Why Study in Australia?
A growing number of students from across the globe are choosing to study in Australia. The country is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for overseas education. Also, many educational consultancies in Nepal recommended Australia as the perfect destination for students. Following are some of the benefits that students can enjoy while they pursue higher education in the country.
Benefits of studying in Australia for students
Academic excellence comes without saying
Australia has some of the highest numbers of universities that are ranked among the top 100 in the world. Australian universities have earned a worldwide reputation for their expert faculty, academic rigor of the subjects as well as research facilities. Some of the best research in the world emanates from universities in the country. A major advantage enjoyed by students who pursue their degree studies in the country is employability. A degree earned from Australia is respected all over the world and paves the way for an illustrious career.
Courses Taught in English
One advantage for students, who go to study abroad education in Australia, is that the courses are taught in English and the language of communication in and around the campus will be English. Unlike countries like France and Germany where students are expected to know a second language at a basic level at the very least, students who study in Australia only need to know English.
A great destination for beach lovers
Australia boasts of the longest coastline in the world. Students most often spend their leisure time in the country at the beach. Not surprising as Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is said that all work and no play is good for no one including students. Heading to a beach in Australia is the perfect way to unwind after a hard day’s work.
Students can bring their spouses/dependents along while studying in Australian Universities.
One of the major pulls of studying in Australia is that it has the unique benefit of allowing spouses to accompany students while they pursue a course in the country. In certain cases, even parents can accompany the student in the role of guardians.
Opportunity to Earn while Studying
Australia allows international students to take up some occupation on a part-time basis while they are pursuing the course of their choice. Students can work both on campus and off campus for up to 20 hours during the week when the academic session is in progress and full-time during vacations.
Admission is a 2 stage process. A Student needs to submit application form, and past academic documents along with Passport. For a detailed list of documents please contact our offices. Admission offer letter in Australia takes anywhere between 3 days to a month depending on the course and institution. It is desirable to apply 3-4 months before the start of the program.
Once student gets an offer letter the student has to fulfill conditions (if any) specified in the offer letter and submit documentation to satisfy the university or institute of sufficiency of funds. There may also be a telephonic interview at any stage of the admission process. The first term fee is also payable at this stage. On receiving confirmation of payment of fee and satisfactory documentation the student gets an electronic confirmation of enrollment (ECOE) based on which the student can file for a student visa.
Living Costs
- Applicant – $20,290
- Partner or spouse – $7,100
- Child – $3,040
- AUD 20,290$ per annum (as per DIAC)
Tuition Fee
- Undergraduate students – AUD 16,000 – 24,000 pa (approx)
- Post graduate programs – AUD 16,000 – 26,000 pa (approx)
- Feb / March
- July / August
- November – few universities offer limited programs
Following are the most popular Australian education scholarships available for international students studying abroad.
- Australia award scholarships – intended for full time under graduate and post graduate students from developing countries – benefits include, full cost of tuition, airfare, allowance for establishing yourself, health insurance and living expenses for duration of course
- Endeavour post graduate awards – intended for international students pursuing post graduate or doctoral course benefits include tuition fees and cost of health insurance
- Melbourne research scholarships – intended for both domestic as well as international research students – benefits include, tuition fees (full remission for international students, living expenses allowance, relocation allowance, health insurance, paid parenting and sick leave
- University of Queensland International scholarship for post graduate work – intended for students who take up post graduate courses at the University of Queensland – benefits include a fifty percent reduction in tuition fees
Best Universities in Australia
Australia boasts of some of the top ranked universities in the world. Following is a list of the top universities in Australia
- University of Melbourne – The University of Melbourne which was founded in the year 1853 is one of the earliest universities in Australia. The university has a student strength of 42,000 students about 30 percent of whom hail from other countries. The university has a faculty of more than 6000 teachers who are available to instruct the student in various courses. The university has earned a niche for itself not just for its academic excellence but also the quality of research that emanates from it. A number of high achievers and award winners have been associated with the university either as faculty or alumni of the university.
- Australian National University – The Australian National University which was established in the late 1940’s was originally intended to be an institute for post graduate research by the Australian parliament. The university which has had many Nobel laurates amongst its alumni as well as its faculty is one of the top choices for international students who study in Australia.
- University of Sydney – The University of Sydney is the first university to be established in Australia and was established in 1851. The university is home to nearly 40,000 students who hail from more than one hundred and thirty four different countries from across the globe. The university has the unique distinction of being seen as the incubator for future politicians in the country and has five former prime ministers in its alumni list. The university is located in Sydney which has been voted as the best student city for many years running
- University of Queensland – The University of Queensland has a student body strength of more than 42,000 students out of which 12,000 students arrive at the university to study on a student visa. The college has the highest proportion of PhD students and is known for the quality of research it produces in various subjects. The university has a number of famous personalities amongst their alumni list including Oscar awardees, Nobel laurates and literary giants.
- Monash University – Monash University, is located in the Australian city of Melbourne which is situated in the province of Victoria. The university has more than 20,000 graduate students on its roster, many of whom have arrived at the university on a student visa. The university has a research school outpost in the city of Mumbai and also counts many Indian students amongst its alumni list.
Visa process normally takes around 3 to 8 weeks. It is compulsory to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your study. The visa officer usually relies on the university or institution’s assessment of your candidature but they may also carry out independent assessment. A student has to submit all documentation to visa authorities. Just like the university student will need to prove to the visa authorities of financial preparedness to pay for living expenses, education costs and travel for the course. Students will be required to show AU$18,000 towards living expenses per annum along with the balance fee for the remaining year as finances for visa purposes. (For a detailed list please contact any of our offices). The visa officer may also conduct a telephonic interview wherever necessary.
International students who are studying in a course of more than one year duration can work part time up to 40 hours per fortnight during course time and full time during vacation, provided this does not interfere with their study program. Almost all Universities and TAFE institutions have a Careers Office, which regularly posts employment vacancies. Spouse of a student in Australia can also work full time if the student is enrolled for a 2 year Master program and part time ( 40 hours per fortnight) in other cases.
Australia provides a work permit for a period of 2 years to students who have taken up an education program of 2 year or more on completion of the educational program. With this work permit the student can work full time for a period of 2 years after completion of the course. International students who have graduated in Australia would also gain points under the Skilled Migrant Category and are eligible for applying for PR.