WHY STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

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Australia is the largest island and the smallest continent in the world. It lies between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. It is about 11,000 kilometers southwest of North America and 3,200 kilometers southeast of mainland Asia. Australia is blessed with a climate that ranges from temperate to tropic. Its summer months are around Jan-Feb and their winter in June-July. The land supports a variety of natural geographical features- sandy beaches, rain forests, deserts, mountains, lakes and rivers. This large island sustains a wide range of animals – from the humble sheep and cattle to the exotic koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and pandas that are unique to this country. On occasion though, Australia is known to face natural calamities such as flash floods, earthquakes and very hot, dry spells that could lead to bush fires. It is for this very reason that the Australians are constantly fighting to ensure the environment is well looked after and not abused. The present population of Australia is approximately 22.7 million. New South Wales is the most populous of the states. As is the case almost everywhere in the world, the urban population far outnumbers the rural numbers.

On an average, the Australians enjoy a very good standard of living further enhanced by a relaxed lifestyle giving equal importance to work and play. There is no dearth of educational and the employment opportunities to the right candidate and this ensures the standard is maintained.

CAPITAL : CANBERRA

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• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales.
• Victoria.
• Tasmania.
• Queensland.
• South Australia

GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA

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Australia has a Liberal Democratic system of Government which is more likely bases on the value of People and Religious. The Commonwealth of Australia was brought in force in the Year 1901.

The government is divided into three levels: Federal, State and Local. The Federal government is the national system and is headed by the Prime Minister. Its responsibilities are defined in the Australian Constitution.

Each state/territory also has its own government system, headed by the Premier. The state government provides leadership for areas not covered at the federal level, although the two work together when it is agreed there needs to be national co-operation.

Apart from the Australian Capital Territory, which is wholly governed by the federal and state governments, each other state and territory is divided into different regions, which form the local government. This level takes care of domestic issues in each area, such as rubbish collection, public and community services.

ECONOMY

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Australia was earlier best known for its natural resources and minerals (Australia is still the largest exporter of coal), but there is a significant shift in the economy based on newer industries and businesses. A large part of Australian economy depends on manufactured goods. However being primarily an agrarian community, Australia is well known for its wool, dairy produce, meat, sugar, wine and fruit besides minerals and gems.
Australia also has a growing in its service sector, which is gaining momentum day by day..

EDUCATION SYSTEM

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Australia is internationally known for its high quality education as well as research excellence. Because the governments keeps a tight control on the working of both the universities and vocational institutes, a high standard of education delivery is able to be maintained. The government also ensures code of conduct to be followed in educational institutions that is conducive to international students and their parents who send them overseas. Australia provides a friendly, culturally rich, sophisticates as well as being a safe environment to study in.

Why study in Australia?

With only the US and UK ahead of it, Australia has the third largest number of international students studying there. For many students from all over the world, Australia is their first choice of English-speaking study destination. This is because Australian qualifications are world recognized and often lead to good job positions. The study costs are also comparable to the US & UK.

Recognition of Australian Qualifications

Australian qualifications are globally recognized both in terms of as a base for pursuing higher education as well as securing jobs. This is thanks to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which is a national system of learning pathways recognized throughout Australia and the world.

Failing to meet the entry requirements

If for any reason a student does not meet the requirements, s/he can try for a foundation or pre- sessional course. Such courses ranging from a few weeks to several months may be attended before the course of choice. These courses may be taken to plug profile gaps towards admission requirements for English, Bachelors and even some Masters courses. Every institution has its own set of pre-sessional courses so these must be checked with individual universities or on their websites.

Entry Requirements

The two main requirements for admission are:

• Demonstration of English proficiency – prescribed level of IELTS score
• Previous, recognized academic study in one’s own country – high school for a proposed Bachelors’ course and Bachelors’ for a proposed Masters’.

English Language Proficiency

The IELTS test is conducted several times a month by IDP-Australia and British Council in the major cities of each country.

Academic

The Australian Dept of Immigration only IELTS as proof of English proficiency while granting student visas.

• Undergraduate courses require the overseas equivalent of Australian high school matriculation, such as three passes at GCE A Levels in appropriate subjects. Some courses may also have certain pre-requisite subjects
• Postgraduate Entry to postgraduate courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Proven research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration
• Vocational Education and Training usually there are no other entrance exams to VET institutions. But some courses may have certain pre-requisite subjects or demonstrated work experience.

If you do not meet the entry requirements

If a student does not get the required score in the English tests, repeat attempts may be made to better it. If however, that is not possible, the student may go for pre-course English sessions of various durations that precede the start of the main course of study and have several intake dates throughout the year.

At least 7 Australian universities have been included in the top 200 of the Times Education World Universities Rankings. However, there is no official ranking system of Australian education institutions.

The Australian Universities, Self-accrediting providers as well as agencies are responsible to the Central or Territorial Governing bodies to deliver high quality education. Since these institutions come under the Australian Qualification Framework and are regularly audited by the independent body Australian University Quality Agency, the quality of education imparted is duly monitored. Hence studying in Australia is truly enriching in terms of qualifications gained.

WORKING IN AUSTRALIA

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International students in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week during course time and full-time during vacation periods.

Entry requirements to study at Australian institutions

Students must meet minimum academic requirements and need a sufficient level of English language proficiency for entry to Australian education and training institutions. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.

Working while you study in Australia

• International students studying in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work once they start their course. Applying for a student visa with permission to work can be done electronically or on paper.
• A visa with permission to work enables you to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods. Occasionally family members can also apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week throughout the year. In the case of masters and Ph.D. students and AusAID or Defence-sponsored students, family members can apply for permission to work unlimited hours. If you are the family member of a student who has commenced a masters or Ph.D. course, you must bring evidence from the education provider that the student has started this course. Under certain circumstances dependents of students are permitted to work.
• The application charge for a student visa with permission to work is $55 however this is subject to yearly review.
• The income you get from working in Australia should only supplement your income and not be used as your only source of income. Before you come to Australia, you must show that you have enough money to pay for living expenses, education costs and travel for the duration of your study.
• Most students take part-time or casual jobs at some time during their studies. Some jobs are closely tied to courses of study (such as part-time work by law students in solicitors’ offices). Some students teach school children or get jobs on campus in the canteen, the bookshop, in the institution’s offices and as lab assistants. Some jobs are entirely outside the education community such as bartending, babysitting, gardening, hospitality, sales, computers, restaurants, or fruit picking.
• Some institutions offer a job placement service. If work is available you will need to obtain a tax file number from the Australian Tax Office. You will need to contact them about their requirements and processes.

COST FOR STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

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Australia offers a very high standard of living, thus making a good place to live in. The cost of study in Australia is comparable to that of the UK and US. Actual tuition fee could vary from institution to institution, depending on location as well as course content..

Australia as a destination for higher study has grown in popularity because:

• It offers study options at a cost comparable to that in the US and UK whilst still maintaining a high standard of living.
• It offers a range of tuition fee bands depending on location, institution and course content. Scholarships though available often cannot be availed by internationals because they fail to meet the required profile.
• On an average, a student requires approximately AUD$ 360 per week to meet his/her rent, food, clothing, travel and incidental costs. However, individualistic needs may differ and budgets would have to be suitably worked on.
• All international students going to Australia must have insurance coverage provided by registered providers in the form of Overseas Student Health Cover. In addition, a student may choose to take additional insurance to cover property, accidents and even loss of baggage, flight changes and repatriation during the initial outbound travel.
• On landing in Australia on a student visa, a student is allowed to work part time for the duration of study and can thus successfully limit the transfer of funds from India for living expenses.

Tuition Fees

TInternational students are charged tuition up front- this means they must pay at least first year fees before the visa stage. In addition to tuition, some institutions may charge laboratory fees, student union fees, library fees and sports facility charges. These costs vary, but a fair indication is given in the table below:

University