Know Australia

Studying in Australia gives you a competitive edge. One of the great advantages of gaining an Australian qualification is the opportunities it will provide you when it comes time to find employment. No matter where you want to start your career, your qualification will be recognised as a mark of a quality education. Employers in Australia and around the world hold Australian graduates in high esteem. Thousands of graduates are recruited every year in all career fields. From traditional fields, such as business, finance, law and medicine, to emerging industries, such as environmental sustainability, digital media, biotechnology, nanotechnology and e-commerce, your Australian qualification will provide you with an excellent platform from which to further your career. Employment assistance Many Australian universities and higher education institutions offer returning home seminars for international students. These seminars will prepare you to re-enter your home country and provide ad...

When you graduate with a qualification from an Australian institution, you will become Australian alumnus. Most universities have alumni associations you can join, and there may be Australian alumni networks in your home country. Alumni networks are valuable because: They help you maintain the personal, business, institutional and educational links and friendships you have made while studying in Australia. They can expose you to business and job opportunities back home and around the world. They provide a supportive community of graduates who have shared your experience of leaving home to study in Australia, and returned home as alumni. CHINA Federation of Australian Alumni Associations The Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) is an inclusive organization, open to all China-based alumni of Australian universities. The ACAA organizes monthly social and professional networking events, publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, and maintains an up-to-date bilingual database of Australia...

Returning home can be an anxious time for international students. Your time in Australia will change you, and you should expect that your friends and family will have changed in your absence. Finding a job or continuing education, living on your own or moving back in with your parents, and catching up with what has been happening in your family and friends’ lives are just some of the things you will have to adjust to. You may even find that you have to readjust to the weather and food. When it comes time to return home, you may find it useful to attend a returning home seminar run by some institutions. These will cover topics such as resettling, how to get your exam results, making travel arrangements, joining alumni associations, and preparing for your future career. You will need to check with your institution about any returning home support available. You may find it useful to join an Australian Alumni network. The Australian Government provides help in your country to contact ...

Student visas are granted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). DIAC will only grant you a student visa if your course is registered, or is part of a registered course, on a full time basis. Visit the Commonwealth Register of Courses and Institutions for Overseas Students (CRICOS) website for more information on registered courses and education providers. Courses under three months’ duration can be undertaken on a visitor visa or courses of up to four months on a working holiday visa. If you intend to study a longer course, you must apply for a student visa. Advantages to studying on a student visa include: you will have access to Australia’s subsidised student health cover; you will be allowed to study for longer; and you can work part time. You can apply for your student visa as soon as you receive a letter of offer or electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your full time course of study. You should contact your local Australian Government ...

Accommodation options and costs Temporary or permanent accommodation Finding the right accommodation is one of the biggest challenges facing a new international student, and finding a place in your price range can be even harder. There is a shortage of affordable housing across Australia that affects everyone, from international students to Australian residents. It is extremely important that you factor the high cost of housing into your budget before you come to Australia, and have access to funds that will cover possible rent increases. It is a good idea to arrange some form of temporary accommodation before you come to Australia. This will allow you time to get to know the place where you will be living and look for a more permanent place to stay. Arranging temporary accommodation before arrival At the very least, you will need to arrange temporary accommodation for your first few days while you look for something more permanent. Your education institution might be able to hel...

Health insurance International students studying in Australia must have adequate arrangements in Australia for health insurance. Australia has a special system of health care cover for international students. This is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and you are required to have this for the duration of your student visa in Australia. Travel insurance Chances are pretty good that your trip will go smoothly and you won’t encounter any problems. Even so, you should plan for the unexpected. Cancelled flights, lost luggage and wallets can end up costing you a lot of time and money, so take out travel insurance before you leave. It won’t guard against bad things happening, but it will protect you against having to cover unexpected costs. Don’t forget to take your travel insurance documents (and copies) with you when you travel. This documentation provides you with information and emergency contact numbers to use if you need to make an insurance claim. Some providers of Overs...

Migration regulations in Australia require international students to show evidence that they can contribute to the cost of living and studying in Australia. This helps to ensure students are better able to make the most of their studies and have a safe and enjoyable experience in Australia. While international students are able to supplement their income with money earned through part-time work in Australia, the ‘living costs’ requirement helps to support the success of students in their studies by ensuring that they don’t have to rely on such work to meet all their expenses. From 1 Julyy 2012, the basic rate of living costs under the Migration regulations increased. Under these regulations prospective student visa applicants and their family members must have access to the following funds to meet the living costs requirements: A$18,610 a year for the main student; A$6,515 a year for the student’s partner; A$3,720 a year for the student’s first child; and A$2,790 a year for every o...

Working while you study One of the advantages of being an international student in Australia is that you can receive permission to work part time (up to 40 hours per fortnight) while you study. Permission to work Your student visa automatically gives you permission to work. Your visa information is held electronically by the Australian Department of Immigration (DIAC) and can be accessed at any time using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. Employers, banks and Government services can also check details about your visa entitlements on VEVO once they have your consent to do so. For information on how to access VEVO please visit the DIAC website. Types of work for international students International students often find work in retail, hospitality and administration. Working students are covered by Australian workplace law and practice. For more information on the laws, pay rates and entitlements visit the Fair Work Ombudsman's website. Tax File Numbers You...

While most international students in Australia are full-fee paying students, another option is to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organisations. They cover various educational sectors, including vocational education and training, student exchanges, undergraduate and postgraduate study and research. Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training specifically in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions. For information on scholarships use our Scholarships Database. It provides an accurate and reliable list of all scholarships supplied by Australian-based organisations, institutions and government bodies to international students studying or planning to study in Australia on a student visa. International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) The Int...

Tuition fees As an international student, you must pay your tuition fees up-front. Aside from tuition fees, some institutions may also charge for other student costs, such as library, laboratory or sports facility costs. Excursions, books and stationery are other costs to consider, and your course may also require specific essential materials, such as lab coats or photographic supplies. Your institution will provide you with information on how and when to pay your tuition fees. University Foundation Studies A$9,000 to 14,000 a year such as university entrance, preparatory and bridging courses Undergraduate Bachelor Degree A$14,000 to 35,000 a year such as courses in arts, business, economics and law Laboratory-based Bachelor Degree A$14,000 to 35,000 a year such as science and engineering courses Postgraduate Graduate Certificates Graduate Diplomas A$15,000 to 36,000 a year Masters Doctoral Degree A$15,000 to 36,000 a year Vocational education and training Certificates I - IV Diplo...

There is no doubt that Australia is a great place to combine a quality education with an outstanding quality of life. Australians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world - but it can be expensive for students. An average international student in Australia will spend about A$500 a week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport and telephone. Remember, though, that this figure depends on your location, lifestyle and even your course. You should seek further information on living costs from your institution. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Another requirement is that you maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your student visa. You will also be responsible for your own accident and property insurance. It’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance before leaving your country to cover lost baggage, cancellation of plane tickets and repatriation.

Australia - a place where work and study meet Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) institutions offer the opportunity to hone your skills in real and simulated work environments. The practical expertise you gain in the workplace will give you a genuine advantage over other graduates. At these institutions, you can study a wide range of disciplines, including: business and management, science and technology, design and arts, communications, sport and recreation, community service and health, tourism and hospitality, engineering and building, horticulture and land management and English. Programs are provided by public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes, private colleges and a number of schools and universities. Industry and Government work together to develop training outcomes, which are then implemented according to nationally endorsed training packages. This allows you to apply knowledge learnt inside the classroom, outside in the real world. You le...

Globally recognised qualifications In Australia, you have the freedom to choose the study option to suit your goals. You can study at universities, vocational education, schools and English language training. These sectors are linked so you can move easily from one qualification level to the next and from one institution to another. Graduating with an Australian qualification will give you a competitive edge. Other governments, international employers and institutions around the world recognise the value of an Australian qualification and the high quality of our education system. See all the steps you need to complete to study in Australia. Universities Study at an Australian university - gain an international qualification An Australian education is a truly international experience. Our universities are linked to institutions in more than 100 countries and academic staff members are recruited from abroad. After graduating in Australia, you will be able to work in companies arou...

In Australia, you have the freedom to choose a path that suits your particular goals. There are thousands of courses on offer. Whichever course you choose, you’ll experience a unique kind of education. Studying in Australia promotes innovative, creative and independent thinking. You’ll learn to work as part of a team, to communicate effectively with others and to develop the practical skills and intellectual abilities you need for global success. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to use your initiative. Your teachers will encourage you to think of original, practical solutions to real-world problems. Upon graduation, your qualification will make you highly sought after by Australian and international employers. The Australian education system has a strong international reputation and is known for its effective structure and innovative policy developments. Many other countries, eager to improve their own education systems, turn to Australia for advice. Australia is also one of the...