Studying Abroad in Australia Tips: Visa, Costs, Enrollment

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Studying abroad in Australia requires some useful tips. When you are aware of Australia before going there, your life and study will be smooth and meaningful. The idea of studying in Australia can seem pretty intimidating. It is on the other side of the world and it is a huge country, so there are many unknowns.

Here is a list collected from the experiences of people studying abroad in Australia. We thought you might love studying abroad in Australia tips are as follows:

University life feels very relaxed

In Australia, the university is structured very differently, much less when communicating with lecturers. There is also a lot of flexibility in module choice and withdrawal of tests so the university feels quite comfortable in the UK. Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “The culture around test restoration and that is not a negative thing does not mean that I have performed better and felt less stressed.”

The time difference makes you miss home

Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “It really depends on your experience in Australia and who you are as a person, but I find that time difference makes me miss home because it makes it difficult to communicate with friends and family. I often talk to my parents very much. I got up early. This is what makes you feel so far away. You can’t go back to Europe for a weekend. I also missed access to M&S food and the things I used to have at home with friends and practices like mine in Australia.”

The west coast is less populous than the east

Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “Perth is not Australia’s most popular city with international students but it is a beautiful area and I am glad to see it. The east coast is more populous than the west which is great. If you study in Perth, like me, make sure you visit Melbourne and Sydney in no time. Even though they are far away you have to fly!”

There are a few cons to Australia

There are time differences between the UK, Australia, and the US, and no need to learn a new language. Australia was not too multicultural.

One semester is long enough but you want to stay longer

Six months or a semester is enough time for Australia to truly experience, get used to, and travel. And the most important part of it all is the time to explore. Try allocating time on both sides of your semester to see more parts of the country. Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “I would like to stay here longer and have friends who stayed all year but my university only offered six months abroad.”

You will leave wonderful memories

Traveling in a campervan through the outback, jumping over the ocean, failing desperately to try and surf. Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “I suggest going and having the best study experience there. It’s such a great place to explore.” When you decide what you want to exchange, think about what you want to get out of it. Australia is a great opportunity to be independent and live in a completely different environment.

Making friends is easy

You have a different mindset when studying abroad so everyone seems more open to making friends. Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “I walked into student halls and they had a strong community aspect that made it easy for friends there. The halls were full of Australian and international students, which was great, although it was a bit difficult for me to make course friends as everyone was mixing modules.”

There aren’t actually many bugs

Australia is not horrible and there really aren’t that many bugs. Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “I saw several snakes but nothing else, and I wasn’t thinking about poisonous animals at all. Obviously, the bigger, scary-looking spider isn’t around!” It is a daily thing there and very few people bite. They have a mechanism for when this happens but statistically, it is extremely unlikely.

Nightlife is great

Going out to Australia is amazing. Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “I was based in Perth but also went to Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide and they all had a good view. There were more bars than clubs and house parties are much more prevalent. There were a few clubs in Perth but we rarely went to them.” The culture of being outdoors is different. Everything starts but they still drink plenty, like in the UK.

Time flies by while having fun

Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “Time flies by, and I know it’s not specific to Australia but I wish I had thought about it and done as much as I could with every second.” You feel so comfortable moving to another country and how life can change so fast that you can forget most of it.

There’s a lot of space

Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “The first major difference I noticed when coming to Australia was that there are so many great places like this, such a big country! I recommend continuing as many trips as possible to explore as much as there is to see. Roads are wide and buildings are built, not up, and generally feel like there are very few people.”

People drink boxed wine

Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “If I knew that students drink boxed wine, I could prepare myself. Also, buy Spart at the airport! I highly recommend it as alcohol is expensive in Australia.”

Australia is expensive

Australia is more expensive than the UK if not from London, but it is quite similar. It does, however, depend on where you live as if it is in a country. Rental prices are flexible but IGA, which is the most common supermarket, is quite expensive. Especially fruits.

Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “I didn’t just eat berries or grapes while studying abroad!” Consider saving some extra funds before leaving because even if you don’t pay Australian University fees, you won’t get a lot of extra funding from your university at home.

You actually have to do some work

Here is an experience from students studying abroad in Australia given tips such as, “The university experience I had in Australia was quite comparable to the UK in terms of workload. Although it was more based on coursework, and they also have midterms so grading is more split.”

Their system is good because without all the tests at the end of the year, the pressure is spread and you perform better. The risk of studying abroad is that people think it is a holiday or a vacation. But it is actually studying, and you have to be careful not to mislead. Be productive and keep the balance between work and play.

Questions to Ask Before Studying Abroad in Australia

Before selecting to study abroad in Australia, it’s important to find out the requirements, expenses, and more.

Australia ranks sixth for American students and is one of the global centers for higher education. According to the most recent information provided by the Australian Parliament, China, India, Nepal, Vietnam, and Malaysia are the countries that send the most international students to its 43 institutions.

Where should you go to school?

Your academic interests should come first when selecting a full-time program in Australia or a study abroad destination. then start to consider geography. Do you prefer living in a rural area or close to a city? The beach or the woods is more enticing. A school in Queensland close to the Great Barrier Reef may be your first choice if marine biology is your topic of study. Your choice of school may be influenced by part-time employment, scholarships, and fees. Check out the universities and programs in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, and, of course, Sydney, among the many institutions in Australia.

What is required to apply to an Australian university?

To apply to any Australian institution, you must fill out and submit a number of papers. For particular information on what the institution requires, check with them.

Examples comprise:

Certified transcripts of your grades
Proof of English proficiency
Proof of financial means
Health insurance from OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Passport
Student visa and GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) interview
COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card

As long as the necessary fields are filled out, the COVID-19 Immunization Record Card, often known as the “White Card,” can serve as proof of immunization. As long as they satisfy Australia’s requirements, Smart Health Cards issued by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the United States, select states, and counties are also acceptable.

Is college tuition costly?

The cost of tuition varies by university, degree level, and course of study. These estimates indicate a variety of foreign student tuition expenses as they are listed on the Study Australia website* (https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/live/living-costs) of the Australian Government:

Bachelor’s degrees: between $14,000 – 31,500 (20,000 – 45,000 AUD/year)
Master’s and Ph.D. degrees: between $15,500 – 35,000 (22,000 – 50,000 AUD/year)

What about daily living costs?

One of the most costly nations in the world is Australia. You will be responsible for paying all associated expenditures as a student, including tuition, airfare, lodging, food, and other costs associated with attending college overseas. There are also entertainment and travel. Here are some Australian estimates for rent, food, phone, and other bills.

In Australia, finding employment as a student is not too difficult. Just consider this revenue as a method to supplement your living expenses while you are studying abroad rather than as a way to pay for your complete tuition. Scholarships are also attainable. Though scholarships are sometimes quoted in Australian dollars, don’t forget to translate the sums into U.S. dollars.

Even when you’re on the other side of the planet, you can still easily access money when you need it. Get the Western Union app to receive money from friends or relatives. The app is a simple method to send money to anyone in Australia as well as 200 other nations and territories globally. It is quick and dependable. You may also pick up your cash in the required currency by visiting one of our in Australia.

What impact has COVID had on enrollment?

Around 400,000 foreign students were enrolled in dozens of Australian institutions prior to COVID. The numbers have decreased to about 300,000 after COVID. As of February 21, 2022, all fully immunized passengers were permitted entry into Australia; however, these figures are subject to change.

How to Apply, Get a Visa, and More for International Study in Australia

Australian University Admissions Procedures

The process of applying to an Australian institution need not be difficult. You won’t get off the tracks if you adhere to a step-by-step manual. There are four actions you must take:

1. Select a course of study

Consider your options carefully before applying to an Australian institution. The university you pick should have a curriculum that fits your requirements and tastes. If you already have a university in mind, you may examine their website or catalogs to receive more specific information. You can also browse through program listings.

Some of Australia’s top institutions provide certified programs and ongoing assistance with the admission process.

2. Verify That You Comply with the Entry Requirements

You should make sure that you fulfill the academic, prerequisite, and other admission requirements after choosing a program.

The following are typical general entrance criteria for undergraduate programs in Australian universities:

Minimum age requirements. To enroll in a course at the majority of colleges, you must be at least 16 or 17 years old.

Official transcripts of your past academic achievements. The majority of universities will want transcripts that meet Year 12 or Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education requirements.

Evidence of English language competency. IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, and Cambridge English C1 or C2 are the English proficiency exams that are most frequently accepted. You should be aware that certain courses can have more stringent English language requirements than others.

Prerequisite subject requirements. Some universities will need proof of expertise in a certain topic depending on the program. For instance, you must fulfill particular English language, math, and science prerequisites if you choose to pursue a STEM topic.

Numerous colleges provide route programs that aid students in obtaining all the essential credentials if they don’t match the admissions standards.

3. Send Your Application in

It’s time to submit your application after gathering all the required paperwork and making sure you satisfy the course prerequisites for non-US citizens.

You can select from a variety of application processes at universities. The majority of colleges have their own online application websites where you must register, fill out your information, and upload any necessary supporting materials.

Additionally, a lot of colleges accept applications through licensed education agencies. Some institutions will additionally charge a processing fee for applications.

4. Receive enrollment confirmation

Get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which the Department of Home Affairs requires for student visa applications, if your application to study at an Australian institution is approved.

Students normally need to provide a signed letter of admission to the institution, pay a tuition price deposit, and acquire Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in order to be eligible for the CoE.

If the educational institution is certain that you satisfy the standards, they will subsequently provide the CoE.

Application for an Australian Student Visa

It’s time to submit an application for a student visa now that you are one step closer to studying in Australia. You can take part in a course of study in Australia, travel to and from the nation, and work an unlimited number of hours in any industry with a Student visa (Subclass 500) (temporary measure till June 30th, 2023).

For this type of visa, the base application fee is now AUD 650.

You must: in order to apply for a student visa.

Possess proof of enrollment in a course of study (Confirmation of Enrollment).
Meet the criteria for English language proficiency (providing test results that have been accepted by the Department of Home Affairs)
Have sufficient health insurance (OSHC, provided by an authorized Australian health insurance provider).
Give proof that you have enough money (bank statements, records of grants or scholarships received, or documentation of your parent’s or your partner’s yearly salary).
Be in excellent health and, if required, offer documentation through health tests or medical certificates.
Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria (providing a declaration stating that you are traveling to Australia purely for academic purposes and that you won’t overstay your visa).
Meet the character requirements (a background check may be required)

Depending on your country of residency and kind of study program, there may be extra prerequisites.

Australian Student Costs

Irrespective of where you are studying in the globe, carefully managing your spending is essential. You must take into account the financial component when arranging your education because Australia is not an exception to the growing cost of living that is happening internationally.

Note that based on your study program, region, and lifestyle, the cost of living and student expenditures may differ.

a. Student fees

The first step in figuring out your costs is to take school costs into account. The cost of attending an Australian university varies based on the school, the degree program, the location, etc.

The annual cost of tuition for bachelor’s degree programs typically ranges from $20,000 to $45,000. Tuition for master’s degree programs might cost anywhere from $22,000 and $50,000 a year. Whereas tuition for Ph.D. programs may cost anything between $18,000 and $42,000 a year.

b. Costs of Hostels

Depending on the type of lodging, lodging fees are also subject to fluctuate. Depending on the city and location, the cost of a rental unit can vary from $400 to $575 per week, with Sydney and Canberra often being the most costly and Adelaide and Perth the least.

Students can also live on campus, which is frequently more convenient because it is near to the institution and the rent includes utilities. The cost of on-campus housing varies by university, location, and kind of unit.

For instance, Brisbane on-campus accommodation at The University of Queensland costs between $1,716 and $2,800 per month. Monash University in Melbourne charges between $260 and $340 per week for student housing.

Visit the website of the school you want to attend or get in touch with them for additional details about housing prices and possibilities.

c. Other costs of living

You will also need to budget for other living expenditures including transportation, food, utilities, and entertainment in addition to tuition and housing. Your lifestyle and geography will determine how much you spend on them.

Your costs will be higher, for instance, if you prefer eating out over cooking at home. You may generally anticipate to pay about the following sum per category:

Public transport – Free to AUD 60 per week.
Groceries and eating out – AUD 80 to 285 per week.
Utilities – AUD 5 to 20 per week.
Entertainment – AUD 50 to 250 per week.

If you wish to estimate your living costs based on your lifestyle and location in Australia, you may also use the Cost of Living Calculator created by the Australian Government.

Working in Australia as an International Student

Australia has various employment prospects for overseas students, particularly now that it is trying to fill a labor deficit by switching to a demand-driven immigration system.

Generally speaking, if you have a student visa, you can work 40 hours per fortnight (two weeks) and an unlimited number of hours on weekends and holidays. However, because of the labor crisis, these limits have been temporarily loosened until June 30, 2023.

Student visa holders are permitted to work an unlimited number of hours in any industry up to that time.

In Australia, some of the most popular careers for students are:

Aged care worker
Babysitter
Delivery person
Sales assistant
Social media manager
Tutor
Waiter/waitress or barista & other hospitality jobs

Many institutions provide career services that give information and guidance to students looking for employment.

Australia’s national minimum wage is $21.38 per hour, or $812.60 per week, as of July 2022. You should be paid at least the minimum wage per hour regardless of your job as an international student since you have the same employment rights as anybody else employed in Australia.