Australia, one of the most fascinating and highly developed, is the sixth largest country in the world. Endowed with astounding beaches, plenty of wildlife, natural wonders and cosmopolitan conurbations, the country offers some unique experiences that are hard to find somewhere else.

With a population that originates from more than 200 countries, Australia is the most friendly and accommodating country in the world. The country's outdoor activities have always encouraged people to come together, be it gathering around a barbeque or at sporting events.

Australia is widely known for providing high quality healthcare. Both public and private hospitals are equipped with latest technologies and top-notch services. This has been reflected with a great overall health record of the Australian population, with life expectancy at birth set at over 81 years of age.

Australia’s Education System

Australia not only has the excellence for providing international education but great opportunities also to form a global network.

Over the years, the educational institutes of Australia have nurtured the needs of its students by focusing on practical learning and a thorough understanding of different topics.

Like other countries, the education system of Australia is mainly divided into three broad areas - Primary School, Secondary/Senior Secondary School and Tertiary Education.

• Primary School: It runs for seven or eight years, starting from Kindergarten

 

• Secondary School: It starts from the years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10 and runs for three or four years

 

• Senior Secondary:It starts from the years 11 and 12 and runs for two years.

 

• Tertiary Education: It includes both higher education and Vocational education and training (VET).

Vocational Education and Training

Australia is internationally recognised for providing the best practice in vocational and education training as the individual is assessed on his or her procurement of competencies and focus is given on the development of skills relevant to field of skilled specialisation.

Foundation Studies

Foundation Studies in Australia is also one of the great options for who wish to be a part of Australian university. Such programs are specifically designed for international students that allow studying a pre-university year within a full-accredited specialist program and typically last for maximum one year.

Australian Qualification Framework

Established in 1995 by the Australian Government, the Australian Qualification Framework helps to make sure that the qualification titles across the country are consistent and represent the same high standards of education.

It includes all Australian qualifications with clear rules about the level of education each qualification represents. This provides many benefits to international students as they find the best course and institution suitable to their needs without wasting time understanding different qualification titles.

International Students who are studying and AQF qualification can always be sure of their institution to be Government authorised and nationally accredited and the degree to be genuine.

CRICOS Registration

Being an international student, one must choose to study in an institution, which is registered on the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) It is a registration of Australian education institutions, which is managed by the Australian Government Department of Education that allow educational providers offer courses to overseas students who are studying or intending to study in Australia on student visa

Study Expenses

The cost of studying in Australia depends on the universities and the level of study you choose. Given below is the list to give you an indication of the course costs for different types of qualifications.

Qualifications	Fee(In AUD/year)
School	A$7,800 to A$30,000
Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma)	A$4,000 to A$22,000
English language studies	Approximate A$300 per week depending on course length
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree	A$15,000 to A$33,000
Postgraduate Master’s Degree	A$20,000 to A$37,000
Doctoral Degree	A$14,000 to A$37,000

 

Living Expenses

The minimum cost of living required by the Department of Home Affairs to issue a student visa is $20,290. This covers:

ACCOMMODATION EXPENSES

First Child	A$3,040/year
Second Child	A$3,040/Year
Dependents	A$7,100/year
Hostels and guesthouses	A$80 to A$135 a week
Shared rentals and On-Campus Accommodation	A$70 to A$250 a week
Homestay	A$110 to A$270 a week
Return Air Travel	A$2,000/head

WEEKLY EXPENSES

Groceries or eating out	A$80 to A$200
Gas and Electricity	A$60 to A$100
Phone and Internet	A$20 to A$50
Public Transport	A$10 to A$50
Entertainment	A$50 to A$100

Work Opportunities on Student Visa to Cover Expenses

Working while studying is one of the major reasons why a large number of international students choose Australia as their study destination. The Australian Immigration system provides international students on a student visa a chance to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during semesters and unrestricted hours during semester breaks.

However, before applying for work, international students need to visit the Australian Taxation Office to get a TFN (Taxation File Number). The process includes submitting few details like name, current address, date of birth along with the date of arrival in Australia, passport and proof of enrolment.

Australian Industries offering Part-time work

There is a wide range of industries in Australia that offer part-time work opportunities including:

• Hospitality (Restaurants, bars and cafes)
• Agriculture (Farming and fruit-picking)
• Retail (Super markets and clothing stores)
• Tourism (Hotels and Motels)
• Tutoring
• Administration or Clerical roles
• Sales and Telemarketing

Ways to Find Work

Some of the best ways to find appropriate work in Australia are:

• Online job sites and Newspapers
• Through institution’s international student support staff
• Registering the details at a recruitment firm

Work Rights

Every individual working in Australia including international students on student visa or people on working holiday visa have some basic rights at work. This includes:

• A healthy and safe work environment
• A minimum wage
• Right to Challenge unfair dismissal
• Breaks and Rest Periods