About Australia

Australia is a country like no other. An island continent almost as large as the continental United States, with a population of just 20 million, or roughly that of New York State. A vast, ancient and breathtakingly beautiful land that is as unique as it is wonderful.

It is hard to imagine a land that is so big, so diverse, yet for most part, so empty. Imagine that the United States, from Boston to Washington, D.C., and then over to Los Angeles, with only the least populated sections of the American West in between. Imagine a country with no Midwest. Imagine driving for hours and even days without seeing a town, a person or sometimes even a tree – only the red-ochre earth of the Australian outback.

Yet Australia is a land of contradictions. Despite our small population, we are one of the most urbanized nations on earth, with some 70 percent of the population living in the 10 largest centers, and some 40 percent of the population living in just two cities, Sydney and Melbourne.

Civilizations such as the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians wrote of a great land to the south and century’s later Japanese, Indonesian, Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish mariners probably sighted the continent. However, the first recorded sighting of Australia was made by the Dutch in 1606. Subsequent explorers described the land as a wild, inhospitable country. More than a century and a half later, after Britain lost her American Territories in the War of Independence, interest in Australia was aroused. British jails were overflowing and the option of transporting prisoners to colonial America was permanently closed.

In 1788, Australia was established as a British penal colony. From this inauspicious start, Australia has prospered into a sophisticated, modern, English-speaking nation which can no longer define itself culturally or ethnically as simply white Anglo-Saxon. Australia is now a multi-cultural society that has a culture and national identity that are constantly evolving.

Since 1945, the end of World War II, immigration has had a big impact on the face of Australia, with more than 4.2 million people emigrating from some 120 countries. In the immediate post-war period most immigrants were Europeans, many of Mediterranean descent, who brought with them foods, sports, arts and values that enriched our cultural landscape.

More recently Australia has changed its focus towards neighboring Asia, the fastest growing economic region in the world. Immigration from Asia, particularly since the 1970’s, has been strong and a large percentage of Australians are now of Asian descent. Strategically placed on the doorstep of the Asia-Pacific, Australia and its Asian neighbors are partners in business and trade, education and travel.

In our modern, sophisticated cities you will find an abundance of international standard sporting facilities, restaurants, nightclubs and a rich cultural life. You’ll also find McDonald’s, Nike, and many other things that will remind you of home. But the real spirit of Australia can be found in the legendary Aussie pubs, Australian rules football, snags on the “barbie” – the outdoor grill, not the doll – lamingtons (chocolate-coconut cakes), Anzac biscuits (oatmeal cookies) and friendly, hospitable people with a great sense of humor.

Australians are generally creative people. In scientific and humanities research and in the arts we continue to make major international contributions. Our music, films and literature are enjoyed internationally. Bands such as INXS, Silverchair, Midnight Oil, actors such as Nicole Kidman, Heath Ledger and Mel Gibson, to name only a few, take our talent to the world. From the palette of bustling cities to the rich red-ochre of desert sands….the brilliant blues of clear sea and sky to the jewel-like fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef…the lush greens of tropical rain forests to long stretches of golden sands and crisp, clean snowy mountain peaks…

Multiculturalism

The British influence originating in Australia’s colonial origins has evolved over two centuries into a dynamic multiculturalism with invaluable contributions from migrants from all parts of the world. Almost a quarter of today’s 18 million Australians were born in another country. There are nearly one million Asian-born Australians. About 2 per cent are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. More than 100 different ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia one of the most ethnically diversified countries in the world.

Climate

Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics and the rest is in the temperate zone. The highlands and tablelands of Tasmania and the south eastern corner of the mainland are the coldest areas. Summer is from December to February; autumn from March to May; winter from June to August; and spring from September to November.

Language

Although English is the official language, a host of other languages are spoken in Australia.

Religion

Australia is predominantly a Christian country, however, all religions are represented in the community. Devotees will find churches, mosques, temples and synagogues located in most major cities.

Culture

Australia is rich in the arts. There are eight professional orchestras and a national opera company. Within Australia there are more than 1000 museums preserving and displaying Australia’s diverse cultural heritage. Australian films are winning international acclaim and many Australian film directors, actors and technicians have been acclaimed in Hollywood at the highest level. Australian authors have received international recognition particularly with the Booker Prize, won twice by Australians and with Patrick White winning the Nobel Prize for literature. Novelists, dramatists and poets are internationally accepted by their peers as having made a substantial contribution to world literature. Australians traditionally have provided strong support for theatre, from regional amateur troupes to polished professional companies. In music, Australia has developed a fertile environment that supports a great range of musical tastes ranging from the most avant-garde experimental to folk, from the youthful sounds of chart-busting pop to the unique music of the Aboriginal people. Painting in Australia has a history that can not only be traced back over forty thousand years of Aboriginal culture but also is represented in the major museums and galleries of modern and avant-garde art, worldwide.

Sports and Recreation

Australians are very keen on sport and outdoor activities. Australia has more than 120 national sporting organisations and thousands of state, regional and club bodies. It is estimated that 6.5 million people, about a third of the population, are registered sports participants. While there are over 120 sporting organisations, Australians also take part in bushwalking, fishing, boating and water sports. Australia has a world wide reputation for sports and outdoor activities. This is endorsed by the Olympic Committee’s selection of Sydney to host the Olympic Games in the year 2000.

Electricity

The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. The Australian three pin plug is extremely safe. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas that operates on a different voltage.

Transport

Australia has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines. Metropolitan areas are divided into zones and your ticket type and cost depends on which zone you are going to travel in and for how long. Tickets can be bought at train stations, on buses and trams and at newsagencies. Tourist students may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers licence but if the document is not in the English language the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An international driving licence is not sufficient by itself. Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, main hotels or shopping centres or you can hail taxis in the street. A light and sign on the roof indicates if a cab is vacant. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometre travelled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.

Australian Education System

Type of Institutes

1. Primary and secondary schools: This is equivalent to 10+2 education in India. Certification at the end of schooling is by continous assessment within the schools or by a combination of internal assessment and public examinations.These procedures form the basis for qualification for entry to universities or other tertiary institutions.

2. Foundation Studies: Foundation studies give international students the knowledge and skills for a smooth transition from learning in their home country to undergraduate studies in Australian universities. Foundation Studies are usually one year in duration and students are assessed and examined by their lecturers. Foundation studies are divided into various streams like arts and science studies. The common feature of foundation studies is that a university allocates a provisional place in an undergraduate course for a student who achieves the prescribed grades.

3. English Language Schools (ELICOS): These are specifically for people who come to Australia to study English either for educational purposes or for other reasons. The Australian system of English language training is known as English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). There are a range of courses including General English; English for Special Purposes; Vacation Courses; and Examination Preparation. The starting dates of courses are fairly frequent and they generally run from 4 to 10 weeks. Many universities and TAFE institutes have ELICOS centres attached to their campuses.

4. Vocational Education and Training Institutes: Vocational education and training (VET) gives students practical skills for their careers. The VET sector is divided into two sections: a nationally recognised government system of Technical and Further Education (TAFE); and private providers. TAFE is the largest provider of tertiary education courses in Australia with about 250 institutes and over a million students including about 41,000 international students. The awards in VET sector are: certificates, advanced certificates, associate diplomas, diplomas. Studying at TAFE level is also a way of gaining entry – termed a pathway – to Australia’s universities. Most TAFE institutes have arrangements with specific universities, enabling students to gain credit for a portion of their study undertaken at TAFE. The VET courses include computing, design, pilot training, business managemnet, hospitality and tourism and many other courses

5. Universities (higher education): There are 37 public universities and two private universities in Australia which offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The most popular courses of study for international students have been in the fields of Business, Administration and Economics, followed by Science, then Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. University study can lead to the following awards: Undergraduate – Bachelor Degrees, Bachelor Degrees (with Honours), Undergraduate Diplomas, Associate Diplomas; Postgraduate – Doctoral Degrees, Masters Degrees, Graduate Diplomas, Graduate Certificates.

International Student Issues

Undergraduate (Bachelor Level)

1. Australian Year 12 Qualification and Equivalents (12 years of schooling)
The Australian education system is based upon 13 years of school level education (i.e. primary plus secondary). Each state in Australia has its own secondary school certificate. While these certificates have different names, they all require an equivalent standard of education and can be referred to generally as Australian Year 12 qualifications. All Australian universities recognize the various Year 12 qualifications from different states. The universities also recognize a wide range of secondary school certificates from other countries as being equivalent to the Australian Year 12 qualifications. Specifically, successful completion of class 10+2 from India.

2. Pre-requisite Subjects
Some courses specify ‘pre-requisite subjects’. This means that students must have passed this subject as part of their entry qualification; this is because the first year subjects of the course assume that students have a good basic knowledge of this subject at Australian Year 12 level. Pre-requisite subjects vary from course to course. For instance, a Bachelor of Arts degree might have no pre-requisite; a Bachelor of Commerce might require general Mathematics and Bachelor of Engineering may require advanced Mathematics/Calculus. Some courses, especially in art and design, also require students to submit folios of their work with their applications.

Post Graduate (Master’s & Doctorate level)

Masters degree and Graduate diploma
Most Australian universities accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into postgraduate courses. However, entry to postgraduate programs is competitive and often complex. For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.

PhD and Postgraduate diploma:
For Postgraduate diploma, the student should have a recognized master degree in an appropriate field. For PhD, though each application is assessed on individual basis, a good master degree is essential.

Working in Australia

International students at the higher education level can work on a casual basis (upto 20 hours a week) during course time and full time during vacation periods, provided this does not interfere with their study program. Universities and TAFE institutions have a Careers Office, which regularly posts employment vacancies. Before gaining paid part-time employment, you must lodge an application for a ‘student visa with permission to work’ with the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). You can only do this once you have started your course in Australia.

Accommodation
There is a wide range of student accommodation available in Australia. These include university halls of residence, university apartments for post graduate students and privately rented independent housing. Students can also arrange a ‘Homestay’ with a local family or board at many of the private secondary schools. Once you get an admission, the university’s international office would help you find a suitable accommodation. Various options:

1. Homestay or farmstay Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year. Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered. , and the cost will vary accordingly. Homestay is popular with younger students and those studying short term English courses. Farmstay offers the same services in a rural setup. Educational institutions ensure that homestay families are reputable, and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard. This type of accommodation gives international students access to the Australian lifestyle in a natural and friendly way. Students are often treated like members of the family. Approx. Cost : A$ 150 – A$ 200 per week

2. Private Board Private board is similar to homestay. Students negotiate personally with the landlord about the standard of accommodation and meals they require. Approx. Cost : A$ 50 – A$ 150 per week (depending on the services provided)

3. Hostels and Guest Houses Hostels are usually run by organisations such as youth Hostels Australia, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities. Approx. Cost : A$ 80 – A$ 120 per week

4. Share and Rental Accommodation Students often share accommodation with fellow students. They advertise on student notice boards and in the classified section of newspapers. All members of the household are responsible for cooking and cleaning. Students may have to provide their own furniture. Approx. Cost : A$ 70 – A$ 150 per week

5. University Apartments Postgraduate and married students have access to this type of self contained, fully furnished accommodation within the university system. Approx. Cost : A$ 130 – A$ 215 per week

6. University Residential Colleges Residential Colleges provide accommodation with meal. They are slightly more expensive than university Halls of Residence The college undertakes cleaning and household tasks. Sporting and social facilities, tutoring, libraries and generally computer access are also provided. Approx. Cost : A$ 150 – A$ 250 per week

7. Halls of Residence: Halls of residence are located on or near university campuses and are generally cheaper than residential colleges. International students find them an attractive option. Students usually have meals and some cleaning services provided. Only full time students are accepted. Students need to apply early because of the high demand for places. Approx. Cost : A$ 100 – A$ 150 per week

Health Care

It is a requirement of the Australian Government that international students register for the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before coming to Australia. OSHC helps pay for medical and hospital care you may need while in Australia. The OSHC rates for a 12-month stay are $ 274 for a single premium and $ 548 for a family premium. OSHC is available from Medibank Private, Australia’s largest private health insurer, Medibank Private has many business service centres around Australia, which provide fast and convenient service.

Application Procedure for Undergraduate Courses

Application Forms

• Requesting Application Forms via email : You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.

• Downloading from the university website Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.

• Getting applications from University Representatives: You can also get the application forms from many authorized representatives of Australian Universities in your country.

Academic Records

• Standard X Marksheet

• Standard XII Marksheet

• Standard XI Marksheet: Only for those students who are applying for fast track foundation program immediately after completion of Std. XI exam / those who have just completed the standard XII public exam and do not have the marks which will be available only in June.

English Proficiency

IELTS : For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.

TOEFL: This test is conducted by ETS for International students applying to a Universities abroad. This is accepted by most Australian universities

Letter from Institution : Some Universities may waive IELTS/TOEFL if you can get a letter from institution that you have last studied in mentioning that you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.

Important: Please note that IELTS is compulsory for Australian visa for students of many countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Statement of Purpose

The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, also play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. A personal statement should include reasons for choosing this particular course, your area of interest, the suitability of your education and experiential background for this course and your personal and present future goals. For more details on various essay topics, tips, sample essays, check out our Essays/Statement of Purpose section.

Application Procedure for Postgraduate Courses

Application Forms

1. Requesting Application Forms via email : You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.

2. Downloading from the university website : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.

3. Getting applications from University Representatives: You can also get the application forms from many authorized representatives of Australian Universities in your country.

Eligibility

Most Australian universities accept the graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate courses. An Indian bachelor degree like B.A., B.Com. or B.Sc. (ordinary) is equivalent to a Australian Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree. However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to Australian Bachelor (Honours) Degree, which requires either a honours graduation degree like B.A. (H), B.Comm (H) etc or 16 years of formal education, which would mean another year after graduation or a four year degree course like B.E., B.Tech and other such courses. For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential. For more details on a particular course or university, Please write to us at our special Helpline service

Academic Records

• Standard X Marksheet

• Standard XII Marksheet

• Bachelor Degree / Provisional Certificate with marklists

Students applying for admission are required to submit an official transcript from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be enclosed. Please ensure all the copies of these documents are attested.

Standardized Tests

English Proficiency

IELTS : For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.

Standardized Tests

TOEFL: This test is conducted by ETS for International students applying to a Universities abroad. This is accepted by most Australian universities

Standardized Tests

GMAT : For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).

Work History

A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or master’s courses in information studies require at least a couple of years’ work experience. Most Australian universities are pretty strict about this. A detailed Résumé is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held, achievements and range of work.

Letter of Recommendation

Letter of Recommendation Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.

The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.

Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.

Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.

Statement of Purpose

The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, also play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. A personal statement should include reasons for choosing this particular course, your area of interest, the suitability of your education and experiential background for this course and your personal and present future goals.

Research Proposal
In addition to the above requirements, students applying for a postgraduate research program must also submit the following documents:

• Detailed research proposal, Abstracts, research publications etc The admission committe may also require special recommendation letters from professors of the academic institution where you last studied.

Study in Australia: Tuition Fee & Expenses

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

MBA

Annual Living Expenses in Australia – Approx. A $ 12,000 per year

For all the cost data above,
• Fees given are averages
• Living costs include accommodation, Energy bills, food etc.
• Costs are according to 2004 session

Australian Student Visa

(i) Evidence of Enrolment

One of the important requirements for a student visa application is that you must be accepted for enrolment, to undertake a course, by a Government registered Australian education institution. This is verified by the advice of acceptance from the Australian institution (commonly known as Letter of Offer), which is issued to a student who has been offered enrolment in a full-time course. You should not pay any part of the course tuition fee prior to the outcome of the PVA.

(ii) Financial Ability

Sponsor/s will have to provide documentary evidence of having cash assets ( immediately encashable assets like savings and fixed deposits in banks) held for atleast 6 months prior to the pre-visa application date. For school applicants, funds need to be held for 3 months prior to the pre-visa application date.

Who can be a Sponsor?

Sponsor/s can be the applicant, parents, grandparents, or spouse only ( relatives like brother /sister /uncle /aunt /cousin / family friend are not acceptable). School applicants have no restriction on sponsor/s.

How much funds have to be shown?

For Masters and Doctorate Courses
Sponsors must provide evidence of cash assets for the first year tuition fee (as on the letter of offer) and living expenses (assumed at A$ 12000 p.a.) and access to additional funds (from acceptable sources) to meet the cost of the remainder of study and stay in Australia. Commercial loans from Banks and government loans are acceptable. In case the applicant holds a partial scholarship from an Australian institution or an institution in India ( eg. Educational Trusts), funds to cover the remaining costs must be provided as prescribed above. Private corporate sponsorship is acceptable subject to certain conditions. However if the company is a family owned business and if one/both parents are directors/partners, it is treated as a parent sponsor.

Students with Dependants (Spouse/Children)
Costs could be expected to increase by atleast 35% if the student has a spouse, a further 20% (plus A$ 8000 p.a. for school fees if the child is 5 years or older) if the student has one child, a further 15% for each additional child plus school fees. The above amounts apply irrespective of whether they will accompany the applicant. Individual return travel costs need to be taken at A $ 1500 approx.

For Vocational Education and Training (VET), TAFE, Higher Education and School courses
Sponsors must provide evidence of cash assets covering tuition fee and living expenses of the entire duration of the proposed and pre-requisite course (including foundation/ELICOS/Bridging program that precedes the main course).

(iii) English Proficiency

All students have to demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency, measured by an IELTS overall band score of atleast 6.0, except those enrolling for a Diploma course (VET) in which case 5.5 is acceptable. Please note that TOEFL score is not acceptable and IELTS is compulsory even if the student has studied in English medium institutions throughout his/her academic career.

(iv) Potential to breach visa conditions

This is an assessment of an individual’s current circumstances done by the visa officer by reviewing for example, the situation in your home country – your personal and financial commitments that may prompt you to return to your home country.

(v) Other Relevant Matters

These include:
• Immigration links with Australia
• Usefulness of course for career development
• Satisfactory completion of year 12 / relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Strong links have to be established between past academic/work background and study goals.
• Guardianship arrangements (if applicant is under 18 at the time of PVA application)

4. Further Processing

If you are advised that you meet the PVA requirements, you will be asked to undergo further processing. This includes payment of course tuition fee to the Australian educational institution and a medical examination. It is essential that the student and the accompanying dependent(s) meet the Australian Health requirements before a visa may be granted. This involves a medical check and an x-ray for applicants over 16. Applicants will need to present an original valid passport to identify themselves to the Doctor and Radiologist. In some cases medical results will be referred to Australia and as this process takes 3 – 4 weeks, applicants will need to allow additional time. Usually only medicals where the doctor or radiologist has detected an abnormality will be referred to Australia. Applicants need to take into account postage or courier times also.

5. Total processing time

As a general rule, applicants should allow a four (4) to six (6) week timeframe for processing of applications.

6. Health Insurance

It is compulsory for all international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for themselves and their dependents, where applicable, for the duration of the visa. The. premium for. OSHC is only to be paid once the PVA requirements have been met. The current premiums for OSHC are AUD274 for a single person and AIJD54S for a whole family.

7. Re-entry into Australia

All Student Visas have a multiple entry facility for the full period of the visa. Students who plan to travel out of, and return to, Australia at any time during their course are advised to check that their visa is valid for return to Australia

Australian High Commission, Embassy, Counsulate

List of embassies, consulates and Australian high Commission across the world where you can apply for a Australian student visa.

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