When most people think about Australia, they see outback bush, kangaroos, koalas and clean air and water. Australia has so much more to offer, though! Due to its friendly, laid-back nature, excellent education system and high living standards, many international students choose to study in Australia.
When deciding to study in another country, there are endless options to consider, there are many highly respected universities and so many beautiful countries in which to live. When deciding where you want to study, there are so many things to consider, but here are a few reasons why we think Australia is one of the best places to do it.
- World-class education
- Culturally diverse
- Excellence
- Innovation
- Qualification recognition
- Safety
- Beautiful weather all year
- Cost of living
- Job opportunities
- Work while studying
- Travel
- Scholarships
- Research opportunities
- Global research
- International success
- Universities
- Easy communication
- Food
- Easy Student Visas
- The good old city life
- Wildlife
Click here to read more about the reasons to Study in Australia.
Education system in Australia
Australia’s higher education consists of both public and private institutions. A provider of higher education is a body established or recognized by the Australian Government, the State or the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations law or under that law.
Australia has 43 universities: 40 public universities, two international universities and one private university. The flagship universities in Australia are Go8 universities.
Australian universities are modeled on the British system, so learning is relatively challenging, but there are other intermediate options to take as preparatory steps and very research – oriented begins early in the similar American freshman year (in the first year there is no requirement for liberal arts, so many of them have only three years to graduate) and generally sets international standards.
After the United Kingdom and the United States, Australia has the third highest number of international students in the world. There are also seven of the world’s top 100 universities. The structure and rigor of Australia’s national quality assurance system is unique. The government has established the Australian Quality Training Framework to strengthen quality assurance processes in education.
The Australian Qualifications Framework
The Australian Qualifications Framework is the recognized qualification policy of Australia. This means that your degree is valuable and authorized if you attend a university in accordance with this qualification system.
The AQF was set up in 1995 to unify Australia’s education qualification system. The framework includes higher education, vocational training and schools. This structured system makes it easy for students to know at what level of education to move forward.
The AQF also makes it easier for students to change the course or even the university, as your qualification is recognized wherever you go in the country. It has 10 levels based on the qualification type. For example, the certificate I received in vocational training is labeled Level 1 while a doctoral degree is labeled Level 10.
Vocational and Technical Schools
Vocational schools prepare students who want to skip the university and directly move to the labor market. In fact, there is a difference between universities and colleges: Vocational and technical schools are more focused on teaching practical skills, while university courses are primarily theoretical in order to lead students to different academic careers.
There are hundreds of other schools providing technical and continuing education (TAFE) and vocational training (VET). These schools offer short courses, I through IV certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas. They focus on training their students in a specific vocation or just helping their students get to work.Such schools can award one of the following qualifications to their students:
Certificate I to IV : These courses usually last for a maximum of six months to two years. They are intended to teach students the basic skills in industry, communication, literacy and numeracy.
Diploma : Taking such a qualification takes one to two years. The course focuses on preparing students to work in companies, industry and so on.
Advanced diploma : These courses take a full – time study of 1.5 to 2 years. It teaches students practical skills in their future areas of work, such as engineering, accounting, etc.
Vocational graduate certificate/diploma : The graduate certificate usually takes six months to a full – time study year and two full – time study years. The course is intended to teach students specific skills related to work.
English language courses : Since English is an important detail for excellence in education and the labor market, vocational schools also offer a range of English language courses.
Facts about Education system in Australia
These are some of the important facts in Australia :
- The country has 43 universities.
- Except for two private universities, the vast majority of universities are public.Two Australian universities are branches of overseas universities.
- Traditionally, seven Australian universities are among the top 100 best universities in the world, which is a sufficient indicator of their quality.
- There are more than 5,000 registered and accredited training organizations in Australia.
- The number of students enrolled is around 3.8 million with more than half a million international students.
- There are also three self – accredited institutions for higher education
What are the most popular courses in Australia for International students?
Each prospective student therefore finds his favorite fields of study, universities offer a variety of courses. Especially English courses are very common. More than 120 English courses are currently available in higher education in Australia. Below are some of Australia’s most popular study courses:
- Administration
- Accounting
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Building
- Environmental Studies
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Finance
- Humanities
- Law
- Journalism
- Psychology
Most Australian universities are self-accrediting institutions that are regulated by law (usually at the level of state or territory). They receive most of their funding through the Higher Education Support Act 2003 from the Australian government. This Act established legal terms for the existing objectives of universities, recognized each university and introduced measures to strengthen the country’s knowledge base. This act essentially made it possible for Australian universities to obtain federal government money through grants and loans.
The majority of the syllabus is established by universities that offer the courses and are not controlled by any government body. Although the higher education system is more unified than the higher education system in other countries, each university can still set its own training and program requirements. Like most countries, the teacher education program is an exception to this rule; the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership monitors all requirements for becoming an educator in any age group.
Many Australian universities are listed in the top 100 lists for worldwide universities. Melbourne University and Australian National University are two of the world’s most renowned and respected universities. You are in good hands in Australia if you consider pursuing your higher education, whether vocational or academic. You will receive world-class education at a fair price that will prepare you for the world you are working on.
How much does it cost to study in Australia?
So you think you’d like to study in Australia? One of the things that your decision-making process has probably come to mind is how much your education will cost. Fortunately, there are many factors that can contribute to Australia’s study costs. Where the institution is located, whether the university is public or private, and what level of study does it cost you to attend university?
One convenient thing about being an international student that is going to Australia to study is that you can pay your tuition fees before you even start attending. This will help you with budgeting during your schooling and it can also help you with saving up money for your education before you even end up in Australia.
If you decided you would attend a university in Australia before you finished high school, you could get a lot of your education paid off before you step into the country. You may also have to pay fees for the courses you take or the degree programme.
If you want to study in Australia, here are some of the numbers you’ll look at when you look at your educational career in the country.
Note : All the values that are provided are estimated Australian Dollar.
English Language Courses
If you only go to Australia to immerse yourself in English or take English classes that could lead to an I-IV certificate, the cost is relatively low. On average, English language courses cost about $300/week depending on the duration of your course.
Certificate Levels I to IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma
All of these are in the vocational training category. If you go to Australia for vocational education and/or training, you will pay $ 4,000 (for a 4 – 6-month Certificate I program) to $ 22,000 (for a complete diploma program)
Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate degree)
These degrees vary depending on whether you are attending a public or private university. Public universities can run from $10,000 to $20,000 annually; private universities can cost more than $33,000 annually (there are only a handful of private universities in the country, so you’re more likely to attend a public university). Most of the time, financial aid and scholarships can cover the costs associated with these degrees.
Master’s Degree (Post graduate degree)
The average grade of most Masters is about $20,000 to $30,000 per year. If you go to a prestigious university or a private university, some Master’s programs may cost more. Many research scholarships and scholarships can be obtained to reduce the cost of postgraduate education, which we explore more on our scholarships page.
Doctoral Degree
It will cost you anywhere from $14,000 to $37,000 per academic year for a basic academic doctoral degree. If you work at a medical degree (veterinary, dental, medical doctor, surgeons, etc.) it can cost up to $40,000 per year. A variety of research scholarships and grants are available to help reduce postgraduate education costs, which we are exploring more
Overall, in terms of education costs, Australia is a little more expensive than other countries (in some cases even higher than the United States). But the good news is that international students have a lot of financial assistance available. If the numbers make you still nervous, there are many ways you can meet the ends.
Cost of Living in Australia
When studying in Australia, one of the most important things to consider is how much money you need to have to be comfortable. There are many things in this process. We’ll look at some of the important costs in this article. You can then make an informed decision about studying in Australia and determine how much you need to budget to live comfortably.
All these numbers are presented with the Australian dollar (AUD) and are based on it. If you want to see your country’s currency current exchange rate for AUD, check out the currency converter of XE.com for the latest currency conversion rates.
In order to stay in Australia, you have to show that you have enough money to cover the living expenses, with the exception of your tuitions. Your financial ability to deal with these costs is also a criterion that you must meet when applying for a visa.
When you initiate your visa application, Australian authorities will ask you to testify about your finances. The government and the specific immigration regulator usually set a minimum value of money for an international student. Keep in mind that this limit can change from year to year, so always make sure your money is upgraded. You can in some ways provide this evidence.
Living accommodations
The cost of living in Australia varies according to the region in which you live. The more rural areas in Australia, such as those in the western and northern Australian states, the lower the cost of accommodation. There will be higher rates in more urban areas, such as those in the ACT and around Sydney, especially if you are downtown.
The cost of living in your accommodation will also vary depending on the number of rooms you have. An apartment with one bedroom will cost an average of $1000 (in rural areas) to $1750 (city center). Living on campus usually costs much less (about $750/month). If you rent a 3-bedroom apartment, you can see costs in the city as high as $2,500 a month, but this is due to the assumption that you split the cost with roommates (which would ultimately make it cheaper than a one-bedroom apartment).
Accommodation
The first thing you need to take care of when landing a foreign country is accommodation. However, as we have already mentioned, Australia is an easy problem to tackle. You just need a simple picture of how much it can cost you and where it costs exactly what you can afford. Use the following prices as a reference
Hostels and Guesthouses – $90-$150 per week
Shared rental – $85 – $215 per week
On campus – $90-$280 per week
Homestay – $235 – $325 per week
Rental – $165 – $440 per week
Boarding schools – $11,000 – $22,000 per year
Other expenses
The cost of your amenities varies from location to location. It also depends on what your rent includes. Some averages are here:
- Gas and electric: $50-$100/month
- Phone and internet (usually bundled together): $150-$200 a month
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $50/month
- Groceries average approximately $200/month, depending on what you’re eating.
Depending on what your landlord covers and what you have to cover, you may also have to pay specific local or housing taxes. In your lease, you should outline which amenities and taxes you are responsible for. You can often talk to your landlord or real estate agent about the average cost of your apartment; they should have a vague idea of what the monthly cost of your rental should be.
Safety in Australia
While studying abroad is an exciting new experience, for many students leaving their home country, safety is still a major concern. While Australians like to think they live in a safe country, it is still important to take action to ensure your security-especially if you are in an unfamiliar environment. Australia welcomes international students and visitors very much, but, like most countries in the world, it is unfortunately not free from crime or other dangers.
Here are some very important safety tips for avoiding any dangerous situations. These tips will be helpful not only during your studies in Australia, but throughout the world.
Know what to do in an urgent situation
If an emergency occurs, just dial 000. This number can be used to contact ambulance services, fire services and police-the operator will connect you to the most appropriate service. It’s important to dial this number only in the event of a real emergency. If you have a minor complaint or inquiry (for example, your phone has been stolen), call your local police station or visit it.
Use your university’s security services
Most institutions have some form of campus security to ensure students and employees ‘ safety. It’s a good idea to get to know the security services offered, especially if you spend a lot of time after hours at the institution. Find out the campus security phone number at least and save it to your phone. Some institutions even offer mobile apps for students to contact security directly. If you feel unsafe or witness an incident, don’t hesitate to call the security office.
Security services may include security escorts to accompany you after hours on campus, access to well – lit security paths, security points with emergency telephones and shuttle bus services to take you to public transport stations and accommodation.
Stay safe in the open
Australia’s natural environment is well worth exploring with so many beautiful natural landscapes – from beaches to bush and outback. It is important to be aware of the dangers first to ensure that you have a good time, but still remain safe:
- Only swim on surf life savers ‘ patrolled beaches and swim in patrolled areas with red and yellow flags. If you need help, keep quiet and wave your arm to attract a life saver’s attention.
- If you plan to hike or walk the bush, make sure that you let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return and take the right equipment. You should also investigate the area to which you are traveling and check whether dangerous conditions, such as fires or slippery tracks, are expected.
- Before you start exploring for some expert advice – as well as some great sightseeing tips – it’s a good idea to talk to a park ranger, surf life saver or a staff member at a visitor information centre.
Street Smartness
Whenever you leave your home, it is important to be aware of your environment and possible dangers:
- Take the opportunity to explore your new city or city with your friends throughout the day and try to learn. Note the locations of public transport stations, taxi ranks, information centers for visitors and police stations.
- Beware of cars and public transport and only cross the road at designated traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
- Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid theft – make sure you keep all bags close to your body and closed, place valuables under the seat or boot of your car and do not leave your belongings unattended (such as leaving your laptop in the campus library).
- Especially in an unfamiliar environment, try to avoid being alone at night. If it is inevitable, keep a mobile phone with you, stay in busy, well-lit areas and avoid short cuts in isolated areas such as alleys or parks. If you are approached by an unwanted character or feel unsafe, go to a crowded area and call for help if necessary as quickly as possible.
- Australian laws are strictly enforced by police officers and can vary between states and territories, so take the time to learn some Australian laws to avoid trouble. For example, did you know that drinking alcohol in public places outside a licensed venue is illegal in most states? If you plan to drive, learning the road rules of the state or territory in which you live is also important.
Documents required for applying for a Australian Student Visa
Here’s a list of documents that you will definitely need if you are willing to apply for Australia.
Click here to get the full description of the needed documents.
Study in Australia Visa
You will need to apply for admission to an institution and also for an Australian government student visa to study in Australia.
You have to go through a number of steps, including:
- Decide on the course and institution you prefer
- Send your request to the institution
- Receiving a letter of offer and accepting it.
- Electronic confirmation of registration (eCoE) received.
- Apply for your student visa
For both your institutional application and your visa application, you will need to meet a range of entry requirements. That may include:
- Academic demands.
- Requirements for English
- Proof of funds for your study
- Covering the health of students abroad
Student Visa requirement for Australia
- You’re a good person.
- You’re a healthy person
- You and members of your family unit have acceptable health insurance through the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- You have no outstanding debts to the Australian Commonwealth or made arrangements acceptable to the Minister to repay such a debt
- If you are assessed at level 1 or 2, or if you are in Australia at any level of assessment, an electronic confirmation certificate of registration (eCoE) is required before you submit your application and a copy of your application must be submitted.
- If you are outside Australia and are assessed at level 3, you will need a letter from your Australian education provider “offering a place in a course” when you submit your application.
- An electronic certificate of registration (eCoE) issued by your educational provider before you submit your application if the Australian embassy asks you to do so
Common Visa problems
- You must meet the requirements of attendance and courses and maintain a valid course registration
- If you do not have special permission, you must not work
- You have to keep your Overseas Student Health (OSHC) coverage in Australia
- Before your visa expires, you must leave Australia
- You must stay with the educational provider you initially enrolled for the first year of your course or for the duration of your course if the course is less than 12 months.
- You must inform your educational provider of your residential address within 7 days of your arrival in Australia and inform them of any change of address.
- If you change a provider of education, you must inform your current provider of education within 7 days of the issue of an eCoE