Top 10 FAQs: Studying in Australia

With over 1,100 education institutes and 22,000 programs, Australia offers a diverse choice of educational institutes to international students. Australia's universities and colleges have received great marks for student satisfaction, job opportunities, and living standards. Students can pursue bachelor's degrees, postgraduate programs, certificates, doctoral programs, and so on.  Studying in Australia can be incredibly helpful for your future employment opportunities. The country is well-known not only for its natural beauty and beaches but also for its excellent education system and universities and colleges.

Top FAQs Studying in Australia

How much money is required to study in Australia?

Australia is considered an affordable education destination when compared to other countries, due to its lower cost of living and tuition fees. When considering the cost of studying in Australia, tuition fees play a crucial role and vary depending on the university and chosen course. Here is a summary of the study costs: 

Study Level	Approximate Fees (in AUD)
English Language Studies	400$(22,411 INR)/week (varies according to the duration of the course)
Vocational Education and Training Certificates	22000$(1232640 INR) per annum
Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree	35000$(1961018 INR) annually
Postgraduate Master’s Degree	42000$(2353222 INR) annually
Doctoral Degree	42000$(2353222 INR) annually with 100% scholarships available

* The figures provided are only estimates and are subject to change.

Living Costs

Australia is among the world's leading countries in terms of education, GDP, and purchasing power parity. It boasts a high standard of living, with its residents benefiting from robust healthcare infrastructure, a politically stable economy, and a strong emphasis on health consciousness. Following is the approximation of living costs in Australia for international students:

Monthly Expenses	In AUD Approximate	In INR Approximate
Rentals (On-Campus Accommodation)	860	48,500
Transportation Pass	210	11,850
Basic Amenities*	800	28,150
Entertainment	300	16,900
Estimated Total Monthly Expense	2,170	105,200

*Basic Amenities conclude with grocery/food bills.

* The given figures are approximate ideas and can fluctuate.

How much gap is acceptable for study in Australia?

In Australia, universities typically have specific criteria for admitting students, including considerations for gap years. While the acceptability of a gap year may vary among Australian universities, there are general guidelines that can be followed. It is important to note that most universities generally accept study gaps of 1-2 years after 12th. However, if you have a longer gap of 3-4 years, you may be required to provide justification. The acceptability also depends on whether you plan to enrol in a postgraduate or undergraduate course. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate why you took the gap year. If the purpose of your gap year was employment, you may be asked to provide salary slips and employment documents. 

If it was due to medical reasons, documentary evidence will be required. As a general rule, 1-2 gap years are commonly accepted.

 How to study in Australia?

The education system in Australia encompasses primary, secondary, and tertiary education, and it is characterized by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national policy that establishes the relationship between different qualifications at each level of education, ensuring consistency and comparability across the country.

Step 1: Research

Consider your preferred field of study, the educational institution you aspire to join, and the city that aligns with your lifestyle and financial means. Familiarize yourself with the subject areas that captivate you the most. It could be helpful to review course descriptions, university evaluations, and the locations of various institutions. Begin by creating a Wishlist of your preferences and gradually refine your choices.

Step 2: Seek Advice from a Pyramid Counsellor

Make an appointment with a Pyramid counselor when you're ready. Our counselors are approachable and have a plethora of first-hand professional advice and personal knowledge from various study destinations across the world. Bring your wish list and course selections to your consultation as a starting point. Your counselor will work with you to iron out all of the kinks to guarantee the best possible fit between you, your future university, and your field of study.

Step 3: Make your Application

It is time to apply after you have decided on a course and a university, college, or school. Your Pyramid counselor will provide assistance with your applications. We take our job seriously and adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards. Your counselor will contact your preferred university, college, or institution to ensure that they support your application and increase your chances of acceptance. If you need to take an English test to qualify for your course, don't expect to pass without preparation. A test like IELTS requires solid grammar and spelling, as well as a diverse vocabulary. Even the best English speakers can develop bad habits, so keep practicing these skills.

Step 4: Accept the Offer

Your application will be evaluated once it is received by the university or school, and you will be notified of the outcome. Your application may take a few weeks (or more for postgraduate courses) to be processed. If your application is approved, you will be sent a letter of offer and an acceptance form. Before you accept your offer, your counselor will go through it with you and check for any conditions that may apply. If you get accepted for more than one course or school, we will help you choose the best option for you. It's normal to be anxious as you await the results of your course applications. We want you to inform us if you are worried. This is quite normal, and we can help you feel more at ease. 

Step 5: Practise your English Skills

It's always a good idea for you to brush up on your English skills so you can understand what your professors are saying, especially if English isn't your first language. Try watching TV news and discussion shows, reading books, or listening to podcasts with more formal English. Have some fun learning Australian slang. Australians, for example, have a wide variety of words (and accents) despite the fact that they all speak English.

Step 6: Apply for a Study Visa

It's time to apply for your student visa now that you've been accepted. Pyramid can give you some information to assist you in navigating this procedure with the authorized migration departments.

How can I get a scholarship to study in Australia?

Scholarships can make an adequate education more accessible and inexpensive. There are numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries available to international students who wish to study in Australia. International students are financially assisted by the Australian government, corporations, universities, and some private organizations. Scholarships are available in Australia on the basis of merit, need, student-specific, or course-specific grants. The amount of the Australian scholarship varies according to the student's profile, ranging from $2000 to 100% of the tuition fee. Doctoral degrees are often completely supported in the country. We have listed a few scholarships below that are specifically for those who want to study in Australia. This is by no means an entire list; there are numerous other scholarships available. 

Some of the famous scholarships provided in Australia are listed below:

•  Australia-India Strategic Research Fund
• Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) for master's, bachelor's, and doctoral courses.
•  Australia International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)
•  International PG Research Scholarship Award
• Endeavour PG Scholarship Award
•  Indo-Australia S&T Visiting Fellowship Programme

What to pack when studying abroad in Australia?

Organizing your packing will save you a lot of hassle when you arrive in your new country. It's also a good idea to know what you'll need to carry from home and what you'll be able to buy in your new city. Let's go over this checklist before you even bring out the suitcase. Before you leave, do the following preparations:

• Save copies of documents, photographs, and music to the cloud.
• Save critical contact information and contact data in a Google document.
• Understand your flight's limits, entertainment, and food.
• Make arrangements for airport pickup when your flight arrives.
• If you bring a phone, download an app that allows you to contact relatives and friends who have Wi-Fi access.
• Add something to identify your luggage.
• Bring hand luggage that may be utilized for day trips as well as everyday use.

How to get PR in Australia after studying?

A permanent resident is someone who has moved to Australia but has not yet been awarded citizenship. The following are the most important aspects of obtaining permanent residency:

• Holders of a permanent residency permit are free to study, work, and live in the country.
• Permanent residents also have access to 'Medicare,' the Australian government's national healthcare plan.
• Permanent residents, on the other hand, are not eligible to participate in the Higher Education Loan Program, which allows Australian citizens to postpone the expense of their higher education tuition costs.

Many international students in Australia hope to obtain permanent residency once they have completed their studies. To do so, you must apply for a visa through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection's SkillSelect program. It is an online platform where potential applicants can submit their considerations for a skilled visa via an EOI, or Expression of Interest. The following conditions must be met in order to submit an EOI:

• The portal requires personal information.
• A job that has been nominated
• Work experience and educational information
• Information on their proficiency in the English language
• Details of the nominated occupation's skill evaluation
• Data on business and investing experience
• The age range is from 16 to 45

 Which are the best cities to study in Australia?

Australia is one of the most popular foreign student destinations in the English-speaking world. The country is well known for its first-rate infrastructure, high-quality medical and healthcare facilities, cutting-edge transportation, and fairly priced housing. Seven Australian cities are placed among the top 100 best student cities in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023. Here are the top seven cities in Australia for international students to study.

• Melbourne: An appealing study abroad option for international students, with cultural diversity and a tranquil environment. It is the home of the University of Melbourne, which is ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
• Sydney: It remains a popular alternative because it is a hub of international companies with numerous opportunities for employment. It is well-known for combining the modern characteristics of a big city with natural beauty.
• Brisbane: Famous for its beautiful scenery, outdoor lifestyle, multicultural society, and best quality education at affordable pricing, it is one of the top 30 best student cities in the world. 
• Adelaide: a city with stunning natural beauty and home to major universities such as the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide, and Flinders University.
• Perth: One of the top cities in the world, featuring three universities on the QS World University Rankings List. It has much to offer students.
• Canberra: The Australian National University is located in Canberra, Australia's capital city. It boasts a big number of international students from many nations.
• Gold Coast: Is the most affordable city in Australia, with stunning scenery and the top educational institutions.

What are the requirements for studying in Australia?

Here's a summary of everything you need when applying for an international student visa:

Letter of Offer

If your application is accepted, you will get a Letter of Offer from your preferred educational institution.

• Before accepting the Letter of Offer, thoroughly read it. It will include information about your course, enrollment requirements, and the fees you will be required to pay if you accept the offer.
• Make sure you understand all of your rights, including refund provisions; if you do not begin or complete your course, the agreement will be utilized to determine whether or not you will receive a refund.
• Accept the Letter of Offer only if you agree with all of its terms.
• Maintain a copy of the Letter of Offer. You will need this copy to understand your rights and to file a lawsuit against the institution.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document issued by your educational institution that confirms your enrollment in a certain program. You will receive the CoE once you have accepted your offer and paid your deposit. You must attach a copy of this document with your visa application so that the Australian government knows you are enrolled in your declared course.

English Proficiency Proof

Because Australian educational courses are taught in English, if you are not a natural English speaker, you must provide a certificate of results from an approved English language test. This certificate will demonstrate to the Australian Government that you have the necessary English proficiency levels to succeed in your chosen degree. There are just a few tests that will be recognized by the Australian government, but they are all easily available from anywhere in the world. Minimum requirements vary by education level, and universities may set these requirements higher for specific courses. For more details, please refer to the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and review the English language requirements on the school provider's site.

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

You must write a statement that addresses two criteria to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.

1) That you are traveling to Australia solely to study and for no other reason.

2) That you will only be in Australia for a short time (and will not be overstaying your visa).

Incorporate details about your connections back home (like friends, family, or employment commitments) and emphasize the significance of the chosen course in relation to your future career goals or academic ambitions within your statement. By submitting these details, you will be able to demonstrate both your intent to return home at the end of your visa and your genuine intent to study in Australia.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

To obtain an Australian student visa, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. There are two ways to achieve this requirement:

Provide bank statements as well as proof of grants or scholarships. This will demonstrate that you have enough money to cover all your course costs and expenses, such as travel, course fees, and rent. Provide proof of your parent's or partner's yearly income, which must be approximately AUD62,222 in the year preceding your application. If you bring family members, you must have an annual income of at least AUD72,592.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia as an international student for the duration of your stay. Your student visa application will be refused if you do not provide proof that you have purchased this insurance.

OSHC will assist you in the following ways:

• While studying in Australia, pay for medical or hospital care.
• Most prescription medications are covered.
• In case of an emergency, provide you with ambulance coverage.

Health Requirement

Before visiting Australia, all international students must be in excellent health, according to the Australian government. As a result, you may be required to have a health checkup and present a medical certificate indicating that you meet these health standards.

Character Requirement

If you wish to study in Australia, you must also meet specific character requirements. You'll need to answer some basic questions about your character and past behavior in your application. You may even be required to provide a police background check in some cases.

Can I study in Australia without IELTS?

Without an IELTS score, international students applying to Australian universities and colleges face significant challenges. There are, however, options for students who completed their education in nations whose certificates are accepted by the Australian education system. Top Australian institutions admit applicants who meet certain criteria. You can study in Australia without taking IELTS if you meet the following criteria:

• Select one of the particular English language courses for overseas students available to help them improve their language skills.
• Several colleges in Australia offer an International Baccalaureate Program that exempts international students from submitting IELTS scores. It is a two-year diploma program.
• Instead of an IELTS score, several Australian universities accept evidence of work experience in an English-speaking organization for a minimum of 5 years.
• Some top Australian universities offer pathway programs that allow straight access to the degree applied for without the need for IELTS.
• In addition to IELTS, other language competence examinations such as TOEFL, CAE, CPE, PTE, and OET are allowed.
• Have completed senior secondary education from recognized English-speaking nations or institutions, studied for at least one year in a recognized institution, or have evidence of solid English skills from a paid or part-time professional environment for at least three years.

How to apply for student visa in Australia?

Student visa (subclass 500): A student subclass 500 visa, which went into effect on July 1, 2016, allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your study program, which is usually up to five years and is determined by your enrolment date. To guarantee a smooth stay, make sure your visa is still valid and that you follow the Australian student visa restrictions listed on your student visa. 

The Subclass 500 Visa's Scope:

• You can enroll in the university and study program of your choice.
• You may travel to Australia with family members.
• Dependents can apply for a dependant visa to travel with the primary applicant.
• All students have simple and streamlined visa procedures.
• You can apply online from anywhere in the world, including Australia.

Requirement for an Australia student visa: 

When applying for an Australian student visa to study in Australia, you will usually need the following documents: 

• Proof of enrollment (your eCOE, or electronic confirmation of enrollment)
• A current passport
• The visa application fee
• Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) declaration 
• Documents pertaining to academics and job experience 
• Evidence of your English competence (for example, IELTS test results) 
• Evidence of financial capability (tuition, housing expenses, dependent expenditures, return airfare)
• Details of your health insurance policy (OSHC)
• Passport-sized photographs

If you are under the age of 18, you will be required to produce extra documentation, such as parental approval.

How can Pyramid assist you with your visa applications to Australia?

If you are a Pyramid student, we can guide you through the full procedure. We'll keep you up to date on the most recent visa criteria and circumstances, as well as assist you in preparing the necessary documentation for your student visa. Pyramid eServices stands out as the top choice for  seeking assistance with study abroad visas. With a dedicated focus on facilitating a seamless and successful journey to Canada, we provide unwavering guidance throughout the entire process. You might be the next success story, and we invite you to reach out to us at 92563-92563 to begin your transformative educational journey abroad.

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