Study in Australia
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees at 41 Universities, 5.000 to 10.000 EUR Tuition Fees per Semester, Semester Begin: February und July
Fast Facts
Capital : Canberra
Population : Approximately 22 million.
Size : Approximately 7.6 million square meters
Time Zone : Australia has three different time zones, the time difference between Australia and Europe can vary between +6 to +10 hours
Currency : Australian Dollar (AUS $) Currency Calculator
Official Languages : English
Information about Destination-Country
Both the cultural diversity and stunning nature will give you a very unique experience while studying in Australia. The country offers unlimited opportunities to live out your dreams and wishes while still keeping you on the edge of your seat with what else it has to offer.
With a coastline just under 50,000 kilometers, overcrowding on beaches is rare. Living by the sea offers a variety of free time opportunities from water sports to adventure to simply relaxing. At the heart of Australia is the famous Outback. Though remote and vast, the Outback is also very close to urban areas. The breathtaking desert landscape and ancient rock formations are alone well worth a visit.
But the Outback is also a good place to learn more about the culture and traditions of the oldest civilization of the world- the Aborigines. Since intercultural exchange is part of daily life in Australia, international students are well supported. The Australian higher education system has a very good reputation and is of high quality.
Higher Education System
Australia has 41 universities all of which are routinely accessed and evaluated by governmental authorities to ensure a high education standard. Students are directly involved and asked to participate in discussions and projects.
Studying in Australia is divided into two parts: undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. An undergraduate degree normally takes up to three years to complete and a postgraduate degree takes another one to two years. Many universities also offer an Honors Degree, a year of specialization done once an undergraduate degree has been obtained.
However, students can also gain a postgraduate diploma after completing the undergraduate degree which can be recognized as one year of a postgraduate degree. For international students, it is popular to study for one or two semesters abroad in Australia. (Semester Abroad program). However, Australian universities do also offer excellent LL.M. programs in a variety of specialist fields.
Beginning of Semester
Most Australian universities offer the semester system and only a few the trimester system. In addition, many universities also offer summer sessions. A semester normally lasts from February till June and from July to November.
Visa
A student visa is required for any stay longer three months. Stays over 12 months require an additional medical examination by a panel doctor of the Australian government. You can also apply for a Working Holiday Visa for your semester abroad. However, this visa has a variety of restrictions which must be followed.For further information:www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/417. Details on the 4-month-regulation:www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/417/obligations.htm
Health Insurance
As a pre-requisite for the Student Visa, most students from Europe are required to have Overseas Health Insurance (OSHC). However, students from Norway and Sweden are not required to have OSHC. Most universities arrange the insurance for their international students and charge 300 AUSD per year on top of tuition fees. Having an additional insurance is recommended as the OSHC will only cover a certain percentage of medical costs.
Work
A student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and an unlimited amount during the semester break. To do so, you are only required to have a Tax File Number (TFN) which can be applied for online at: www.ato.gov.au
Transport
In cities, the public transport system is well established. As Australia is a big country, it is often necessary to travel by plane. However, flights are generally not expensive and airlines often offer a variety of discounts or special offers. Traveling by train takes more time and is not particularly cheap, but it is still popular as a means to travel from North to South on the scenic routes.
Traveling by bus is affordable and a good way to get around. Plenty of companies offer transnational busses and special deals, with Greyhound being the most popular. Please note that it is always important to plan enough time for your travels as the country is very big. Some students also decide to buy a used car which they sell before returning home.
Living
You can either live on or off campus. Most students opt to live off campus. Prices vary according to location and lifestyle. Universities offer support in finding places, however, we suggest you first find temporary accommodation before leaving for Australia. Australian universities give good service to international students and it is possible to be picked up from the airport by the universities.
The accommodation service staff will help you to find a good place to stay and an international orientation week is offered at the beginning of each semester. University staff will also help you with academic and personal enquires no matter what the problem any time during the semester. The overall study conditions in Australia are also excellent. Libraries have long opening hours, all universities offer internet access and hotspots and additional good facilities.
Good to Know
The indigenous people of Australia, the Aborigines, have the oldest culture in the world and have been living in Australia for more than 40.000 years. Modern Australia is multicultural with more than a hundred different ethnic groups. Australians are known for their hospitality and, in terms of good climate, it can’t be beat. Outdoor activities are an integral part of the Australian way of life. With more than 500 national parks and 470,000 kilometers of coastal landscape, Australia offers a great variety of choices.
Why study in Australia ?
- Degrees are globally recognized.
- Very friendly & co-operative people.
- Weather much suitable to Indian students.
- Post Qualification work & settlement options.
- Can work while studying.
- Universities are known for being research focused & technology driven.
Are Australian qualifications recognized in my home country ?
Australian qualifications are respected internationally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which is a national system of leading pathways recognized throughout Australia and by other countries.
What is the process of application to Australia ?
Admissions are purely on the basis of a student's academics & IELTS score. While applying for admissions one has to submit the following documents :
- Marksheets & Passing certificate of Year 10 & Year 12
- IELTS Result Copy (If not given- conditional offer letter will be issued)
- Marksheets of Bachelor's degree
- Degree Certificate (Provisional degree certificate is acceptable, if original not received till date)
- Marksheets & Degree certificate for PG/Masters degree, if completed in India.
- Work Experience certificates (if applicable)
- Statement of purpose/ Recommendation letters (Depending on course)
- Application fees draft (Depending on the university)
Am I allowed to work as I study in Australia ?
You are allowed to work up to 20 hours in a week while in session and full time during holidays. Work is NOT guaranteed. It is very common for students to find part-time work in Australia.
How long does the whole process take (i.e. to get my admission letter and to process my Visa)
As long as we have all the necessary documentation, the whole process can take at least 12 weeks. It can takes between 2 - 6 weeks to get a response from the institution in Australia and 6 - 12 weeks to get an Australian student visa.
What are the living expenses in Australia ?
On an average, an international student spends about 800 – 1000 AUD per month on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport & other costs. It is important to note that an individual's cost may vary as per their location, course & lifestyle.
