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Things to know before studying in Australia

Things to know before studying in Australia

Edited By Manashjyoti | Updated on May 17, 2016 04:14 PM IST



Things to know before studying in Australia
:  The exploits of the Australian cricket team and their uncompromising ways is appreciated across the world. But look a little closer and you will find that Australia’s exploits go far beyond the cricket field and encompasses a whole gamut of sporting activities. Not only sports, brand Australia today has instant name recognition in the academic sphere as well, as it finds itself locked in a three-way battle for the title of the top academic destination in the world with the UK and USA, who are the current leaders. Students studying in Australia today can pick from its 33 universities that feature in QS international ranking.

Things to know before studying in Australia
Things to know before studying in Australia

Given Australia’s vaunted academic position, making a case for Australia for your study-abroad program won’t be that difficult. But still there are certain things to know before studying in Australia. Like, there will be occasions when you will be free from your college duties due to semester breaks or holidays, and finding a part-time job would help you earn some valuable dollars; remember, for all the good things, it also is the most-expensive study-abroad destination in the world!

Just in case you need some more suggestions, we have an entire list of things to know before studying in Australia readied for you:

 

Learn about the country: The best way to beat homesickness and adapt to a new environment is to learn about it as much as you can. So, if you are selected for a university in Melbourne, say for example, read up all the important information about the city, like its prominent tourist destinations, eating points and culture. Getting familiar with your new home and the new culture will not only make you feel more independent, but buffer you from the cultural shock that students feel immediately upon their arrival. Speaking about culture, you don’t have to read piles of books or every facet of it, but only those sensitive trigger points. The thumb rule is stay away from controversial topics and making political comments.  Instead focus on qualities that would endear you to the locals.

 

 

Australia is vast

Australia is vast: Long, never-ending coastlines, deep-blue sea, sea creatures that seem right out of a fairy tale, deserts that are good enough to slit the human spirit, and vast, dense jungles teeming with wildlife, Australia conjures up images like none other. So don’t be surprised if you come across a student who picked Australia for reasons other than academic ones. Who knows he may be a naturalist at heart and may lead the next wave of revolution to save planet earth, which may not be a bad idea after all!

 

But if you are planning to see Australia in all its glory and everything it has to offer, hold your horses, because Australia isn’t some European country that you can crisscross in a few days. To explore Australia, which happens to be the sixth-largest country in the world, you will not just need a lot of time, but a lot of money. There is no reason to despair though, as almost every city in the country is littered with amazing things, not to speak of the incredible scenery wherever you go and the adorable countryside.

 

Part Time JobsPart-time jobs: Among the things to know before studying in Australia, the financial aspect of studying in Australia corners the maximum attention. And there is a good reason for it: Australia is the most expensive study-abroad destination in the world. Now unless you find yourself a part-time job, the financial burden may be too much to bear. While part-time earning won’t off-set the tuition fees, it though will help students pay off some portion of the living expenses. Normally, when studying in Australia, you are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week when academic session is on, while during any scheduled course break, you can work for unrestricted hours.

 

But before you start work, make sure that your student visa allows you to work during study in Australia, because otherwise your visa may be cancelled. What is interesting is even family members of students are allowed to work under the student visa scheme. So, if you are accompanied by your wife/husband, they can work as well. The only difference being, unlike students, family members are bound by the 20-hours-work limit even during holidays. 

 

A bank account in Australia to escape exorbitant fees: One of the important things to know before studying in Australia is you need to open a bank account at an Australian bank. It is because if you carry on transactions with your homecountry bank, you most likely would have to pay exorbitant fees, which would take on gargantuan proportions by the time you have completed your degree in Australia. By opening an account in Australia, you not only escape these unrealistic fees, but end up earning decent interests as well. Also, having a bank account would come in handy if you take up part-time work.

 

Buy a health insurance: If you are planning to study in Australia, you would most probably need a health insurance, as most universities mandate it for admission. The underlying idea behind having a health insurance is to protect the student studying in Australia from having to pay huge medical bills, which is found to discourage students from availing medical intervention in times of emergency. While universities have their own preferred insurance plans, students are free to go for a plan of their choice, with the only condition being the plan should provide comparable coverage to the university plan. Also, since studying abroad entails lot of travelling, having travel insurance isn’t a bad idea.

 

Learn the rules of the roadLearn the rules of the road: Australian citizens abide by the rules of the road almost unfailingly, which you would find to be a big relief. After all, at some point, you may find yourself behind the wheel of a car, probably a rented one. Also, it is advisable to avoid driving at dusk and dawn, because the dimming light may make it difficult to see an approaching kangaroo or some other animal and there may be an unfortunate incident. Follow this piece of advice, and your stay and study in Australia would be less contentious but more memorable!

 

Accommodation in Australia: One of the things to know before studying in Australia is that finding an accommodation that is cheap and has a pleasant ambience isn’t easy to come by. The best bet when studying in Australia is to go for on-campus accommodation, which costs around $150 to $250 per week, and is cheaper than off-campus accommodation, which charges in the range of $250 to $400 per week. But universities tend to have limited number of seats and once they are filled up, you have no option but to opt for off-campus accommodation or homestays. Homestays are popular because they present a homely ambience; but before opting for one, proper research about the locality and rent must be carried out.

 

Food habits: Australians have very diverse food habits, thanks to its cosmopolitan cities. If you stay at on-campus accommodation, you have less to worry, though, as the diet is more in sync with what you eat at home, as universities make it a point to make it easier on international students. However, if you stay at off-campus accommodation, check with the landlord and speak to him about your food habits. 

 

Stay tuned to www.studyabroad.careers360.com for more news and updates on Australia

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Questions related to

Hi there,

Hope you are doing fine.

Yes it is possible to pursue a Masters in Education (M.Ed) in Australia with a bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.E). Australian universities have flexible entry requirements and value diverse academic backgrounds. However you will need to meet specific admission criteria set by the universities you are interested in.

To enhance your application you can highlight any relevant experience you have in teaching, training or educational projects. Some universities might also require you to submit a statement of purpose explaining your interest in transitioning to education and how your background in engineering could contribute to your study and future career in education.

You should review the specific requirements for each university and program by reaching out to the admissions offices of the universities you are interested in to confirm their acceptance criteria and discuss your unique background.

Hope this resolves your query.

A B.Ed. from IGNOU may be recognized but requires additional assessments in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

  • UK : Assessment by UK ENIC and possibly additional qualifications like a PGCE.
  • Australia : Evaluation by AITSL and meeting state-specific criteria.
  • New Zealand : Assessment by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, including possible English proficiency and practical teaching requirements.

Further qualifications or training might be necessary in each country.


For migrating to Australia with a high visa success rate, both commerce and medical fields offer strong opportunities, but they differ significantly:

  1. Medical Field :

    • High Demand : Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, allied health) are in high demand.
    • Visa Success : Higher chances due to skill shortages.
    • PR Pathway : Clear pathways for permanent residency.
    • Career Options : Wide range of opportunities with good pay.
  2. Commerce Field :

    • Opportunities : Demand for accountants, finance professionals, and business analysts.
    • Visa Success : Good, but dependent on specific roles and skill shortages.
    • PR Pathway : Viable but might require additional qualifications or experience.
    • Career Options : Diverse opportunities in finance, business, and management.

Choose based on your interests, skills, and long-term career goals.

hope this helps you!!

Hy,

Studying veterinary courses in Australia and securing a scholarship can be an excellent opportunity. Here’s a guide on how to pursue veterinary studies in Sydney and find scholarships:

Choosing a Veterinary Program in Sydney

Several universities in Sydney offer veterinary programs, including:

  • University of Sydney : Offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW) : Offers related programs but does not have a veterinary program. Check for related courses or alternative pathways.
  • Western Sydney University : Offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

Applying to Universities

  • Research Programs : Visit the websites of these universities to understand their veterinary programs, entry requirements, and application deadlines.
  • Meet Entry Requirements : Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the veterinary programs. This usually includes high school qualifications, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and sometimes an interview or entrance test.

Scholarships

University-Specific Scholarships

  • University of Sydney : Offers scholarships for international students, such as the Sydney Scholars Program. Check their scholarships page for specific awards related to veterinary science.
  • Western Sydney University : Offers various scholarships for international students, including those for specific programs or merit-based scholarships.

External Scholarships

  • Australian Government Scholarships : Look for scholarships offered by the Australian government, such as the Australia Awards Scholarships, which cover tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses.
  • Private and Non-Governmental Organizations : Various organizations offer scholarships for international students. Websites like Scholarship Portal, Study in Australia, and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) often list opportunities.

Applying for Scholarships

  • Identify Opportunities : Start by identifying scholarships that you are eligible for. This can include university-specific scholarships, government scholarships, and private scholarships.
  • Prepare Documents : Common requirements include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
  • Submit Applications : Follow the application process outlined by the scholarship provider. Be mindful of deadlines and ensure all required documents are submitted accurately.

Additional Tips

  • Contact University Admissions : Reach out to the admissions office of the universities you are interested in for guidance on scholarships and the application process.
  • Stay Organized : Keep track of scholarship deadlines and requirements to ensure you don't miss any opportunities.
  • Prepare Financially : Even with a scholarship, you may need to cover some expenses. Plan your budget accordingly.

Useful Resources

  • University Websites : For specific scholarship information and application procedures.
  • Study in Australia Website : For comprehensive information about studying in Australia, including scholarships.
  • Scholarship Portals : Websites like Scholarship Portal and Studyportals for finding scholarships and financial aid.

By carefully researching programs, preparing your application materials, and applying for scholarships, you can enhance your chances of securing funding for your veterinary studies in Sydney.

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.

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