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Study in Australia

Here is a detailed guide for all students who want to study in Australia

High-level on academic quality although affordable tuition fee. Australia is considered to be one of the best study destinations for international students. Till August 2018, Australia experienced nearly 85,000 international students studying at all levels in the country, which explains its popularity around the world.

Australia has been a popular place for international students from all over the world. Home to the world's top universities, it provides a relaxed, affordable study experience and strong career opportunities in some of the world’s most habitable cities, including Sydney and Melbourne



Why Study in Australia?

Quality of life

There are plentiful reasons why students choose Australia. If you are looking for your higher education, undertake a world class degree or fast track your career, Australia offers a variety of opportunities. Whether you choose to undertake an Engineering degree, MBA, Medical or English language course, Australia is hard to beat in terms of its standard of living, academic quality, and support for international students.
Government of Australia also provides many incentives for those looking to study abroad in its country, including some $150 million worth of scholarships, employment visas in multiple fields, numerous research opportunities, and the possibility of attainment permanent residency status after you graduate.

Rights for international students

You cannot outrun Australia when it comes to implementation of rights and consumer protection. It has the most stringent consumer protection for international students. As per the Australian Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, all programs that are being offered to overseas students meet stringent government regulations.

Student Essential Services

Studying abroad is more than just obtaining an acceptance letter from your selected university and visa approval. So, to save all the hassle, we at Canayork offer certain exclusive services to our students seeking courses in Australia. such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation services, guardianship and welfare services, Canayork student benefit card , Canayork Helpline and more!

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Quality of education

Australia has a national regulatory and quality agency for higher education called – the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). It was founded by the Australian Government to supervise the quality and regulate university and non-university higher education providers against a set of standards established by the independent Higher Education Standards Panel. In addition, the Education Services for Overseas Students law protects:

  • Wellbeing of all international students
  • Quality of students' education experience
  • Provision of up-to-date and accurate information

A land of noble laureates

18 of Australia’s scientists have been awarded a Noble prize for their involvement in various areas which reinstates the quality of education and research opportunities available in Australia. Over one billion people in the world are dependent on innovations and discoveries made by Australia. The country is famous for its research in IVF, the cervix cancer vaccination, penicillin, ultrasound, the Bionic Ear, Black Box Flight Recorders and more. International students pursuing research prospects can expect infinite support from the Australian government for their projects in terms of funding, providing the best guides, labs and facilities.

Study System Guide

You have chosen Australia, now let us explore the study system

As one of the top three international countries where international students study abroad, you will be able to enjoy the best of student life when you study in Australia. An important part of this is the safe environment, friendly people and inclusive, multicultural society.
Australian universities provide a high level of support to foreign students, including foundation years and pathways, academic support, English language. There are some additional things to consider before choosing to study in Australia.

Work experience and employment

With changes to the student visa, now it's easier for international students to work in Australia. Many student visas enable part-time work, as well as full-time hours during holidays. Informal positions are great starting points to get some experience in your area of study and at the same time earning some money. If you are interested in volunteering, you will be able to find there are a lot of volunteer charity groups and organizations in Australia. It is a great way to make friends and get some hands-on experience. Applying for an internship program is also a smart move to gain exposure to a professional environment, gain real industry experience, and build your prospects.

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Choosing the right course

Course is being prepared plays an enormous role in the satisfaction of international students. Taking into account the fact that every student, course and university are unique, how do you pick what is best for you? University rankings are a great way to help compare key performance indicators across various universities. Australia has 36 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-17.

Comparing courses

Australian Government offers assistance to compare universities and programs. Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) is an important Australian Government initiative which provides autonomous, impartial information about student experiences and graduate outcomes. QILT will help you to make the best choice for you and provides useful feedback to institutions. Visit the QILT website to compare things like:

  • Overall satisfaction of present students and recent graduates
  • The average salary received by recent graduates
  • Rates of students shifting into full-time employment after graduation

How Education System Works in Australia

Let see how the Australian education system works!

When you select to study in Australia, you can be sure of unparalleled quality of education, internationally recognized qualification and enormous employment prospects. Universities in Australia are famous for their research and training methodologies, and this makes it a popular destination among International students.
The academic achievements, campus life and qualified instructors are other key reasons behind Australian universities being ranked in the QS World Ranking and Times Higher Education Rankings regularly. It has well-structured core curriculum that focuses on varied skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, literacy, analytical thinking ability, ethical understanding and more.
Also, Australia offers a variety of courses – you can choose from 23,000 types of courses available in over 1,150 institutions, and hosts the five best student cities in the world including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth.



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Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

The exceptional feature of the Australian education system is its implementation of Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the national policy established in 1995 that specifies the standards of qualifications for the tertiary education sector (higher education, vocational education and training) in addition to the school leaving certificate, called the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. With AQF, your degree is recognized and authorized by the government.
Under the AQF, there are 10 levels that connects various schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions in one single national system. This enables flexibility, choice, and better career planning for students to move from one study level to another as long as their student visa requirements are met.

Study levels in Australia

The educational system in Australia is three-levels with primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education. Following is an overview of the different levels and qualifications available as per the AQF.




Levels and qualifications as per Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)

Level Course
Level 1 Certificate I
Level 2 Certificate II
Level 3 Certificate III
Level 4 Certificate IV
Level 5 Diploma
Level 6 Advanced Diploma, , Associate Degree
Level 7 Bachelor's Degree
Level 8 Bachelor Honor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
Level 9 Master’s Degree
Level 10 Doctoral Degree

Source: https://www.aqf.edu.au/aqf-levels

Higher education

Given at university level, higher education comprises bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. The skills and knowledge gained at these levels makes a student ready to work in the industry eventually.

Schooling in Australian classrooms

The Australian education emphasizes on the practical knowledge, hands-on experience and getting you job ready. Universities in Australia offer a research-based learning methodology wherein you will be implementing all the concepts and ideas you gather in the classroom.

Pathway programs

Foreign students might require additional support and assistance to get used to the education system and teaching approach of Australia. Hereafter, a lot of pathway programs to higher education that comprise of foundation courses and English language programs are available.

Academic intakes

Australian colleges and universities offer two main intakes. Intakes can also be referred to as a semester in some universities. The two intakes available in Australia are:

  1. Semester 1: Starts February / March to May / June
  2. Semester 2: Starts July/ August through to November

English language training

Australia is an English-speaking country and all your lessons in the classroom takes place in English, it is important to be proficient in this language. In case you have limited proficiency, you may be recommended to enroll in an English language before you begin your program. You can choose from over 100 private English language centers in the country.

Postgraduate study

Both universities and private colleges offer postgraduate courses in Australia. A master’s degree includes three formats – Master’s degree (coursework), Master’s degree (research) and Master’s degree (extended). Likewise, on doctorate level, there are two formats- Research doctorate (PhD) and Professional doctorate. Criteria for admission at post graduate level is fairly competitive including high levels of English language proficiency, and exceptional academic qualifications.



Fee structure

The Australian Government suggests a single student budget of AUD$19,720 a year for living expenses. Housing costs are a large element of living expenses, an allowance should be made for leisure activities, emergencies and health expenses not covered by Overseas Student Health Cover. Changes in the exchange rate may also affect budgeting. Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation.
The average tuition fees at one of Australia’s tertiary institutions ranges between AUD$19,000 and AUD$31,000 a year.

VET (Vocational and Technical Schools)

Australian education system enables its students to enroll for vocational courses that lets them skip university education and apply straight to the jobs. These courses mainly focus on practical learning and industry skills in contrast to the regular courses which rely heavily on theoretical and in-depth knowledge. A lot of schools offer courses in technical and continuing education (TAFE) and vocational education and training (VET). Bear in mind that courses mainly provide certifications, diploma or advanced diploma. Some of the widespread industries that VET students will be able to look at include manufacturing, hospitality, sports, tourism, business and marketing.

Post-study work opportunities

Australia offers ample employment opportunities after graduation. You can apply for subclass 485 temporary graduate visa upon the completion of your studies that will allow you to stay and study further or work in Australia. If you wish to further your studies, you will be able to apply for the next level of study since there is no dearth of right courses and programs for the suitable candidate.


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Student visa requirements for Australia

You like to have control of your visa application. We can guide you.

The Australian Government offers an opportunity to international students to study in Australia but as a prerequisite, you will have to acquire a student visa in order to pursue your chosen course in the country. If you are concerned about the process, do not be. Canayork can help & explain the visa process making it easier for you to understand. Our counsellors have gone through the process many times before with students like you, consequently a few pointers from someone with experience can save you many hours and worries.

Which visa do you need?

The visa you need will vary depending on the type of study you want to do, and how long you want to stay in Australia. You can find more information about each type of visa on the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study)

Making sure your visa remains valid

Once you receive your visa, there are a number of things that you need to do to ensure it remains valid, including:

  • Remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance
  • Provide your Australian address to your University or college so they can contact you (don’t forget to let them know if you move)
  • Continue to be able to financially support yourself while in Australia
  • Don’t breach the working conditions that apply to your visa

If you wish to change your qualification level, you will need to apply for a new student visa. Your counsellor can walk you through the student visa application process as well as the relevant information on the Australian government’s website. They may assist you in preparing the necessary documents for your submission and for your visa interview.









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You apply online

You will have to create an account using DIBP’s online application system – Immi Account (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/online) - to fill out and submit your student visa application. You will also be able to track the status of your visa through ImmiAccount once you have submitted it. The information that you need for your visa application will depend on your nationality and which course you are studying. You will normally need:

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of enrolment (your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment)
  • Your visa application fee
  • Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents,
  • Your health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover) policy details
  • Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
  • Evidence of your English skills (your counsellor can book your place in the IELTS test)
  • Academic and work experience documents
  • Statement of purpose
  • If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental authorization. You should submit your application no later than six weeks before your course starts, and no earlier than 12 weeks. Your application will be assigned a unique Transaction Reference Number (TRN) by the Australian Government. You can discover more about the status of your online ( https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/ ).




Australia now offers up to 4 years of post-study work rights

Introduced on November 16, 2019, the country's new visa allows post-study work rights for international students up to 4 years in regional Australia

If you have been seeking to study in Australia, there is one more reason to lock on to your decision – the latest update on the new 485 post-study work stream visa! Now you can enjoy extended post-study work rights in Australian regional areas and live your dream.
With the recent changes stated by the Australian Government, Australia is now offering up to 4 years of Post-Study Work (PSW) rights to international students post completion of their corresponding Bachelors or Masters Degree in regional areas. A few top and popular cities such as Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Geelong and Hobart now offer 1 year of additional PSW (total of 3 years). In fact, there is a list of cities where you become eligible for PSW for up to 4 years upon the completion of your degree.

What is this new 485 post-study work stream visa?

It is a wonderful opportunity to stay back and work in Australia for a longer period! This new post-study work stream visa, offered by the Australian Government allows you to study, live, and work in the designated regional areas of the country, for up to four years. This is an excellent update as now you can plan for your career in a better manner, having a wider range of areas accessible to study and work, besides a longer duration of post-study work visa validity. documents for your submission and for your visa interview.









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Who can apply?

As an international student, if you wish to work in Australia upon the completion of your studies for a longer duration (up to four years), then this is for you. Good news is that this visa allows you complete study and work rights, besides allowing the freedom to travel to and from Australia as long as it is valid.

  • Your field of specialization will not be a determining factor as this post-study work visa does not have an occupations list. But ensure you are studying at the right levels
  • You should have a degree from a CRICOS-registered course
  • Skills assessment is not requisite to apply for this visa
  • You need to fulfil the English language proficiency requirements
  • If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental authorization. You should submit your application no later than six weeks before your course starts, and no earlier than 12 weeks. Your application will be assigned a unique Transaction Reference Number (TRN) by the Australian Government. You can discover more about the status of your online ( https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/ ).




Definition Locations Incentives for international students
Major Cities Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Regular 2 years post study work visa for international students completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees (minimum 92 weeks), 3 years for master’s by Research and 4 years for PhD. graduates
Cities and major regional centers Perth
Adelaide
Gold Coast
Sunshine Coast Canberra
Newcastle/Lake
Macquarie Wollongong/Illawarra
International students studying at regional universities will be eligible to access an additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa (Which means a bachelor’s or master’s graduate can get up to 3 years of PSW visa)
Regional centers and other regional areas All other locations International students studying at regional universities will be eligible to access an additional 2 years in Australia on a post-study work visa (Which means a bachelor’s or Masters graduate can get up to 4 years of PSW visa)

Cost of studying in Australia

Australia is an ideal place to enjoy a world class education and outstanding quality of life, but there are several expenses to consider before you study overseas. But before you leave your country, consider these pointers to understand what will be an indicative overall cost of studying in Australia for you.

Tuition fees

Your expenditure on tuition fee depends on the type of qualification and the university or school you opt for. For instance, veterinary and medical degrees cost substantially more than other degrees. The average tuition fees at one of Australia’s tertiary institutions ranges between AUD$20,000 and AUD$30,000 a year.

Sr. No. Program Average Fees in AUD*
1 School $7,800 to $30,000 annually
2 English language studies $300/week (varies as per course length
3 Vocational Education and Training $4000 - $22,000 annually
4 Undergraduate bachelor’s degree $15,000 - $33,000 annually
5 Postgraduate Master’s Degree $20,000 - $37,000 annually
6 Doctoral Degree $14,000 - $37,000 annually
Student visa costs

In order to study in Australia, the first step is to secure a valid student visa and that comes with its own costs. You will also have to provide for your own Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) to cover yourself in case of any medical emergency.

Transportation costs

A lot of universities provide buses to ferry their students. However, if you move around the city a fair bit, you need to keep aside separate funds for using the public transport. Exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. It is advisable to look for a part time job while you are in Australia or seek scholarship in the universities you apply to. This will greatly reduce your cost of studying in Australia



Accommodation costs

You may stay as a resident on campus. However, if you are unable to find such accommodation, you might have to look for a room on rent, homestay or find a local host. The cost will vary from city to city.

Cost of living

You need to keep aside money for your grocery shopping, social activities and emergency situations. When living in a foreign country, it is better to keep a track of your expenditures so that you do not over spend. The Australian government recommends a single student budget of AUD $20,290 a year for living




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