STUDY IN AUSTRALIA
Australia has emerged as a popular destination for higher education because of its strong educational infrastructure, a high quality of life, and relatively lower expenses.
Australian degrees are gaining increased acceptance in the global arena, particularly in the Pacific rim countries. A peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, together with the cosmopolitan charisma of cities like Sydney and Melbourne – Australia could be the ideal destination for you.
Study in Australia – About Australia
Situated between, and isolated by, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia has many animals and plants, which are unique to the planet. The surface geology is typically old and flat.
Climate
Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics and the rest is in the temperate zone. The highlands and tablelands of Tasmania and the south eastern corner of the mainland are the coldest areas. Summer is from December to February; autumn from March to May; winter from June to August; and spring from September to November.
Multiculturalism
The British influence originating in Australia’s colonial origins has evolved over two centuries into a dynamic multiculturalism with invaluable contributions from migrants from all parts of the world.
Almost a quarter of today’s 18 million Australians were born in another country. There are nearly one million Asian-born Australians. About 2 per cent are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. More than 100 different ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia one of the most ethnically diversified countries in the world.
Language
Although English is the official language, a host of other languages are spoken in Australia.
Religion
Australia is predominantly a Christian country, however, all religions are represented in the community. Devotees will find churches, mosques, temples and synagogues located in most major cities.
Culture
Australia is rich in the arts. There are eight professional orchestras and a national opera company. Within Australia there are more than 1000 museums preserving and displaying Australia’s diverse cultural heritage.
Australian films are winning international acclaim and many Australian film directors, actors and technicians have been acclaimed in Hollywood at the highest level.
Australian authors have received international recognition particularly with the Booker Prize, won twice by Australians and with Patrick White winning the Nobel Prize for literature. Novelists, dramatists and poets are internationally accepted by their peers as having made a substantial contribution to world literature.
Australians traditionally have provided strong support for theatre, from regional amateur troupes to polished professional companies.
In music, Australia has developed a fertile environment that supports a great range of musical tastes ranging from the most avant-garde experimental to folk, from the youthful sounds of chart-busting pop to the unique music of the Aboriginal people.
Painting in Australia has a history that can not only be traced back over forty thousand years of Aboriginal culture but also is represented in the major museums and galleries of modern and avant-garde art, worldwide.
Sports and Recreation
Australians are very keen on sport and outdoor activities. Australia has more than 120 national sporting organisations and thousands of state, regional and club bodies. It is estimated that 6.5 million people, about a third of the population, are registered sports participants. While there are over 120 sporting organisations, Australians also take part in bushwalking, fishing, boating and water sports.
Australia has a world wide reputation for sports and outdoor activities. This is endorsed by the Olympic Committee’s selection of Sydney to host the Olympic Games in the year 2000.
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. The Australian three pin plug is extremely safe. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas that operates on a different voltage.
Transport
Australia has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines. Metropolitan areas are divided into zones and your ticket type and cost depends on which zone you are going to travel in and for how long. Tickets can be bought at train stations, on buses and trams and at newsagencies.
Tourist students may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers licence but if the document is not in the English language the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An international driving licence is not sufficient by itself.
Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, main hotels or shopping centres or you can hail taxis in the street. A light and sign on the roof indicates if a cab is vacant. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometre travelled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.
Australian qualifications Framework
Type of Institutes
Type of Programs and Awards
Type of Institutes
The VET sector is divided into two sections: a nationally recognised government system of Technical and Further Education (TAFE); and private providers. TAFE is the largest provider of tertiary education courses in Australia with about 250 institutes and over a million students including about 41,000 international students.
The awards in VET sector are: certificates, advanced certificates, associate diplomas, diplomas. Studying at TAFE level is also a way of gaining entry – termed a pathway – to Australia’s universities.
Most TAFE institutes have arrangements with specific universities, enabling students to gain credit for a portion of their study undertaken at TAFE. The VET courses include computing, design, pilot training, business managemnet, hospitality and tourism and many other courses.
University study can lead to the following awards: Undergraduate – Bachelor Degrees, Bachelor Degrees (with Honours), Undergraduate Diplomas, Associate Diplomas; Postgraduate – Doctoral Degrees, Masters Degrees, Graduate Diplomas, Graduate Certificates.
Type of Programs & Qualifications
UNDERGRADUATE
- Bachelor Degree
- Bachelor Degree (with Honours)
- Undergraduate Diplomas
- Associate Diplomas
POSTGRADUATE
- Masters Degrees
- Doctoral Degrees
- Graduate Diplomas
- Graduate Certificates
This section discusses the various issues faced by international students applying to the Australia for education. We discuss here eligibility criteria for Australian institutes, accommodation, health insurance and rules for taking up employment while studying.
- Eligibility
- Working in Australia
- Accommodation
- Compulsory health & medical services
Eligibility
Undergraduate (Bachelor Level)
The two main points (besides English Language requirements) to be considered before applying to any course in a university:
1. Australian Year 12 Qualification and Equivalents (12 years of schooling)
The Australian education system is based upon 13 years of school level education (i.e. primary plus secondary). Each state in Australia has its own secondary school certificate. While these certificates have different names, they all require an equivalent standard of education and can be referred to generally as Australian Year 12 qualifications. All Australian universities recognize the various Year 12 qualifications from different states. The universities also recognize a wide range of secondary school certificates from other countries as being equivalent to the Australian Year 12 qualifications. Specifically, successful completion of class 10+2 from India.
2. Pre-requisite Subjects
Some courses specify ‘pre-requisite subjects’. This means that students must have passed this subject as part of their entry qualification; this is because the first year subjects of the course assume that students have a good basic knowledge of this subject at Australian Year 12 level. Pre-requisite subjects vary from course to course. For instance, a Bachelor of Arts degree might have no pre-requisite; a Bachelor of Commerce might require general Mathematics and Bachelor of Engineering may require advanced Mathematics/Calculus. Some courses, especially in art and design, also require students to submit folios of their work with their applications.
Post Graduate (Master’s & Doctorate level)
Masters degree and Graduate diploma: Most Australian universities accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into postgraduate courses. However, entry to postgraduate programs is competitive and often complex. For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.
PhD and Postgraduate diploma: For Postgraduate diploma, the student should have a recognized master degree in an appropriate field. For PhD, though each application is assessed on individual basis, a good master degree is essential.
Working in Australia
International students at the higher education level can work on a casual basis (upto 20 hours a week) during course time and full time during vacation periods, provided this does not interfere with their study program.
Universities and TAFE institutions have a Careers Office, which regularly posts employment vacancies.
Before gaining paid part-time employment, you must lodge an application for a ‘student visa with permission to work’ with the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). You can only do this once you have started your course in Australia.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of student accommodation available in Australia. These include university halls of residence, university apartments for post graduate students and privately rented independent housing. Students can also arrange a ‘Homestay’ with a local family or board at many of the private secondary schools. Once you get an admission, the university’s international office would help you find a suitable accommodation. Various options:
1. Homestay or farmstay
Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year. Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered. , and the cost will vary accordingly. Homestay is popular with younger students and those studying short term English courses. Farmstay offers the same services in a rural setup.
Educational institutions ensure that homestay families are reputable, and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard. This type of accommodation gives international students access to the Australian lifestyle in a natural and friendly way. Students are often treated like members of the family.
Approx. Cost : A$ 150 – A$ 200 per week
2. Private Board
Private board is similar to homestay. Students negotiate personally with the landlord about the standard of accommodation and meals they require.
Approx. Cost : A$ 50 – A$ 150 per week (depending on the services provided)
3. Hostels and Guest Houses
Hostels are usually run by organisations such as youth Hostels Australia, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Approx. Cost : A$ 80 – A$ 120 per week
4. Share and Rental Accommodation
Students often share accommodation with fellow students. They advertise on student notice boards and in the classified section of newspapers. All members of the household are responsible for cooking and cleaning. Students may have to provide their own furniture.
Approx. Cost : A$ 70 – A$ 150 per week
5. University Apartments
Postgraduate and married students have access to this type of self contained, fully furnished accommodation within the university system.
Approx. Cost : A$ 130 – A$ 215 per week
6. University Residential Colleges
Residential Colleges provide accommodation with meal. They are slightly more expensive than university Halls of Residence The college undertakes cleaning and household tasks. Sporting and social facilities, tutoring, libraries and generally computer access are also provided.
Approx. Cost : A$ 150 – A$ 250 per week
7. Halls of Residence:
Halls of residence are located on or near university campuses and are generally cheaper than residential colleges. International students find them an attractive option. Students usually have meals and some cleaning services provided. Only full time students are accepted. Students need to apply early because of the high demand for places.
Approx. Cost : A$ 100 – A$ 150 per week
Health Care
It is a requirement of the Australian Government that international students register for the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before coming to Australia.
OSHC helps pay for medical and hospital care you may need while in Australia. The OSHC rates for a 12-month stay are $ 274 for a single premium and $ 548 for a family premium.
OSHC is available from Medibank Private, Australia’s largest private health insurer, Medibank Private has many business service centres around Australia, which provide fast and convenient service.
Application Procedure for Undergraduate Courses (Bachelor Degree Programmes)
This section explains the requirements and process of applying to Australian universities for undergraduate (Bachelor Degree) courses.
- Application Forms
Application Requirements
- Academic Records
- English Proficiency
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Application Forms
Send enquiries at least 12 months before the proposed date of admission. There are two ways to get application forms.
Requesting Application Forms via email : You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.
Downloading from the university website : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.
Getting applications from University Representatives: You can also get the application forms from many authorized representatives of Australian Universities in your country.
Academic Records
- Standard X Marksheet
- Standard XII Marksheet
- Standard XI Marksheet: Only for those students who are applying for fast track foundation program immediately after completion of Std. XI exam / those who have just completed the standard XII public exam and do not have the marks which will be available only in June.
English Proficiency
IELTS : For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.
TOEFL : This test is conducted by ETS for International students applying to a Universities abroad. This is accepted by most Australian universities
Letter from Institution : Some Universities may waive IELTS/TOEFL if you can get a letter from institution that you have last studied in mentioning that you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.
Important: Please note that IELTS is compulsory for Australian visa for students of many countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, also play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual.
A personal statement should include reasons for choosing this particular course, your area of interest, the suitability of your education and experiential background for this course and your personal and present future goals.
Application Procedure for Postgraduate Courses
This section explains the requirements and process of applying to Australian universities for Postgraduate (Master’s & Doctoral Degree) courses.
- Application Forms
- Eligibility
Application Requirements
- Academic Records
- Standardized Tests
- Work History
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Research Proposal (for research programmes only)
Application Forms
Send enquiries at least 12 months before the proposed date of admission. There are two ways to get application forms.
Eligibility
Most Australian universities accept the graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate courses. An Indian bachelor degree like B.A., B.Com. or B.Sc. (ordinary) is equivalent to a Australian Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree.
However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to Australian Bachelor (Honours) Degree, which requires either a honours graduation degree like B.A. (H), B.Comm (H) etc or 16 years of formal education, which would mean another year after graduation or a four year degree course like B.E., B.Tech and other such courses.
For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.
Academic Records
Full details of your education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications. Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for your application.
Students applying for admission are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc.
If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be enclosed. Please ensure all the copies of these documents are attested.
Standardized Tests
English Proficiency
IELTS: For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.
TOEFL : This test is conducted by ETS for International students applying to a Universities abroad. This is accepted by most Australian universities
Letter from Institution : Some Universities may waive IELTS/TOEFL if you can get a letter from institution that you have last studied in mentioning that you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.
Other Tests
GMAT:For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
Nots :
1. IELTS is compulsory for Australian visa for residents of many countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
2. Most Australian Universities do not require the GRE for admission to post graduate courses. However it is advisable to enclose a copy of your score sheet if you have done well in the test
Work History
A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or master’s courses in information studies require at least a couple of years’ work experience. Most Australian universities are pretty strict about this.
A detailed Résumé is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held, achievements and range of work.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
A personal statement should include reasons for choosing this particular course, your area of interest, the suitability of your education and experiential background for this course and your personal and present future goals.
Research Proposal
In addition to the above requirements, students applying for a postgraduate research program must also submit the following documents:
The admission committe may also require special recommendation letters from professors of the academic institution where you last studied.