STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

Australia is a prominent study destination for international students around the globe. It is a home to leading universities that offer quality of education to diverse cultured student communities. Apart from exceptional teaching learning activities and student support system, there are numerous other factors in Australia like vibrant city lives, diverse communities and cultures, mesmerizing landscapes, and high living standard. Australia is one of the leading countries that attract a great number of international students every year. Students, particularly from Nepal, prefer Australia as their study destination because of range of courses it offers, post-study work opportunities, its welcoming environment, growing Nepalese community, safe teaching/ learning activities and high pay-wages. Here are some highlights why Australia remains at the top most priority for international students:

Quality Education

Globally recognized for its innovative and research-intensive culture, it facilitates students with world-class teaching, training and research opportunities, recruiting world’s leading experts in the field. Australian course providers equip solid theoretical and practical skills so as to meet modern industrial needs and aspirations.

Variety of Course Options

Australia provides a wide range of courses and degrees across multiple fields, like arts, sciences, technology, or business, which allows students to pursue diverse academic interests aligned with their career goals. Students can get to choose from 22,000 courses available in 1,100 universities and institutions.

Diverse Cultural Community

International students can receive a very high standard service and financial protection, consultancy services and wider community attachments. Not only universities, but work places and employers also prioritize their employees to be recruited from among the multi-cultural groups adapting inclusiveness in the work culture and services.

High Standard of Living

Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Australian citizens and immigrants can access excellent job prospects, strong economy and world-class financial services make it a desirable place to live and work. The government initiatives and private service providers are dedicated to prompt and efficient services so as to satisfy people in Australia.

Government Initiative to protect International Students’ Rights

Australian government has enacted various consumer protection laws framed to safeguard the rights of its citizens including international students. Some of the enactments international students can be benefitted from are:

  • Tuition Protection Service (TPS): If any Australian course provider fails to fully deliver their courses, TPS makes students eligible for a refund. One can complete the study in another course or with the another course provider, or receive a refund on one’s unspent tuition fees.
  • Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act: This service safeguards the rights of international students with financial protections, work rights, student’s welfare and complaints.
  • Workplace rights of an international student: Upon going for part-time jobs or casual jobs, international students are offered with privileges like fair treatment, assured minimum wages and others.
  • Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC): A mandatory provision of OSHC makes it possible for the international students receive quality health check-ups and treatments facilities till their study duration in Australia.

A student Visa to Australia is an amazing opportunity to explore world-class education in innovative and creative learning environment. Australian universities offer updated and in-demand courses to equip graduates with holistic prospects of personal and professional development. As an international student, one requires Student (Subclass 500) Visa. Having this visa, one can:

  • Study the course, in Australia, you are eligible for
  • Travel in and out within the visa due date
  • Work up to 48 hours fortnightly during course/training session (aspirants of master by research or doctoral degree, and their families have no work limit)

To apply for an Australian Student Visa, you must be enrolled in a course of study in an Australian institution. Australian Student Visa Requirements include a complete application form, and other documents to fulfil the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirements, Financial Requirements, English Proficiency Requirements, Health Requirements.

To meet the GTE Requirements, you must prove that you are visiting Australia temporarily to receive further education and not for other motifs. This has to be supported in a personal statement. The personal statement should highlight and show evidences on your:

  • Previous studies
  • Current employment
  • Financial and Social Ties in home country
  • Immigration history

Financial Requirements

This is a crucial part of Australian Student Visa application. You need to prove that you have sufficient funds for your stay and studies (tuition fees and living expenses) in Australia. While government loans or scholarships can provide aid to your finance, evidence of financial support from parents or spouse earning at least AUD 30,000-35,000 is needed.

Language Proficiency Requirements

In order to meet Australian Student Visa Requirement, applicants from non-English speaking country have to show English Language proficiency. Australia needs a valid IELTS score of 6.5 not less than 6.0 or PTE 59 not less than 52.

Health and Characteristic Requirement

Applicants are required to go through a medical exam to prove that they have no serious health issues. More specifically, they should not be affected by asthma or major heart and lungs injury, or infected by highly communicable diseases like TB, Sexually Transmitted Diseases or dreadful flues. In addition, they must also purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian provider.

Apart from this, they also need a Police Clearance Certificate, to demonstrate that they don’t have a substantial criminal record or are any member of a criminal group.

Visa Fee

In Australia, student visa fees are from AUD 1,600 per application unless you are an exempt.

Processing Time

Australian Student Visa processing times vary. The time required may typically range from 80 days to 4 months. Due to high volume of applications on-hand and increasing number of new applications, the Australian High Commission is working so as to improve the processing time though. Kindly refer to the following link (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times) to receive further information.

Although the requirements for Student Visa are more or less similar to all courses, there might be some changes depending upon universities, courses and levels. Documents that are required before application:

  • Passport
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Academic Requirements:
    • Academic Transcript/ Mark sheets
    • Migration Certificate
    • Provisional Certificate
    • Character Certificate
  • Letters of Appreciation (adds credibility)
  • English Language Requirements: The valid language proficiency test format and score varies with university. However, most of the universities require an IELTS equivalent of 6.0, not less than 6.0.
  • Evidence of financial capacity: Statement of Purpose (not exceeding 300 words highlighting academic history, current circumstances, reasons to choose the particular country, university, course, career plans and financial support.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Offer Letter
  • Proof of Enrolment (COE)
  • Health Insurance Policy: Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC)

Note: The requirements for Post Graduate courses are almost same, except for academic documents and English Proficiency Test, which are to be meeting the course requirements.

Australia offers top-quality education at affordable fees in comparison to other English-speaking countries. Annual tuition fees in Australia vary with reference to the level and subject you apply for. Most of the institutions update the course fees on a yearly basis. You are expected to check the university fees and choose the best possible course and course provider as per your affordability.

Program Estimated Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Program AUD $20,00 - $45,000
Post Graduate AUD $22,000 – $55,000
Research Courses and PHD Courses AUD $45,000 - $65,000
Universities Annual Fee
Australian National University AUD $46,000 - $48,000
University of Melbourne AUD $45,000 - $47,000
University of Sydney AUD $50,000 - $ 54,000
University of New South Wales AUD $7,000 - $11,000
University of Queensland AUD $2,900 - $ 3,500 / Credit
Monash University AUD $37,000 - $ 45,000
University of Adelaide AUD $45,000 - $48,000
University of Technology Sydney AUD $1,250 / Credit
University of Wollongong AUD $14,000 - $16,000 / Semester

Australian government privileges applicants with various scholarships and fellowships to provide financial ease to study and remain in Australia. Some prominently available scholarships for international students are:

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Students from developing countries, especially from Indo-Pacific region can study in undergraduate or postgraduate studies. This scholarship benefits include full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and others.

Destination Australia Scholarships

Destination Australia Scholarships are intended to support Australian and International Students to study in regional Australia. Over 1000 scholarships of $15,000 are offered annually to students of Certificate IV to Doctorate level qualifications at regional campus of eligible universities in Australia.

Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

The Australia Research Training Program assists postgraduate research students in Australia for 2 years for Masters by research degree and 3 years for Doctorate degree. This scholarship covers tuition fees and health cover costs.

Australia has been a prominent education destination for international students since years. With globally recognized universities and world’s leading experts in the field, Australia privileges its students with insightful and innovative learning. Australia produces highly skilled and competent work-ready graduates to meet global industry needs. Australian degrees are highly recognized and valued so that the graduates can enjoy excellent work opportunities in leading designations around the globe.

Requirements for international students

Education in Australia requires English Proficiency Test Results, meeting required scores in IELTS/PTE. Universities have their own sets of criteria to meet the requirements for courses they provide. Almost all of them require you to prepare strong SOP that explain your current circumstances, financial capacities, ties in home country and career plans.

College Life

Australian universities and institutions have a strong university/ industry collaboration, allowing students to research and work in their specializations, hence benefiting selves with opportunities for experiences and practices. Apart from quality education, students in Australia can enjoy mesmerizing landscapes, including bright sunny beach activities, vivid city lights, vibrant cultural celebrations and festivities. Moreover, international students also have work permits on part-time basis. These opportunities can really help students enjoy their stay as they prepare for their career goals.

Top Universities in Australia

Australia is home to some of the world’s leading universities with consistent annual global rankings. Students from around the globe prefer Australia as their study destination. Led by prominent experts in the field, Australian universities are dedicated towards academic excellence with equal focus on practical sessions and extra-curricular activities, rendering holistic approach to personal and professional development of the students. Here is the list of leading education providers in Australia.

# World Rankinh Universities Location
1 37 University of Melbourne Melbourne
2 54 Monash University Melbourne
3 60 University of Sydney Sydney
4 67 Australian National University Canberra
5 70 The University of Queensland Brisbane
6 84 UNSW Sydney Kensington
7 111 University of Adelaide Adelaide
8 143 The University of Western Australia Perth
9 148 University of Technology Sydney Sydney
10 180 Macquarie University Sydney

However, Nepalese students might find them costly and often look at options in terms of affordability. Here is the list of cheaper and popular universities to support students with reduced tuition fees and other facilities.

  • University of Southern Queensland
  • Charles Sturt University
  • Federation University Australia
  • Charles Darwin University
  • University of the Sunshine Coast
  • Southern Cross University
  • Central Queensland University
  • Western Sydney University
  • University of Wollongong
  • Edith Cowan University

Australian universities and institutions offer a wide range of courses to its students. As an international student, you can get to choose from more than 22000 courses from almost 1100 universities and colleges. However, the popular courses to assist you with migration pathways and permanent residency are:

Accountancy

Degree in accountancy opens rooms for multiple options including specialization in the sector and employability. With strong theoretical and practical base in financial reporting, budgeting, taxation or business law, the course prepares you to have skills and competence to meet the current industrial needs. One can go for potential career goals like accountant, auditor, financial analyst, tax consultant or others in global market.

Nursing

Along with extreme demand of health professionals in Australia and beyond, the scopes and opportunities for nursing are also increasing. Australian universities are concentrated more on providing modern and updated research materials and resources to produce work-ready graduates in the field. Led by prominent experts in the sector, the universities have been assisting the government campaigns to suffice the country with health experts, especially after the COVID pandemic.

Computer Science and Cyber Security

Computer Science and Engineering is probably the course with the most frequent updates and enhancements. With the advent of emerging technology and increasing cybercrimes, the course remains the top-most priority for all kinds of students as it enriches graduates with analytical and problem solving abilities that are consistently in demand and well-paid.

Architecture

A course in Architecture allows students to create and change both the inside and outside settings, a career in architecture is immensely gratifying. There is a significant demand for qualified, experienced architects who can design and create top-notch structures, including residences, businesses, and homes. Australian architecture programs compete internationally and emphasize how architecture, communication, technology, and culture intersect.

Psychology

This is one of the tempting courses, being applied for, by students around the globe. One with curious and empathetic mind will find it meaningful and worth it to pursue this course. Elevating the graduates’ competence in counselling and therapy, the course benefits them with opportunities in industry, sports, education, entertainment and other fields where you can excel in problem identification and practical solutions to them.

Tourism and Hospitality Management

Today’s globalized world gives it rooms for development of tourism and hospitality sector business at multi layers. Australia itself, being a geographically and culturally diverse country, invites innumerous tourists on different purposes. Tourism and hospitality sectors are immensely developed in Australia and hence, is in constant need of skilled professionals in the industry. This course intends to produce qualified and skilled manpower through efficient teaching/ learning in Tourism and Hospitality Management course.

Today’s Australia is the blend of people and land from Commonwealth of Australia. Modern Australia traces its history from the 1st of January 1901 after the independence from British colony. Aboriginal Australians first arrived in Australia from Maritime Southeast Asia some 50000-65000 years ago started pervasive artistic, musical and spiritual traditions that still are in popularity world-wide. Today, the Australian land is home to people from multiple origins, culture, tradition and languages. While English is not the official language in Australia, it is the de facto official and national language. It is the most widely spoken language while around 150 indigenous languages are spoken around Australia.

One of the prominent factors and probably, the best thing you can enjoy as an international student is its cultural diversity. Australia’s population comprises of almost one third of overseas born people, whereas roughly half of its population has at least one parent who was born overseas. A large portion of it population has European ancestry. The British settlers and the immigrants from Southern Europe and Southeast Asia bring a large social and cultural variation in Australian communities. It is surprising to learn that its indigenous population contributes to only 3% of its population.

A straight forward business culture is prevalent in Australia. As a job seeking student, one must be aware that high-stakes bargaining techniques are enjoyed. Expect that the initial figure/ offer should be realistic. Casual talks are generally limited and getting to the point is rewarding. While seniority is both recognized and respected, even the junior staffs have direct access to the management.

Cultural diversity in Australia makes it a desirable place to live in. As an international student, one can enjoy a vibrant international student community. The welcoming environment in Australian societies is another asset. There is a civilized culture where people from varied religions and with varied opinions receive respect and acknowledgement. Political stability, religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution and a high standard of living can make your stay safe and productive in Australia. The government is dedicated in providing quality services including education, healthcare, transport, infrastructures and public services.

Jobs in Australia are opportunities for international students to gain experience and enhance their skills. They can not only support your expenses, but also will help you with getting familiar with the community and earn credibility in foreign land. Before heading towards the intended job, there are some crucial factors to consider.

Understanding the Australian Job Market

Before you start looking for a job in Australia, it is essential to understand the country’s job market. Australian job market is highly competitive which can add challenges in finding one. It is crucial to have realistic expectations and understand that it might take time. Expect to get key information on the Australian job market on Jora and other Australian job websites, networking with people in the industry and going through industry reports.

Knowing Job Requirements

Understanding the job requirements is the first step in finding a job in Australia. You should be aware of the skills and qualifications required for the targeted job. Make sure that you meet all the requirements before applying for the job. An easy way to do this is to look at the advertisements which highlight the criteria to meet. Consider the tasks you would require to perform in the role and relevant training or courses you might need to apply for the job of your interest.

Understanding the Work Restrictions

International students studying in Australia are allowed to work for up to 48 hours fortnightly during their studies and full-time during their scheduled breaks. It is essential to understand the work restrictions and make sure not to breach them by any means.

Provided here, are some steps that could make your job finding easier and fast:

  • Building Network: Your personal and professional attachment with experts in the related field can add possibilities of recommendations and job placements. It is highly recommended that you meet people from different sectors for your public relations.
  • Attending Career Fairs: While in Australia, attending regular career fairs will update you with needs and requirements for job placements. You will get to see and potential employers and learn about job opportunities. Career fairs are held throughout the year in Australia, and you can find related information online.
  • Joining Professional Associations: Being an active member of some professional associations can be great sources of getting information or finding jobs. This way, you can create solid network which offer networking events and job boards which might lead you through the way to be settling with a temporary work during your studies.

Keeping these things in consideration might not still be sufficient for you to grab jobs in Australia. You need to be updated with the online job search portals and sites. It is recommended that you build and tailor your CV smartly. A strong CV, that highlights your details, interest areas and experiences will be the base that determine your possibilities in getting one.

Work Conditions

It is essential that you know and abide by the work conditions as you stay in Australia on a Student Visa.

  • You cannot work until your course in Australia is started.
  • You can work up to 48 hours fortnightly on a casual or part-time basis during your semester.
  • You can work unlimited hours during semester break and holidays.
  • If your work is a part of your course/curriculum that goes towards course credit, the hours don’t count on 48 hours cap.
  • Students on masters by research or PHD courses can work unlimited.

Work Rights

International students have the right to work in Australia while studying. Students can be benefitted by the opportunities to gain experience and get connected with the community. Australian government safeguards your rights as an employee so that you receive fair treatment and equality. Some of the key features:

  • Equal Opportunity: As an international student, you have all rights to receive equal and unbiased treatment from the employer or colleagues. Discriminated on the basis of race, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexuality or disability is punishable by the law.
  • Workplace Safety: Your employer must provide a safe and healthy working environment. This includes managing hazards and risks and looking after your health and wellbeing in a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
  • Industry Certification: For some jobs, you’ll need an industry certification or license to operate equipment. For example, to work in security jobs, the gambling industry or childcare, you’ll need a certification. And if you’re operating specific equipment like scissor lifters, you’ll need a license. You are recommended to talk to the employer for necessary information regarding the certification requirements.
  • Unions: As an employee, you can join a union which can help protect your rights at work. Association with a union is most of the times chargeable. Your employer cannot stop you from joining a union or to discriminate against you for being a union member. Your employer can't:
    • Bully, harass or discriminate against you (or allow your colleagues to do so)
    • Ask you to do unpaid ‘trial work’
    • Pay you below the minimum wage
    • Pay you in cash without a pay slip
    • Ask you to pay back wages to make your actual pay different to your pay slip
    • Allow you to work more hours than your visa allows
    • Make you sign a contract you have not read or understood
    • Fire you for being sick, injured or pregnant
    • Fire you without proper notice
  • Honesty Pays: You should never agree to let an employer pay you in cash (without a pay slip) or allow you to work more hours than your visa allows. If you do, you might:
    • Be being exploited or underpaid by your employer
    • Deported from Australia for breaching the rule
    • Not be compensated if you get hurt at work
    • Get into serious trouble for not paying tax

Some of the Popular Job Sectors in Australia

Construction Managers

Construction managers in Australia play crucial roles in overseeing and coordination construction projects from start to finish. Their responsibilities include planning, budgeting, scheduling and ensuring that all works adhere to safety standards and building regulations. Construction managers collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors and clients to ensure that the project is completed in time, within budget and to the required specifications. With a booming construction industry driven by infrastructure development and urbanization, the demand for skilled construction managers is high in Australia.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) in Australia are important part of the country’s healthcare system. They provide comprehensive care to patients in various settings like hospitals, clinics, aged care facilities and community health centers. Their responsibilities include assessing patient needs, developing and implementing care plans, administering medications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal health outcomes. To become a registered nurse in Australia, individuals must complete a recognized nursing degree and obtain registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Chef

Chef jobs in Australia are highly sought after, as the country has a vibrant food and hospitality industry. Chefs in Australia work in various settings like hotels, restaurants, cafes, catering centers and inns where they prepare various cuisines form modern Australian food to international dishes as per the clients’ preferences and aspirations. They are primarily responsible for menu planning, food preparation, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards. For those aspiring to work as Chefs in Australia, it is often mandatory to receive formal training through vocational courses or apprenticeships.

Civil Engineer

Working as civil engineers in Australia can be a great opportunity for graduates to make impacts on the country’s infrastructure development. Civil engineers typically work for government agencies, private construction companies or engineering consultancies, contribute to both urban and rural development. The role requires strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities and an understanding of Australian regulations and environmental considerations. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and accreditation from Engineers Australia are typically required for the designation. With growing population and increasing focus on sustainability in Australia, the scopes and demand of civil engineers are also increasing.

Electricians

Electricians are the professionals in installing electrical systems across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. They perform wiring new buildings, repairing defective systems, installing electrical appliances and ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations at work stations. To become an electrician in Australia, one needs a formal apprenticeship that combines practical on-the-job training with vocational education. Additionally, they must be licensed in the state or territory where they work, ensuring they meet Australian electrical safety requirements. Australia is entertaining new infrastructure, renewable energy projects and technological advancement, opening doors for skilled electricians to pursue stable career opportunities in Australian market.

Cyber Security Lead

Cyber security lead jobs in Australia are crucial for protecting organizations from growing digital threats and ensuring the security of sensitive information. As leaders in the cybersecurity field, these professionals are responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of robust security strategies, managing teams of cyber security specialists, and responding to potential breaches or vulnerabilities in systems. They work across various industries, including finance, government, healthcare, and technology. Typically, the role requires extensive experience in cyber security, advanced technical skills and knowledge of Australian regulatory standards related to data protection and privacy. With the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks, the demand for cyber security leads is soaring in the country.

Australia comprises a wide variety of biogeographic regions. It is the world's smallest continent and the sixth-largest country in the world. The population of Australia is concentrated along the eastern and south-eastern coasts. The geography of the continent is extremely diverse, ranging from the snow-capped mountains of the Australian Alps and Tasmania to large deserts, tropical and temperate forests, grasslands, heathlands and woodlands.

On the northern side lie Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea; the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the French dependency of New Caledonia to the east; and New Zealand to the southeast.

The Australian continental landmass consists of six distinct divisions:

  • The Eastern Highlands - including the Great Dividing Range, the fertile Brigalow Belt strip of grassland behind the east coast, and the Eastern Uplands.
  • The Eastern alluvial Plains and Lowlands - the Murray Darling basin covers the southern part; also includes parts of the Lake Eyre Basin and extends to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
  • The South Australian Highlands - including the Flinders Range, Eyre Peninsula, and Yorke Peninsula.
  • The Western Plateau - including the Nullarbor Plain.
  • The Central Deserts
  • Northern Plateau and Basins - including the Top End

Australia consists of six states, two major mainland territories, and other minor territories. The states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two major mainland territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Western Australia is the largest state, covering just under one third of the Australian landmass, followed by Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales.

Australia also has several minor territories; the federal government administers a separate area within New South Wales, the Jervis Bay Territory, as a naval base and seaport for the national capital. In addition Australia has the following inhabited, external territories: Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and several largely uninhabited external territories: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Coral Sea Islands, and Heard Island and McDonald Islands. Australia also claims a portion of Antarctica as the Australian Antarctic Territory, although this claim is not widely recognized.

Sydney Opera House Sydney

The site is a historic place with iconic architecture that hosts a variety of performances from opera to comedy, accompanied by informative backstage tours revealing its vibrant cultural narrative.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

If you are of type, preferring tranquility with wonders, you shouldn’t miss Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. It is home to amazing range of flora and fauna, serene lakes and paths for strolling in leisure.

South Bank Parklands Queensland

It is a lavishing cultural destination offering free swimming facilities, walking tracks and licensed picnic areas. Popular for the event River Quay, it features variety of cuisines, and scheduled cultural events.

Mount Field National Park Tasmania

Also known as ‘The park for all seasons’, Mount Field has some of the world’s tallest eucalypt forests and a unique array of alpine vegetation. You can enjoy spectacular glaciated landscapes with cascading waterfalls, and even three-tiered Russell Falls.

Rottnest Island Western Australia

Rottnest Island boasts 63 beaches and 20 bays. It can be a paradise if you are a beach lover. You can enjoy diving, swimming, surfing in the clear blue water and relax in pure white sand beaches. Pristine beaches, aquamarine bays, bike tracks and walking trails attract thousands of visitors every month.

Outback Odyssey South Australia

If you enjoy bike rides, this shall be the perfect choice for your visit in Australia. The Outback Odyssey is a multi-day bike ride route across the Flinders Ranges, crossing amazing landscapes of Australia.

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