A comprehensive guide for Indian Students keen to study in Australia
Whether you aim to advance your studies or pursue a top-notch degree to accelerate your career, Australia provides a myriad of opportunities. Be it Business Administration, engineering, humanities, or an English language course, Australia stands out for its high standard of living, academic brilliance, and robust support system that it has set up for international students.
Australia is highly sought after by Indian students due to its excellent education quality, diverse range of courses, and attractive post-study employment prospects. The reasons to why study in Australia are many. Pursuing higher education in Australia allows students to earn globally recognized degrees, explore numerous scholarship opportunities, and receive education from some of the world's top instructors.
Student Visa criteria for Australia
Australia's student visa requirements hinge on factors such as the level of your chosen course, the nature of your intended studies, and the duration of the program. Regardless of your field of study, selected university, or tuition fees, as an international student, you will need a student (subclass 500) visa.
Implemented on July 1, 2016, the student subclass 500 visa allows you to reside and study in Australia for the duration of your academic program, typically up to five years, aligned with your enrolment date. To ensure a seamless stay, it is imperative to keep your visa valid and adhere to the specified conditions outlined on your student visa. For comprehensive information on this visa type, you can refer to the Australian Government’s website of Department of Home Affairs.
Study cost in Australia
The expense of education in Australia is determined by the chosen qualification and the specific university or school. For example, veterinary and medical degrees incur significantly higher costs compared to other academic programs. Average tuition fees at Australian tertiary institutions are between AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 per year.
Courses in humanities, arts, and education tend to be more affordable, whereas subjects like medicine and engineering often come with higher costs. If pursuing postgraduate studies, tuition fees are generally higher, and the overall expenses of education in Australia can vary based on the chosen program.
Scholarships for International students in Australia
- Australian Government Research and Training Program: Supported by the Australian Government, this initiative covers a student's tuition fees and health insurance for duration of up to 3 years. It provides assistance for both local and International students pursuing Research Master's and Research Doctorate degrees.
- Australia Awards Scholarship: It is a fully-funded program for the International students. This scholarship is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, covers various aspects, including tuition fees, living costs, establishment allowances, airfare, accommodation, and expenses related to books and other study materials. Particularly, a minimum of 50% of these scholarships is specifically allocated for women.
- Destination Australia Program: This scholarship program is for those students who want to study and live in regional Australia.It is available for both International and domestic students.
Intakes in Australia
For International students in Australia, there are two main intakes every year:
- February intake
This intake starts in early February and the deadline for application is from September – November of previous year. It is also known as the primary intake or Semester 1 intake season.
- July intake
This intake starts in July and the deadline for application is from April – June. It is also known as the secondary intake or Semester 2 intake season.
Popular academic programs to study in Australia
- Business Analytics
- Engineering
- Life Sciences
- MBA
- Social Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Medicine
Prominent educational institutions for studying in Australia
Here is the list of prominent institutions to pursue higher education in Australia:
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Melbourne
- The Australian National University
- The University of Queensland
- The University of New South Wales
Job opportunities in Australia
Are you aware that you can reduce your living expenses and acquire practical work experience while enrolled in your study program in Australia? You might have a question why choose Australia to study? The Australian regulations allow you to work part-time on a student visa for a maximum of 40 hours every two weeks. Here are some of the employment options
- Jobs in hospitality industry
- Jobs in retail industry
- On-campus jobs
- Freelancing
- Seasonal work
- Temporary secretarial and administration jobs
Cost of living in Australia
As a student visa holder, it is necessary to have financial capacity with around AUD $24,505 per person per year for living expenses, recommended by the Australian Government. Nevertheless, the actual expenses may vary based on your specific lifestyle, and it is advisable to keep a budget around AUD $26,000 per year per adult. It's important to note that living expenses are different from tuition fees.
Wrapping up
When you think of pursuing higher education in Australia and are confused where to start, then the best thing to do is to get in touch with the best agent for Australia student visa for guidance. The consultant will provide you with necessary information and guide you in choosing the right institution for you to secure an international degree much sought after by employers globally.
