So you decided to study in Australia. Congratulations!
Below are some steps on the different processes. In this section you will find:
- How to choose the course and institution
- Requirements and application process
- Obtaining your student visa
- Your arrival in Australia
STEP BY STEP OF THE PROCESS OF ADMISSION & TRAVELLING TO AUSTRALIA
- 1. Course Selection
Choosing the program or course of your preference is a must. This will be a decision that will influence most of your professional life and career. Make sure that the course fulfils your goals and aspirations. Most importantly… do what you like and you will be successful!
- 2. Education Provider
Find where the program is offered – look for the education provider. Some tips are:
- Is it a reputable institution?
- Do they offer programs for international Students? The institution needs to have CRICOS registration
- The particular course that I would like to study, is it CRICOS registered?
Where is the institution located? This will help you choose the city when you will study. Some institutions have various campuses around Australia.
- 3. Course Requirements
Depending on the course and institution there will be requirements that need to be met to apply.To apply for English programs
- General English – no requirements you can start from the beginners level if your English is at an elementary level or if you are at intermediate or advanced level, there will be a placement test at Orientation in order to see what course will suit you.
- Advanced English programs – Each institution has different requirements to access programs such as English for Academic Programs (EAP), IELTS, Cambridge, TOEIC, etc. Do check with the provider.
To apply for Vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Academic requirements: Check with the institution what the academic requirements ie they might need your academic results and the copy of the testamur or diploma that you obtained.
- English proficiency: depending on the course there will be a specific requirements. The general rule is
- Vocational (VET) = 5.0 or 5.5 IELTS or equivalent
- Undergraduate = 6.0, 6.5 or 7.0 IELTS or equivalent
- Postgraduate = 6.5 or 7.0 IELTS or equivalent
- Specialised Skills – if you are going to study music for example, you will need to send a demo or a portfolio to demonstrate your talent of this particular skill.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING (VET)
Academic Requirements:
- Successfully completed a Foundation Course or
- High School Diploma
- Some courses may require a portfolio or demo of your skills in the area of your chosen course
English language requirements
IELTS 5.5 or 6,0 depending on the institution and the programUNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Academic Requirements
- Successfully completed a Foundation Course or
- High School Diploma
- Some universities will require that the student has also successfully finished a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
- Some courses may require a portfolio or demo of your skills in the area of your chosen course
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0, 6.5 or 7.0 depending on the institution and the programPOSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Academic Requirements
- Successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree
- Some courses may require a portfolio or demo of your skills in the area of your chosen course
- Some degrees will also require work experience of at least two years after graduation
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 or 7.0 depending on the institution and the program.Please check with your agent or education provider the specific requirements of the course. - 4. Starting Dates
The majority of universities have intakes both in February and July. You need to find out if your program is available when you are planning to commence.
There are universities that offer three semesters during the year. They commence at different times of the year so you need to check with the institution.
Please note that if you are studying English you need to plan and allow time to do the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or Direct Entry Program (DEP) and then commence in undergraduate or postgraduate program right after completion of this course.
- 5. Admissions Process
Make sure that you apply before the deadline to apply. For example for universities commencing
February, you need to apply in December the previous year
July = you need to apply the latest by May.
Note: Do check with your education provider the application deadline.
- 6. Letter of Offer
Once you have submitted your application, and if you are successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer. You have the choice to accept it or not. Make sure to check the terms and conditions of the offer. This means that if accepted you will be signing an agreement with the university and paying the following items:
- Admission Fee
- First semester’s fees
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – you will pay for the full length of your studies
Some colleges or institutions may charge you for uniforms/text books/equipment that you will use during your studies.
- 7. Budgeting
This is an important part of the process. You really need to make sure that you are in a position to spend the time and money required for the course.
You not only need to budget for your studies but also for the following items:
- Tuition Fees
- Text Books
- Uniforms
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Airfare
- Visa (at this time, do check the visa requirements. If you do not meet these requirements, do not pay for the tuition fees, etc)
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
- Other expenses such as tourism, eating out, contingencies, etc
You must do two budgets:
- An overall for the full program and the duration of studies
A monthly or even a weekly budget to cover your expenses including accommodation, utilities, internet, phone, transport, food, clothing, etc.
- 8. Acceptance of Offer
To accept the Offer Letter, you will need to sign a document called “ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER”. In which you accept the terms and conditions of the education provider. At this time, you will also need to pay for the following items:
- Admission Fee
- First semester’s fees
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – you will pay for the full length of your studies
Some colleges or institutions may charge you for uniforms/text books/equipment that you will use during your studies.
- 9.Confirmation of Enrollment
Once the Acceptance of Offer has been received and the monies for the payment of your course have been received, the education provider will issue a Confirmation of Enrollment (COE).
- 10. Visa Process
Check with your education or migration agent about the visa requirements. Make sure to apply with plenty of time at least 4 or 6 weeks in advance of the commencement of the course. All the Consulates are busy most of the time and your application.
If you are doing the process by yourself, visit this website www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Some tips:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months or one year. If the passport is about to expire, obtain a new one
- Students from certain countries will be required to have the Yellow Fever vaccine. This will need to be applied at least three months before you arrive in Australia.
- You will also need to take medical examinations, find out the closest authorised doctor where you can take this examination. This might incur in an extra expense as you may need to travel to another city in your country.
- Some visas require that you have an IELTS result, make sure to book it in advance as some times the waiting time could be up to three months!
- 11. Getting ready for Australia
When your student visa has been approved, the following steps are to be taken:
- Book the air travel
- Book the airport reception
- Book the accommodation
- Homestay
- Hostel
- Back packers
- University Residence
- Student Residences
- 12. Travelling to Australia
This is a very crucial step in the process.
Make sure you bring strictly what you need: clothes for Summer and Winter, toiletries, shoes and other personal effects. The less you bring the better.
Some tips:
- Always make sure to go the airport with a relative of friend. If you need to take things out of your luggage because of excess weight, you can leave the items with them instead of throwing them out!
- Wear clothing that is comfortable on the plane. Take an extra change of clothes in case you flight is delayed or cancelled.
- Make sure to learn about the Quarantine policy in Australia.
Seek for some counselling or tips to assist you to adapt to your new life as a student in a foreign county. You will miss your family at the beginning and that’s it will be important to start making friends in Australia as soon as you arrive.
Keep emergency contacts in your wallet and your luggage.
- 13. Orientation
This is an important part of your studies. Make sure you attend all the sessions that have been organised by the education provider for you. You deserve a “smooth landing” when you start your program and this is the best way to start your study journey in Australia.