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Australia – Passport to
Higher Learning

 









About the country

Mainland Australia is the largest island and the smallest continent on the earth. It is the sixth largest nation in the world, stretching over 3600 Km from the northern tropics to the southern temperature regions, and about 4000 Km from east to west. It has broad sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforests and a snowy mountain region. Canberra is the capital city of Australia. There are six states and two Territories:

New South Wales (capital city is Sydney), Victoria (Melbourne), Queensland (Brisbane), South Australia (Adelaide), Western Australia (Perth), Tasmania (Hobart), The Northern Territory (Darwin), and The Australian Capital Territory (Canberra).

Why study in Australia

Australia is becoming one of the most sought after career destinations for students from all around the globe; the reason being that Australia is a safe, welcoming & multicultural society and offers a world-class environment for the students. The faculties are friendly and very experienced. Australian courses are recognized globally and the education standards are among the highest in the world. Living costs and tuition fees are almost 40% lower than studying in the UK or USA. Entry procedures are also comparatively uncomplicated. Moreover, an Australian degree takes three years, which is one year shorter than a US four-year degree.

Australian Education System

The Australian education system offers unique pathways between qualifications, flexibility, choice, easier recognition and quality assurance not found in many other countries. It allows maximum flexibility in career planning and continuous learning. Australian institutions offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs and also many double degree courses in a diverse range of subject areas. 

Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor Degree- basic level for most professions and entails 3 or more years of study; and the Bachelor Degree with Honours- if the student achieves excellent results, he can do further year of study and apply for honours. Entry requirements: Year 12 or equivalent from a recognized board. An alternative entry path is to successfully complete a Foundation Studies program or enter via a Diploma course offered by the university. A minimum of band 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5). Some institutions may require higher level of English proficiency.

Postgraduate Degrees: Graduate Diploma-1 year course, building further professional knowledge and skills. Masters Degree- 1 to 2 years. Entry requirements: a Bachelors degree with a first class or upper second class from a recognized university. A work experience is sometimes required. A minimum of band 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0). Some institutions may require higher level of English proficiency. Doctoral Degree (PhD)- 3 to 4 years. Entry requirements: a recognized masters degree, or a first degree with first class honours, or an equivalent. 

Universities and Institutions:

A few of the reputed universities in Australia include: 

Besides these universities there are many feeder institutions in Australia, which offer pathway programs to these universities. A few of them are:

Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

The tuition fees vary from course to course and from university to university. The tuition fees usually vary from A$ 10,000 to A$ 27,000 (Rupees 2.5 Lakh to Rupees 6.75 Lakh) per annum. The estimated living expenses per annum are around A$ 12,000 to A$ 15,000 (Rupees 3 Lakh approximately), which include accommodation, food, travel expenses, clothing and communication etc.

Part Time Work

Many students are interested in taking up some part time work to subsidize their living expenses. Holders of a student visa are permitted to work for up to 20 hours per week during the session and full time during vacations. Students require a work permit for this, which is obtained only after arrival in Australia and after the commencement of classes. 

Further Information

To obtain Application Forms, Prospectuses and more information about Visa requirements and job opportunities, we suggest you to REGISTER WITH US. Our services are Absolutely Free.

FAQ's

How does the teaching method in Australia vary from what we are used to here in India?

Teaching and learning methods in Australia are quite different. On degree and postgraduate courses:

  • The studies are very intensive. The classroom sizes are comparatively very small so that each student gets individual attention from the teachers.
  • Your instructors/tutors/lecturers won't always provide you with answers - instead, they'll show you ways to find the answers yourself.
  • Classroom teaching may be much less formal than you are used to. You'll be encouraged to ask questions, join in discussions, and even argue with your tutors.

There is more of a practical kind of training which is quite vocational in nature.

How are Australian institutions ranked?

Australian institutions are not officially ranked. However, there are some commercial publications available that compare achievements of universities and institutions in meeting certain criteria such as use of technology or student support services.

All of Australia's education and training institutions offer high quality, internationally relevant courses because Australian Government legislation requires them to be registered and meet quality assurance measures. Excellence in teaching, research, facilities and support services is found across Australia's diversified education and training system. Prospective students should focus on finding institutions that offer the course most suited to their particular needs and aspirations rather on the ranking of the institutions.

What is the duration of UG and PG courses in Australia?

The duration of under-graduate course is 3-4 years and the duration of post-graduate course is 1 - 2 years depending on course to course and university to university.

When does the session start?

The session starts mainly in February and July, but some courses start in March & August also.

What is the application procedure for applying to the Australian universities?

The Australian procedure is very simple. You simply need to fill the application form for the particular university, a statement of purpose as well as a reference from your academics and one reference from your employer (if applicable), proof of proficiency in English language, i.e. IELTS score sheet along with the payment of application fee, if any. The deadline for February intake is usually in November of the preceding year while for the July intake it is somewhere around April/May. It is in your interest to apply as early as possible to get the admission in the course and university of your choice. The forms are available with us and are Absolutely Free. Please contact us or write us at theteam@triomind.com

What is a foundation course?

A foundation course is designed to offer students who do not meet the direct entry requirements into a chosen level of study, to gain an alternative pathway to university with advanced standing status. The duration of these courses varies from 6 months to 16 months. There are various advantages of going through the foundation course; the student gets individual attention of the teachers as the classroom sizes arte very small. The courses combine English with academic programs. Moreover, the student usually gets to study at a university campus and gets advanced standing with the universities.

Is IELTS/TOEFL exam compulsory?

Yes! In case of Australia it is mandatory to obtain a good score in IELTS. The Australian High Commission does not accept TOEFL scores, so a student is required to IELTS only. In case of undergraduate studies, an overall score of Band 6.0-6.5 (with no individual band less than 6.0) is required and for the postgraduate degrees, an overall score of Band 6.5 (with no individual band less than 6.0) is required.

Is it difficult to get Education Loan from Bank?

No! The nationalized banks are promoting to disburse the education loan and we assist you to complete the formalities.

Can I pay the fee in installments?

Yes! Most of the institutions accept tuition fee semester-wise.

Can I take up a part time job whilst studying in Australia? What is the amount I am likely to earn and can I sustain myself on it?

Yes, you can. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacations. Students require a work permit for this, which is obtained only after arrival in Australia and after the commencement of classes. There is an A$55 fee for application for obtaining permission to work.

The amount earned varies from A$ 12 to A$ 20 per hour. While this is generally not sufficient to sustain students, it does come in handy as additional pocket money. However, when applying for a visa, students must show evidence of full financial support from other sources to cover their tuition and living costs.

I have got admission into an Australian university. Can my spouse accompany me? Can he/she work in Australia?

Yes, spouses can accompany full time students on a Dependent visa, provided you can show that adequate funds are available for their support. Spouses can also work full time if his/her stay is for a year or more. In most cases your partner/dependent will receive the same work rights as you.

Can my overseas relatives sponsor my studies in Australia?

Yes! You should get a sponsorship letter from them indicating the relationship and the extent to which they are prepared to fund your studies. They would need to give you an affidavit stating the same. Besides this, they would also be required to show evidence of financial support (e.g. bank statements, salary certificate, a statement from the Chartered Accountant, their source of income etc.) the relatives means parents, brother, sister, step-parent, step-brother/sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, step-grandparent, step-aunt/uncle, step niece/nephew.

Can I stay with my relatives while studying in Australia?

Yes, you can. You could also of course, live on campus. This would enable you to use the library, IT and extracurricular facilities to a greater extent. You would also get to know other international students better. Most institutions would be happy to arrange on-campus accommodation for international students during their first year.

Can I take up a job after completing my course in Australia?

Student visas cannot be converted to work permits. If you are offered a job, your employer has to apply to the Home office for your work permit. This can take a couple of months or more. During the interim period, you would need to return to your home country.

What do I do to procure a student visa to study in Australia?

To begin with, you will need the following to procure a student visa for studying in Australia:

  • An unconditional offer of acceptance on a full time course
  • Proof of accommodation
  • All education certificates & transcripts
  • Evidence of funding for the entire duration of the course (to cover both tuition and living costs)
  • A valid passport
  • Proof of compliance with health regulations
  • Proof of proficiency in English language

These documents need to be attached along with the visa fee of Rs 9,300 or A$315 and passport size photographs to the visa application form. The form has to be filled and submitted to the Visa Section at the Australian High Commission. You will also need to go for a medical examination after submitting your documents, details of which the visa officer would let you know.
One should apply for the visa once the confirmation of enrolment is obtained and no longer than 10 weeks before the student is due to start the course in Australia. It takes approximately 10-15 weeks to get a student visa.

I will be leaving shortly to do a course in Australia. Could you tell me if I am supposed to take any Health Cover?

All the students entering Australia for higher studies are required by the Australian High Commission to take a compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (Medical Insurance), which is A$ 285 (subject to change). OSHC covers most public hospital services up to 85% of the fee charged for a visit to a private doctor. It also covers emergency ambulance transport and part of the cost of prescription pharmaceuticals.

Can I leave Australia and re-enter?

Your student visa has been granted allowing for multiple entries. This means that you can depart Australia and re-enter using this visa whilst your visa remains valid. If you leave Australia without a valid visa you will need to re-apply overseas, pay the application charge and meet the visa requirements that are current at that time.

Can I stay on for practical training, work experience or a graduate training program after my course?

You may apply for a further stay, provided your current visa is not subject to a 'No Further Stay' condition. You will have to apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. Your employer will have to apply for a permit to employ you to gain work experience.

I am currently studying for an undergraduate course in Australia and have got admission into a Masters course. Do I have to return to India to extend my student visa?

Your student visa is not valid for permanent residence in Australia or for residence after you have completed your studies. You are obliged to leave Australia at the end of your studies. If you wish to enroll in a new course you need to apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires. If your current student visa has a 'no further stay' condition you may not be granted a new student visa while you are in Australia.

You will also be required to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover both the tuition fee and living expenses for the entire duration of your further stay.

What is the role of Triomind Consultants in the whole procedure?

We are the career consultants; we assist you for career pathway planning, course selection, university selection, admission formalities, scholarship, education loans, visa formalities and accommodation arrangement etc. If you do not find the answers to your queries please feel free to contact us or write us at theteam@triomind.com