Australia

Australia stands out as a top choice for international students seeking a study abroad destination, renowned for its diverse and inclusive society. Its education sector boasts world-class institutions, cutting-edge facilities, and exceptional faculty support. From prestigious universities to a wealth of scholarships, here's why Australia is a highly sought-after place to pursue higher education:

• Group of Eight Excellence: Comprising leading research-oriented universities, the Group of Eight in Australia ensures high-quality education and substantial research opportunities, setting the stage for academic excellence and innovation. Here is the list of Universities included in Group of 8.
  • Australian National University
  • Monash University
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of New South Wales
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Western Australia
  • Highly Accepted Education
• Global Academic Recognition: Australian universities hold a strong global reputation, with their programs meeting stringent international standards, thus ensuring global recognition and acceptance, regardless of the student's origin or desired career path.
• Comprehensive Student Support: Universities in Australia prioritize comprehensive support for international students, offering dedicated support units, orientation programs, language courses, and various student clubs, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for diverse student communities.
• Focus on Research and Innovation: Australia encourages a culture of research and innovation, providing state-of-the-art research facilities and substantial government funding, making research-based courses highly competitive and rewarding for students.
• Abundant Job Opportunities: With a thriving job market in fields like agriculture, data science, and information technology, Australia provides ample job prospects for students, including part-time work options during studies and post-graduation employment opportunities.
• Simplified Student Visa Process: The Australian government has streamlined the student visa application process, reducing processing time, and making the country an attractive study destination for international students.
• Reasonable Cost of Living: While not the most economical option, Australia's quality education and comparatively shorter courses make it a financially viable choice, especially when compared to countries like the USA and the UK.
• Generous Scholarships: The availability of various scholarships, including fully funded options, further makes studying in Australia financially feasible, with top universities and government bodies offering scholarships to international students.
• Cultural Richness: Boasting a multicultural landscape with individuals from over 100 countries, Australia provides a rich cultural learning experience. Student hubs like Melbourne and Sydney offer a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic student life both on and off-campus.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: Australia's stunning and diverse landscapes, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Tasmanian Desert, offer a wealth of exploration opportunities for international students, ensuring an enriching and exciting experience during their academic breaks.

If Students are applying to any university in Australia, they need to meet certain requirements. They need to submit some of the important documents while applying. These documents serve as proof of their skills, abilities, nationality, and identity. Universities ask for documents depending on the student's study level and course of study. However, to study in Australia, they will need the following documents:

• Passport copy and Passport Size Photographs
• Competitive Exam Scores - English language test scores are mandatory for universities and getting a student visa. Primarily, one should apply for the language test and get ready with the score. With these Test Scores, the Universities assess the candidate's ability and skills to complete the course. Students can take some popular English Language Tests like :
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English)
  • C1 Advanced
  • Victorian Certificate of Education
• Academic Certificates - Students need to send the academic certificates in support of their educational qualifications. The Academic Certificates include
  • 10th Grade Transcripts & Certificate.
  • 12th Grade Transcripts & Certificate.
  • Bachelor's Transcripts & Degree (for Masters/PG Programs Only).
  • Master's Transcripts & Degree (if available).
  • Diploma Transcripts & Certificate (if available).
  • Other Diplomas/Certificates (if available).
• Experience Certificates - If a Student is applying for any Business Program they must have experience in the relevant field to get admission to any Business School in Australia. If they are applying for any undergraduate course they don't need to have any experience. This Experience Certificate also helps in getting admission for any Graduation program at Australian Universities, It will push their application a little bit forward. The major documents in proof of work experience include
  • Latest Joining Letter.
  • Latest Salary Slip.
  • Employment Certificates from all Previous Employers.
  • Experience letter
• Student CV - Candidates who are applying for a degree in higher education may be required to provide work experience certificates or letters, mentioning the complete work details: key responsibilities and positions held.
• SOP - Students who are looking to take admission in universities in Australia would also be required to submit a statement of purpose or personal essay mentioning career goals, interests, extracurricular activities, and why the student has chosen the particular stream, and how he/she will manage financially during the stay in Australia needs to be provided. This is an important piece of document and must be taken care of to avoid any errors in the same.
• LOR - Students would also be required to submit a Letter of recommendation (two recommended) from the person who has taught the student or knows him/her professionally, highlighting the strengths weaknesses of the student and why he/she would excel in the chosen field, also needs to be provided.

If students are taking a short program, of a maximum of 12 weeks they can use a tourist visa in Australia. If they have a Working Holiday visa they are allowed to study for 16 weeks. For university studies and all longer programs, they will need to apply for a student visa. Here is the visa application process step by step.

• Acceptance of the university’s offer letter and get a CoE - Students should accept the university’s offer in writing, and pay their tuition deposit. Then the school will send a CoE, Confirmation of Enrolment. Students will need this document to begin their visa application. If they are willing to take several programs, they will need one CoE for each program.
• Create an account with the Australian immigration authorities - Students can apply online for Australian visas. Before starting the visa application they have to create an account at https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register.They will ask students to submit their name, phone number, and e-mail address. Then they get to create a password and accept their conditions.

• Submit application documents - To apply for a student visa students will need the following documents:

  • Their CoE
  • OSHC health insurance.
  • A passport that preferably should be valid for the whole stay in Australia.
  • Proof of temporary stay: on the application, students will have to certify that they only plan to stay temporarily in Australia. They can support this claim by attaching proof of employment or a letter from their school in their home country or similar documents.

  Depending on where students are applying from and where they will study additional documents will be needed. Some common documents might need are:

  • Additional ID documents such as a birth certificate
  • Proof that they can finance their studies, such as a bank statement.
  • Proof that they have enough knowledge to pass their intended studies, such as certified grade reports and IELTS-test results.
  • Proof of previous employment such as an employment contract, paychecks, etc.
  • Documentation of criminal records.

  All documents should be translated to English by a certified translator. To apply online all documents should be uploaded in a digital format. So all the documents must be scanned and kept ready.

• Complete the visa application online - Students should apply for a student visa subclass 500. The application can be made at the earliest 124 days before their course starts (according to the date on their CoE). Students can apply online. On the first page, they need to fill in their nationality and their CoE code(s). They should also choose their Education sector. Thereafter they will be asked to submit personal details, family details, answer questions about their previous education and work experience, and submit details about their health and criminal record.
• Pay the visa fee and get a TRN-number - When students have completed the application they should pay the application fee which currently is 575 AUD. When the application and payment are done they will get a receipt with a TRN-number (Transaction Reference Number). Students should make sure to save it so they can check the status of their application.
• Possible health checkup and interview - Depending on where they will study and where they live they might also need to do a health checkup and/or a visa interview. They will receive this information about this when they complete the application above if it applies to them.
• Get the visa decision - Students usually will get their decision within one or a couple of weeks once their application is complete. They can check the status of their application by logging in to the immigration website and if needed enter their TNR number. Normally the Australian authorities will notify the student by email once their visa decision is ready.

• Students should Make sure their visa remains valid

  Once students get his/her visa, there are several things they need to do to ensure it remains valid, including:

  • Remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance
  • Provide Australian address to their university or college so they can contact the student
  • Continue to be able to financially support while in Australia
  • Don't breach the working conditions that apply to the visa.

  If the student wants to change their qualification level, they will need to apply for a new student visa.

• Work in Australia on Student Visa

While on a student visa, international students may work up to 40 hours per fortnight during term time, and full-time in the holidays. The visa is automatically issued with permission to work, although they are not allowed to begin working until their course has started.