Australia is known for its very high standards of education, which is one of the reasons why so many students choose to go there. The cost of living is also lower which is a huge advantage. If you do decide to enquire about studying in Australia then there are a few things you need to know. For instance, which university do you send your application? Some of the universities in Australia which accept students for undergraduate studies are:

• Curtin University – Perth, Western Australia

• Griffith University – Brisbane, Queensland

• Macquarie University – Sydney, New South Wales

• Monash University – Melbourne, Victoria

• Murdoch University – Perth, Western Australia

• RMIT University – Melbourne, Victoria

• Swinburne University of Technology – Melbourne, Victoria

• University of South Australia – Adelaide, South Australia

• University of Adelaide – Adelaide, South Australia

To be admitted to any college or university in Australia, you must have 12 years of elementary and secondary education completed. You can then pursue a 2 year Associate degree such as an Associate of Science (A.S.) or a four year degree such as a Bachelor of Science (Bsc.).

Applying for an Australian undergraduate studies course means that you will need to provide reports or transcripts of your final exam, which has to be completed by an official such as the principal, a counselor at the school or headmaster. What they are looking for are your performance levels at your previous schools and education system. The report needs to show your accomplishments and what they predict for your chances of success in university-level studies.

Because of the different scoring levels in each country, a guide from your previous school which shows the grading standards would be very valuable information. Make sure you have your reports translated into English if you are not from an English speaking country before you submit them. To qualify and undertake Australian undergraduate studies you need to do the following:

• To study in Australia most courses will require you to take the International English Language Test (IELTS). This test is compulsory for students from countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh who want a student visa for Australia.

• Write a personal account or state the reasons why you wish to study in Australia. This will help the university to see if you qualify to attend undergraduate studies in Australia. They will also assess your need for financial assistance at the same time. This is a chance for you to tell them about yourself and show why your application should be accepted. State why you are choosing the subjects and what education you have already completed in this area, and if you have had any work related experience in this field. Don’t forget to list your personal hobbies and goals so that they have a complete overview about you and your life.

• International students must have registered for Overseas Student Health Cover before they enter the country, as this is a requirement of the Australian Government. This will pay for any medical or hospital expenses you incur while in the country.

Follow these simple steps and you will soon be studying for your undergraduate degree in Australia.

Students have classes throughout the week – Monday to Friday – and get the weekend off. If class hours aren’t that many, a favorite haunt of students is the beautiful white sandy beaches for which our country is known.  Come weekend, it’s party time for most students! But a lot of the serious ones also like to go through all that has been taught throughout the week. Sports such as rock climbing, scuba diving, biking are also popular among students.

As for food and accommodation, a bunch of students can rent a flat and live together. Or if they can afford to stay in a flat alone, then nothing like it. Students can also live in a hostel located within the campus or outside. Food is no problem because Australian campuses are dotted with cafeterias where students can get cheap, wholesome food. But, if students need a break from cafeteria fare, then eating out is very much an option. There are plenty of fast food joints near the Australian campuses.

Students in Australia can also get a part-time job in order to support themselves or to make extra money. Generally students work in cafés or restaurants, but skilled students can also get jobs in offices. So living expenditure is well taken care of.
Once a student enrolls in a university in Australia, then they automatically get access to a large number of facilities offered by their respective colleges, such as a gym or a fitness centre, high speed internet, discounted rates at cafes and a whole host of other facilities. Moreover, the lower tuition fees are a big bonus.

Student life in Australia is colorful and vibrant, it may be a bit intimidating at first, but students are always enriched with a beautiful experience and cherished memories.

Australia has many world class education programs to offer you along with many other reasons why you should study there.

Reasons To Study In Australia

1. World renowned education and facilities with an excellent reputation for you to complete your studies.
2. Courses and qualifications are recognized world wide.
3. A very relaxed, comfortable, sociable and safe lifestyle.
4. Lower cost tuition and living expenses compared to other countries such as USA and UK. Many overseas students have saved thousands of dollars by studying in Australia.
5. Multiculturalism is very well tolerated in Australian cities, and they have a diverse range of different nationalities.
6. The weather “down under” is great.
7. Amazing natural features to explore, such as The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayres Rock), Kakadu, the Outback, and many more wonderful places to see.
8. Unique and amazing flora and fauna. See animals such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats and platypus just to name a few.

Australia has a reputation as being one of the friendliest nations in the world, with over 200 different nationalities calling Australia home. If you’re still asking the question, “why should I complete my studies in Australia?’, then look at the Australian lifestyle. Australia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and it’s cities are safe and clean.

Because the interior of Australia is mainly desert, the majority of the population live on the coastal fringe, and the densest population is on the east coast. Australia is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the world, and you’ll find thousands of people at the beach every weekend, even in winter, in the northern parts of Australia. You can still find secluded, isolated beaches there too.

While you complete your studies in Australia, it’s usually not very difficult to find part-time work. Many students find seasonal work picking crops, which can be a way of getting out into the country and being in the fresh air. It’s also a great way to meet other students.

If you want to study English in Australia but don’t know anything about the country or its’ facilities, here are a few things you should know:

• Australia is an English speaking country, so to learn to speak English there would be very beneficial. Teaching standards are high with quality national stands for the teaching of English.

• With a fairly low crime rate, you’ll be able to study in a safe and exciting atmosphere.

• Tuition fees are lower than in other countries where English is the spoken language.

• Australia is vibrant and exciting being a multicultural country with so many people from different countries making their homes there. Students from all over the world are currently living and studying in Australia.

• The country has a wonderful climate and boasts some of the best and cleanest beaches in the world. You also have the snowfields to go to in the winter.

• The standard of living in Australia is relatively high which will lower your domestic costs while you study English.

To learn and study English in Australia you need to be in a relaxed environment where you will make friends with Australian students and their families. Interacting with these students and families will encourage you to speak English on a daily basis.

As well as learning English you also have the opportunity to work and travel, and whatever your reason is for learning English, whether it’s work, personal or travel, you won’t be sorry that you chose Australia. Australia has a lot to offer and you’ll absolutely love your time there!

Being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are inverted, so the lengthy summer vacation occurs in December and January. The first semester generally runs from February till June and the following semester from July to November. Australia has a high level of accomplishment in the worldwide university rankings.

The subsequent postgraduate studies are offered at Australian universities and official higher education facilities:

• Masters degree (approx. 1-2 years)

• Doctoral degree (approx. 3 years)

Making the choice to commence a postgraduate degree involves making the choice of the right program to fit with your education and vocational choices. Your decision has the potential to influence your future professional career and how you carry out your career.

What you need to know before you choose your postgraduate degree:

• Approximately 1100 candidates are chosen from more than 90 countries each year.

• Some students find the programs challenging as well as stimulating and enjoyable.

• Around half of all overseas students from more than 80 countries study in Australian universities. For this reason many nationalities meet each other because Australia is a very well-liked country to learn in.

• The possibility of obtaining a working-visa to work during the semester breaks exists.

All universities registered in Australia have nearly 4000 recognized agreements with universities worldwide. Many Australian universities focus on traditional areas of learning, while others are more occupational and all join tuition with research.

Any international students, who enrolling in a study course lasting more than three months in Australia, must put in an application for a student visa. When applying for your student visa, you must have a spot reserved at a University which you have accepted, and must be in written form, and you must have paid a deposit on your tuition.

The number of students applying to study in Australia is steadily increasing every year. Australia has an excellent reputation and is regarding as a country which offers superior education. The other fact is that it offers a lower cost of living and tuition fees for students compared to countries such as USA and UK.

Before studying for your Masters in Australia, many Universities require you to have a certain grade point average (GPA) from your high school or undergraduate degree.

Masters degrees in Australian Universities require the student to:

• Attend lectures

• Go to seminars

• Attend tutorials

Requirements needed for studying your masters in Australia are:

• Coursework Masters – consists of undertaking coursework, projects and research carried out in various combinations. Entry requirements are attaining a bachelor degree, bachelor degree (honors) or a graduate certificate/diploma

• Conduct independent research in libraries or laboratories, and a minimum 2/3 research with an extensive thesis, which is quite often assessed externally. Entry requirements are an undergraduate academic degree (honors), or a bachelors honors degree, a graduate diploma based on research, or equivalent research experience gained from a graduate diploma

• Professional masters usually consist of work-based projects, and  entry requirements are a significant prerequisite and professional knowledge, or pertinent specialized experience

A typical Australian Masters degree will take 1-2 years and there will be assessments for students through periodic tests, dissertations, oral presentation, class participation, practical work, examinations, essays and reports.

Studying abroad in Australia will give you an experience like no other. The people are very friendly, and the population is varied in both race and religions. If you want to study in Australia, you must consider the following factors before you do so:

• The culture – Australia is an English-speaking country so is recognizable to many nationalities. For the past 50 years, Australia has become moderately “Americanized”, due to the popularity of American movies and TV shows, but Australians still have a uniqueness to them which makes them stand out from the pack. Large numbers of immigrants from non English speaking countries and Asia have made Australia seem familiar and comforting.

• The arts – if you have a love of the arts then studying abroad in Australia can only enhance your studies. For many years, Australia was considered a “back water” when it came to artistic talent. Now they are proficient in films, theater, opera, dance, music and painting and have gained a worldwide reputation. Australia has produced some well known movie stars such as Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett to name a few. Some of the world’s best known authors also come from Australia. People such as Peter Carey, Colleen McCulloch and Bryce Courtenay have sold many of their books overseas.

• The sports – if you decide to study in Australia, you must learn to love sports. Australians are sports mad! Because of the great climate, sports are an important part of the culture, and research has shown that at least 24% of the population over the age of 15 regularly participates in sport. Australia has a great reputation for being strong in cricket, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, Australian Rules football, hockey, swimming, cycling and tennis. With a strong beach culture, there’s also an emphasis on surf lifesaving and all types of water sports. Australia has a great reputation for doing well in both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, held around the world. There are also major car racing and bike events held every year.

Australia has emerged as a great country since being discovered in 1770 by Captain James Cook, and is fast becoming one of the most advanced countries in the world. Studying abroad in Australia will not only be a culturally rewarding experience, but it can also be the best choice as far as your academic qualifications are concerned. Your life will be enriched after visiting this beautiful island nation.

A PhD teaches students advanced training in areas of research, teaching and administration. The study involved in the program will give them a methodical and comprehensive knowledge of the profession they’ve chosen and train them in the areas of research. The degree is granted once the student becomes proficient in the intellectual capacity of the subject matter, and shown that they have the ability to carry out independent research. Gaining a PhD in Australia is recognized internationally and gives the student the ability to widen their area of study ahead of a Master’s degree.

To apply for a PhD in Australia, you need the following qualifications:

• Taking a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score is required if you’re taking a management related area of study.

• You need a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is needed for areas of general studies.

• A minimum level of academic achievement is required for application to PhD programs in Australia. Before applying, you need a Master’s degree in your chosen field of study, and your professional experiences must show that your knowledge of your chosen field is of the highest level and is up to date.

Some financial aid and scholarship schemes are available for overseas students who wish to pursue their PhD in Australia. You can find out more information by contacting the relevant University or your study abroad coordinators.

The PhD programs offered in Australian universities, are targeted to test and support research scholars who will submit the ‘Doctoral Thesis’ as being an original work of their chosen area of study.

The thesis needs to show significant insights and findings based on your own individual thought and research and make a contribution to the development of ideas and knowledge on a global level.

By obtaining your PhD in Australia, you will have access to world renowned research facilities which will help you in your chosen field, and will give you the qualifications you require.

A couple of hints which might help you are as follows:

• If you’ve had previous work experience before your post graduate study, you will find it much easier when applying for a position, especially if you are looking for managerial positions, once you’ve graduated. When you graduate in Australia and you are approaching an employer, they will look more favorably on    you as management material, because of your employment record. Even if your university results are high, most employers will not put you into a position of responsibility unless you have some past experience.

• Try not to be too choosy when applying for a job. If you have graduated as an accountant, for example, why not apply for a job as a bookkeeper so that you can gain experience from working in your chosen industry. Once they see the level of your skills they are far more likely to offer you a better position.

• If you have trouble speaking and writing English, enroll yourself in an English speaking class. You cannot put in resumes which are not legible. Think how embarrassing it would be going for an interview, and your potential employer cannot understand you. It’s important to do this and if you can, go to these classes before you graduate.

• Get involved with sports or organizations while you’re at university, so that the employer will see that you are able to socialize with others. It’s hard to do especially when all you want to do is study, but if you want to graduate in Australia and find employment, you must be prepared to do whatever it takes. Because Australians are very sociable, it will be to your advantage if you can show that you can socialize as well.

None of these hints are guaranteed to find you a job once you graduate, but you have a far greater chance if you adopt some of them.

Once you have your student visa card issued you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week, but only after you have started your course of study. If you have dependents staying with you, they are also eligible to work up to 20 hours per week. If you are working to obtain your Masters or Doctorate, your dependents are entitled to work unlimited hours. If you or any of your dependents work in excess of these rules, your visas may be cancelled.

You do not need a visa label in your passport giving you permission to study and work in Australia. Your visa information can be accessed electronically by your employer, bank or Government services. Most international students find work in the following areas:

• Retail – there are many jobs available in the retail sector, from large department stores, to small shops.

• Hospitality – the hospitality industry is huge in Australia, so there are always jobs available in restaurants, pubs and bars.

• Administration – many companies require data entry operators and general office administration.

• Tutoring – you can often find work tutoring younger students in your field or who speak your native language.

To obtain work in Australia, you need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN), which is applied for at the Australian Taxation Office. You will need a TFN to open bank accounts. In addition to giving your name, address and date of birth, you may also be asked to supply your date of arrival into the country, your passport and proof of enrolment at an Australian university.

Your TFN is a valuable piece of information, so don’t share it with friends, and if applying for jobs on the internet do not provide it.