You are about to embark on an exciting and life-changing journey if you decide to study abroad in Australia. You will not only further your education in a country known for its world-class education, but you will also experience a new culture, enter a new job market, and meet new people. There are a few things you’ll need to do before you can begin this next chapter of your life in order to make your dream of studying in Australia a reality.
From selecting your course to submitting your student visa application, here is a breakdown of the key steps you must take and information you must be aware of if you want to study in Australia as an international student.
Explore your study options
The first step in pursuing your studies in Australia is choosing which type of study you want to follow. One of the best aspects of studying in Australia is the variety of options available.
For example, you can pursue an educational path and study at an Australian university, or you can choose vocational education training (VET) at a college, which provides more hands-on, practical learning.
There are numerous fields of study in the Australian higher education system in which you can specialise. With hundreds of institutions and thousands of courses to choose from, you can earn a degree in almost any field, from the arts to engineering to medicine. Whatever you choose to study, Australian institutions can help you succeed.
Make sure to investigate the various study options and areas of study available at Australian institutions to determine which would be the best fit for you and your objectives.
The Best and most Popular courses to pursue in Australia
Now we’ll look at the top five programs and careers available to international students in Australia. It is critical to understand the program, career, and study requirements in Australia.
Every competitive program listed below will require a high IELTS score, which measures your English language skills. Aside from that, each major and school will have their own set of requirements.
Nursing courses in Australia
If you want to become a nurse, Australia has many excellent programs.
Nursing is a critical and highly valued component of healthcare. Becoming a registered nurse allows you to work in many different areas of the medical industry. You can work in primary care, mental health, critical care, aged care, surgical nursing, and other fields.
If you’re passionate about helping others achieve wellness, want a fulfilling and rewarding career, and want to feel highly valued at work, nursing may be the path for you.
To be admitted to a nursing programme, most schools require the following qualifications:
- No criminal record
- Completion of 12 years of education with passing grades
- University pre-requisite courses
- Motivational letter
Medical Courses in Australia
Do you want to be a doctor? There are numerous prestigious universities in Australia where you can pursue your education. A medical program typically takes 5-6 years to complete, followed by one year of internship and 1-2 years in residency. The Australian medical degree is recognised in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
When it comes to studying medicine, there are nearly limitless options. Whatever your interests are, you’ll be able to find something in the field of medicine that speaks to them.
It’s a highly valued and rewarding profession, and the cost and time spent in school will be well worth it if you want to be a doctor.
To enter a medical program, most schools require the following qualifications:
- A minimum GPA of 5.0 is required.
- The average MCAT (medical college admission test) exam score is 511.
- Certain subjects are required by each university.
Pharmacy courses in Australia
If you want to help people’s health and well-being in your community, becoming a pharmacist may be the right path for you. Pharmacy is one of the most highly regarded medical professions.
Graduating from a pharmacy school, like a nursing and medicine program, will provide you with numerous opportunities and possibilities for your future career.
You can work as a pharmaceutical sales representative, an environmental scientist, or a variety of other jobs.
To enter a pharmacy program, most schools require the following qualifications:
- GPA exceedingly high
- Certain subjects are required by each university.
Dental Course in Australia
Dentistry entails far more than the bi-annual cleanings that most people are accustomed to. The future of dentistry is full of exciting possibilities. You are choosing to help transform the lives of your future patients by pursuing this career path.
Every patient you work with will bring you joy and satisfaction, from relieving pain to improving dental aesthetics. Aside from clinical dentistry, you can also pursue dental research and academic opportunities.
Similar to the medical degree, the dentistry degree typically takes 5-7 years to complete. It’s a high-demand job with very competitive post-graduate salaries.
To be admitted to a dentistry program, most schools require the following qualifications:
- An excellent UCAT score (undergraduate clinical aptitude test)
- GPA and class rank are both excellent.
- Subjects required as prerequisites
- Written application
Legal Courses in Australia
If the medical field does not pique your interest, perhaps studying law is the right path for you. Many aspects of daily life are influenced by the law. You might be more interested in the intricacies of the law than you realise.
Lawyers have the power to change people’s lives and advance the public good. There are numerous specialisations. You can be anything from a medical lawyer to an entertainment lawyer, and there are many other options.
If you enjoy being intellectually challenged, this is the career path for you. On a daily basis, you’ll be problem-solving, analysing, devising, and thinking creatively. In Australia, becoming a lawyer takes about 6 years.
To enter a law program, most schools require the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- High ATAR (if you studied in Australia) or a high-class rank/GPA equivalent
- Excellent LAT (law admission test) score
Select and apply to educational institutions
After deciding on the type of study format and field of study you want to pursue, the next step is to select an institution.
If you plan to attend a university, you can even see how Australian universities rank globally, which may help you make your decision. Many of Australia’s universities, including some right here in Adelaide, are regarded as world-class, with several ranking at the top of various global rankings systems.
Once you’ve decided which institutions you want to apply to, start researching their application deadlines and requirements. Most institutions will require you to create an account on their online portal, upload your documents, and submit your application through that site.
Scholarships for Australian Universities
Studying abroad can actually be less expensive than studying in the United States, for example. For international students in Australia, the government and universities offer a variety of scholarships to help with tuition costs.
Here are some excellent scholarships that may be suitable for you:
- Australia Scholarship: This scholarship is supported by the government. Every year, over thousand $15,000 in scholarships are awarded to both international and Australian students. This scholarship is only available to students pursuing tertiary education.
- International Scholarship at the University of Sydney: The University of Sydney is fully funding this scholarship. It is a yearly scholarship for a student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree through research. To be considered for this scholarship, you must have an outstanding academic record as well as promising research potential.
- International Students Can Achieve Global Academic Excellence: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students. It provides 50% off tuition. There are extremely competitive criteria for receiving this scholarship. You must have the highest ATAR (Australia’s class ranking system) or a GPA of 6.8. (by Australian standard). International students have equivalents that can be measured.
Obtaining a Student Visa
To study as an international student in Australia, you must have a valid student visa (subclass 500) for the duration of your studies. This means you must look into the visa options and apply for your visa online before beginning your studies. You can apply both inside and outside of Australia.
The following are the primary requirements for submitting this visa application:
- Your institution’s Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE certificate).
- Fulfill the requirement of a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE).
- Evidence of sufficient funds (read on to find out more about this)
- Unless you fall into one of the exemption categories, you must provide proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies.
- Prove your command of the English language.
- Meet the physical and character requirements
Important information about this visa:
- This visa is valid for up to five years, depending on your course.
- Unless you are pursuing a Master’s by research or a doctorate, you are legally permitted to work in Australia while studying for up to 40 hours per fortnight.
- Students in these programmes can work as many hours as they want as long as they meet their course requirements.
- You may bring eligible family members to Australia.
If you require assistance with your visa application, you can speak with an education agent (also known as a study abroad consultant). Education agents (also known as study abroad consultants) are professionals who have up-to-date information on the requirements and visa policies of Australian institutions. Many of them have firsthand experience as international students and are well-equipped to answer your questions.
Make an appropriate budget
To be eligible to study in Australia, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your airfare, course fees, and living expenses. The exact amounts will vary depending on the type of education you pursue (for example, university pathway, vocational education, or university), the institution, your level of study, and your course.
Tuition fees differ depending on the educational institution. The average international student tuition cost AU$30,840 per year at the undergraduate level in 2018. Postgraduate program costs around AU$ 31,596 per year. It should be noted, however, that these estimates do not include high-value courses, such as medicine, which can be more expensive.
In addition to tuition, international students must consider visa fees, living expenses, and health insurance costs. Unless you fall into one of the exemption categories, the cost of a student visa starts at AU$ 620.
As part of your visa application, you must demonstrate that you have at least AUD$21,041 in living expenses per year. Weekly living expenses include rent, gas and electricity bills, phone and internet, groceries, public transportation, and entertainment. Adelaide is Australia’s most affordable capital city, making it an excellent choice for budget travellers.
Your student visa also requires that you have health insurance. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for the duration of your stay in Australia. The most affordable option for a three-year undergraduate program with no accompanying family members is currently around AU$2,149.10 for the entire duration. The cost of OSHC varies depending on the provider, the length of your stay, and your personal circumstances.
Support your education
There are several scholarships and grants available to help you finance your studies. There are institution scholarships and Australian Government scholarships available in Adelaide. These scholarships and grants are provided by Australia’s top universities, the government, individuals, organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to assist international students in alleviating financial stress. They are typically given based on financial need, academic merit, and/or some other form of outstanding achievement.
You can also visit the official Australian Government website for international students, both those considering studying in Australia and those who are already there.
The website contains a wealth of information, including the primary advantages of studying in Australia, information on the education system, and entry requirements (both visa and institution). There is also information about living in Australia, ranging from housing options to safety precautions.
The website also includes a course, institute, and scholarship search tool, as well as student success stories. The website encourages prospective students to choose Australia as their international study destination and assists current students in having a safe and rewarding study experience.
Plan for accommodations
Once you’ve decided to visit Australia, you’ll need to decide where you’ll live. It’s usually best to book your accommodation before you arrive in Australia because it will give you peace of mind knowing you’ll have a place to stay from the moment you land.
You have several housing options as an international student, including homestay, managed student housing (such as residential colleges or commercial housing), and private rentals. To secure your housing, consult the website of your institution.
There is a lot of planning that goes into studying abroad. While it may seem overwhelming at first, it will all be worthwhile when your dream of studying in Australia becomes a reality.
Australia’s insurance
Many international students studying or travelling in Australia will want to have private health insurance in place for the duration of their stay. It’s critical to consider what kind of coverage you’ll require and whether you intend to travel internationally. Students frequently apply for travel medical insurance coverage in Australia in order to be covered if the unexpected occurs. International travel medical insurance will be useful if you become ill, require emergency care, or require evacuation coverage.
Overseas Student Health Cover is a type of health insurance available to international students in Australia (OSCH). This insurance is required while in Australia on a student visa, but what happens if you travel to another country? Or if you require more comprehensive protection? Or will you be visiting Australia as a non-student?
Working in Australia
One of the advantages of being an international student in Australia is the ability to work part-time while studying. Those with a student visa may work in Australia without restriction. International students must find their own jobs, but once hired, they will gain practical experience in a variety of fields such as retail, administration, and hospitality. This is not only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to gain real-world work experience in Australia, but it also helps students cover their living and college expenses while also improving their business English fluency.
If you want to work in Australia, we can help you with visa requirements, work permits, job hunting, and more. Learn why so many international students choose Australia as a study destination for gaining international work experience and improving their English.
Conclusion
Australia’s universities encourage innovation, creativity, and independent thinking. International students studying and living in Australia quickly discover that their education is challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding. As an international student in Australia, you can expect to live, grow, and learn in a young, friendly, and opportunity-rich country. International students who successfully complete their degrees will soon discover that they are competitive in today’s global job market.
