BACKGROUND

To the ordinary eye, Australia is a country of wilderness and the coral reef, but as of now, it is rapidly making its way to become the ultimate destination for international students across the globe. Easy grading systems, friendly nature of the Australian people and the high standard of living is the main reason that Australia is getting popular among students.

WHY STUDY IN AUSTRALIA?

•  Excellent education system: The universities in Australia among the top 50 universities in the world. The excellent campus sites, advanced teaching methods, and exposure are the essential traits of an Australian university.
• Easy access to part-time jobs: While studying in Australia, you can easily find a job. The part-time jobs can be related to your courses or your passion. By working part-time, you can cover the expenses.
• Better career prospects: After your graduation, you’ll have a higher opportunity than your competitor while securing a job. The Australian degree ensures a certain quality that other degrees cannot provide.
• Growing destination: Every year thousands of students across the globe travel to Australia for higher studies. Students choose this destination for its diversity and quality of education.
• Cost of Living: The standard of living in Australia is amongst the highest in the world. The expenses in Australia are lower than any other parts of the world. Furthermore, international students can work part-time. Thus it lets them cover their costs.
• Technological innovations: Australia is gradually picking the pace in technological innovations. Students are attracted here to study its advanced technology.
• Multi-cultural society: Australia comprises of people from all around the world. Every culture in the world is found in Australia, and it enables the international student to learn about the people and society. People from almost 200 countries have made their home in Australia. Thus, making it a culturally diverse nation.
• The Australian political system is stable, and it does not affect the study of students.

VISA APPLICATION

The following documents required for Australian Visa application:

• Valid Passport
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• Application fee payment receipt
• Confirmation of Enrollment Form (COE): To obtain a visa to study in Australia, you must be fully enrolled in an Australian institution and receive a “Confirmation of Enrollment (COE).”
• Acceptance Letter
• Overseas health insurance receipt
• Recent Passport Sized Photographs
• Additional Documents as required
• Police report (Character Clearance)
• Proof of income sources
• Evidence of financial availability issued by one of the commercial banks of Nepal
• Student’s birth certificate
• Academic Documents
• A Health Examination should be done from DIBP recommended centers. They are Norvic Hospital or the International Office of Migration.
• The time required to process a visa can be anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks.

ADMISSION INTAKES

Australia has two intakes. They are February and July. Some universities offer multiple inputs in September and November as well. The student is highly recommended to start the admission process around six months before the application deadline. Most universities have three deadlines during one intake. It is to be noted that the language and aptitude tests are to be completed before the deadline. The application form should be adequately filled.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor / Undergraduate: A student who has completed 12 years of education outside Australia but is equivalent to Australia 12 year will qualify.
• Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma: Student needs to have completed an undergraduate qualification that is comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree.
• Master’s Degree: Student needs to have completed an undergraduate qualification which is equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree, honors degree or graduate diploma.
• Research Programs: Student needs to have completed an honors degree, master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from an approved university.
• English Language requirements: All students must have the required English language proficiency test scores. (TOEFL/IELTS/PBT)

WORKING WHILE STUDYING

International Students on a valid student visa, can work up to 20 hours per week when the school is in session, but there are no constraints on the number of hours an international student can work during a recognized school vacation. A student during studies can earn an average of 15-19 AUD per hour.

ACCOMMODATION

The tuition and living costs depend upon the degree you are pursuing, where you are studying and in which city you are staying. Tuition fees range from AUD 15000 to AUD 33000 per year for bachelor degree and AUD 14000 to AUD 37000 for Master’s degree. Most common accommodation options for international students in Australia are Homestay, Guesthouses, and rent an apartment. Other costs along with accommodation are the utilities and internet pass. Groceries amount to AUD 100 to AUD 200 per week, and the average price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is AUD 18 . The Australian government offers free transport to international students who enroll in the ACTION program.

FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIA

• Australia is home to the most extended fence in the world which is 5,614 km long.
• Australia was one of the founding members of the United Nations.
• Australia has so many beaches that if you were to visit one new beach daily, it would take 27 years to see them all.
• Australia has more sheep than people.
• Australia is the only continent in the world without an active volcano.
• In New South Wales there is a coal fire beneath the ground which has been burning for 5500 years.

SCHOLARSHIP

The Australian Government’s investment in foreign aid for studies exceeds AUD 200,000,000. Some scholarship schemes for international students are:

• Australia Awards: these scholarships are funded by the Australian Government and include tuition fees, travel expenses, and monthly costs.
• APEC Women in Research Fellowship Program: it is a support scheme provided to female researchers from developing APEC economies that plan to pursue research programs in collaboration with Australian universities.
• Endeavour Postgraduate Awards: it is an aid provided to students that wish to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. degree.