Why study in Australia?

Immerse yourself in a world-class education system, enriched by innovative research opportunities and globally recognized qualifications. Embark upon a journey amidst breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and a cosmopolitan society that celebrates diversity. With post-study work opportunities and a flourishing job market, the stage is set for an extraordinary career. Generous scholarships compose a melodious tune of accessibility. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of studying in Australia, including the education system, visa requirements, popular study destinations, living expenses, and more. So, let's embark on a journey Down Under and explore the possibilities of studying in Australia.

In this blog post, we will delve into every aspect of studying in Australia, including the visa process, available scholarships, expenses and other essential considerations to make your academic dreams Down Under a reality.

Australian Student Visa:

International students are required to apply for a subclass 500 visa in Australia if applying for an undergraduate course and a subclass 485 visa if pursuing a graduate course in Australia. It is a temporary visa that allows international students to study full-time at a registered educational institution in Australia. This visas allow holders to stay in Australia for the duration of their study program. Here are the requirements, validity, rights and cost associated with this visas.                    

The validity of the Subclass 500 visa depends on the duration of your course, which is up to 5 years and cost of this visa is AUD 630.

The validity of the Subclass 485 visa is 2 to 4 years and cost of this visa is AUD 1,730.

To be eligible for the student visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• Offer Letter
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
• Proof of Sufficient Funds
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Health Requirement
• Character Certificate 

Acadamic Requirement:

• For the diploma level, you must at least have 60% in your class 12 examination. 
• For a bachelor’s degree, one should score at least 65% or higher marks in their Class 12 examination. 
• The 3-year graduation degree is accepted by all Australian universities for admission to postgraduate programs.
• As the criteria differ on which uni you want to enrol in, some even require may need qualifications that are equivalent to Australian Bachelor’s degrees. 
• Most Australian universities require a solid fundamental university degree from a top Indian university or college.

Popular Courses in Australia:

With its excellent universities and institutions, the country attracts students from around the globe seeking to pursue their academic and career aspirations. Before deciding on a career, it is best to do extensive research on the types of jobs available in the industry, the going rate, the potential for advancement, and, most importantly, your level of interest in the field. Here is a list of some popular courses:

• Engineering (Various specializations like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
• Business Administration (MBA and related programs)
• Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science
• Nursing and Healthcare
• Accounting and Finance
• Medicine and Health Sciences (including Dentistry, Pharmacy, etc.)
• Psychology and Counselling
• Environmental Science and Sustainability
• Hospitality and Tourism Management

These courses represent a broad range of disciplines and are in high demand in Australia due to the country's emphasis on these sectors. It's important to note that there are numerous other courses available in various fields, and the best course for you depends on your individual interests, career goals, and personal preferences.

English language requirement:

The specific English language requirements may vary depending on the level of study and the institution you are applying to. Here are some common English language proficiency tests accepted by Australian universities:

English Language Test	Overall Score
IELTS	6.5 or higher
TOEFL	79 or higher
PTE Academic	50-64 or higher
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)	176 or higher

 

Tuition fees in Australia:

Tuition fees can vary depending on the university, program, and specific circumstances. Following is an approximate cost of studying based on the level of courses pursued in Australia for prospective international students:

Degree Level	Average Annual Tuition Fees (AUD)
Bachelor's	$20,000 - $45,000 per year
Master's	$22,000 - $50,000 per year
PhD	$25,000 - $50,000 per year

 

Cost of living in Australia:

Apart from studying costs, international students have also to take care of their living costs in Australia. These costs vary based on the area of residence, on-campus accommodation, and food costs and overall your lifestyle. Generally, larger cities tend to have higher living expenses compared to regional areas. Here is a table outlining the approximate monthly living expenses in AUD for international students in both regional areas and big cities in Australia:

Expense	Regional Area	Big City
Accommodation	$800 - $1,200	$1,200 - $2,000
Utilities	$150 - $250	$150 - $250
Groceries	$250 - $350	$250 - $350
Transportation	$100 - $200	$100 - $200
Dining out	$100 - $200	$150 - $300
Mobile/Internet	$60 - $100	$60 - $100
Health Insurance	$50 - $100	$50 - $100
Entertainment	$100 - $200	$150 - $300
Miscellaneous	$100 - $200	$150 - $300
Total	$1,710 - $2,600	$2,210 - $3,700

 

Study intakes in Australia :

In Australia, the main study intakes for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs are:

• Semester 1: Typically starts in late February or early March.
• Semester 2: Generally begins in late July or early August.

Some institutions may also offer additional intakes or alternative study periods such as:

• Summer Semester: Held between November and February, allowing students to undertake additional subjects or catch up on missed courses.
• Trimesters: Some universities follow a trimester system, with study periods called Trimester 1, Trimester 2, and Trimester 3.
• Flexible and Rolling Intakes: Certain institutions accept applications throughout the year, with multiple start dates or the ability to join at different times.

It's important to note that not all courses or programs are available in every intake. Some programs, particularly those with limited capacity or high demand, may only have one or two intakes per year.

Scholarship:

Australia offers several scholarships for Indian students who wish to study in the country. Here are some popular scholarships available. Apart from these for more scholarship programmes check out government’s official website or do visit our educational counsellors.  

Scholarship Program	Approximate Scholarship Amounts	Coverage
Australia Awards	Full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs	Full coverage of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs
Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships	AUD 2,500 to AUD 140,500	Tuition fees, travel allowances, establishment allowances, monthly stipends, and health insurance
Australian Government RTP Scholarships	Varies	Full or partial tuition fee coverage and living stipend
University-specific scholarships	Varies	Full tuition fees, partial tuition fee waivers, or living stipends
Destination Australia Scholarships	Up to AUD 15,000 per year	Tuition fees and living costs in regional areas of Australia

 

Highest paying Job Sectors in Australia:

Recent job openings in Australia, in around five to six industries of Australia at large, make them popular job sectors in Australia. These popular job sectors in Australia for international students are as follows:

• Costruction
• Education
• Food Processing
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Mining & Energy
• Science & Technology
• Medical & Health Care

Part time work permit – subclass 500:

Under this visa category, you are permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during the academic term. You can work full-time during scheduled breaks or vacations. Masters by research and Ph.D. students are exempt from the limitation and can work unlimited hours. The average hourly pay for part-timers in Australia is between  20 AUD to 30 AUD.

Post study work permit (PSW) subclass 485:

From 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights. The allowable work hours cap for international students will be increased from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight. Post-study work rights for select degrees in areas of verified skills shortages will be increased from:

• Two years to four years for select bachelor’s degrees.
• Three years to five years for select master’s degrees.
• Four years to six years for all PhDs.

Australia PR:

Students holding a student visa while studying in Australia can apply for a PR. after completing their studies, irrespective of the fact whether the students have a job in hand or not, they are still eligible to apply for a PR in Australia. Applications for obtaining permanent residency in Australia are accepted online and PR is offered to applicants based on their duration of stay in Australia and other deciding factors.

Student life in Australia:

Apart from work, students can experience a multicultural society, engage in vibrant social activities, explore breathtaking natural landscapes, enjoy city life, participate in community engagement, and attend festivals and events. They have opportunities to join clubs and societies, make friends, network, and create lifelong connections. Australia's nightlife for international students is vibrant, with cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offering a range of clubs, live music venues, and entertainment options. Travel opportunities within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region further enrich your experience.