides average costs as a guide. Living costs too will vary by location, course and lifestyle.
- Are scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarships available for international students however most are offered for postgraduate study in universities. The majority of international students in Australia are full-fee paying students and are not awarded scholarships.
- Can I work in Australia while I study?
Yes. International students in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week during course time and full-time during vacation periods.
- What are the entry requirements to study at Australian institutions?
Students must meet minimum academic requirements and need a sufficient level of English language proficiency for entry to Australian education and training institutions. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.
- What if I don't meet the entry requirements?
If you do not meet the entry requirements for further study you can enrol in secondary school in Australia. If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enrol in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course. Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. There are also many English language courses with starting dates throughout the year to prepare you for further study in Australia. It is recommended that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses.
- How long will I need to study to reach adequate English language levels?
There are six major categories of English language courses catering for all levels of proficiency from beginner to advanced. Full-time course duration generally ranges from four to 48 weeks and students can enrol at any time during the year.
- How are Australian institutions ranked?
Australian institutions are not officially ranked. However, there are some commercial publications available that compare achievements of universities and institutions in meeting certain criteria such as use of technology or student support services. All of Australia's education and training institutions offer high quality, internationally relevant courses because Australian Government legislation requires them to be registered and meet quality assurance measures. Excellence in teaching, research, facilities and support services is found across Australia's diversified education and training system. Prospective students should focus on finding institutions that offer the course most suited to their particular needs and aspirations.
- Do Australian institutions have campuses in my own country?
A variety of Australian education and training programs are offered offshore. These programs allow you to obtain Australian qualifications in your own country or to combine study at home with study in Australia. You will need to check directly with institutions about what courses are offered in your country.
- Can I study for an Australian qualification by distance or on-line?
Distance education courses are offered by Australian universities and vocational and technical education institutions. You will need to check directly with the institution about what courses are offered in distance mode.
- Do Australian universities undertake research?
Australian universities have a very important role in research and development, accounting for about one-quarter of Australia's research and development activity and 60 per cent of Australia's basic research effort. There are 35 special Research Centres and Key Centres of Teaching and Research based at Australian universities and another 74 Cooperative Research Centres.
- What is vocational and technical education?
Australia's Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) system is often referred to as Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in other countries. It delivers training that is both practical and career-oriented and includes courses in computing, business studies, marketing, tourism and hospitality. VTE is also available in Australian schools.
- Can international students attend schools in Australia?
Yes. All government and non-government schools accept international students and must meet special requirements under Australian Government legislation.
- Are there any special support services for international students?
Yes. Australia is an international leader in safeguards and support services for international students.
- What can I do in my spare time?
Institutions offer access to a vast range of extra curricula activities, both on campus and within the community. These activities include music, drama, sports and outdoor activities. Many different social activities are also organised. Campuses are centrally located for students to experience the sophistication and excitement of the cities and entertainment facilities. On regional campuses you can explore the lifestyle and experience the sense of community of the towns and regional centres. During semester breaks you can travel further afield to experience more of Australia's spectacular natural environment and great physical beauty.
- What is the weather like in Australia?
Australia is diverse in its geography and climate. Being in the southern hemisphere Australia's summer starts in December and winter in June. Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics where the average temperatures are in the mid 20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.
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