Overview
The Land down under is much more than the marsupials, the outback and the Masterchef. The laid back, diversified lifestyle and cosmopolitan culture blend smoothly with a highly specialised and streamlined education system.
Australia is one of the countries that has an Education Services for Overseas Student (ESOS) Framework, protecting an international student in Australia. It is one of the few places, which has the flexibility of primary, secondary and tertiary education, along with fields of study courses.
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements are flexible and have no restrictive clauses. Different schools and states have different criteria. VET courses do not have entrance exams but do require you to submit requisite work or prior education experience. Most of the higher secondary certificates from other countries are accepted. In case you fall short of any educational requirement, they help you make up for it via one-year foundation courses.
Popular Courses
- Master in Science
- PhD in Political Science
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Earth Sciences
Scholarships
Australia is one of the few countries that award scholarships to international students. Institutes offering scholarships have their own requirements and guidelines for application. Even though there are quite a few scholarships available, here are some of the more popular ones.
Australia Awards
This is by far the most comprehensive and prestigious scholarship offered by Australia. This is a combined scholarship of scholarships offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
Destination Australia Program (DAP)
It is one of the newer scholarships offered under the Australian Governments new mobility program. This mobility program aims to empower both domestic and international students. There are 1000 scholarships available for students of regional campuses with a qualification from certified level IV and up.
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
This is directly offered to participating institutions and the applications are also made to the university.
Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship
This is a major opportunity for those high-achieving female researchers from APEC economies. It helps them for research opportunities in partnership with Australian education and research institutions. This is a platform to empower women from APEC regions in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Living Expenses
Australia is fast becoming the most preferred destination with its welcoming policies and accommodating lifestyle. Because of this, the cost of education is different for different courses and the kind of standard of living you choose. The following is an approximation:
- Accommodation- Ranges from 90$ per week in hostels to 22,000$ a year in boarding.
- Groceries and eating out – $140 to $280 per week
- Gas, electricity – $10 to $20 per week
- Phone and Internet – $15 to $30 per week
- Public transport – $30 to $60 per week
- Car (after purchase) – $150 to $260 per week
- Entertainment – $80 to $150 per week
As of October 2019, the 12-month living costs for students or guardians are- AUD$21,041
Work Opportunities
Australia is a land that values education and recognises the importance of self sufficiency. Therefore, there are a lot of sectors and segments across Australia that help students work alongside studying. They offer flexible hours for part-time or full-time employment. Australia offers a post-study work stream visa, which makes it possible for international students to live and work for up to four years before they apply for permanent residency.
It is possible to work and supplement your cost of education with part-time work opportunities in these fields:
- Retail – that encompasses working at supermarkets along with departmentmental stores
- Hospitality – Which includes hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services
- Seasonal working on the Ranches along with farming and fruit-picking
- Nursing services which include childcare and aged care
- Offering tutoring services.
The hours are easily flexible to encompass the study and work balance. The wages are paid above the minimum wage. The students can work for up to 40 hours for 2 weeks along with studies without a break.
Life & Culture
Student life
Australians value practical skills and innovation. The approach to education and everyday life is far removed from anxieties and stress. There is a possibility to work while you study and yet have a work-life balance.
There are extreme measures to safeguard the security of students in places of study, work and accommodation. The multicultural society helps everyone find a place in it. The high standard of living and growth opportunities are a deal-breaker for some.
Culture
The lifestyle is relaxed, the entire ambience is informal. The people are humble and approachable. . There is no language barrier. Australian food is a melting pot of all cuisines. . Sports lovers can be in a paradise here. Sports lovers, Nature enthusiasts, Music aficionados – there is something for everyone here!
Famous places
This is a country which thrives in contrasts. Where one can experience the beach life at Bondi Beach, connect with nature in the outback or dive into the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef. Also unforgettable are:
● Sydney Opera House
● Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
● Sydney Harbour Bridge
● Blue Mountains National Park
● Melbourne Cricket Ground
Other Popular Countries
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