Study in Australia – what you need to do
When you choose to study in Australia, it is only the first step in what can be a rather long process before you actually arrive to study at a university in Australia.Australia is among the main destinations for study abroad graduate programs worldwide, and has around 1.100 educational institutions offering more than 22,000 different courses for international students.
Here are 5 steps you should take on your journey to study in Australia:
1. Choose your course
Some of the international study abroad programs which are most popular among international students include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, Business & Finance, and Hospitality.Popular course options in the Business & Finance field include:
- Bachelor degree in Business
- International Business
- Business Administration
- Aviation Management
- Business & Commerce
- Business Economics
- Accounting & Finance
- Business & Information Systems
- Business-Information Technology
- Finance & Industrial Banking
- Exercise & Sport Science
- Actuarial Studies & Commerce
Popular course options in the Hospitality field include:
- Bachelor degree in Hospitality Management
- International Tourism
- Business Hospitality
- Tourism
- Hotel Management
Popular course options in STEM fields include:
- Bachelor degree in Biomedical Science
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Games Development
- Social work
- Nursing
There are also various diploma courses which are popular, including:
- Accounting
- Automotive Management
- Aviation and Automotive Management
- Design Visual Communication
- Hotel Management
- Fitness
- Basic Cuisine and Basic Pastry
2. Choose your university
Once you have chosen the course, or type of course, you want to pursue, select the university in Australia you wish to attend based on those which offer the course you want to study.The Times Higher Education publishes world rankings for all major universities. The top ranked Australian universities with study abroad programs are:
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University
- University of Sydney
- University of Queensland
- Monash University
3. Checking eligibility
Makes sure you review the eligibility criteria for each university and the courses it offers, as entrance requirements can differ from one institution to another even though the courses may appear to be similar.How can I check if I am eligible for a course I want to study?
Although each educational institution may have its own eligibility criteria, there are some common requirements for acceptance into an Australian university.
For international students, TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, or PTE as proof of English language proficiency are required. Minimum acceptable scores vary (again) from one university to another, so make sure to check before applying.
Many Business Schools in Australia assess applications based on GMAT scores (Graduate management Admissions Test) for international students. And some have their own special course-related tests which you will also need to take to demonstrate your aptitude.
4. Send your application
Once you have confirmed your eligibility for a particular course at a university, you can send your application form into the admissions office.Many universities allow you to do this directly through their website, although in some cases you may need to apply through an education agent.
If you are accepted for the course for which you applied, you will be sent a Letter of Offer, and then later an eCoE (electronic Confirmation of Enrolment). Only when you have these confirmations should you begin the process of applying for a student visa.
Eligibility criteria for student visa (according to Australian Government):
You must have a valid test certificate for one of the following English language tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE (Academic), or CAE (Cambridge Advanced English).
You must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the following expenses:
- travel
- course fees
- living costs for 12 months
You must also take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
So, if you plan to study in Australia, begin preparing between 9 and 12 months before the deadline for university intake in any given academic year.
You will need to prepare for, and sit, one of the required English language proficiency tests, and receive the test results certificate, and approval for a student visa can take between 6 and 12 weeks to be finalized. So allow plenty of time for this process.
5. Learn as much as you can about Australia
It’s a good idea to do some research on Australia, its history, its contemporary culture, and what daily life there is like, and what you can expect as an international student.Information about student visas, General Skilled Migration, and how to obtain Permanent Residency can be found at www.immi.gov.au.
Post-graduation options
You might want to spend some time thinking about what you would like to do after you have graduated. Australia has plenty of opportunities for new graduates with many graduates entering full-time employment with a salary ranging from 54,000 to 80,000, depending on the degree you have. STEM graduates can earn the most. Another good thing is that Australia has one of the highest legal minimum wages anywhere in the world.