Tips for International Students Studying in Australia 2020 See Latest Update.
Tips for International Students Studying in Australia: If you have thought about studying in Australia, then it is obvious you have a good taste for good study location and have certainly stumbled on the right article.
This article will keep you informed on everything you need to know about your desired study location as an international student willing to explore just more than your domestic country of residence.
Tips are often sorted for as they serve most times as guidelines to go about doing something or getting indulged in one thing or the other.
These tips could be most often to your advantage and as such, this article will be providing you tips on how to study abroad in Australia as an international student planning to leave your home country
1. Who They Are
Australians are described as laid-back, friendly, willing to help, outdoorsy, healthy, active, adventurous- just to name a few. They have been known to embrace Americans and welcome them into their country, which creates the perfect opportunity to make local friends.
Known for being socially liberal, Australia has been compared to California in the way that there are always healthy and organic options, the streets are clean, and everyone is generally looking to have a good time.
It is an active sociable culture with a big drinking and sports scene, similar to America, with and rugby running the gamut.
Australia is a place unlike any other, where beaches, the Outbacks, vibrant cities, and a flourishing art scene collide to make up a colorful and constantly moving world of its own.
2. Top-Notch Schools
You’re studying abroad, first and foremost, to expand your horizons and learn, so it helps that out of the top 100 universities in the world, eight of them are Australian universities.
Australia has some of the best academic institutions around, with stunning campuses and competitive programs that can really set you ahead in your education and career goals.
Studying in Australia is especially a good idea for students interested in research since Australian universities are known globally for their extensive research programs.
3. Admissions
Like Australian students, you have the option to start university in the first semester (March-June) or the second semester (July-October).
If you want to start in the first semester, your application must reach the university by December at the latest. Most domestic students will get their application in much earlier, and it is often a good idea to do so since universities can return with a decision just weeks later.
The latest deadline to start in the second semester is in May, but again, it would be wise not to wait that late.
In addition to completing an application form online, by mail or in person, you will also have to pay a one-time application fee, and in most circumstances provide the results of an English as a second language test, such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test System (IELTS).
4. Funding
To study an undergraduate degree, you’re looking at tuition fees between A$15,000 (£8,400) and A$33,000 (£18,400) per year. But you won’t necessarily have to pay this all on your own. There are a number of Australian government scholarships and funding opportunities directly from the universities that can help you to meet the costs.
In particular, the Australia Awards scholarships are available only to international students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific. The closing dates for applications are mostly in April, but this differs for different countries.
A handy search tool for all scholarships available for international students who meet different criteria is managed by the Australian government on their website.
5. Visa
In almost all cases, you’ll need to apply for a (subclass 500) for the duration of your full-time studies, except for research-driven postgraduate study.
You can only apply when you have accepted a place to study at a specific university in Australia, as you will need an offer letter or enrolment letter with your application. In addition to online or paper forms, you will also need to demonstrate that you have funding (personal or scholarship) for your stay, and you may need a health examination.
Just as with the university application, you must also provide an English as a second language test result, and your past academic record.
6. Cost of a Sponsored Program
To give you an idea of a typical semester-long sponsored study-abroad opportunity in Australia, we’ve chosen as an example of the program at the University of Melbourne offered by The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University.
With a vast number of courses to choose from – 400 subjects in the arts faculty alone – participants in the 2015 spring semester paid $25,500 for tuition and shared accommodations. Additional expenses – including books, meals, local travel, excursions, etc. – are estimated at $6,650.
7. Beaches, Jungles, and Deserts.
oh my! Australia undeniably has some of the most beautiful and diverse natural wonders in the world. From its sweeping white beaches to the Outback, to the lush forests, Australia is home to beautiful nature and exotic wildlife.
Even if you’re not much of an outdoor explorer, studying abroad in Australia offers incredible opportunities for students to explore brand new landscapes that they’ve never seen before. Besides, who doesn’t want to meet a kangaroo, koala, or a quokka? (Just be sure to avoid the sea crocodiles).
8. Multiculturalism.
Believe it or not, Australia has an incredibly diverse population of immigrants from all over the world. This cultural diversity not only provides delicious food that ranges from ramen to ravioli, but it also means you can learn from your fellow students, neighbors, and native Australians about different traditions, religions, political views, and lifestyles. When studying in Australia, you will expand your worldview and make friends from all around the globe.
9. Lifestyle
There’s a reason why it’s so popular to study in Australia – the country is known for its fun-loving, laid back lifestyle that encourages fun in the sun just as much as hard work.
Australians are all about that work-life balance, from school to your future days in the office, and this kind of mentality promotes a very healthy lifestyle.
Students can prioritize their studies and make time to explore the country of Australia. Don’t forget to get involved on campus and make time to get to know your university and its students as well!
10. Finding Study Abroad Programs—Talk to the Professionals
On the world’s largest island/smallest continent, there is study abroad programs a’ plenty! Whether you’re looking to strut your stuff in Sydney or make your mark on Melbourne, there’s a program for you.
Talk to your study abroad office to see what they would recommend, then take your search online. If you’re still trying to figure out what program to study in Australia with, you can use MyGoAbroadtool to compare programs side-by-side!
Having issues narrowing it down? Don’t forget—you can always reach out to the experts themselves. Start with an online advisor! Don’t hold back!
When you’ve finally arrived at your chosen city in the vast country of Australia, be sure to jump in headfirst and take advantage of all that your city and the surrounding areas have to offer!
11. Research, Research, Research
In case we haven’t said it enough: Australia is a huge country, and each city and area is very different from the next. If you’re looking for sunshine, beaches, and a laid back attitude, you might want to study in Perth.
If you’re hoping for a multicultural urban feel with a seaside view, Sydney might be up your alley. Or if you’re into artsy coffee shops and an underground music scene, Melbourne is probably more your style.
Before you study in Australia and choose your study abroad program, be sure to do plenty of research on where you’ll be living and if it will be a good fit for you, so that you can make the most out of your time abroad!
12. Practice Your “Good on ya”’s
Be sure to learn the local language! Yes, if you’re a native English-speaker, you’ll be able to navigate your way through Australia with pretty much no trouble, but it never hurts to learn a few slang words before you go! How else will you know how to respond when your new classmate asks you what’s the John Dory?
13. Be Prepared!
Remember that if you live north of the Equator, the seasons will be flipped when you arrived in Australia. So don’t book a semester in Australia in August and expect summer weather! And speaking of which—Australia is equal parts sunshine and storms, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and your wellies
! And, and, and, don’t forget to study up on what not to do in Australia before boarding that plane. You don’t want to look a fool in front of your new friends—or, heaven forbid, the koalas.
14. Teaching Style
In Australia, a student’s academic schedule fluctuates between lectures, tutorials (small group sessions), laboratory work, seminars, and library study.
You may find that you have fewer class hours than in the U.S. but you are expected to do a lot more private study and spend much more time in the library. The core material of the subject is nearly always given in lectures. In popular subjects, a hundred or more students may attend a lecture.
15. Assessment (Grading)
For your class grade, you may be expected to concentrate your academic efforts in library research and writing. It is not uncommon to have a large percentage of your grade based upon only one or two exams. The tutorials may require you to prepare material, present a paper, read articles or participate in group discussions.
Though many subjects are assessed by written assignments only (essays, papers, presentations), some also require you to pass final exams. Exams can last up to three hours in length.
16. Course Load & Credits
You will take 3 to 5 classes per semester. The number of credits you register for must be above the minimum required to maintain your student visa status (full-time student).
The number required at your university will be discussed at the overseas orientation. Dropping below this number will put you in violation of your visa status and may result in your deportation.
17. Housing (“Accommodation”)
If you participate in a DU Partner Program, DU will help you secure your accommodation. In addition, DU will charge you the DU Study Abroad Housing fee and in turn, pay for your rent abroad. You must live in DU-arranged student housing during your program.
Please note that, in most cases, students are responsible for paying for their refundable security/damage deposit directly to their housing in Australia.
18. Fitness Center Membership
The Australian government heavily subsidizes university education for its citizens. This means that some on-campus facilities, such as the fitness center, charge for student usage.
Therefore, when budgeting for study abroad, consider whether you plan to use the fitness center. You can generally find usage rates on the overseas university’s website by searching for “sport” or “fitness.”
19. Religion
As one of the most multicultural countries in the world, Australia is accepting of all religions, and your right to practice your faith without persecution or discrimination is protected by law.
To find out where you can practice your faith in your community and/or on your campus, talk to the Australian University’s international office or the University’s chaplain.
20. Mandatory Australian Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
DU has purchased mandatory Australian health insurance for you called Overseas Student Health Cover. The OSHC helps you pay for any medical and/or hospital care you may need while in Australia and most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transportation.
The OSHC also entitles you to use the on-campus health facilities at your university and other general practitioners. Each of the Australian universities uses different OSHC providers; the specific information is provided with the Offer of Admission to the program.
The OSHC does not begin until you arrive in Australia and does not apply to travel outside of Australia.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
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