STUDY ABROAD CONSULTANCY FOR AUSTRALIA

Australia - Destination for Education

Australia is a multicultural country, and this is reflected in the diversity of its student population. International students from all over the world come to study in Australia, providing a unique opportunity to learn and grow in an inclusive and diverse environment Australia’s Higher Education Institutions rank among the world’s best and the quality of education they offer is correspondingly high.

Higher education in Australia provides value for money by offering shorter and more intensive courses, they quickly incorporate latest innovations in science & technology, modern trends in marketing & management in their diploma/degree programs, hence Australian education is more practical and responsive to the needs of Trade & Industry.

Reasons to study in Australia

• Indian 12+3 is acceptable for Masters’ Degree
• Duration for the Masters courses is between 1, 1.5 to 2 yrs.
• Competitive costs for tuitions and living in comparison to other developed countries. Like USA, UK etc.
• Australian education is recognized worldwide from US to NZ.
• High Standard of education in international terms, good research facilities available with state of the art equipment.
• Visa process is straightforward and fair.
• Currently over 50000 Indian Students in Australia.
• Australian universities are members of an International Academic community and academic staff are frequently recruited on an international basis.
• Australian academics and graduates are keenly recruited into institutions overseas, indicating a measure of Quality Education.
• ESOS Act to protect the interest of overseas students.
• Safe country with pleasant climate and a stable democracy.
• In Australia every course offered in a university has CRICOS Code which is given by Australian
• Government reflecting that the education system is fully controlled by the Government in Australia.

Facts

• Full name: Commonwealth of Australia
• Population: 27 million (2022)
• Capital: Canberra
• Largest cities: Sydney. Melbourne and Brisbane
• Area: 7.7 million sq km (2.9 million sq miles)
• Major language: English
• Monetary unit: 1 Australian dollar = 100 cents
• GNI per capita: US $32,220 (World Bank, 2006)
• International dialing code: +61

Economy

Australia has a prosperous and mixed economy in western-style with a per capita GDP in excess of many urbanized countries like, UK, Germany, and France. It was ranked third in the United Nations in 2007 and sixth in The Economist in 2005. By the end of March 2008, the GDP per capita of Australia was about $ 824.9 Billion (CIA World Factbook). The inflation rate was 4.7% per annum and 4.5% of unemployment rate in 2008. Service sector constitutes 69% of GDP, whereas agriculture and natural resources constitute 3% and 5% of GDP respectively. These statistical facts advocate that there is excellent scope for career formation in every sector.

Climate

Australian climate varies widely based on the region, which was significantly influenced by ocean currents. Largest part of Australia was outback, which is desert or semi-dry. The southern region has a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil and the northern region has a tropical climate, which was partly rainforests, grasslands and deserts. Large number of population lives within the south-eastern coastline in a temperate atmosphere. All a whole, people from any country can have a pleasant atmosphere in Australia.

Culture

Australia’s culture was greatly derived from the European lineage, but there are some distinctive Australian characteristics grown from the atmosphere, aboriginal culture and influence of its neighborhood. Since the past 50 years, the culture of Australia was strongly influenced by the American popular culture, especially movies and television. Literature, movies, opera, music, dance, painting, theater and crafts are the dynamism and creative arts of Australia, which has achieved global appreciation. The most of the immigrants are from Asian and European countries.

There is a vast range of study courses available in Australian education, which includes traditional academic programs in addition to the further practical and vocational courses.

Primary School

Primary education of Australia is seven years of preliminary courses, where children commence their education at the age of 5 years (Year-1) and will be completing at the age of 12 (Year-7). This level of education provides general education for the students and gets them ready for a role in society and for the next level of education.

Secondary School

Students move to secondary school (Year-8) at the age of 12 and it is mandatory to complete their two years of ‘junior high school’ till the Year-10, after which they have the option to discontinue their education or can pursue their further course of study. Students have to accomplish another 2 years of ‘high school diploma’ (Year-12). Students leaving their school after ‘junior high school’ can also go for vocational education course or for apprenticeship training to enter the work force.

Tertiary School

After completing final year (Year-12) of secondary school, students head for their higher (Tertiary) education that awards degree for Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral studies. Mostly students from overseas come for education at this level. Tertiary education in Australia is within the purview of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which aspires to integrate both vocational and higher education into a solitary classification of tertiary education.

Australia’s higher education offers several types of courses that are discussed below:

(a) Vocational Education & Training (VET)

These courses are offered by TAFE (Technical and Further Education) colleges and other private institutions. The tenure of VET courses can be one or two years depending on the field of study and knowledge of employment experience.

Diploma:

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

Advanced Diploma:

It is a specialized level requirement that needs 2 years of full-time study. Advanced Diploma under AQF is a dual-sector qualification – higher education sector and vocational education & training sector. Advanced Diploma of higher education sector has units from Bachelor’s degree course that provides exit point with a stand-alone requirement with an option to pursue their bachelor’s degree. Advanced Diplomas can provide advanced standing or credit transfer (usually two years) into a Bachelor Degree program.

Associate Degree:

This course of study needs the eligibility of 2 years of full-time education program that highlights preliminary research-based expertise of one or more academic disciplines and the progress of standard work skills. Associate degree provides advanced standing or credit transfer (usually two years) into a Bachelor Degree program in the same field.

(b) Bachelor Degree:

Acquiring a Bachelor’s degree from Australia offers an imposing method of discerning you from your associates. Apart from acquiring a universally recognized university, you can experience a modern and inspiring culture. There are many divisions in Bachelor’s degree of Australia that includes, ‘3-year degrees’, ‘4-year degrees’, ‘professional degrees’, ‘combined degrees’ and ‘Honours degrees’. Despite the length or specifics of the program requirements, all the Bachelor degree courses are directed towards similar educational outcomes.

Foundation Courses (For International Students)-It is most suitable for students looking for Australian Bachelor’s degree for the course of medical/ paramedical/science and do not get the required minimum scores in their Year-12. Normally intake will be during the months of January, June and October.

(c) Postgraduate Education

Admission for Master’s degree (postgraduate program) requires completion of Bachelor’s degree with certain exceptions for pertinent work experience. The qualifications are based on the institution and the course for Master’s degree adopted. They can be:

Master Degree by Coursework: Entry on the basis of Bachelor Degree, Honours Bachelor Degree or Graduate Diploma

Master Degree by Research: Entry on the basis of Bachelor Honours Degree, Master preliminary year, a research-based Graduate Diploma or equivalent research experience, and

Professional Master Degree: Entry on the basis of Bachelor Degree with appropriate work experience. Entry may also be based on articulation from a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma program

(d) Doctoral Degree

Doctorate degree is the top level of education award offered by Australian universities. It requires minimum qualification of Master’s degree in the chosen field of study. Conversely, students’ degrees with work experiences should articulate the knowledge of the discipline in which student plan to initiate their research.

Research Doctorate: Entry on the basis of a research or part-research Master Degree or a Bachelor Honors Degree (First or Second Class, Upper Division)

Professional Doctorate: Entry on the basis of the combination of research and coursework Masters Degree, or by a Bachelor Honors Degree (First or Second Class, Upper Division) or equivalent.

Our experts will help you with the application procedure.

1. Intake Period:

The three intakes available in Australia are:

• • Semester/ Trimester 1: Starts late February/ early March
  • Semester/ Trimester 2: Starts late July/early August
  • Semester/ Trimester 3: Starts September to late November

2. English Language Requirements:

Course	IELTS
Under Graduate	6.0
Post Graduate	6.5

Universities also accepts other English language tests like TOEFL & PTE

3. Eligibility:

• Certificate: 50% - 60 % in class XII
• Diploma: 60% in class XII
• Bachelor degree: 65 -70% and above in class XII
• Master degree: Preferably 55 - 65% and above in Bachelor degree

*The eligibility criteria vary from University to University.

4. Documents:

Our counsellors will assist you in compiling and attesting all the necessary documents*. In​ addition, they will also –

• Give special attention to your application
• Highlight the areas essential for a well-presented, error free application.
• Assist with References and & Statement of Purpose.
• Review your Essays

Documents Required: Covering Letter, Application Fees, Application Form, Statement of Purpose, Essays, Resume, Reco Letters, Transcripts, Mark sheets & Cert., Bank Statement, Affidavit of Financial Statements, Test Score Report

Australia offers excellent value for money, with living expenses and tuition costs in Australia considerably less expensive than the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA)

• Tuition fees vary according to the institution and course selected but this website provides a guide to the average costs. Scholarships are available for international students but the competition is intense and most of the international students in Australia are full-fee paying students
• The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on housing, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, and telephone and incidental costs. This is a realistic guide, but remember that individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle
• International students studying in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your student visa in Australia. Students in Australia are also responsible for their own accident and property insurance. It is a good idea to take out travel insurance before leaving your country to cover lost baggage, cancellation of plane tickets and repatriation
• International students can work while studying in Australia but the money you earn should not be used as your only source of income. To be granted a student visa in Australia you need to have adequate means of financial support.

Tuition Fees

International students are charged up-front tuition fees. Institutions sometimes make an additional charge to cover other costs associated with being a student: student organisation membership, library and laboratory costs and sports facility costs. All school tuition fees are exempt from Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Institutions will advise when to pay your tuition fees and acceptable methods of payment.

• Vocational Educational & Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma & Advanced Diploma) – $4000 to $22000 AUD per year
• Undergraduate / Bachelors Degree - $15000 to $35000 AUD per year
• Postgraduate / Masters Degree - $20000 to $42000 AUD per year

Every student seeking for high quality of education and training system in Australia for more than 3 months has to apply for the student visa. The study courses which are under 3 months of period will be considered for the visitor visa or working holiday visa. Visas will be issued by the Australian DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship). It will be issued only if your study program is a fulltime registered course (which is offered by Australian government for international students).

Student Visa Procedure

The process of Australian student visa begins with the application for admission in university. Then an offer letter would be sent, based on which you need to complete the Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) process. It is always a good idea to wait till you get the guidance from the university to obtain a eCoE. They provide information regarding how to apply and what documents are required to enclose with the application. To complete the process, you have to make payment of tuition and other fees (Overseas Student Health Cover)

New procedure for Student Visa

Under the new procedure for Australian student visa, you have to lodge your application electronically through approved Education agents. Every applicant has to fulfill the criteria of issuing student visa such as, financial ability, proficiency of English language intention to comply visa conditions. Each application will be assessed against one of the 5 Assessment Levels for each visa sub-class.

Conditions for Student Visa

Students going to Australia for education will be encircled by the laws of Commonwealth of Australia. Students have to strictly adhere to the set of rules determined by the host university. Australian government has provided a range of essential conditions that has to be abided by every student applying for Australian student visa. The following are some of them:

• Students have to pursue a consistent study program that is recognized by the Australian government.
• Students have to fulfill all the requirements of the study program.
• Students have to maintain a valid enrolment – attendance requirements may apply
• Students holding student visa can work without getting any additional permission.
• Students are not allowed to work for more than 20 hours a week during their semester, except any specific permission.
• Every student has to sustain their OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) all the time in Australia.
• Students under the age of 18 years have to arrange for their accommodation, support and general welfare provisions certified by the Australian government – DIAC. In case of changing the residence or other arrangements they have to get the written approval from the government.
• Students are not allowed to stay in Australia beyond the visa expiry date, unless it is an extremely critical situation.

Australian Student Visa

After receiving the eCoE from the educational provider, you can apply for the student visa. To prioritize your application, DIAC encourages students to lodge their visa application as soon as they receive eCOE. Students have to make sure that they have met the English language requirements before lodging the visa application. Student visa application will be lodged in 3 different ways:

1)Lodgement of Visa

Visa will be lodged online by the Counsellor at RMCC

2) Visa Fees

• Visa Fee for the main applicant: AUD 650
• Visa Fee for the dependent: AUD 485
• Visa Fee for the child: AUD 160

3) Payment of Visa Fees

• Visa Fee has to be mandatorily paid using a credit card. Debit Cards (even international debit cards) will not be accepted and payment will be declined.
• Visa fees can also be paid using PayPal account.

Step 1 - After you've been accepted to your preferred university, your institution will issue you a letter of enrollment confirmation, or CoE if you do so.

Step 2 - Create your account on the Australian Immigration website.

Step 3 - Apply for a Subclass 500 student visa and gather all documentation in digital format.

Step 4 - Fill out the form, including your CoE number and country codes.

Step 5 - Pay your visa application fee of 650 AUD and obtain your TRN number.

Step 6 - To acquire your TRN number, you must undergo a medical examination.

Step 7 - Wait for your visa. The application may take up to 30-35 days to be processed

There are a number of conditions on the student visa the student must follow to be allowed to study in Australia. The main conditions are that the student must:

• maintain satisfactory attendance;
• achieve satisfactory academic results;
• continue to be enrolled in a registered course;
• Notify the student education provider of the his/her address within seven days of arriving in Australia, and within seven days of any change in the student address;
• Notify the university if the student changes to a new university within seven days of obtaining your new COE
• maintain OSHC cover

Australia offers up to 3- 4 years of Post-Study Work (PS) rights to international students post completion of their respective bachelor's degree.

Post graduate students enrolled in Master's (Coursework or Research) degree are eligible for up to 3-5 years of Post-Study Work Rights.

There are many scholarships available to Indian students wanting to study in Australia. All the scholarships are merit-based and students need to demonstrate their eligibility when applying. There are no qualifying examinations for scholarships in Australia.

Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to study in Australia as an Indian student:

1. Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRT)

2. Australia Awards

3. Destination Australia

4. John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)

Also Check the below links for more information

• http://bel.uq.edu.au/asia-scholarships
• http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/StudyCosts/Scholarships.htm