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Things to know before you go to Australia for higher education

According to the 2015 Legatum Prosperity Index, published in November 2015 by the London-based Legatum Institute, Australia was ranked first in the world in terms of education, out of 142 countries. It hosts the eight most sought-after universities of the world. It is also remarkable to note that the Australian tertiary education, comprising numerous vocational colleges and universities, offers more than 22,000 courses to overseas students. If you are amongst the millions of students who aspire to study in Australia, the following are some of the things you should know:

  1. Research:

    The first and foremost step is to carry out a quick research to shortlist the right university/institution and the course you are keen to pursue. Take into consideration the institution rankings, density of international students in that institution, the facilities provided, the faculty, library and other support services at your perusal, and so on. If you are short of time or are not confident enough, you can seek assistance from EATC certified counselors.

  2. Application mode:

    Once you are done with the research part, start your application process at the earliest. It is very crucial to meticulously verify all your supporting documents and get certified copies made before applying.

  3. Offer acceptance:

    Once the offer letter reaches you, which will happen approximately 3 weeks after applying, go through it very carefully before sending your acceptance. Take a close look at each and every information on the letter to ensure their accuracy, be it the course details, tuition fees, or any other such important facts and figures.

  4. Student visa:

    Aspirants of foreign education should be mentally prepared for this step. Though not a tedious process, this is the last step that can make or mar your dreams of getting an Australian degree. The visa officer should get the right impression about you, be in your interests or your post-study plans.

  5. Health insurance:

    If you aspire to study in Australia, you need to have a proper health package called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It has to be maintained from the very beginning till the end of your studies in Australia. Targeted at international students, this health insurance is one of the precautionary measures in terms of medical emergencies. Simply choose the package that best suits your needs.

  6. Financial support:

    The living standards in Australia are pretty high, which means you will have to bear the heavy expenses of not only education, but also housing, food, healthcare, etc. That being said, Australian Universities also provide attractive scholarships which range from partial to full coverage. If you find it difficult to keep track of all the scholarships details and financials by yourself, it is advisable to consult a certified counselor.

  7. Accommodation:

    Once your offer letter and visa has reached you, the next step is to apply for accommodation. Try to find accommodation at on-campus colleges and residences or independent student apartments. Many institutions also lend assistance to their students in terms of accommodation.

  8. Changes in terms of grades:

    Note that the Australian institutions use letters for the assessment of your work; say for example, HD stands for high distinction, D denotes distinction, Cr means credit, P stands for pass and F is equivalent to fail. So, be prepared for this new system! Besides, you also need to build a sense of familiarity with the new study environment.

  9. Part-time work:

    You can work part-time during your breaks if your visa allows. This can go a long way in reducing your expenses. Students are permitted to work part-time for 20 hours a week while studying. The minimum wage is $17.70 per hour. However, do keep in mind that the working policies in Australia undergo regular changes, so you should also update yourself accordingly by checking out the details in the immigration website.

  10. Public transportation:

    Australia has a very well-developed public transport network including buses, trains, light rail, etc. You can expect dependable time-tables from all these diverse options. In fact, you may even get concession fares as a student. Thus, moving around the city is quite a cakewalk- it promises the perfect blend of convenience and economy.

Moving abroad for higher studies is one of the most important decisions of your life. You simply cannot take the plunge without some preliminary preparation. Awareness is the key mantra, which will prepare you for the journey you are soon to undertake!

 

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