Australia Education  »  Country  »  Australia
 
About the country
Australia is a vast island continent situated south of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Australia lies between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The world's sixth-largest country, Australia measures some 4,000km east to west and 3,200km north to south. Much of the interior of the country is flat, barren and sparsely populated.
 
Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics and the rest is in the temperate zone. The coldest areas are in the south-eastern corner of the mainland and Tasmania. Because of its large size, there are three time zones in Australia. Daylight saving also comes into force in some parts of Australia during the summer period.
 
Australians love their sport, they also have a quiet love affair with the arts. From cinema, literature and music to theatre, dance and the visual arts, Australia's vari-
 
ed cities all offer a good dose of culture. Australia continues to benefit from its multicultural make-up – one of the most diverse in the world – enjoying a wealth of ideas, cuisines and lifestyles. Australians really know how to live their leisure time to the full.
 
It's not hard to live the good life in Australia. And it's easy to shop to your heart's content, in small country markets to big city shopping strips. Best of all, it's all doable on a student budget.
 
Why Australia
Australia is one of the finest places in the world to live while you learn. The standard of living is amongst the highest in the world, yet costs remain competitive. Students who have studied in Australia will have a very strong international reputation for excellence. Qualitative education is provided in universities and schools to have a strong foundation for future success. Australia is a young, vibrant and friendly country in which students can live, learn and grow.
 
Australian institutes offer thousands of courses that suits well for the student goals. Students will experience a unique kind of education in whichever course they choose. Studying in Australia promotes innovative, creative and independent thinking.  Students are made to work as part of a team, to communicate effectively with others and to develop the practical skills and intellectual abilities that are required for their global success.
 
Institutions must have to support international students in adjusting to study and life in Australia throughout the course duration if needed.
 
This includes providing information on arrival about:
  • student support services available to help facilitate a smooth transition to life in Australia;
  • legal services;
  • emergency and health services;
  • facilities and resources;
  • complaints and appeals processes; and
  • any student visa conditions relating to course progress and/or attendance as appropriate.
Living costs and tuition fees are affordable and comparable to the United Kingdom and United States. You can even offset your living costs with part-time work while you study.
 
The Australian education system has a strong international reputation and is known for its effective structure and innovative policy developments. Many other countries, eager to improve their own education systems, turn to Australia for advice. Australia has an international reputation for excellence in all areas of education and training. Australian universities are widely known for the quality of their teaching and research. Students will have the opportunity to step outside the classroom and practice their skills in real and simulated workplaces that gives a genuine advantage over other graduates.
 
Students are educated under a national curriculum framework which ensures high academic standards in eight key learning areas, including English, mathematics, science and arts. Teachers are committed to encouraging children’s intellectual, personal and emotional growth. Australian classrooms are equipped with the latest technology and laptops are allowed in many lecture halls and classrooms.
Scholarships are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organizations for international students. They cover various educational sectors, including vocational education and training, student exchanges, undergraduate and postgraduate study and research. Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training specifically in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions.
 
Australian Scholarships brings together and expands existing scholarship programs in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions that are managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
 
There are three programs available under Australian Scholarships. They are:
  • Endeavour Awards
  • Australian Leadership Awards (ALA)
  • Australian Development Scholarships (ADS)
Other than Australian Scholarships some other International and charitable organizations offer scholarships for international study. These scholarships should be applied in home country, not in Australia.
 
Students without Australian citizenship seeking to take advantage of quality education and training system in Australia, has to apply for a student visa. Visas are granted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). DIAC will only grant a student visa if the course you have applied is registered, or is part of a registered course, on a full time basis. A registered course is one offered by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students.
 
Only courses under 3 months  duration can be undertaken on a visitor visa or working holiday visa. If you intend to study for more than three months, you must apply for a student visa.
 
Advantages of studying on a student visa include:
  • you will have access to Australia’s subsidised student health cover;
  • you will be allowed to study for longer than three months; and
  • you can apply for permission to work part time.
Students can apply for visa as soon as they receive a letter of offer or electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your full time course of study. Visa should be applied based on assessment levels. Based on the course of study selected, student may have to undergo a preliminary assessment before an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). Generally, a multiple entry visa will be issued for the duration of your study course in Australia. This allows the student to travel in and out of Australia within the period for which it has been granted.
 
An Australian education is a truly international experience. Universities are linked to institutions in more than 100 countries and academic staff members are recruited from abroad. After graduating in Australia, you will be able to work in companies around the world.
 
Australian universities and higher education institutions offer programs leading to Bachelor Degrees and higher qualifications in a diverse range of fields. Australian universities offer programs from Architecture to Zoology.
 
The Bachelor Degree is the most common qualification offered in Australia. Specialized research training and professional development is also offered through Masters Degrees and Doctoral Degrees.
 
Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are also available. Diplomas are becoming less common, however, the Associate Degree provides a shorter-cycle Degree program for professionals wishing to further their careers.
 
Postgraduate students will be able to develop skills in research that will put them at the forefront of the development and application of new technologies. Australian universities provide study opportunities in every major discipline, in individual and collaborative projects.
 
The rewards of studying at an Australian university are endless and develop students potential in an innovative, flexible, yet supportive learning environment.
Australian universities will challenge and reward students academically, personally and professionally.
 
Australian distance education programs allow those who want to obtain qualification from Australian institution but can’t leave home for all or part of your course. Institutions use leading technologies and innovative approaches to deliver programs that can be tailored to meet student needs.
 
One of the advantages of being an international student in Australia is that students are eligible to work part time (up to 20 hours per week) while study. Permission to work part time will be received along with the visa grant. If you have permission to work, you can work up to 20 hours per week while your course is in session. However, you cannot start work until you have commenced your course in Australia.
 
A visa label is not required in the passport to show the  employer that you have permission to work. Your visa information is held electronically by DIAC and can be accessed at any time using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
 
International students often find work in retail, hospitality and administration. You could expect to earn A$6-15 an hour, depending on the kind of work you do and your age. You may be paid more for working on Sundays or public holidays.
 
Tutoring younger students in the field you are studying, or in your native language is also a good way to earn money. Student tutors can earn about A$40 an hour.
 
Students should obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Tax Office if they want to work in Australia. A TFN is required to open a bank account. In addition to supplying your name, current address and date of birth, you may also need to supply your date of arrival in Australia, your passport and proof of enrolment.
 
Students can avail various options for accommodation like on-campus residences to shared Home stay with an Australian family to suit your budget and needs.
 
Your institution can give you advice on your accommodation options and understanding tenant and lease conditions. Temporary accommodation can be arranged for you before you leave home so that when you arrive you have some time to consider your long-term options.
 
Accommodation options are available for international students like Home stay, hostels and guest houses, shared accommodation and rental accommodation, campus accommodation. These cost approximately around A$80–400 per week. A$10,000–20,000 a year will be charged by boarding schools.
 
Visa application centres closed in Mumbai (North and South) & Pune.
 
Student Tier 4 applications - maintenance funds must be in bank accounts for at least 28 days.
 
Student exchange concession.
 
Student Tier 4 applicants with International Baccalaureate qualifications.
 
Revised guidance for points-based system Tier 4.
 
   
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