Study in Australia
In land area, Australia is almost two and a half times bigger than India and the population is just about 23 Million (Kerala population is 30 Million !!).
Australian qualifications and institutions are recognized globally for their high quality and excellence in academics. Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold prominent positions worldwide. Furthermore, they are readily accepted for further studies at leading international universities
Why Australia?
Geographically Australia situates 11,000 Km southwest of North America and 3,200 kilometers southeast of mainland Asia. The largest island and the smallest continent in the world.
Australia is blessed with temperate climate and the highlands and tablelands of Tasmania and the south eastern corner of the mainland are the coldest areas. It is a land of bright sunshine, surf beaches, tropical rivers, rain forests, mountain ranges, red deserts and rich green coastal plains. Summer is from December to February; autumn from March to May; winter from June to August; and spring from September to November.
Australia is country of dynamic multiculturalism with invaluable contributions from migrants from all parts of the world. Australia owns a rich tradition of art and culture. Australians provide strong support towards films, music, theater, painting and a range of other fine arts forms. They are also a strong global presence regarding sports.
The transportation options at Australia are wide and well equipped. It has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines. Metropolitan areas are divided into zones and your ticket type and cost depends on which zone you are going to travel in and for how long. Tickets are sold at train stations, on buses and trams and at news agencies.
Educations Systems
Australia’s system of education is of the highest standard and enjoys international renown. Australia is widely recognized as a world leader in the field of international education and English language training.
Cost of living and studying
The annual tuition fee varies from AU$ 16000 to AU$ 40000 (i.e. BDT 10 lac to BDT 22 lac) depending on the university or college. Approximate annual living expenses of an Indian student would be in the range of AU$ 15000 to AU$ 20000.
The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on housing, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs.
In Australia accommodation will not be a problem for international students. There are several options like university flats or halls of residence, private accommodation or home-stays or farm-stays. Most of the students opt for university accommodation since it makes the university life much livelier. It makes you mingle with other students on a long term. Generally, there are three types of housing available to students.
On-Campus Accommodation
The on campus housing provides halls of residence and this can be sometimes hard to secure as spaces are limited. Fees will vary depending on which school you attend, and most provide meals and some furniture.
Off-Campus Accommodation
The student can stay at flat or rental houses during their academic education preferably in the second or third year.
Home Stay
Home stay is available in Australia which is a good option for those who want to experience the real Australian culture as it will involve living with an Australian family either with your own private room, or shared.
Central Queensland University
Australian National University
University of Canberra
Western Sydney University
Swinburne University of Technology
University of Southern Queensland
Macquarie University
James Cook University
Edith Cowan University
UNSW Sydney
Eligibility & Requirements
The top universities require 75-85 % in 12th Std for undergraduate students. Any GOOD university requires – 65 to 70 %. Masters require – 60-65 % in relevant degrees.
IELTS
IELTS is a compulsory exam required by all the students planning to go for Australian studies. Minimum scores required – 6.0/9 for UG and 6.5 / 9 PG students.
MBA
Some MBA programmes require no work experience. However fewTOP MBA programs(like Melbourne Business School) will require 3 to 5 years of work experience. And will also require a GMAT score of 600/800. An average GMAT scores required are 570-600.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System is normally known as IELTS which is administered by University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES), British Council and IDP Education Australia. The score of IELTS is valid for 2 years. The test fee comprises BDT 18,750 For more info visit the official website at www.britishcouncil.org or www.ieltsindia.com. Students can make registration either in person or by mail.
Also Australian institutions and DIBP (Department of immigration and Boarder Protection) accepts TOEFL as well as PTE (Pearson Test of English)
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFLis a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by many English-speaking academic and professional institutions.
PTE Academic
The Pearson Test of English Academic. PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
Admission and Application Procedure
For admissions, the applicant needs to demonstrate sufficient academic preparation for the proposed course and required English proficiency. Also Universities do check the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement, which is an integrity measure to ensure that the student visa programmer is used as intended and not as a way for international students to maintain ongoing residency in Australia.
Student Visa
Student visa are granted by the Australian DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection )DIBP will grant you a student visa if your course is registered or is a part of registered course on a full time basis. Once the offer is made the student accepts the offer by paying the first semester Tuition fees after which he /she gets the COE (confirmation of enrolment issued by the institution). One of the primary aspect of the Australian student visa is that each students need to establish GTE factor (Genuine Temporary Entrant).
Along with the COE, Education Documents and correct financial Documents the student will be applying for his educational visa. The Financial documents will defer according to the institution, fees, living cost, source of funds etc. Once all the relevant documents are ready Visa is filed through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
You may be required to undergo health examinations as part of the visa application process. Your health examination reports are forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (the department) for assessment to determine if you meet the health requirement. The department uses an on-line system known as eHealth to process your health examination results. You can expect your visas within 4 to 5 working weeks after the visa is lodged.
Your Work Opportunities
International students in Australia with student visa have for permission to work. Students are permitted to work 40 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during vacation periods. In some cases family members can apply for permission to work. It is not difficult to find part time jobs in Australia to supplement your living expenses. Your student visa normally entitles work rights as per your visa conditions and you can start working in Australia after you arrive in Australia and have begun studying.
Australia is one among the few countries, which promote skilled migrant programs targeting young people having skills, education and abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. International students with Australian qualifications account for about half the people assessed under the skilled migrant programs. There is a dearth of skilled manpower in Australia mainly in the fields like Engineering, Information Technology, Nursing and Accounting. Applicants must pass a points test and satisfy some basic requirements in order to get permanent residency (PR) in Australia. These include a maximum age limit of 45 years, English language proficiency, post-secondary school qualifications or work experience relevant to your occupation. Additional points are awarded to applicants with Australian qualifications.
Please refer to http://www.border.gov.au/ for more information about Immigration to Australia.
About Scholarship
Apart from few tuition fee bursaries, scholarships provided by Australian Universities to international students are very few except for PhD programs. However scholarships are offered by the Australian government, students’ home-country governments, Australian education institutions and private organizations. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) are combined under one umbrella of Australian Scholarships and offer a number of scholarships for students. They manage a range of scholarships to promote sustainable development and excellence in Education.
The organizations that offer scholarships for students have different criteria. All scholarships vary in their eligibility requirements, based on your English test score, country, or GPA. Students applying for a scholarship should ensure they meet the selection criteria of specific scholarships. Students must understand fully the terms and conditions of the Scholarship.