studies in australia 2016

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The Studies in Australia Checklist directs you to all the information you need to help you make informed decisions about study in Australia. Work your way through Steps 1 to 8 until your plans are set!
Step 1 Understand Australia’s education system
Yes No
1.1 Do you know about Australia’s education system, including the
qualifications on offer? Go to Question 1.2 Go to page 12
1.2 Do you know about the Australian Qualifications Framework and its benefits?
Go to Question 1.3 Go to page 16
1.3 Are you aware of the advantages of studying in Australia, including the support and services offered to international students?
1.4 Do you know how to apply to education providers in Australia? Go to Question 1.5 Go to page 15
1.5 Are you aware of the educational pathways available in Australia? Go to Question 1.6 Go to page 14
1.6 Do you know whether your academic qualifications are recognised for entry into Australian institutions?
1.7 Are you up to date on the latest news in Australian education? Go to Step 2 Go to page 8
Step 2 Compare Australia’s states and territories
Yes No
2.1 Do you know which Australian state or territory you will study in? Go to Step 3 Go to page 35
Step 3 Choose the right education level and type
Yes No
3.1 Do you know about the different types of courses on offer in Australia?
3.2 Do you want information about secondary education? Go to page 57 Go to Question 3.3
3.3 Do you want information about higher education courses? Go to page 89 Go to Question 3.4
3.4 Do you want information about Vocational Education and
Training (VET)?
Go to page 69 Go to Question 3.5
3.5 Do you want information about Technical and Further Education (TAFE)?
Go to page 75 Go to Question 3.6
3.6 Do you want information about study abroad or exchange programs? Go to page 123 Go to Question 3.7
3.7 Do you want information about preparatory courses, including English language studies or foundation programs?
Go to pages 39 and 85 Go to Question 3.8
3.8 Do you want information about MBAs and business schools? Go to page 131 Go to Question 3.9
3.9 Do you want information about online or distance education? Go to page 25 Go to Step 4
Step 4 Choose an institution
Yes No
4.1 Are you choosing a secondary school? Look at a range of secondary schoolprofiles on pages 58 to 67 Go to Question 4.2
4.2 Are you choosing a higher education institution? Look at a range of institution profiles
on pages 90 to 122 Go to Question 4.3
4.3 Are you choosing a Vocational Education and Training (VET) institution? Look at a range of institution profiles
4.4 Are you choosing a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institute? Look at a range of profiles for TAFE
institutes on pages 76 to 83 Go to Question 4.5
4.5 Are you choosing an institution that offers English language courses? Look at a range of institution profiles
4.6 Are you choosing an institution that offers foundation courses? Look at a range of institution profiles
4.7 Are you choosing an institution that offers study abroad or exchange programs?
Look at the range of institution profiles on pages 124 to 129
Go to Question 4.8
4.8 Are you choosing an institution offering MBA programs or a business school?
Look at the range of institution profiles on pages 132 to 135
Go to Step 5
Yes No
5.1 Do you know how much your tuition will cost? Go to Question 5.2 Find out more by referring to the
pages you visited at Step 3
5.2 Have you checked whether you are eligible for any scholarships? Go to Step 6 Go to page 25
Step 6 Have you made an enquiry through www.StudiesInAustralia.com?
Yes No
6.1 Have you contacted your chosen institutions through www.StudiesInAustralia.com to find out more about what they offer and how to apply?
Go to Step 7
Go to www.StudiesInAustralia.com. Search for a course and submit an enquiry from the institution profile. Your institution will respond to you
by email.
Step 7 Find out about moving to Australia to study
Yes No
7.1 Do you have an Australian student visa? Go to Question 7.2 Go to page 18
7.2 Have you arranged your Overseas Student Health Cover? Go to Question 7.3 Go to page 21
7.3 Have you arranged accommodation in Australia? Go to Question 7.4 Go to page 26
7.4 Have you opened an Australian bank account? Go to Question 7.5 Go to page 22
7.5 Are you familiar with what daily life is like in Australia? Go to Question 7.6 Go to page 32
7.6 Have you read testimonials from students already studying in Australia? Go to Question 7.7 Go to page 28
7.7 Are you familiar with Australia’s history, culture, climate and political system?
7.8 Do you know the details of your nearest Australian visa office? Go to Step 8 Go to page 140
Step 8 Find out about working in Australia
Yes No
8.1 Do you know about working while you study in Australia? Go to Question 8.2 Go to page 18
8.2 Do you know about working in Australia after you complete your studies? Go to the
Final Checklist Go to page 20
Studies in Australia Final Checklist
Yes No
Step 2 Have you compared Australia’s states and territories?
Step 3 Have you chosen the right education level and type?
Step 4 Have you chosen the right education provider?
Step 5 Do you know how much studying in Australia will cost?
Step 6 Have you made an enquiry through www.StudiesInAustralia.com?
Step 7 Do you know what is involved in moving to Australia to study?
Step 8 Do you know about working in Australia during and after study?
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Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or changes since going to the press; consequential losses arising from such changes or inaccuracies; or any other loss direct or consequential arising in connection with information in this publication. The information contained in this Guide is correct at the time of publication (July 2015).
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2016 edition ISSN: 1328-3126
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SECTION 1
The Australian education system Skills and training
Student pathways
Student testimonials
Student timeline
English language studies
Institution profiles
Higher education
Australian TAFE institutes
Australian visa offices
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out top spot as the world’s most liveable
city for the fourth year in a row, beating
Vienna (Austria), Vancouver (Canada)
Other Australian cities to feature in the top
10 include Adelaide (fifth place), Sydney
(seventh place) and Perth (ninth place).
With an overall score of 97.5 out of 100,
Melbourne received perfect marks for
education, health care and infrastructure.
Australia also received favourable results as
a desirable country for students and visitors.
Melbourne came in at second place in the
QS Best Student Cities Report 2015, behind
Paris, with Sydney not far behind, at fourth
place. Also in the top 50 were Canberra
(21st), Brisbane (23rd), Adelaide (29th) and
Perth (38th). Melbourne was awarded first
place globally for student mix, with Sydney,
Brisbane and Perth joining it in the top 10. In a rank of friendly cities, Condé Nast’s
Traveler magazine placed Melbourne at
equal first with Auckland (New Zealand).
Sydney came in at fifth place.
Australian Government to implement new
student visa framework
framework (SSVF), which is to be introduced
in mid-2016. The new framework will
replace the current Streamlined Visa
Processing (SVP) arrangements and
see the number of student visa subclasses
reduced from eight to two and the
introduction of a single immigration risk
framework for all international students.
Under the new framework, students’
financial and English language evidentiary
requirements will be based on their country
of citizenship and education provider, rather
than the education sector in which they
choose to study.
A national survey of international students
has provided a positive snapshot of study
experiences among those studying in
Australia. The latest instalment of the
International Student Survey, published
international students were satisfied or
very satisfied with their overall experiencestudying and living in Australia. It also
identified the top reasons for choosing
Australia as an international study
destination, including the reputation of
the chosen qualification (with 95 per cent
of students citing this as important or
very important), reputation of the chosen
institution (94 per cent), reputation of
Australia’s education system (93 per cent),
personal safety (92 per cent), and quality
of research and teaching at the chosen
institution (91 per cent).
than 55,000 international students across
the higher education, Vocational Education
and Training (VET), English Language
Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
(ELICOS) and secondary school sectors.
International student numbers continue
enrolling at Australian institutions
increase of nearly 12 per cent on 2013.
Enrolments increased across all sectors, with
the biggest jumps at non-award level (21
per cent), ELICOS (20 per cent) and VET
Australia is a popular choice for students considering an overseas education,
with a range of global rankings confirming its status as a top study destination.
We also announce a new student visa framework, discuss the results of the recent International Student Survey, highlight growth in Australia’s international
student enrolments and summarise some of the major campus developments
around the country.
types of education, see page 9. Research
has also revealed the top countries of
origin for international students studying in
Australia, with the top five including China,
India, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea andThailand (read more on page 27).
Australian universities continue to improve campus facilities
Australian universities have opened or
commenced construction on a number of
new facilities in the past year.
The University of Southern Queensland
has opened a new campus in Ipswich,
taking over a former site of the University
of Queensland, while the University of
Newcastle has commenced construction of
a new CBD campus for business and law
students. In Victoria, Deakin University is
currently in the process of upgrading its Melbourne Burwood campus. The university
has opened a new eight-storey building and
will continue to refurbish 11 existing spaces
across the campus.
of Adelaide are set to benefit from a new
medical and nursing schools building, located
next to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in the
South Australian Health and Biomedical
Precinct. The building, set to open in 2017,
will house teaching and learning facilities for
more than 1500 students.
Skills and training
non-award courses. They provide
or pre-employment level, or educational
preparation such as literacy and numeracy,
adult secondary education, foundation
Overseas Students (ELICOS). Qualifications
and private colleges.
non-award courses. They provide training in
a limited range of skills on a limited range
of equipment at a basic level. Qualifications
are offered by TAFE institutes, private
colleges and some universities.
complex vocational skills and knowledge
at a similar level to trade courses.
Qualifications are offered by TAFE institutes, private colleges and some universities.
Advanced or additional skills
non-award courses. They provide trade-
equivalent skills or skills at a level higher
than trade. Qualifications are offered
by TAFE institutes, private colleges and
universities.
develop skills or knowledge in a specific
area usually associated with employment in a particular job. Qualifications are offered in
both the higher education and Vocational
Education and Training (VET) sectors,
including universities, TAFE institutes and
private colleges.
A bachelor degree is a higher education
sector qualification that provides initial
preparation for professional careers and
postgraduate study. Qualifications are
some TAFE institutes.
Professional skills — postgraduate
certificates, vocational graduate diplomas,
graduate certificates, graduate diplomas,
These programs are designed to broaden
skills and knowledge gained in an
undergraduate program or develop skills in
a new professional area. Qualifications are
offered by universities, private colleges and
some TAFE institutes.
disciplines taken to prepare students for
higher education study to more vocational
and semi-vocational courses that prepare
students to enter the workforce directly
or to undertake vocational programs.
Qualifications are offered by secondary
schools, adult education centres and some
TAFE institutes.
to get into their preferred course. In fact,
data from the Australian Department
of Education and Training shows that
most international students undertake
using study in one sector as a pathway
into higher-level study. Some students
complete a pathway course in order to meet the academic and English language
requirements for Vocational Education
secondary school, an English language
course or a foundation studies program in
order to gain entry to the higher education
sector. Other students decide to progress to
a higher qualification after completing their
first course in Australia — advancing into
higher education after completing a course
from the VET sector, for example.
The Australian Qualifications Framework
and makes it easy to progress from one
qualification to the next. It makes it
possible to enter a course with lower entry
requirements and work your way up to
more advanced courses. This means that
you could complete an English language
course, followed by a VET course and
then progress to a bachelor degree. In
some cases, you may even be awarded
credit for the study you have already
completed, which reduces the total time
it will take to complete your qualification.
Not all pathways will be accepted by all
institutions, so check with your provider to
find out which pathways they recognise for entry to your chosen course.
As well as preparing you for the academic
and language requirements of higher-level
tertiary study, pathways also give you
extra time to settle into your new city in
Australia, practise the English language and
become familiar with Australian culture and
the education system before commencing
further academic study. A further benefit is
gaining a new set of skills and knowledge
that will be an advantage in your future
study experiences and career.
Many international students use ‘pathways’ to progress through the Australian education
system, working their way up from a lower qualification to a higher qualification and often
earning credit for the previous studies they have completed.
Robby Gupta — India
to a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality
Management
Having grown up in New Delhi, I wanted to
live a very busy lifestyle in a quiet city, so I
knew this would be a better place for me.
Hearing that TAFE SA’s Regency campus in
Adelaide was the best hotel management
school in the Southern Hemisphere, I began
my Diploma of Hotel Management there.
TAFE teaching is very professional, and
the facilities at Regency are the most up
to date. I worked in the latest kitchens,
training restaurants and front-of-house
teachers are internationally known
The whole TAFE culture was really nice.
The staff were very helpful and they knew
about different cultures. They organised
events for us like the Indian Festival of
Light, which made me feel that little bit
more welcome. I studied front-of-house,
wine studies, food service, accounting
and human resources. My TAFE diploma took me into the Bachelor of Tourism and
Hospitality Management at the University of
South Australia. I only needed one year to
finish my degree because I had completed
the diploma. Now in my working day I can
apply my education and knowledge to
every job that people do in my restaurants
and catering business. I did two other
courses at TAFE — computer science and
commercial cookery — because I wanted
to understand every aspect of my business.
Education in this country is fun. I have
found Australian education and my TAFE
study to be practical, industry-basedand enjoyable.
Zhou Quan — China
of Communication (Media)
My high school, Shaoxing No.1 High
School, had an exchange program with
Balwyn High School when I was in second
year (equivalent to Year 11 in Australia).
Before I went abroad, my dream was to
be a journalist or TV reporter. I picked the
media class at Balwyn High School and
that made me want to be a filmmaker. We watched and analysed Hitchcock’s
Psycho and I was thrilled about the impact
of cinema. The teacher of the media class
recommended I go to RMIT as the film
course there is hands-on and practical.
I completed the Advanced Diploma of
Screen (Film and Television Production),
which was a three-year course. Studying
at TAFE gave me a great opportunity to
practise the technical side of filmmaking.
I articulated from the TAFE course to
complete the Bachelor of Communication
(Media) at RMIT. The bachelor degree was
supposed to be three years long, but my TAFE credits covered half of it. I think TAFE
gave me more practical experience than
university, and I felt that I had a better
understanding of technical aspects than
other students when we were doing group
assignments at university. The films that
we made during the TAFE course were
much more hands-on than the ones we
did at university, but the university classes
gave me better knowledge of the history
of cinema and the contemporary situation
of the film industry. In order to be a
professional filmmaker, both are necessary.
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Carefully research courses, institutions
specialisation offered through different
suit your intended career path. Once you
have decided on the best course, you need
to find out which education providers
offer it and which provider best suits your
requirements. You should consider the size
and location of the campus, as well as the facilities and support services available to
international students. This guide and the
Studies in Australia website at
www.StudiesInAustralia.com have
offer.
education provider, it’s time to apply. Check
the academic and English language entry
requirements to make sure you are eligible.
If you do not meet the entry requirements,
you may need to consider a different course or apply for bridging or foundation study,
which may improve your chances. For
information about foundation courses, see
page 85.
ask about their application dates and
requirements, as these will differ for
each provider. Make a note of important
deadlines to ensure you meet them. Also
remember to allow for postal times when
sending forms by mail. A list of provider
contact details can be found at
www.StudiesInAustralia.com, as well as
to Australian institutions, either by post
or online. You can download application
forms from institutions’ websites or request
the forms to be posted. Another option
is to contact an education agent in your
country or an overseas representative of
the institution to which you are applying.
Your application form will ask you which
course(s) you are applying for and give
you details of the documentation you
need to supply.
supply:
language proficiency
qualifications, such as academic
experience (if applicable).
recent grades until it is possible to provide
your final results. If the documents you
supply are not in English, you must
provide an official certified translation.
Most institutions charge a non-refundable
application fee of around AUD$50 to
$100 that must be included with your
application. Some institutions waive this
fee if the application is made online. Before
sending your application, check your visa
requirements with your local Australian
visa office or online at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)
website to ensure you will qualify for a
visa if your application is successful. A list
of Australian visa offices can be found
on page 140. If, at any time during the
application process, you are uncertain
about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to
contact your education provider — they are
there to help you.
application it will be assessed and you will
be notified of the result. It may take a few
Applying to Australian institutions is easy, although it will take some time and careful
planning. Remember that you can ask for help and advice from the institution you are
applying to, your local Australian visa office and education agents in your home country.
weeks (longer for postgraduate applications)
before your application is processed.
Step 4: Accepting your offer
If your application is accepted, you will
receive a letter of offer and an acceptance
form. Before accepting the offer, you
should carefully read the letter of offer and
check any conditions that may apply. You
will need to meet these conditions before
the institution issues a Confirmation of
Enrolment (CoE). You may also be required to pay a portion of your tuition fees before
your institution issues a CoE. The institution
will advise you of its requirements.
Step 5: Preparing for departure
Now that you have been accepted, it’s time
to apply. You can apply for your student
visa using either your letter of offer or
CoE, although you will need to supply
evidence of your CoE before your student
visa is granted. You can find information
about student visas on page 18. You must
also purchase your plane tickets, organise
your Overseas Student Health Cover (see
page 21) and start thinking about your
accommodation in Australia (see page 26).
Your education provider will typically
send you an admissions package with
information that will help you prepare
for your journey to Australia. This might
include information about your course and
accommodation options, facts about the
location, financial information and details
about orientation programs. See page 32
for some general information about what
daily life is like in Australia.
about the level of education that each
qualification title represents. Each
next qualification around the wheel (see
below) in the education framework.
Having a nationally standardised system
means there is a clear pathway to follow,
making it easier for students to pursue their education. It also makes transferring
between different education providers
caused by differing qualification titles
and education levels. In addition to these
qualifications, the AQF issues a Statement
of Attainment when a student completes
only part of a qualification.
International students and the AQF
The AQF has many advantages for
international students. It makes course
searches simpler, as the qualification titles
are the same throughout Australia. This
means that you can focus on finding the best course and institution for your needs
without also having to spend time
researching what each qualification
understand the entry
requirements for higher
qualifications — if they
to the worldwide
of courses that are not part of
the AQF that are also available to
international students, such as foundation
and bridging courses. These courses are
designed to help students meet course
entry requirements or gain entry to further
study that results in an AQF qualification.
You can find information about foundation
and bridging courses on page 85.
Comparisons between overseas
requirements for an Australian course,
you will need to ask your education
provider. There is more information about
international qualification recognition at
are in place to ensure the quality and
consistency of Australia’s international
education sector. The Education Services
for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000
requires institutions that offer courses to
The Australian Government designed the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) to
ensure that qualification titles across the country are consistent and represent the same
high standards of education.
facilities and services. The Act ensures
that international students receive the
same standard of education as Australian
students. In addition, institutions that
wish to offer education to international
students must register with the Australian
Government under the Commonwealth
Overseas Students (CRICOS). Registration with CRICOS requires
institutions to demonstrate that their
qualifications meet Australian standards.
Students Legislation Amendment Act
of scrutinisation for education providers.
These changes were introduced to further
strengthen Australia’s international
providers from entering the sector. The
Tuition Protection Service (TPS) provides
additional security for international students
in Australia in the unlikely event that their
education provider is unable to deliver a
course (due to closure, for example).
International students should check
cricos.education.gov.au
for which they are applying
are registered.
Further information
vocational education
qualifications at
website at
at www.aqf.edu.au .
or a recognised foundation program in
Australia. Contact your institution for
more information. In addition to these
academic entry requirements, you will
also be required to meet English language
requirements and any other prerequisites
specified for your chosen course.
Complete an international qualification
undergraduate course in Australia, you
might consider completing an international
qualification for tertiary preparation such
as the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Growing out of the need to facilitate the
international mobility of students, the IB
specialises in preparing students for a more
global environment.
school students aged 16 to 19 and is
recognised in around 140 countries for
university entry (including every major
tertiary institution in Australia). Scores can
be easily translated into Australian ATAR
rankings. See www.ibo.org for further
information.
be recognised in Australia include General
Certificate of Education (GCE) A Levels
and the Advanced International Certificate
of Education. Contact your institution
or visit their website to find out which
international qualifications are recognised
course.
of Tertiary Admission Centres and passed by
the International Baccalaurate organisation,
IB scores for 2016 tertiary admissions
in New South Wales, the Australian
Capital Territory, Queensland, Tasmania,
Complete secondary school in Australia
International students who complete Year
12 in Australia can apply for admission to
undergraduate degrees in the same way as
Australian students. This requires them to
complete the Australian Senior Secondary
Certificate of Education offered in their
state or territory and gain an Australian
Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) — or an
Overall Position (OP) in Queensland. The ATAR and OP are the ranking (or score)
that Australian students gain when they
graduate from secondary school after
completing their final assessments. It is
the most common selection method used
to admit Australian secondary school
graduates into undergraduate courses.
course and the institution you are applying
for. You will find the ATAR required for
entry into your preferred course listed in
the institution’s course handbook or on its
website, along with any other prerequisites
(such as a portfolio of work for art anddesign courses, an audition for performing
arts courses or secondary school studies in
mathematics for engineering courses).
Complete secondary school overseas
International students who complete
institutions based on their overseas
secondary school qualification. The
international qualifications recognised by
check whether your institution recognises
the overseas secondary school qualification you completed. You might also find a
list of recognised overseas qualifications
and the score required for entry into your
chosen course on your institution’s website.
If your qualification is not recognised,
you may need to undertake preparatory
studies to meet the entry requirements,
such as completing a year of university
study in your home country; a vocational
Many international students come to Australia to complete an undergraduate degree. If you
are wondering which qualifications are recognised for admission, you will be pleased to learn
that there are a number of different qualifications accepted by Australian higher education
institutions for entry into undergraduate degrees.
2015 passing IB
Student visa requirements
time that you study in Australia. Before you
apply for an Australian course, you should
contact the Department of Immigration and
Border Protection (DIBP) or your nearest
Australian visa office to find out whether
you will be eligible for a student visa,
how to make your application and what
documents are required. There is a list of
Australian visa offices on page 140. In
most cases, members of your family unit (a
partner or a dependent child) may apply for a student visa to live with you in Australia
while you study.
There are various general and evidentiary
requirements that students must meet in
order to be eligible for a student visa. These
include requirements relating to:
• being free of debts to the
Commonwealth of Australia • custody, accommodation and general
welfare arrangements for students under
18 years of age
fares, course tuition fees and living costs
for you and your family members for
the duration of your stay in Australia
(the minimum living cost requirement is
AUD$18,610 per year)
completed
entrant.
Student visas are divided into subclasses
depending on the type of study in which
you have enrolled. You can apply for your
student visa using either a letter of offer
or a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from
your education provider, but you usually
need to supply evidence of your CoE before
your student visa is granted. Some students
are able to apply online through the DIBP
website, while others need to apply by post
or in person at their designated Australian
visa office. The application process differs
depending on your assessment level, which
will be one of three levels depending on
your country of origin and the type of study
you intend to undertake (from ELICOS and
secondary school through to postgraduate
research). The higher the assessment level
(with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 3
being the highest), the greater the amount
of evidence an applicant is required to
demonstrate in order to support their
student visa application. You can check
your assessment level at www.border.gov.au/trav/stud/stud .
Student visa applicants who lodge their
applications with a CoE from a participating
university or eligible non-university provider
for an advanced diploma, bachelor degree,
masters degree, doctoral degree, student
exchange program or study abroad
program are eligible for streamlined visa
processing. These applicants do not receive
an assessment level and are processed in a
streamlined manner with reduced evidentiary
requirements regardless of their country of
origin. For more information, see
www.border.gov.au/trav/stud/stre. Help with your visa requirements
The best way to find out your specific
visa requirements is to visit the DIBP
website at www.border.gov.au/trav/
agent, your nearest Australian visa office
or the international office at your intended
Australian institution for advice and help
with your visa application.
A non-refundable base application charge of
AUD$550 applies to most visa applications.
Applicants who are bringing eligible family members to live with them in Australia while
they study should note that an additional
applicant charge applies for each additional
family member included in a combined visa
application. This charge is added to the base
application charge and varies according
to the age of the additional applicant(s).
In addition, there may be other expenses
associated with your visa application, such
as costs for medical examinations, police
checks and the translation of documents
into English (if required).
Australia is a great place to study. It provides high-quality courses, a fantastic lifestyle and a
welcoming environment for international students. Once you have been accepted into your
Australian course, the next step is to organise your student visa.
Working in Australia
receive permission to work with your
student visa grant. For more information,
see www.border.gov.au/trav/stud/
maximum of 40 hours of work per
fortnight while their course is in session
but are allowed to work unlimited hours
during vacation periods. This excludes
students completing masters by research
or doctoral degrees, who have unrestricted
work permissions. Before starting work, you
must obtain an Australian Tax File Number.
Application information is available on the
Australian Taxation Office website at
www.ato.gov.au.
benefits for international students:
the graduate labour market.
• Working gives you opportunities to
practise your English language skills, meet
new people and develop useful contacts.
Your rights while working in Australia
Before commencing paid work in Australia,
you should be aware of your rights and
responsibilities as an employee. Here
are some things to watch out for when
working in Australia:
the minimum rate of pay and that you
are subject to the workplace conditions
set for your area of employment or
’award’ by the Fair Work Commission
(www.fwc.gov.au). It is against the law
to be paid ‘cash in hand’.
• Think carefully about doing unpaid
‘trial’ work. You should be paid for all
work you undertake (unless you are
volunteering or doing work experience
arranged through your education
and other relevant documents.
English in the form of English language
test results.
applicants must meet the points test pass
mark in order to gain permanent residency.The pass mark is currently 60 points for the
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
Applicants score points relating to:
• age (must be between 18 and 49)
• English language ability
skilled occupation or a closely related
skilled occupation
example)
• Australian study (completion of one
or more Australian qualifications that required two or more years of study in
Australia)
community languages
or a low-growth metropolitan area
• completion of a Professional Year in
Australia.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass
189) has an application cost of AUD$3520.
Applicants who are bringing eligible family members to live with them in Australia
should note that an additional applicant
charge applies. In addition to the application
cost, there may be other costs associated
with the visa, such as skills assessments,
English language testing, medical
examinations and police certificates.
and supporting documentation required,
language test results. You should also check
to see whether your occupation is listed on
the relevant SOL, that you meet the basic
criteria and that you meet the points test
pass mark. You can submit your EOI for
the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
online through the SkillSelect website, from
within Australia or overseas. When you
complete an EOI, the system will give you a points score and results based on your
claims, which will then be processed by
SkillSelect. If you are invited to apply for a
visa, you will receive an invitation to apply
from SkillSelect. You will have 60 days to
make a valid visa application online before
the invitation expires. Because more people
want to migrate to Australia than there are
places available, not everyone who submits
an EOI will receive an invitation to apply
for a visa.
you gain any additional qualifications or
experience, for example. Any changes will
be taken into account and may increase
your ability to be invited.
Temporary Graduate Visa
in Australia temporarily after completing
their course. If you do not meet the
requirements for a Skilled Independent
Visa, the Temporary Graduate Visa can
provide you with an opportunity to remain in Australia to gain skilled work experience
or improve your English language ability,
which may increase your eligibility for
permanent residency. Applicants must have
completed at least two years of study in
Australia. The visa has two streams: the
Graduate Work Stream and the Post-study
Work Stream. Applications are submitted
through DIBP rather than SkillSelect. For
more information, see
intending migrants to lodge an online
Expression of Interest (EOI). The EOI contains
information about their skills and attributes,
which will be assessed through a points
test (resulting in a points score). Once an
EOI is lodged, intending migrants may be
invited to lodge a skilled visa application or
nominated for a skilled visa by Australian
employers or government departments.
189), which is designed for workers who
are not being sponsored by an employer, a
state or territory, or a family member. For
information about this visa, see
www.border.gov.au/trav/visa-1/189- .
that create pathways to permanent
residency for international students, visit
the Department of Immigration and Border
Protection (DIBP) website at
Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you must
satisfy the following basic requirements:
• Invitation to apply: You must submit
an EOI through SkillSelect and be invited
to apply for a visa.
• Age: You must be younger than 50 years
of age when you are invited to apply.
• Nominated occupation: You must
nominate a skilled occupation that
matches your skills and qualifications
and is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You are required to obtain
a suitable skills assessment for your
nominated occupation before making
examination and meet minimum health
requirements.
• Character: You must be able to prove
that you are of ‘good character’. You
are required to sign an Australian values
Many international students who study in Australia choose to apply for permanent
residency after they graduate. Once you complete your course, you can express your
interest in applying for permanent residency through Australia’s SkillSelect
migration program.
It is a condition of your student visa that
you have continuous OSHC for the duration
of your stay in Australia. Most Australians
are covered by Australia’s national health
insurance program, Medicare, which covers
a significant amount of the costs required
for healthcare services. While Medicare
does not cover international students,
OSHC allows international students to access health care without experiencing
financial hardship.
members (partners and children under
18, for example) need OSHC. The only
exceptions are Belgian students, who are
covered by the Reciprocal Health Care
Agreement between Australia and Belgium;
Norwegian students, who are provided
with health insurance by the Norwegian
Government; and Swedish students, who
have international cover with the Swedish
National Board of Student Aid (CSN) or Kammarkollegiet (Swedish students not
covered by these agencies will need OSHC).
New Zealand citizens residing in Australia
can access Medicare benefits.
cost?
Health has approved the following health
funds to offer OSHC:
minimum cover is AUD$437 for 12 months
of singles cover, $1222 for 12 months of
couples cover and $2022 for 12 months
of family cover (as at July 2015). You can
have your OSHC organised for you by your
institution or purchase it online through the
OSHC provider’s website. You may choose
to take out OSHC with your institution’s
recommended provider or with another
provider. You should speak to the various
OSHC providers before taking out cover
to ensure that the level of cover you have
chosen meets your needs. You may wish
to compare policies from different OSHC
providers to ensure you receive the highest
benefits for the lowest cost.
What kind of services am I entitled to
through my OSHC?
some hospital treatment, limited
pharmaceuticals, ambulance cover, some
and physiotherapy treatments are not
covered by basic OSHC but are available as
‘extras’ from some OSHC providers as part
of more comprehensive OSHC cover.
How do I pay for treatment?
In most cases, OSHC will cover a good
proportion of your medical expenses. When
you receive a bill for medical treatment, you
may pay the bill and then get a refund fromyour OSHC provider or have the bill sent
directly to your OSHC provider for payment.
Payment arrangements differ between
for more information.
Australia?
The best option is to visit a doctor or go
to the emergency department of a public
hospital. Many educational institutions
OSHC providers often have direct billing
relationships with medical clinics to ensure
students can access treatment with no or
International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) so they are
covered for any medical treatment that may be required during their stay in Australia.
minimal up-front expenses. The doctor
will refer you to a specialist or hospital
if further treatment is required. You
can choose either a public or a private
hospital, but you should contact your
OSHC provider before going to a private
hospital to check that you will be covered
for treatment. You should also contact your
OSHC provider before going to a public
hospital in a non-emergency situation or
for an elective procedure to ensure that
you are covered. In an emergency, you
should go immediately to the emergency
department of the nearest hospital, calling
an ambulance on ‘000’ if appropriate.
How long do I need to be covered?
You must obtain OSHC for the proposed
duration of your student visa and renew
your OSHC if you extend the length of your
visa.
provider?
charge a fee if you transfer to a new policy
before your old one ends.
Where can I go for further information or help?
If you need further information about
OSHC now or during your stay in Australia,
you can contact the Department of Health,
your education provider or one of the
OSHC providers listed. Information about
OSHC is available on the Department of
Health website at www.health.gov.au/
Banking in Australia
allowing you to withdraw cash, check your
funds and, in some cases, make deposits.
Note that fees generally apply when
withdrawing funds from another bank’s
ATM (usually around AUD$2) and when
using international cards.
Bank accounts
It is a good idea to set up a transaction account for everyday banking and a
high-interest savings account for storing
your savings. Other account types include
chequing accounts, credit accounts and
credit debit accounts. You may also wish
to open additional accounts to divide
your money for specific purposes (such as
saving for travel). Telephone and internet
banking enables you to manage your
account, transfer funds between accounts
and make payments without entering the
bank branch. To use telephone and internet
banking services, you will need to register
with your bank.
Moving to Australia can be a very busy
time, so it is best to organise your account
before you arrive so you can access your
money straight away.
• Most banks will allow you to apply to
open an account through their website
using an online application form. You
will need to supply your passport details
when you apply.
will be notified and given the details
of your new account so that you can
transfer money.
need to go into your bank and show
them your passport so that you can
access your money. At this time, you will
also receive a debit card linked to your
account and can register for telephone
and internet banking.
If you would prefer to wait until you are in
Australia before opening a bank account,
you should do so within six weeks of
arrival. You will need to visit a bank to
provide them with your details and show
them your passport as proof of identity.
They will then send you an account card in
the mail.
will offer you a special student account
that does not charge monthly account fees.
You may also be allocated an international
student banker who you can contact with any queries, and many banks will try to find
a banker who speaks your language.
Banks in Australia
• Australia and New Zealand Banking
Group (ANZ)
• National Australia Bank (NAB)
banks, including Adelaide Bank, Bank of
Queensland, Bank of Melbourne, Bankwest, Bank SA, Bank of Western Australia,
Bendigo Bank, St George Bank, ME Bank
and Suncorp Bank.
hours — from 9.30 am to 4 pm Monday
to Thursday and 9.30 am to 5 pm on
Fridays. Some banks and branches may
stay open longer or open on weekends.
Bank branches allow you to transfer money,
open accounts, cash travellers cheques,
order bank cheques and exchange currency,
among other financial services.
(AUD). There are bank notes for $5, $10,
$20, $50 and $100; gold-coloured coins
for $1 and $2; and silver-coloured coins for
5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents.
Prices are rounded to the nearest 5 cents
when you pay (for example, $2.93 rounds
to $2.95).
In addition to cash, EFTPOS is available at
most stores and restaurants. EFTPOS allows
you to pay for items electronically using
your bank debit card to access money
from a savings or cheque account. You can also withdraw cash through EFTPOS
at some stores (including supermarkets
and petrol stations). Other payment
methods include credit cards, which can
be used for purchases in store, over the
phone or online; credit debit cards (Visa
or MasterCard), which allow you to use
money from your debit account to pay
for items over the phone or online in the
same way as a credit card; and cheques,
which are typically only accepted for larger
payments such as a rental bond.
Having an Australian bank account will ensure that you have easy access to your money
to pay for your accommodation, tuition fees and living expenses, and will allow your
employer to deposit your pay into your account if you choose to work.
Things to look for when selecting a bank
in Australia:
• Can you open an online savings
account before you arrive so you can
earn interest on the funds you send to
Australia?
banker? If so, does your banker speak your language?
• Are you eligible for a student account
that does not charge monthly account
fees?
required at the time of opening an
account and a minimum balance you are
required to maintain?
• Does the account include a Visa or
MasterCard debit card at no extra cost,
so you can shop online with your own money?
• Does your bank have a national network
of branches?
of ATMs? Do the bank’s ATMs provide
access in multiple languages?
Support for international students
What types of support services are available for international students? All institutions offering education to
international students are required by law
to provide support services to help them
study and adapt to their new home. Many
institutions have international student
advisers who can answer your questions
and direct you to the services you need. For detailed and specific information about the
support services that Australian education
providers offer, refer to the institution
profiles within this guide.
Information and advice for
provide information to simplify the process
of moving to Australia, which may include:
• advice about travel arrangements,
Cover (OSHC) and banking
• information about airport pick-up
institutions) and other transport options
• help with organising accommodation
tourist attractions and life in Australia.
Orientation and study preparation
held a couple of weeks before the start of
semester to give students a chance to settle
in before classes begin.
• guided campus tours
representatives.
Many education providers have student
groups that give international students the
opportunity to meet other international
and Australian students. These student
groups run regular social gatherings and
organise activities (such as trips, meals and
sightseeing) to help international students
make friends and settle into their new
environment — and have some fun in the
process! Some institutions also pair new
international students with a senior studentmentor, so they have someone to provide
advice and support as they adjust to their
studies in Australia.
experienced counsellors who offer
advice on personal, social and academic
matters such as:
for family members who accompany
students to Australia.
It can be challenging to start a new course in a country that has a different academic
environment, language and culture. But there’s no need to worry, as there is plenty of help
and support available to help you adjust to your studies in Australia. Remember that you
are not alone — there are many international and local students in the same position.
Culture shock is the feeling of
disorientation and loneliness that you may
feel in the first couple of weeks of living in
a new environment. This is a very common
feeling and will pass when you get more
settled into your new home. Make sure you
talk to friends, family and the support staff
at your institution.
English language support services, such as
individual tutoring and workshops, to help
international students adjust to their studies
and life in Australia. You might also find
English language conversation groups that
encourage local and international students
to meet and practise their language skills
while learning about other cultures.
Even the most skilled English speakers
may struggle to understand people at first
because of the distinct Australian accent.
Australians use many slang expressions and
speak quickly, so asking people to slow
down or repeat what they have said may
be necessary. You can get accustomed
to the Australian style of speaking by
watching Australian films and television,
listening to the radio and talking to the
locals. See page 37 for a list of common Australian slang terms.
Information and advice for returning
home
with information and advice about
returning home. Seminars and brochures
available to international students include
information about readjusting to your home
country, gaining employment, migration
How you can ease your cultural transition
• Make friends by joining a studentgroup, such as a sporting club or the
international student association at your
institution.
— do something to give you an insight
into your new home, such as going
to an Australian Football League (AFL)
game or visiting an art gallery.
• Even if English is your second language,
don’t be afraid to use it! Making
mistakes is part of learning. You will find
most Australians to be friendly, open and
understanding of your English difficulties.
Australian learning methods Studying in Australia may be very different
to studying in your home country.
Australian students are encouraged to be
independent learners — this means that
students are responsible for completing set
readings, undertaking research and meeting
deadlines themselves. Academic services
to fewer contact hours; more self-directed
study (with minimal assistance); and the
active and vocal style of tutorial discussions.
that will increase your chances of gaining a
scholarship:
as possible. Make a list of all potential
scholarship providers and all the
scholarships for which you are eligible.
• Ensure that you supply all documentation
required, obtaining certified and
do not require an application; you will be
automatically considered when you apply
for your course.
somebody who speaks fluent English —
scholarships committees might overlook
or spelling mistakes.
are for lesser amounts), as any type of
funding is better than no funding at a ll.
Scholarship providers
following groups:
country
country (especially if you are considering
exchange or study abroad in Australia)
• organisations based in Australia
international organisations, including
companies.
Some scholarships cover the full amount,
while others cover a proportion of the total
cost or provide a one-off payment.
Most scholarships are based on academic
merit, although there is also some funding
available for students from developing
countries, such as the Australia Awards
Scholarships. Note that some scholarships
are restricted to students who are from
certain countries, while others may be
related to a specific course, field of study
or qualification level (postgraduate degrees,
for example).
There are many scholarships available for international students wishing to study in
Australia, which can provide invaluable help with funds for your study. There is strong
competition for each scholarship, so you should not rest all of your hopes on obtaining funding, but they are definitely worth investigating.
Advances in technology have led to the expansion of online and distance education
opportunities in Australia. You can now complete a wide selection of Australian
qualifications from the convenience of your home.
Online and distance education
studying at home combined with some
attendance at classes delivered by partner
institutions outside Australia. While some
providers allow essays and exams to be
submitted online, others require students to complete exams at overseas venues.
Many institutions provide flexibility through
part-time study as well as trimester and
term systems that allow you to spread out
or accelerate your studies. Some providers
may allow you to enrol in single units
(rather than an entire course) to trial a
particular area of study. Online and distance
education also makes it possible to begin
study in your home country before moving
to Australia to study on campus.
Student support
Online and distance courses are often
supported by technology such as online student forums, virtual classrooms and
electronic library resources, allowing you
to interact with other students, share your
work and opinions, access readings, listen
to lectures, consult tutors and submit
assessments. You may also be able to
access support services such as counselling, academic advice and technical assistance.
Entry requirements
requirements) for online and distance
education courses will typically be the same,
or very similar, to those for the on-campus
equivalent of the course. You will need to
check with individual institutions for specific
course entry requirements and starting
times — some courses allow you to apply
and start studying at any time, while others
have set dates.
Online and distance education programs
allow international students to obtain an
Australian education without having to
leave their home country, which may not
be possible for some people with family, work and other commitments. You may
also have the option of combining study at
home with some study in Australia. You can
choose from a large range of vocational
and higher education courses — from
business to humanities — at a number of
institutions.
are delivered in a variety of ways. Options
include studying online courses; studying
through distance education, with course
materials delivered by mail or email;
studying at home combined with some class attendance at overseas campuses
information and advice about the different
accommodation options and help students
find appropriate accommodation to suit
their needs. This service may also be able
to arrange temporary accommodation for
students when they first arrive in Australia.
Students can contact their institution’s
accommodation service before their arrival in Australia to arrange this.
Availability and cost
in Australia depends on the type you
choose. For instance, on-campus
requires students to apply for a room well
in advance, whereas rental accommodation
tends to be more readily available and can
often be organised when you arrive. You
will also find that costs and availability vary
between states and territories, as well as between metropolitan and regional areas.
Australia has a large range of accommodation options available to international students.
With choices ranging from university accommodation or homestay to self-catered
apartments or share houses, there’s an option to suit every personality and budget.
Prior to your arrival in Australia, it is
important to contact your education
institution’s accommodation service and
ask about what is available and the costs
involved.
accommodation options on offer in
Australia and their costs. Cost estimates
were sourced from the Australian
Government’s Study in Australia website in
2015 at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au .
Boarding schools Many private secondary schools offer students fully catered boarding options, meaning that meals, cleaning and laundry
services are provided. Boarding costs may also cover academic tutoring and social activities after school, with most
schools providing a supportive family atmosphere. Depending on the school, there may be shared or private rooms.
Tuition fees are charged in addition to the boarding fees. On average, boarding school accommodation fees are around
AUD$10,000 to $20,000 per year.
Homestay Homestay accommodation gives international students the option of living with an Australian family in their home.
Single or shared rooms may be available, and costs vary according to the type of room (usually around AUD$110 to
$270 per week). Meals are usually included in the cost, although self-catered homestay is also available. This type of accommodation is popular with secondary students and those studying short-term English courses. Most accommodation
services at Australian institutions keep a register of approved and reputable homestay providers.
On-campus
accommodation
The prices and accommodation options at residential colleges, halls of residence and apartments vary between
institutions, so you should contact the institution you’re interested in for full details. These options are very popular, so it’s
a good idea to apply early. On average, on-campus accommodation costs around AUD$80 to $250 per week.
Residential
colleges
Residential colleges provide accommodation, meals, cleaning and a wide range of support services for social and
academic needs. They are generally more expensive than halls of residence because of the range of facilities and support
services offered. Most offer private rooms, with shared bathrooms, dining halls and recreation areas.
Halls of
residence
Halls of residence also offer accommodation and a lively social atmosphere, but with fewer facilities and services included.
Some meals and cleaning services may be included, but self-catering facilities are provided, enabling students to be more
independent. Most offer private rooms, with shared bathrooms, kitchens and recreation areas.
Apartments Some institutions also offer apartments for rent either close to or on campus. This provides students with the security
of institution-approved accommodation, but with the increased freedom of fully self-catered living. Single and shared apartments are usually available. Apartments are popular with students in the later years of their degrees.
Hostels and
guesthouses
Many students use hostels and guesthouses as temporary accommodation. Most offer private rooms, with shared kitchen
and bathroom facilities. Residents cook for themselves. This type of accommodation tends to be cheaper than on-campus
accommodation (at around AUD$80 to $135 per week) and still provides good opportunities for social interaction.
Rental
accommodation
Many students choose to rent a property by themselves or share the cost of a rental property with housemates. You
may move into an existing household or set up a household with some friends. Rental properties are rarely furnished,
so you will generally have to provide some or all of your own furniture. Rental agreements usually require payment of
rent in advance, as well as a security payment called a ‘bond’ (usually one month’s rent) that is paid up-front. You will
also need to pay bills for electricity, gas and water. Your institution’s accommodation service can help with finding rental
accommodation and provide information about your rights and obligations. Rental properties or rooms are advertised
on student noticeboards, websites (such as www.realestate.com.au and www.domain.com.au) and in newspapers.
On average, rental accommodation costs around AUD$100 to $400 per week and shared rental accommodation costs
around AUD$70 to $250 per week.
studying in Australia?
were enrolled in education programs in
Australia.
Which sectors are they studying in? Most international students in Australia are
studying in the higher education sector,
followed by the Vocational Education
and Training (VET) sector and the English
Language Intensive Courses for Overseas
Students (ELICOS) sector.
provide a popular pathway for international
students moving into the VET and higher
education sectors. In 2014, 29 per cent of
international students who commenced
studied in the ELICOS sector, while 36
per cent of international students who
commenced a VET course in 2014 did so
through an ELICOS pathway.
New South Wales and Victoria attract the
largest numbers of international students.
The other states and territories have smaller
numbers of international students and
smaller numbers of students overall.
Australia is a popular study destination with students from around the world wishing to
gain a high-quality education. Each year, many new international students take up courses in
Australia and add to the already significant international student body around the country.
The information in this article was
sourced from the Australian Government’s
Department of Education and Training 2014 international student enrolment data.
International student enrolments by sector 2014
Sector International
student enrolments
Top 10 international student nationalities
2014 — all sectors
Nationality International student
nationalities in 2014, which made up 67
per cent of Australia’s enrolments in all
sectors. The largest number of enrolments
in the higher education sector were from
China, India and Malaysia; the largest in
the VET sector were from India, China and
the Republic of Korea; the largest in the
ELICOS sector were from China, Brazil and
Thailand; and the largest in the schools sector were from China, Vietnam and the
Republic of Korea. There were some slight
differences in the top 10 countries in 2014,
with Vietnam overtaking the Republic
of Korea, Brazil overtaking Malaysia and
Nepal overtaking Indonesia in terms of
international student enrolments. Data also
showed a significant increase in the number
of student visa applications from Colombia
and the Philippines.
State/ territory
International Baccalaureate at The Kilmore
International School. I have had a desire to study abroad since I was small. The
reason why I decided to study in Australia is
mainly because the country provides good
education and has a variety of culture so
that I can acquire a deeper knowledge and
learn different traditions. I am also proud
that I have chosen to enrol in The Kilmore
International School. The setting of the
school fascinates me, which allows me to
stay focused on my study.
Besides that, the school also provides a
range of facilities that enable the students
to utilise their extra time properly, such
as participating in a soccer match with alocal school. This also provides a deeper
understanding on the Australian culture,
which is one of my aims of studying in
Australia.
English language programs, I am aware
of significant improvements in my English.
One of the reasons is that I am sharing a
boarding house with other students from
different countries, which is an opportunity
for me to learn and utilise the language by
communicating with friends.
After studying in Victoria for three years,
I have found it is a good place to liveand study because the people in Victoria
are friendly and its natural setting can
contribute both socially and academically
during my secondary study. I highly
recommend students who are interested
in studying abroad to study in Australia. It
is not that easy to study abroad alone, but
I am still able to cope with a completely
strange environment. Finally, I want to
advise that nothing is impossible; be
confident and do your best to achieve your
goal!
multicultural country with a lot of
advantages for international students, and I studied at TAFE because a friend from
Colombia recommended it to me. I totally
recommend BNIT because I was in a lot
of institutes trying to learn English and I
couldn’t, and here was the first time that I
really learned.
activities. We have listening, reading,
writing and speaking sessions. Each one is
challenging, and we are split into different
groups depending on our individual needs
and which skills we need to improve. For
example, I was in an IELTS group, casual
conversations, grammar and listening, aswell as general English, reading, idioms and
job interview. Every term we have some
excursions or activities outdoors.
always kind, and they give me all the
tools to learn. We have a lot of tutors
that help us all the time. In addition, we
have a wonderful teacher who knows
our process and works with us as a
class and individually. I have met a lot of
different people. My classmates are from
everywhere, and I can practise and improve
my speaking skills with them.
I study social communication and journalism in Colombia. Before I came here
my English level was very basic. Now I can
go back to Colombia and finish my degree.
I will have the ability to communicate in
English in my country, and it will be an
important advantage for me as a journalist.
João Tomé — Portugal
I’ve been studying at Central Institute
of Technology and living in Perth for 17
months now. Before coming to Perth, I worked for various theatres in Portugal and
Spain as a light designer. I also worked for
Portuguese TV station TVI Channel 4 as a
camera, jimmy jib, vertical work and dolly
operator.
to obtain an Advanced Diploma of Screen
and Media and explore opportunities in
media here in Australia. I chose to study at
Central Institute as it is a very hands-on,
practical course, which is more exciting
than learning theory at university. You will
be more prepared for the workplace, and
the people at Central Institute are veryaccommodating to all students.
Because of my experience and my
connections through Central Institute I am
actually in demand as a cameraman here
in Perth and I work for several film and TV
companies on a regular basis
I was one of a team of students selected
to work on a series of DVDs to market to
international students and assist them with
settling into Perth.
day we filmed the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Support Office in Central
Institute’s newest building. I got to have fun and develop shots, such as dolly shots
and other cinema techniques. It was a real-
world experience.
I come from Guangdong Province in the
south-east part of China. I did my diploma in information technology at Henan
University and I came to Australia to study a
bachelor degree in information technology
at Victoria University (VU). In addition to
IT, I have a great passion for singing and
music.
where I completed my diploma. My lecturer
recommended that I come to Victoria
University to study.
friendly physical and cultural environment
is the best thing about studying here — it’s
key to helping me fit in at a new place as quickly as I can and enjoy the life I am living
in Australia. Melbourne is a fresh, relaxed
and positive place to study.
Most lecturers are kind and responsible.
I am learning skills like communication and
interpretation, and dealing with people
from different backgrounds. I am also
learning important skills like how to express
myself and manage my time appropriately.
While studying I have received advice
from the career department, including a
résumé check; had assistance with writing
support at the library; and have used
other equipment and support for study. I have also been involved in an IBM mentor
program. I got my first job ever as a student
rover at VU, assisting other students in the
Learning Commons.
city with my student rover job. I really
enjoy the campuses, especially their perfect
environment for study.
skills I’ve learnt to improve my life and get
a stable job that I like and enjoy.
Dristi Hamal — Nepal
I have always lived and studied close to
home, so coming to Australia was a unique experience. As uncertain as I was to travel
to a new country, I was nonetheless excited
to face the challenges and ventured on
my journey to Australia to pursue my
undergraduate studies five years ago.
Invariably, international students go through
some hardship adapting to a foreign culture
and new lifestyle — but I haven’t looked
back since.
with a unique diversity affording peace and
harmony, even in its vastly multicultural
society. Further, the education system is
highly regarded and recognised as one ofthe best in the world.
I am now pursuing my postgraduate studies
at Australian Catholic University (ACU). I
chose ACU because it offered a double
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
degree, which was unique when compared
to other university programs. ACU also has
great support services for students, and
under this regime I am currently employed
at ACU to facilitate and support other
students. The lecturers at ACU are also
friendly and helpful. The courses offered are
both academic and innovative while being
practical and useful.
you can, I highly recommend everyone to
take it! I am lucky to have met people from
different parts of the world and some are
surely going to be friends for life.
My advice to students interested in studying
in Australia is to first research your course,
university and the city in which you want to
live. Then soak up the relaxed culture and
lifestyle and enjoy everything Australia has
to offer! I encourage you to follow every
rainbow until you find your dream! You will
make memories for a lifetime.
Youngsuk Yun — South Korea
I first came to Perth on a working holiday
visa three years ago and I loved the city and
its lifestyle straight away, so I decided to come back and pursue my studies here.
Perth is very different from Seoul — it is a
lot smaller and less crowded. It’s also easy
and cheap to get around. Buses called
‘CAT’ are free, so it’s very convenient to
hop on and off and travel around the city.
The weather is beautiful in Perth. Most of
the time it is sunny.
I like living here because it provides a very
unique experience. The people are also
very kind and friendly, I don’t feel like I’m a
stranger here.
but I have also completed a Diploma of
Hospitality at the same school.
I’m very happy with my school. All the
lecturers and admin staff are very helpful.
The facilities at the school are also very
modern. We have computer labs, wireless
internet throughout the school and a
commercial kitchen where the cookery
students can practise.
I live with a friend in East Perth, not far
from my school and the city centre. When
I am not at school I work in a restaurant
three days a week. I got this job through
my school.
my course, I have improved my English
and I have made many friends from many
countries.
just come and experience the Perth way of
life — you won’t regret it!
Tasks to complete Task complete
THREE YEARS PRIOR TO STUDY
• RESEARCH — It is never too early to start conducting the important initial research that will help you to decide on the right
study destination, institution and course for you. Institution websites, this Guide and the Studies in Australia website at
www.StudiesInAustralia.com are the best places to find this information.
18 MONTHS PRIOR TO STUDY
• CHECK THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS — Check the academic and English language requirements for entry to your course prior
to applying. You can generally do this via the institution’s website or by calling the international student office.
• ORGANISE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING (IF NECESSARY) — Ask your institution whether you will need to demonstrate
your English language proficiency, which tests they accept and what score you will need. If you require testing, you should
register for the test about 18 months prior to commencing your studies because you will need the results in order for your
student visa to be processed, and many tests require applicants to register three months prior to taking the test. It is important
not to register too early because institutions typically only accept test results that are less than two years old.
12 TO 14 MONTHS PRIOR TO STUDY
• APPLY — Generally speaking, institutions don’t set specific deadlines for international student applications, but it is best to
apply as early as possible so that you have time to organise a visa, flights and accommodation. You can have the forms posted
to you, apply online through the institution’s website or apply through an education agent or at an education fair.
• COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION — It can take a few weeks to complete the application when you need to
obtain supporting documentation and get certified copies (or certified translations) made. Most institutions take between four
and six weeks to assess applications.
10 TO 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO STUDY
• ACCEPT YOUR OFFER — Once you have received your letter of offer you will need to accept it before it lapses. Read the offer
very carefully to make sure that course details and fee amounts are correct. Students with ‘unconditional’ offers are free to
accept the offer and make their first tuition payment to the provider, while those with ‘conditional’ offers will need to satisfy
other conditions before they are able to enrol.
• MEET THE CONDITIONS — If you receive a conditional offer of enrolment, you will need to find out what conditions need to
be met (usually supplying evidence of English language proficiency or overseas qualifications) and return certified copies of all
necessary documentation to the institution by the date stipulated.
• APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA — Visa processing through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) or an
Australian visa office in your home country can take up to 12 weeks, so apply as soon as you receive your letter of offer or
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The application process and the processing time differ depending on your assessment level.
You can find more information about the visa application process and assessment levels on page 18.
• ORGANISE YOUR OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER (OSHC) — OSHC is a necessary requirement for all international
students (except those from Belgium, Sweden, Norway and New Zealand) and must be maintained for the duration of your
studies in Australia. Purchase your OSHC as soon as you have received your letter of offer (at the same time as you apply for
your student visa) because you will need to have OSHC in order to satisfy the grant of your student visa and accept your offer.
See page 21 for more information.
THREE TO FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO STUDY
• ORGANISE YOUR ACCOMMODATION — It is best to do this as soon as you have received your offer and your student visa
has been granted so you can secure your preferred accommodation. See page 26 for more information.
• BOOK YOUR FLIGHT — You can book your flight once your institution and visa applications are approved and
accommodation arrangements have been made. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to settle in before classes start and
that your arrival date coordinates with international student orientation sessions and your accommodation check-in date.
TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO STUDY
• ORGANISE AIRPORT PICK-UP — Many providers offer a free airport pick-up service for international students. If t

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