Countries
Studying in Australia:
Australian education is recognized and respected throughout the world. The student’s qualification will be a solid foundation for building the student’s future, boosting his/her career and prospects for a higher salary. Australian universities, colleges and schools will provide a vibrant, creative and challenging environment in which to develop his/her potential. Quality standards for Australian institutions are among the best in the world. Universities, colleges and schools continually have to prove that their courses meet strict criteria. Many other countries are now trying to follow the example of the Australia.
Australia is the next 'hot' destination after the USA, in terms of numbers, quality and living conditions. Every year, several thousand students from India (around 32,500 in 2006) and throughout the world go to Australia, for world-class education, which is recognized globally and that has top-class and highly ranked universities. Australian universities and training institutions offer a wide range of courses to met most aspirations and requirements. The curriculum and infrastructure are the latest while the faculty is up-to-date and progressive in outlook and result-oriented.
The excellence in Education, the multicultural background of students, value for money, English speaking country and on top of that, Governmental and institution support for international students are some other aspects that has made Australia a very attractive destination for students from all over the world.
One excellent advantage for Indian students is the similarity between Indian and Australian education systems, which are broadly patterned on the British education system. Therefore, it is easier for admission into any level without the hassle of credential evaluation, university review of qualifications etc. Also, because of flexibility in their education system, students who have completed two years of Bachelors/Diploma could enroll directly into the 2or 3year of Bachelor's program in Australian institutions. Australian degrees are recognized by the Association of Indian Universities for purposes of government employment and further education in an Indian university.
Australia has three distinct education sectors- a school sector, which provides technical skills after post secondary schooling and a higher education sectors, which provides post senior secondary qualifications. These three distinct sectors are well linked together through Australia’s unique qualifications frame work.The Indian and Australian education systems are very similar in structure, i.e 10+2+3. Yet they are distinct in their teaching-learning process. In Australia, Students take a much more active role in the learning process. Australian institutions place great importance on developing the ability of students to think creatively and independently, read widely and critically participate in debate and function as part of a team. Such skills are in demand from employers and so an Australian educational qualification gives international students an edge in a competitive students an edge in as a competitive world.
The cost of living in Australia also enjoys an edge over other countries. Statistics shows that the cost of living for an international student in Australia was nearly 30% less than either the United States of America or the United Kingdom. Average expenses for the students living in Australia are estimated to cost about AUD 12000 per annum.Excellent communication and transport facilities, cosmopolitan shopping complexes and excellent health facilities makes Australia a pleasant living place with one of the world’s best environments, Australia is the place to study.
Note: The information given herein is mainly for students who wish to study Bachelors and Masters in Australia. Hence, information on TAFE and Vocational colleges has not been given.
Why study in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the world. It is an English-speaking country with a population of about 21 million. It is home to people from over 190 countries, and at least one in five Australians was born overseas. Cultural diversity is part of our national identity and is one of Australia’s greatest strengths.
There are six states and two territories in Australia: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The capital city is Canberra, which is located in the Australian Capital Territory in the south-east of the country.
The Australian Qualifications Frame work (AQF): Educational qualifications certify the knowledge and skills a person has achieved through study, training, work and life experience. They are a measure of our “intellectual capital“ and increasingly important in a society where continuous upgrading is required in all forms of work and in day- to- day life.Australia has developed what is called the Australian qualifications frame work (AQF) which links together different level qualifications in highly visible, quality assured national systems of educational recognition, thus promoting a seamless and diverse education and training system.The AQF is a unified system of thirteen national qualifications in the school, vocational education and training and higher education sectors. As a result, Australia has a comprehensive national system helping learners, employers and education training providers to participate and navigate the qualifications frame work.This allows students to start at the level that suits them and then enhance their qualifications as per their need and interests which develop and change over time,The AQF assists learners to plan their career progression at what ever stage they are with in their lives and when they are moving either in Australia or Overseas. Work based qualifications and academic qualifications are now part of a single system, allowing minimum flexibility in career planning and continuous learning.In this way the AQF supports national standards in education and training standards in education and training and encourages life-long learning.The AQF makes a specific commitment to flexible, transparent and systematic learning pathways and to the removal of boundaries between educational sectors.
Education System:Australia and India share similar education systems – 12 yrs of schooling, under graduate degrees in arts and science are normally 3 years, engineering and architecture degrees require 4 years of study. Students from India, hence not required to take up any special entrance exams. Admission to all undergrad programs is based on your marks obtained in Standard XII exams. For post grad degrees and diplomas it is based on the marks obtained in your under graduate degree. Scores of GRE, GMAT is needed by some business schools. All students who aims to pursue their further education in Australia must demonstrate their English proficiency by obtaining scores in the IELTS test. This is also a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa. Enrolling in to bachelor or masters degree student must obtain at least an IELTS score of 6.0. Where as those enrolling in a diploma level program need an overall band of 5.5. However some courses like law, communications, MBA need a higher level of proficiency, as overall band score of 6.5 or 7 with no band less than 6.0.
Semesters:
Main intake every year commences in February/March whereas most of the universities also have an intake in July.
There are two semesters per year, from February to June and July to November.
November - February is the major vacation period.
All the programs in all fields of specialization are available for study in Australian institutions at all levels.
Cost of Education:
The average tuition fee for different programs can be: (AUD per annum)
Diploma
7,000 - 11,000
Bachelors Degree
9,000 - 15,000
Masters degree
10,000 - 22,000
Accommodation and living expenses:
For accommodation, students have a number of options available that can be on-campus or off-campus such as hostels, rented housing, homestay etc. The cost of living can vary depending on the city. However, on an average, a student would need between AUD 8,000 - AUD 10,000 per annum. This amount would cover accommodation on rent, food, clothing, transport etc.
Required Tests:
For admission into any level of programs, IELTS is required for admission and for visa purpose as well. While universities may accept TOEFL score for admission, the Australian High Commission will not, for visa purpose. Hence, it is best to take IELTS only.
Please note that IELTS can be taken on the next available date. The earlier practice of taking the test after 90 days from the date taken earlier is no more valid.
For Master's level programs in Sciences, Engineering and Education this is the only requirement. Unlike the US, a score in GRE is not required. At the same time, some universities prefer applicants with a GRE score.
However, for admission into MBA programs, decent GMAT score, in addition to IELTS and relevant work experience of at least 3-5 years is required along with good academic background.
Scholarships:At the undergraduate level, a few universities offer bursaries in the form of fee waivers (25.50%) of tuition fee to students with academic background. There are limited full fee scholarships awarded, based on Std XII marks in 4 major subjects ( eligibility – above 90% ) and IELTS score (above 7.0 ) . There are some government-funded scholarships like the IPRS (International Post graduate Research Scholarship) to attract high quality researchers. IRPS covers tuition fees and the annual overseas health cover (OSHC) for the entire period of study.However, it must be noted ‘getting aid’ is very competitive as it is based on academic requirement and no country specific quotas are applicable.
Financial information:Many banks now sanction loans up to Rs.25 lakhs to students who intends pursuing their higher education abroad. Since the rate of interest is reasonably low with repayment normally commencing one year after completion of the programme. Most of them find it more convenient option. Please check with your bank for detailed eligibility criteria including collateral security, parent’s income, guarantor. Personal loans for education purpose can be taken as to up to an existing educational loan. Loans from two individual banks are acceptable as long as both have each others’ sanction details.
Working in Australia:
Students can work for 20 hours a week while studying full-time in Australian universities. However, they have to apply for a work permit with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) through their university’s international office and obtain approval.
If there is no such approval or if a student works for more than 20 hours a week, the student’s visa may be cancelled by the DIAC. However, spouses of students are allowed to work full-time, after approval from DIAC.
The average pay is approx. AUS $ 12 to $ 18 per hour when working part-time, and depending on the sector or field of work.
Health cover:
Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The student must have health cover for the length of enrolment as part of visa requirements. The university arranges OSHC for the student. When the student arrives in Australia, he/she must register with an insurance company to obtain OSHC membership card. The student will need to show passport as identification and visa and confirm the dates of your cover.
While the university may have an agreement with OSHC provider, it is not necessary for a student to use that service only. Most of the expenses related to health problems will be covered by OSHC. But, costs related t o dental, optical or physiotherapy will not be paid for. Separate Health Insurance (Private) is available for students to cover these costs.