Step-by-Step Guide: Planning Your Education Journey to Australia

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This article outlines the process that students can utilize for planning their education from Austrlia as international students. They can take support from Study abroad consultants. Study-abroad consultants provide options for studying and living in Australia. They have up-to date information from may Australian education providers. They can therefore provide accurate information tailored to student’s needs. They can also help with application. 

Let’s begin step-by-step

  • Identify your area of study

  • Students can decide from the 15 areas of study available in Australia. The best way to decide is to speak to a career counselling expert to identify suitable careers and associated areas of study. 
  • Students should search education providers and courses.
  • Students should consider different locations in Australia.
  • Students should prepare an overall budget based on 
    • College application & Visa costs
    • Travel costs
    • Education cost (tuition, learning material, clothing requirements, etc),
    • Living expenses – accommodation, transportation, food and others. 

  • Meet entry requirements

Entry requirements vary for different courses and providers. Please check the entry requirements by visiting the website of specific provider. If further information is needed, contact the provider directly. If English is a 2nd language for the student, generally there is English language requirement for entry into most courses. 

  • For English language courses (ELICOS) – For General English courses, there is no academic requirements. For exam preparation courses (IELTS/CAE), the student shall take an entry test 
  • Vocational Education & Training (VET) – In most cases, there is no entry requirement. However, some courses may have specific subjects or completed work-experience requirements. 
  • Higher education (UG) – Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific prerequisite subjects.
  • Higher education (PG) – Minimum one degree at UG level plus additional requirements mentioned by the provider (for example research ability or work-experience)

To meet the entry requirements for Australian higher education courses, students can consider completing a foundation course. Some providers provide recognition of prior learning in the form of issuing credits or giving exemptions. 

  • Submit college application

Students can complete an application form on the provider’s website directly or may request for an application form by emailing directly to the provider. Education provider’s can take a few weeks to access the application. If the application is successful, a letter of offer or an acceptance form is issued by the provider. 

  • Apply for Visa (TBD)

For the majority of students, student visa (subclass 500) is applicable.

  1. This visa allows one to complete higher education, VET, pathway courses, English courses as well as post-graduate research from Australia. It also allows two or more courses on student visa where there is a clear progression from one course to the other. 
  2. Among other things, visa application requires students to produce a certificate of enrolment (CoE) from a recognized provider. In case of two courses, CoE for both courses shall be required for visa application. Final course shall be considered as the main course. Evidence of finance and English language skill requirements shall depend on this. 
  3. Processing fees is AUD 1600 per Visa application. Processing can take-up to 4 months. Incomplete applications may be refused.
  4. With this Visa, students can work for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. Students who have started a master's degree by research or doctoral degrees have no such restrictions. International students are protected by Australian workplace laws. 
  5. Some visa conditions - Students have an obligation to inform education provider about residential address within 7 days of arriving in Australia. They must meet course requirements, remain enrolled, maintain satisfactory attendance & course progression. They must maintain adequate health insurance during their entire stay. They must not over-stay beyond the visa period. 

  • Prepare for departure

  • Become aware of accommodation options. 

        1. Short-term accommodation – suitable till the students become familiar with the city, meet potential housemates. Education provider can help to find this.
        2. Renting a house or apartment – This can be done privately or through real-estate agents. International students generally share apartments to reduce costs. Renting generally requires security deposit payment. 
        3. Managed student accommodations – These are purpose-built for students, ranging from private studio to shared rooms with communal areas. These are generally situated near education providers, with electricity & internet included in advertised cost. 
        4. University managed accommodation – These are very near to campus and fully furnished. Education provider can provide the details. 
        5. Residential colleges – These are usually located within university campus with managed accommodation and other facilities for enrolled students. 
        6. Homestays – Students can live with local families. Students must ensure that their identified homestay complies with AGSI homestay standards. 
        7. Additionally, there is a requirement to show the minimum amount of money needed for a student visa. Actual cost may vary. 

  • Understand about student support services

        1. Disability support – A disability may include physical, learning, mental, sensory or neurological disability as well as a disease or illness. International students with disabilities have the same legal rights and support services as for local students. Each university of TAFE has a disability advisor. Any current or future student with a disability can request for a private chat. 
        2. Health & Well-being - Every city or town in Australia has a General Practitioner (GP). GP is the first point of contact for students for non-emergency physical or mental healthcare. You can book an appointment on-line or by visiting a medical centre near you. Teleconsultation is suitable for contagious issues. Before making any medical appointment, students must check what their OSHC (Overseas student health cover) covers.
        3. Legal rights and protection – Australian government mandates each education provider to meet registration requirements, be formally accredited and pass strict quality checks. Only CROCOS courses are allowed for student visa. Government appointed Overseas education ombudsman helps students with any issues or complaints against education providers in Australia. 
        4. Emergency support – 0-0-0 is a toll-free number for police, fire and ambulance. Different language support is available. For non-life-threatening situations, police assistance is available on 131444. For serious injury to a friend, students can contact the nearest hospital emergency department. Save 132500 for Weather related emergency, 131136 for poison-information and 180022222 for 24X7 expert health information. 

  • Complete pre departure preparations

        1. Please check what you can bring to Australia, what you can’t and what it is that you need to declare. Get a phone. 
        2. Passport - Check that the passport has 6 months of validity. Make a copy and keep it with your family in your home country. 
        3. Visa - Make sure you have a valid visa for entering and studying in Australia before your departure date. Ensure to have all visa documents (including CoE) with you in the flight. 
        4. Flights - Book flights keeping plenty of time to settle in Australia. Only book a flight once you have been granted a study visa. 
        5. Travel insurance - Consider travel insurance to cover cancellations or medical costs. 
        6. Money - Keep some Australian currency when you onboard the flight. 
        7. Accommodation - Arrange accommodation for your first few nights before you board the flight. Also arrange transport to reach accommodation. 
        8. Clothing - Keep cloths in line with the destination city weather. 

  • Complete post-arrival activities 

    1. Immigration & customs clearance
    2. Post arrival & customs clearance, create your USI (Unique student identifier). Get a prepaid or SIM only plan. 
    3. Bank account - Visit a bank branch to open a bank account. eCOE (electronic confirmation of enrolment), passport copy and address proof in Australia shall be required. 
    4. Get TFN - Get a TFN (Tax File Number) and submit it to the bank to save on taxes. As part of the Visa condition, inform your education provider of your address in Australia within 7 days of arrival. 
    5. Visit Campus - Visit your campus before starting the classes to identify the best route. Utilize orientation week held by your education provider to make friends, meet staff and get to know your campus. 
    6. Transport - Visit the transport system website of your region, become familiar with ticketing systems, pricing, timetables, etc. 

Conclusion

Australian higher education is exciting and rewarding for many Indian students. If they follow the process outlined above, their transition as a well-adjusted international student in Australia shall be very smooth.