Menu

Blog

How To Become An Aged Care Worker In Australia - Feature image

How To Become An Aged Care Worker In Australia

, , , ,

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? 

Have you ever considered a career in aged care, where compassion and empathy are key to providing essential support to the elderly in Australia? 

And with the government’s recent announcement about the changes in some of the aged care workers pay scale and fast tracked permanent residency for those hired from overseas. This has been becoming one of the most sought-after careers in Australia.

This blog will explain about how to become an aged care worker in Australia, including the qualifications, skills, and steps needed to start this career. 

Who is an Aged Care Worker?

As people get old, they usually need help to do things like cleaning, cooking, moving around, etc.

An aged carer is someone who helps and takes care of elderly people, making their lives better and providing meaningful support during their old age. 

As a caregiver, you are entrusted with physical, emotional and social responsibilities, building a sense of companionship and fostering a supportive environment.

As an aged care worker, you might be working in residential care, aged care facility or in the community.

Size of the Industry

There are over 276,600 aged and disabled carers in the Australian workforce. 

Statistics show a progressive projected growth of 28% by 2026 due to the ageing population increase, making this a stable career choice.

Popular Locations

About 51% of aged carers live in capital cities of Australia.

New South Wales has the largest share of employers of aged and disabled carers amongst other regions. 

Here are the percentage of aged carers in different areas of Australia by state and territory:

  • New South Wales 26.9%      
  • Victoria 26.7%   
  • Queensland 18.2%    
  • South Australia 11.7%
  • Western Australia 10.5%
  • Tasmania 3.8%
  • Australian Capital Territory 1.4%
  • Northern Territory 0.7%

Industries Where Aged Carers Are Needed

The Health Care and Social Assistance industry employs up to 96.3% of the entire aged carers’ workforce. 

Other industries take up the remaining 3.7% of the aged carers’ population.

  • Other Industries 1.2%
  • Public Administration and Safety 1.1%
  • Education and Training 0.8%
  • Administrative and Support Services 0.7%

Hours of work

In Australia, around 33% of people employed as aged carers work full-time hours in all their jobs combined. 

Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their primary job. This is similar to the working hours average for all jobs in Australia (44 hours per week). 

Age

The average age of aged carers in the Australian workforce is 47 years, which is older than the all-jobs average of 40 years. 

A large share of workers (27.1%) are within the age bracket of (45 to 54) years.  

Gender

With over 276,600 aged care and disability workers in Australia, females account for the major 80% of the entire workforce, while males account for 20%.

This is 32% below the all-jobs average (48%) for females and 28% above the all-jobs average for males.

What are some of the skills required to become an Aged Care Worker in Australia?

These are some of the skills required in order to become an aged care worker:

  • Empathy and Compassion
  • Effective Communication
  • Patience and Tolerance
  • Medication Management
  • Time Management
  • First Aid and Basic Medical Knowledge
  • Safety Awareness and Risk Management
  • Nutrition and Meal Planning
  • Record Keeping and Documentation
  • Physical Endurance
  • Emotional Resilience
  • Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Personal Care Assistance 
  • Cognitive Stimulation and Activity Planning

What are the tasks and duties of an Aged Care Worker in Australia?

Here are some of the duties, tasks and responsibilities of an aged care worker:

  • Personal Care Assistance: Aged Care Workers give helping hands in daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming, ensuring the elderly maintain their health and independence.
  • Medication Management: With great responsibility, Aged Care Workers are entrusted to administer medications accurately and on schedule, safeguarding the health and well-being of their elderly charges.
  • Emotional Support and Companionship: Aged Care Workers are expected to provide companionship and emotional support, creating meaningful connections and combating feelings of isolation.
  • Mobility Assistance: From gentle exercises to helping elderly move, Aged Care Workers play a vital role in maintaining the physical mobility of the elderly, fostering their overall well-being.
  • Household Assistance: Aged Care Workers ensure a safe and clean living environment by helping with light housekeeping tasks and organising the living space.
  • Monitoring Health and Reporting: Aged Care Workers monitor the health status of the elderly and promptly report any concerns to relevant medical professionals.
  • Assistance with Medical Appointments: Aged Care Workers facilitate access to healthcare by accompanying the elderly to medical appointments, acting as a supportive liaison.

How much do Aged Care Workers earn in Australia? 

Aged care workers in Australia earn an average full-time wage of $1,382 per week and an average hourly pay of $36. This is lower than the all-jobs average pay of $1593.

How to become an aged care worker in Australia - Infographic.png

Essential steps to becoming an Aged Care Worker in Australia

Becoming an aged carer is more than just a career. It’s a chance to have a big impact on the lives of some very important people in our society. 

Hence, there are certain steps you must take to qualify to become an Aged carer in Australia. 

Step 1: Complete a Vocational Certificate in Aged care

The first step to take when starting a journey to become an aged carer in Australia is to obtain a Vocational Education and Training qualification.

These qualifications are typically offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and cover essential topics like providing personal care and assistance, supporting independence, and emotional support. 

The minimum qualification required to become an aged care worker in Australia is Certicate III in Individual Support (CHC33021).

The certificate generally includes 15 units, consisting of 9 core units and 6 elective units.

In order to get an entry to this course, the minimum requirements include:

  • Year 12 qualification
  • Age: 18 years or above
  • English: IELTS 5.5 or above (International students)

The cost to complete the Certificate III in Individual support is between AUD 340 – AUD 12,500, depending on student’s citizenship status and institution. In some states and territories, this course is also offered for free for domestic students. 

After completing this course, you can undertake Certificate IV in Ageing Support in Australia to further improve your career in the industry.

This course is usually completed in 12 months and the costs vary from AUD 208 – AUD 22,500, depending on student’s citizenship status and institution.

You can also check here for Aged Care specific courses.

Step 2: Get a Police Clearance Certificate

You are required to get a police clearance before starting to work in the sector. 

This is to ensure the safety of the vulnerable elderly by checking your criminal history. 

You can apply for your police clearance certificate online. 

Step 3: Meeting all other requirements

Apart from getting a police clearance, you might be required to meet the other requirements as well, like:

  • First Aid Certificate
  • AHPRA registration
  • Working With Children Check
  • Up-to-date Vaccinations
  • Any other requirements as per the state and territory or provider.

Please note that students are usually required to meet most of these requirements before starting their placements for the course.

Step 4: Complete Practical Placement

In order to complete the qualification, students are required to undertake 120 hours of work component as a part of their course.

This training helps you gain personal experience and knowledge of how things are done in the industry and prepare you for real world experience.

This training is organised by your training provider. 

Step 5: Apply for jobs

After completing the qualification and meeting all other relevant requirements, you can start applying for jobs.

You can look for job opportunities in areas like:

  • aged care facilities, 
  • retirement homes, 
  • home care services, 
  • community organisations

Future Growth of Aged Carer Workers in Australia

As mentioned earlier, this industry is expected to grow up to 28% till 2026. 

Also, as Australia embraces the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population, the future of aged care workers continues to shine brightly. 

This makes an aged care worker an ideal career path for longer term sustainable work. 

Besides monetary compensation, this opportunity allows anyone to make a positive difference in the lives of the elderly and contribute to the well-being of society.



Free-Student-Guide-Australia-Download
Top 10 Universities In Australia 2024

Top 10 Universities In Australia 2024

, , , ,

QS World University Rankings 2024 are out now, and Australian universities have performed exceptionally well in this year’s rankings.

With 9 universities making the Top 100 list and Top 3 universities ranked below 20, making it the best performance by Australian universities in these rankings.

In this article, we are looking at the current rankings of these Top 10 universities in Australia, their locations, campus locations and area of studies they specialise in.

Let’s dive in!

1. The University of Melbourne

🗓️ Established:  1853

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 1

🌏 Previous World Rank: 33

🏆 Current World Rank: 14

✅ Group of 8 University: Yes

📍 Main Campus Location: Melbourne  (State: Victoria)

💪 What areas of study is the University of Melbourne known for?

  • Law & Legal Studies, 
  • Medicine, 
  • Engineering, 
  • Architecture, 
  • Education & Teaching 
  • Business & Management Studies, 
  • Arts and Design, 
  • Computer Science and IT

2. The University of New South Wales

🗓️ Established:  1949

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 2/3

🌏 Previous World Rank:  45

🏆 Current World Rank: 19

✅ Group of 8 University: Yes

📍 Main Campus Location: Sydney (State: New South Wales)

💪 What areas of study is the University of New South Wales known for?

  • Scientific, technological and professional disciplines, 
  • Accounting & Finance, 
  • Engineering courses like Civil, Electrical & Electronics, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Aeronautical 

3. The University of Sydney

🗓️ Established: 1850

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 2/3

🌏 Previous World Rank: 41

🏆 Current World Rank: 19

✅ Group of 8 University: Yes

📍 Main Campus Location: Sydney (State: New South Wales)

💪 What areas of study is the University of Sydney known for?

  • Medicine, 
  • Nursing, 
  • Pharmacy, 
  • Education, 
  • Law and Legal Studies, 
  • Arts and humanities, 
  • Literature

4. Australian National University

🗓️ Established: 1946

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 4

🌏 Previous World Rank: 30

🏆 Current World Rank:34

✅ Group of 8 University: Yes

📍 Main Campus Location: Canberra  (Territory: Australian Capital Territory)

💪 What areas of study is the Australian National University known for?

  • Agriculture, 
  • Education, 
  • Mathematics, 
  • Linguistics, 
  • Psychology, 
  • Computer and Information Technology

5. Monash University

🗓️ Established: 1958

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 5

🌏 Previous World Rank: 57

🏆 Current World Rank: 42

✅ Group of 8 University: Yes

📍 Main Campus Location: Melbourne (State: Victoria)

💪 What areas of study is the Monash University known for?

  • Nursing, 
  • Engineering, 
  • Pharmacy, 
  • Technology, 
  • Social sciences,
  • Management

6. The University of Queensland

🗓️ Established: 1909

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 6

🌏 Previous World Rank: 50

🏆 Current World Rank: 43

✅ Group of 8 University: Yes

📍 Main Campus Location: Brisbane (State: Queensland)

💪 What areas of study is the University of Queensland known for?

  • Business Administration, 
  • Engineering, 
  • Environmental and Biological Sciences

7. The University of Western Australia

🗓️ Established:  1911

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 7

🌏 Previous World Rank: 90

🏆 Current World Rank: 72

✅ Group of 8 University: Yes

📍 Main Campus Location: Perth (State: Western Australia)

💪 What areas of study is the University of Western Australia known for?

  • Agriculture, 
  • Law, 
  • Engineering like Mineral & Mining, 
  • Medicine

8. The University of Adelaide

🗓️ Established:  1874

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 8

🌏 Previous World Rank: 109

🏆 Current World Rank: 89

✅ Group of 8 University: Yes

📍 Main Campus Location: Adelaide (State: South Australia)

💪 What areas of study is the University of Adelaide known for?

  • Dentistry, 
  • Computer science and IT, 
  • Medicine, 
  • Pharmacy, 
  • Engineering courses

9. University of Technology Sydney

🗓️ Established: 1988

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 9

🌏 Previous World Rank: 137

🏆 Current World Rank: 90

❎ Group of 8 University: No

📍 Main Campus Location: Sydney (State: New South Wales)

💪 What areas of study is the University of Technology Sydney known for?

  • Technology, 
  • Computer science and IT, 
  • Nursing, 
  • Arts and Design, 
  • Accounting and Finance, 
  • Library and Information Management 

10. Macquarie University 

🗓️ Established: 1964

⬆️ Current Australian Rank: 10

🌏 Previous World Rank: 195

🏆 Current World Rank: 130

❎ Group of 8 University: No

📍 Main Campus Location: Sydney (State: New South Wales)

💪 What areas of study is the Macquarie University known for?

  • Classic and Ancient History. 
  • Arts, 
  • Accounting and Finance, 
  • Engineering, 
  • Health, 
  • Human sciences, 
  • Medicine

If you want to know the best universities by subjects, or areas of study in Australia, then check this article.

Here is a complete table of rankings of Australian universities based on QS World Rankings:

Australian RankName of the UniversityWorld Ranking
1. The University of Melbourne 14 
2. The University of New South Wales19
2. The University of Sydney 19 
4. Australian National University (ANU) 34 
5. Monash University 42 
6. The University of Queensland43 
7. The University of Western Australia 72
8. The University of Adelaide 89
9. University of Technology Sydney 90
10. Macquarie University 130 
11.RMIT University 140
12. University of Wollongong162 
13. The University of Newcastle, Australia173
14. Curtin University 183
15. Queensland University of Technology 189 
16. Deakin University 233 
17. La Trobe University 242 
18. Griffith University 243 
19.Swinburne University of Technology285 
20.University of Tasmania307 
21.University of South Australia 326 
22.Western Sydney University 375
23.Flinders University 380 
24.University of Southern Queensland 410 
25.James Cook University 415 
26.University of Canberra 421 
27.Murdoch University 431 
28.Edith Cowan University 529 
29.Bond University 567 
30.Central Queensland University 590 
31.Charles Darwin University601-610 
32.Southern Cross University 651-660 
33.Victoria University 711-720 
34.Australian Catholic University 801-850 
35.Charles Sturt University 801-850 
36.University of New England Australia 951-1000 
37.University of the Sunshine Coast 1001-1200
38.The University of Notre Dame, Australia 1401+



Free-Student-Guide-Australia-Download
Amazon Prime Day in Australia

Amazon Prime Day in Australia (Deals Included Inside)

, , ,

You’ve probably already heard about or taken part in one of Amazon’s Prime Day sales. Well, don’t wait until the last minute to get ready for their 2023 event, which will run from 11th to 12th July. 

There is another event that Amazon Prime run during the year known as Prime Big Deals Day. In 2023, it will be running on 10th to 11th October. You can check these deals in our Amazon Store here.

During Prime Day, you can find amazing discounts on almost everything Amazon offers. It covers a wide range of categories like tech, gadgets, home, kitchen, garden, fashion, jewellery, beauty, gaming, and more. 

As expected, Amazon heavily promotes its own products during this event. You can usually find the lowest prices of the year on Kindles, Echo smart speakers, Fire TV Sticks, and Fire Tablets. In fact, the prices are often even lower than those on Black Friday. 

Now, let’s dive into all the details about Amazon Prime Day in Australia and how you can find the best deals for yourself. 

What is Prime Day?

Prime Day is a special shopping event exclusively for Prime members. However, anyone can participate in Prime Day by becoming a member of Amazon Prime. 

Amazon Prime Day lasts for two days and is only available to Amazon Prime members. Every year, the sale includes incredible deals on some of our favorite products, such as headphones, robot vacuums, air fryers, and much more. 

In Australia, Amazon Prime Day is one of the major sales events on our shopping calendar. It offers a vast number of items at record-low prices on the online retail giant’s platform. 

What’s the history behind Amazon’s Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day started in the US in 2015 as a celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary, offering even more deals than Black Friday at that time. It quickly evolved into Amazon’s mid-year sales event, where Amazon Prime members enjoy exclusive discounts on a wide range of items. 

Although it initially lasted for just one day, by 2018 – when Australia had its first Prime Day sale – it had expanded to two days. This meant that Australians had 36 hours to shop until the sale ended in the US.

In 2019, it became even bigger, and Aussie shoppers were treated to a whopping 65 hours of discounts. In 2020, due to daylight savings in October, the shopping spree lasted for 66 hours. However, it returned to 65 hours of shopping spree in 2021 and 2022 (not bad yeah). 

When is Amazon Prime Day in Australia?

In 2023, the epic Prime Day sale will begin at 12am AEST on Tuesday, July 11th, and will continue until 11:59pm AEST on July 12th in Australia. 

However, in reality, Australians can keep shopping until July 13th 5pm, when sales come to end on all Amazon websites across the globe. Making it 65 hours of non-stop shopping fun for the people in Australia.

With the confirmed date approaching, Amazon has already started offering early Prime Day deals. For example, you can get up to 50% off their own Echo smart devices and the Fire TV Stick Lite for just $29. 

Remember that Amazon Prime members typically get the best deals. So, if you’re not already subscribed, you may be eligible for a 30-day free trial (and then it’s just $9. 9/month after the trial ends).

What sort of deals can be expected on Amazon Prime Day Deals?

Prime Day is an absolute game-changer for deal lovers, surpassing even the likes of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

Naturally, Amazon’s own products will take center stage during Prime Day 2023.

Expect unbeatable prices on: 

  • Kindles, 
  • Echo smart speakers, 
  • Fire tablets, 
  • Fire TV Sticks, and 
  • Ring doorbells. 

It’s the perfect opportunity to snag one of the finest Kindles at a fraction of the cost. 

But Prime Day isn’t just about Amazon products. Prepare for amazing markdowns on a wide range of items. Previous Prime Days have witnessed significant discounts on top-tier headphones from Sony and Bose, as well as Apple products. Expect to find the best deals on smartwatches and tablets too. 

However, it’s not just major tech items that will be on sale. After all, Amazon offers virtually everything, including household essentials. While the spotlight may shine on big-ticket items, don’t be surprised if you find discounts on bedding, clothing, and even cleaning products. They may not be as flashy as the latest smartwatch, but any discount is worth considering, right?

If you’re planning a significant purchase, it’s wise to wait and see what Prime Day brings to the table. This applies to snagging an Instant Pot or an air fryer as well. These popular cooking appliances often feature prominently during Prime Day sales.

Keep an eye out for Lightning Deals, which are available for a limited time or until the item sells out. Longer-lasting deals include the Deals of the Day, which remain active for 24 hours, while others persist throughout the entire duration of Prime Day.

Some items may even come back in stock on the second day, but don’t rely on this if you spot the perfect deal already.

Can students get a discount on Amazon Prime in Australia?

Yes! As a student, we all know that expenses can quickly add up, from textbooks to travel and everything in between. 

But fear not because students in Australia can also sign up for a 30-day free trial as well.

Unfortunately, students in Australia don’t have access to the Prime Student membership. (bummer!)

What exactly is Prime Student?

Prime Student is a fantastic discount service that offers all the benefits of a regular Prime membership at half the cost for higher education students. 

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, this prime student membership is not available in Australia. 

How much does Prime Membership cost?

Amazon Prime Membership offers 30 days free trial that you can cancel at any time.

After the trial period, the membership is only $79 per year or $9.90 per month in Australia.

Can I shop on Amazon Prime Day without Amazon Prime Membership?

Usually, Prime Day deals are exclusive to Prime members. While a few deals may be available to all customers during Prime Day, they generally don’t offer as steep a discount as they would to Prime members. 

Luckily, if you haven’t tried it yet, there’s an Amazon Prime free trial. It grants you 30 days of Prime access, including all the perks like Prime Video. Most importantly, it lets you take advantage of the Prime Day 2023 sale just like a regular subscriber. 

Just be sure to cancel before the month ends, and you won’t be charged anything for the service.

What’s included in the Amazon Prime Membership?

In Australia, Amazon Prime Members enjoy a ton of perks, including:

  • Free 24 hours or next day delivery
  • Free delivery on eligible international purchases
  • Early access to Prime eligible lightening deals 
  • Free access to Amazon Prime Video (with access to popular movies, TV shows and Amazon Prime Orginals)
  • Free access to Prime Music (with tons of ad-free music and podcasts)
  • Free access to Prime Reading (with selection of books, magazines, comics etc.)
  • Free access to Prime Gaming (with free games each month and Twitch Subscription)

List of Amazon Prime Day Deals in Australia

Here are some amazing Prime Day deals you can get right now.

Please note that some of the deals might have expired already, so make sure to check the prices before buying.

Prime Day deals:

Top 10 Deals added on 12 July 2023

  1. Kensington Pro Fit® Ergo Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for $29 (Usually $174)
  2. G-Shock DW5600SKE-7D Mens Transparent Clear Digital Watch for $69 (Usually $189)
  3. Lacoste Men’s Basic Slim Fit Polo for $51 (Usually $109)
  4. Elgato Ring Light – Premium 2500 lumens Light for $208 (Usually $329)
  5. BLAVOR Solar Power Bank, Flashlight, Compass for $39.99(Usually $69.99)
  6. Philips Washable Hair Clipper Series 5000 with 28 Length Settings for $43.99 (Usually $59.95)
  7. SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC Card + SD Adapter for $38.33 (Usually $79)
  8. ASUS RT-AX56U (AX1800) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router for $129 (Usually $229)
  9. SAMSUNG 870 EVO 4TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD for $284.03 (Usually $356.19)
  10. Up to 20% Cashback on Amazon via Cashrewards

Top 10 Deals added on 11 July 2023

  1. Shure MV7X XLR Podcast Microphone (Black) for $179 (Usually $369)
  2. Nintendo Switch Console [Grey] for $349 (Usually $469.95)
  3. Kindle (2022 release) for $139 (Usually $179)
  4. Sony BRAVIA 43″ X75K 4K Smart TV for $695 (Usually $1199)
  5. Calvin Klein Euphoria Eau De Parfum for $27.99 (Usually $102)
  6. ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM 3 for $59 (Usually $95)
  7. Garmin Venu 2, GPS Fitness Smartwatch for $356 (Usually $679)
  8. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 128GB Smartphone for $985 (Usually $1849)
  9. SAMSUNG Galaxy S23+ 512GB Storage Smartphone for $1249 (Usually $1849)
  10. PRISM+ XQ340 PRO 34″ Curved Ultrawide Gaming Monitor for $579 (Usually $1099)

Early access deals

  1. $10 promotional credit on $150 Amazon gift card
  2. Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $49 (Usually $99)
  3. Fire TV Stick Lite for $29 (Usually $59)
  4. Fire TV Cube for $109 (Usually $219)
  5. Echo Dot (5th Gen) | Smart speaker with Alexa for $48 or 2 for $79 (Usually $99)
  6. Amazon eero mesh wifi router | 3-pack for $199.99 (Usually $389.99)
  7. Free 2 months on Audible via Amazon Prime. (Cancel anytime before trail ends)
  8. Echo Show 15 | Full HD 15.6″ smart display with Alexa and Fire TV for $317 (Usually $453)
  9. Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones for $270.75 (Usually $499.95)
  10. Roborock Q7 Max Smart Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner for $599 (Usually $839)
  11. PRISM+ Q55 Ultra 55 inch 4K QLED Google TV for $699 (Usually $1599) 
  12. Sony XR55X90K – 55 Inch Full Array LED 4K Smart TV for $1194
  13. Apple iPad (9th gen) for $423 (Usually $549)
  14. Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) with Charging Case for $159 (Usually $219)
  15. JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker: $168 (Usually $199)
  16. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 5.7L Air Fryer for $112.99 (Usually $269)
  17. ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Robot Vacuum Cleaner for $399 (Usually $999)
  18. Govee WiFi TV LED Backlights with Camera, Smart RGBIC Ambient TV Light for $89.99 (Usually $149.99)
  19. ELEGOO Saturn 2 MSLA 3D Printer for $629.99 (Usually $899.99)
  20. Maybelline New York Sky High Lengthening Mascara in Blackest Black for $11.99 (Usually $25.99)
  21. ghd Air™ Professional Hair Dryer for $168 (Usually $250)
  22. 15% off on DoorDash, Gourmet Traveller, Roblox Gift Cards
  23. Koala Queen Mattress in a Box for $699 (Usually $1050)

What retailers offer the best Prime Day alternatives?

Prime Day deals are only available on Amazon, but in recent years, other retailers have started offering more deals to compete. 

If you don’t have Prime membership or aren’t interested in Prime Day, you can find good deals by checking other popular stores like: 

  • eBay
  • JB Hi-Fi
  • Good Guys
  • Officeworks
  • Harvey Norman.

These retailers closely match many of Amazon’s deals and sometimes even offer discounts that Amazon doesn’t have. 

So, if you’re looking for the best alternative sales to Prime Day, it’s worth checking out Amazon’s main competitors.

We will post the deals that are 

Useful Tips for Amazon Prime Day shopping

1. Don’t forget to use cashback services: Cashrewards offers decent cashback on Amazon products. It is an additional savings that you should not miss out on. If you haven’t signed up yet, then you can also get $10 sign up when you join & spend $20 on your first shop within the first 7 days of joining. Sign up here.

2. Make a shopping list: With all the big sales and limited-time Lightning Deals on Prime Day, it’s easy to get caught up in impulse buying. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a wish list prepared before the event. We recommend using Amazon’s Wish List feature, where you can add all the items you’re interested in and keep track of what you actually want. 

3. Check prices before buying: A common question during Prime Day is, “Am I getting a good deal?” The answer lies in researching the price history of the product. We highly recommend using Camel Camel Camel, a website that provides a price history chart directly on each Amazon product page. 

4. Take advantage of the Amazon mobile app: The Amazon mobile app is a convenient tool for keeping track of items and setting up notifications. You can receive push notifications 5 minutes before the deals start, which is especially helpful if you’ve created a wish list. 

5. Receive deal notifications from Alexa: Now, Alexa can notify you about deals and even make purchases for you. When quality products on your Wish List or shopping cart are on sale, the smart voice assistant will alert you. Once enabled, your Echo device will display a yellow ring light or a pop-up notification. From there, you can ask Alexa for more details or order the item yourself. 

6. Earn free Amazon credits and subscriptions: Leading up to and during Prime Day, Amazon often offers opportunities to earn free credits or subscriptions. In the past, there were various options to receive free cash to spend during the event. For example, during the Prime Early Access Sale, members receive a $10 promotional credit when they purchase a $150 Amazon gift card. 

7. Compare prices with other retailers: If you’re not a Prime member, there are plenty of competing sales from other retailers to consider. Some big names in the industry like eBay, JB Hi-Fi, Good Guys, Officeworks and Harvey Norman come up with their own special flash sales during Prime Day. While these sales may not be as flashy, they still offer great prices on tech and home goods without requiring a Prime subscription. 

Bookmark this page for updated deals. We will post as they come along. More to follow soon.…

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that there are affiliate links included in this article, which means we may be compensated if you purchase via those links. It is at no extra cost to you but helps and supports our business.



Free-Student-Guide-Australia-Download
Major changes from 1st July 2023 for International Students in Australia Featured

Major Changes From 1st July 2023 For International Students In Australia

, , ,

1st July means the start of a new financial year here in Australia. 

Usually at this time of the year there are plenty of changes that are happening in the International Education space that impact international students.

In this article, we are going to discuss all the incoming major changes from 1st July 2023 for international students in Australia. 

If you are an international student who is either planning to study here in Australia or currently studying in Australia, then read on. 

Increase in Minimum Wage 

The minimum wage in Australia is increasing from 1st July 2023.

Currently, the minimum wage here in Australia is $21.38 cents per hour or 812.60 for 38 hour work week (before taxes).

From 1st July 2023, this minimum wage will be increasing to $23.23 per hour or $882.80 per week for 38 hour work week (before taxes).

Considering many International students work on minimum wage levels, it is such an important relief especially during this cost of living crisis here in Australia. 

Also, some workers in the aged care sector will also see a 15 percent increase in their wages from 1st July 2023.

Unfortunately, not everyone working in the aged care sector will be eligible for this 15% increase. As only some people working in the care areas and in the food sector are eligible for this increase.

If you want to check your eligibility for this increase in the aged care sector, then we suggest you check this website.

Increase in Superannuation Rate

Starting from the 1st of July, the superannuation rate will also be increasing.

Currently, it is 10.5% of employees eligible earnings but from 1st July 2023 it will be 11%. This increase will continue until it reaches 12% with annual increases of 0.5%.

Check this table below for superannuation guarantee rates over the years:

Financial YearSuperannuation guarantee rates
2012-20139.00%
2013-20149.25%
2014-20159.50%
2015-20169.50%
2016-20179.50%
2017-20189.50%
2018-20199.50%
2019-20209.50%
2020-20219.50%
2021-202210.00%
2022-202310.50%
2023-202411.00%
2024-202511.50%
2025-202612.00%

Source: Australian Tax Office (ATO)

Superannuation is your retirement fund which you can access after retirement in Australia or if you are leaving the country permanently.  

Superannuation is paid on top of your wages or salary, so your employers can’t deduct money from salary for this payment. 

Superannuation is calculated as a percentage of eligible salary or wages and from 1st July 2023, it will be calculated at 11%.

As an example, if you are working in a cafe as a waiter and earning $500 per week, then your superannuation will be 11% of $500, i.e. $55. 

Your employer will deposit this money into your super fund account, usually every three months.

If you are working in Australia on a student visa, you could be eligible to get superannuation.  

Increase in Student Visa Fee

The student visa application fee is also increasing from 1st July. 

Currently, it is $650 to apply for a student visa. 

But from 1st July 2023, it will be increased to $715, which is around 10 percent increase.

If your family member or a friend is visiting you, then they will also have to pay some additional money for their visitor visa. As the visitor visa fee is also increasing from $150 to $190.

If you are coming for a working holiday, then the fee is increasing from $510 to $640.

There is at least around 25 percent increase in some of the visa application fees in Australia.

Re-introduction of Work Restrictions for International Students

From 1st July 2023, work restrictions are coming back for international students. 

It means students can only work 48 hours in a fortnight while their course is in session.

Currently, international students can work unlimited work hours until 30th June 2023.

The Australian government introduced unlimited work hours for international students during the pandemic, but these unlimited work hours are rolling back from 30th June 2023.

However, there are some exclusions to these work limitations, this includes:

  • Unlimited work hours during official school holidays
  • Students who are doing their Master’s degree by Research or a PhD degree 
  • Students who were working in the Aged care sector on or before 9th of May 2023 can continue to work unlimited work hours as well until 31st of December 2023. 

If you want to know how to calculate your 48 hours per fortnight, then we suggest checking the video below:

Additional Post Study Work Visa

From 1st July 2023, there will be additional post-study work visas for students studying some specific in-demand qualifications in Australia.

In short, international students studying in certain in-demand occupations or courses can receive an extra 2-year post-study work visa.

These increase in timeframes for post-study work visas will look like this:

  • Bachelor degree students from 2 to 4 years
  • Master’s degree students from 3 to 5 years
  • PhD students from 4 to 6 years

Keep in mind that this increase is only for students who are studying in those eligible courses. 

We can divide these in-demand courses into 5 main categories:

  • Agriculture 
  • Engineering
  • Health and Medicine 
  • ICT and 
  • Teaching 

If you want to know a complete list of qualifications, then we suggest checking the Department of Education website. 

Change in Graduate Work Stream Visa Application

From 1st July 2023, applications lodged for the Graduate Work stream will require a qualification on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Applicants will also be required to have a valid skill assessment in the nominated occupation when applying for a Graduate Work Stream visa from 1st July 2023. 

Application lodged for a Graduate Work Stream Visa between 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, are not required to meet these requirements. So, the Australian Government is rolling back these requirements for applicants from the new financial year. 

If you’re applying for this Graduate Work Stream Visa after 1st July 2023, you need to make sure that 

  • The qualification you are applying for is on the occupation list 
  • You have a valid skills assessment in the nominated occupation 

Check the Department of Home Affairs website for more details on this update and for relevant skilled occupation lists.

Increase in TSMIT

From 1st July 2023, TSMIT will increase from $53,900 to $70,000 per year.

TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) is the minimum wage for a sponsored worker to get a temporary skilled visa in Australia.

Employers need to make sure that they pay at least $70,000 per year if they are sponsoring skilled overseas employees. 

As some international students might end up getting sponsored from their employers, this is a very important news update for them.

Changes for Overseas Driving License holders in New South Wales

From 1st July 2023, temporary visa holders who have resided in New South Wales for 6 months or more must convert their overseas driving license into a NSW license to drive in New South Wales. 

The NSW government made these changes due to the road safety concerns presented by overseas license holders.

There will also be additional rules for overseas license holders in NSW.

Overseas driving license holders will lose the right to drive in NSW forever if they get 13 points or commit a serious offense while driving. 

If they do, then they will need to get a NSW license if they want to continue driving in NSW. 

Changes to Medical Examination 

From 1st July 2023, it is anticipated that urine tests will no longer be part of medical examination for Australian Visa.

Anyone aged 15 years or above, will be required to take a blood test instead of a urine test for their medical examination when applying for Australian visas.

However, children between the age of 5 to 14 don’t need to undertake either urine or blood test unless it is clinically indicated for the Australian visa.

For more updates regarding changes in costs or these medical examination requirements, you can check the Department of Home Affairs website. 

Alternatively, you can follow us on Instagram to get the latest updates.

So those were all the major updates that are coming into effect from the 1st July 2023 for international students in Australia.



Free-Student-Guide-Australia-Download
Insane EOFY Deals For Students In Australia - Featured

Insane EOFY Deals For Students In Australia

, , , , ,

EOFY is quite significant time in Australia.

With many brick and mortar and online retailers launching their deals to lure customer before the financial year ends.

In the blog, let’s explore some of the insane EOFY deals for students in Australia.

Along with the deals, you will also understand the relevance and some tips to get the best value out for yourself.

Let’s kick in!

What is EOFY?

EOFY means End of Financial Year.

In Australia, financial year starts on 1st July and ends on 30th June each year.

It is that time of the year when individuals and businesses start finalising their tax obligations for lodging their tax return in the new financial year. 

In Australia, the new financial year starts on 1st July and tax returns must be filed by individuals and businesses by 30th October.

Why do businesses launch EOFY deals?

Usually, before the end of financial year (typically anytime in June) many businesses launch special offers for the consumers.

The reason for this is that many people could be eligible to claim their purchases on their tax return as a deduction. So consumers rush to do last minute shopping before they can chuck some of their purchases on their tax returns.

In the past, most of the EOFY sales related to technology, white goods and car sales. But these days, they cover everything from fashion to entertainment to food as well. 

As a student in Australia, you can take advantage of these EOFY deals and get yourself ready for the upcoming university semester. (Wink Wink July Semester)!

Not only are there plenty of deals for customers, but businesses also clear their inventory to meet their financial targets. 

So whether if you are after a discounted laptop, cheaper stationery or just need to buy some trendy clothes, there is something for everyone.  

It is important to note that most of the EOFY deals end on 30th June 2023.

Handpicked EOFY Deals for Students in Australia

🪪 Discount Card

OSA ISIC Card: Get ISIC card with ISIC extra benefits for cheaper than ISIC website. (Save $11.60)

💸 Cashback Service

Cashrewards: Bonus $20 for you when you join Cashrewards and make a transaction of $20 or more.

Shopback: Sign up and get a $20 bonus when you make a transaction of $20 or more

💼 Work

DoorDash: Get a free dasher kit & free background check (only till 30th June 2023)

💻 Technology

Ebay: Refurbished Microsoft Surface 6 128GB with Keyboard for $399.20 using code: SEOFY20

JB Hi-Fi: Apple iPad 10.2-inch 64GB Wi-Fi [9th Gen] for $449

Amazon: Apple MacBook Air M1 Chip 13-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB for $1257

Telstra: Samsung Galaxy Ultra 256GB $300 off + Bonus Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Ebay: Sony On Ear Foldable Headphones for only $31.12 using code: SEOFY20

JB Hi-Fi: Lenovo IdeaPad 14 inch HD Laptop (128GB) for $429

Amazon: PlayStation 5 Console for $724

Officeworks: iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB for $1797

Ebay: Insta360 X3 Action Camera for $597.16 using code: SEOFY20

Google Store: Pixel Pro 7 from $999, Pixel Buds A-Series for $99, Pixel Buds Pro for $219

Boost Mobile: Up to 15% off Refurbished Apple and Samsung products from $211.65

Amazon: Samsung 128 GB SD Cards from $15

Officeworks: Free 2 hours delivery within 10 km radius of a store

📱 Mobile

Mate: Try Mate Mobile or Internet Plan for $1 for the first month using code: TRYMATE

Boost Mobile: 45 GB data with unlimited call & text for $10 for 30 days

Amaysim: $99 for 1 year mobile sim plan with 65 GB data and unlimited call and text

💰 Money

MoneyGram: 100% of Transfer Fee with Special Code: OVERSEASMG100

Wise: Fees Free First transfer of Up to £3000

✈️ Travel

Skyscanner: Last minute flights, hotels and car rental deals. 

👚 Clothing and Fashion

Cotton On: All Sale 50% off original prices on Men and Women Fashion

Factory: Up to 50% off sale. Instore and Online.

Jeanswest: Take further 40% off Sale. Basic Tees from $8.99

2XU: Up to 40% off Activewear for the end of season sale

Myer: Up to 50% off in the Myer’s Stocktake sale

🍲 Food

Everyplate: Up to $180 OFF throughout your first 6 boxes

Hello Fresh: Get up to $210 OFF for the first 5 boxes 

🏠 Home

Salt and Pepper: 30% to 60% off Home decor, kitchen, bathroom etc.

The Good Guys: Philips Essential Air Fryer for $99

Bing Lee: Dyson V7 Vaccum Clearner for $399 (Save $200)

Koala: Up to 30% off storewide mattresses, beds, sofas and other furniture

🎓 Education

Online Courses Australia: Get 55% off online short courses using code: EOFY

Booktopia: Up to 75% off on books, comics, novels, kids books, etc.

Skillshare: Get one month for free and access unlimited courses in all categories.

➡️ Others:

Preezee: Up to 15% off DoorDash gift cards, $5 bonus Myer and Woolworths gift cards

Crazy Domains: 20% off Web hosting, domain names and website builders

(Please note that we will update this article with more deals during the EOFY). We suggest you bookmark this page.

Tips for getting the best EOFY deals in Australia

Here are key tips in order to get the best out of these EOFY deals:

  • Plan your purchases – Make sure to have a clear plan of purchase. Our suggestion is to buy what you need and nothing that you don’t. Planning will help you find a better relevant deal.
  • Do a thorough research – There are plenty of websites, forums and resources available online to do a proper research before you start shopping. Specially a big ticket items.
  • Subscribe to newsletters or social media page – Ideally, sign up for the newsletters or social media pages of the businesses you would like to buy the things for. Create a separate email just for these newsletters if you don’t want to clog the inbox. 
  • Remain with the budget – Set a budget limit and don’t overspend it. While the deals can be very enticing, staying within those budget limits is a must as a student.

If you want to see more student discounts you can access then check our article with 35+ student discounts.

Disclaimer: Please note that there are some affiliate links included in this article, which means we may be compensated if you purchase via those links. It is at no extra cost to you but helps and supports our business.



Free-Student-Guide-Australia-Download
Difference between Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research in Australia - Featured

Difference between Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research in Australia

, , ,

Difference between Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research in Australia

Many students who decide to pursue a Masters degree in Australia, come across these options for studies:

  • Masters by Coursework
  • Masters by Research

Some students might not know what is the difference between two and which one they should choose?

So, in this article, we are explaining about the difference between Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research in Australia.

And some tips to help you to decide which one might be better for you.

So, let’s get straight to the business.

What is Masters by Coursework?

Master’s by coursework is a degree program where students must study specific core subjects and electives in a structured way to complete their degree in a chosen field of study..

Students are usually required to:

  • Attend classes/seminars/lectures/tutorials
  • Complete assignment tasks
  • Undertake exams

Students might need to complete some minor thesis as a part of this course too, but that is not the case for most of the Masters by Coursework programs.

Students doing Masters by coursework may have a chance to undergo a practical training or internship as a part of the course as well.

Usually, the durations of the Masters by Coursework lasts anywhere between 1 and 2 years. 

To do a Masters by Coursework, a student must have completed at least Bachelor degree in related discipline. 

Type of Courses for Masters by Coursework 

Some of the popular courses for Masters by Coursework among students include:

  • Masters of Professional Accounting
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Information Technology
  • Master of Engineering
  • Masters of Science
  • Masters of Law
  • Masters of Education
  • Masters of Architecture
  • Masters of Nursing
  • Masters of Psychology
  • Masters of Agriculture Science

There are many other courses that you can choose to study apart from the one listed above. 

What is Masters by Research?

Masters by Research is degree program where students are expected to undertake a research project under the guidance of a supervisor. The main focus is to conduct an original research and contribute to the knowledge in particular field of study.

Students are expected to conduct the research, gather all the data and then analyse it for the purpose of producing a thesis on their research outcome.

Masters by Research students are usually not expected to attend any classes or do assignments or sit in an exam. However, some universities in Australia might have some coursework in research units as well.

Students in this degree program are required to create a research proposal and then after getting approval from their supervisor, they start working on it. 

The length of a thesis is usually expected to be between 50,000 words to 75,000 words for Masters by Research depending on the university.

For a Master’s by Research, universities typically require either research experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, with an Honours degree. 

The duration of Masters by Research can vary depending on the type of research. However, it can be from 1 year full-time study to 4 years part-time study.

Type of Fields for Research in Masters by Coursework 

Students can choose to do the research in different fields when doing their Masters by Coursework like:

  • Arts
  • Science
  • Philosophy
  • Technology
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Education
  • Environment

There are so many other fields that you can choose to do your research in.

What is the difference between Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research in Australia?

There are many difference between these two postgraduate qualifications. Let’s discuss them:

  • Focus: Masters by Coursework focus on set curriculum while Masters by Research focus on independent research.
  • Structure: Masters by Coursework Students are required to attend regular classes, submit assignments and undertake exams while in Masters by Research students are expected to conduct research and produce a thesis.   
  • Duration: Masters by Coursework usually have a fixed duration of 1 to 2 years while Masters by Research can vary depending on type and requirements of research. 
  • Career outcomes: Masters by Coursework students usually have a very specific career outcome in typical professions. While Masters by Research students usually undertake this course to do a PhD or career in research areas.
  • Entry requirements: Entry to Masters by Coursework require students to have a minimum of Bachelor degree in related field. However, a research experience or honours degree might be required to get an entry into Masters by Research.
  • Work Hours: Master by Research students can work unlimited hours during their course, while Masters by Coursework students need to abide by work hour restrictions as per the student visa conditions.

Work hours for Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research in Australia

From 1st July 2023, international students in Australia can work 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. International students can work unrestricted hours during their official school holidays.

So students undertaking Masters by Coursework will have to abide by these limited work hour conditions. However, students undertaking Gradute Research programs like Masters by Reserach or PhD. are exempt from this work limitation.

So, students completing Masters by Research can undertake a full-time work while completing their degree program. However, keep in mind that Masters by Research is quite involved and demanding program. 

Your supervisor might allow for flexible start and end times for your research, but it still requires a great deal of effort.

So, in reality, you might not be able to work full-time even if you have full working rights due to the amount of work involved in the research courses.

However, if you are coming along with your dependent for studying any of these courses, then they can work full-time hours while you are studying.

If you want to know more about work hours in Australia for international students, then you should consider checking this article.

Choosing the right Masters degree

Last but not the least, which degree should you choose?

It depends on heaps of factors including:

  • Interest in Research: Consider your interest in research. How much are you interested in conducting an independent research on a chosen topic? If you want to explore a specific topic of interest, then Masters by Research might suit you better. However, if you prefer a structured learning environment, then Masters by Coursework might be better.
  • Career goals: What are your career objectives and goals are? What do you want to achieve in your career and what career outcomes you are hoping to achieve? If your goal is to complete a PhD or focus on specific research topic and want to contribute to the knowledge in the field, then Masters by Research is your thing. However, if you are looking to thrive in a specific career or profession, the Masters by Coursework is right fit for you.
  • Ability to work independently: Masters by Research program require a lot of independent research and self-motivation. Assess your ability in these factors and decide if the Masters by Research is right fit for you. If you prefer to have a structured learning with clear course outlines, then consider Masters by Coursework. 
  • Availability of scholarships: While there can be scholarship options for Masters by Coursework program, it is likely that Masters by Research may even have other financial assistance along with scholarships as well. You should consider this and your financial situation as well.
  • Personal preference and strengths: You have to be honest to yourself and know your academic strength when choosing any course. This is no different in case of choosing Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research. Masters of coursework will involve completing assignment tasks, undergoing exams, etc. While in Masters of Resarch involves lots of research and analytical skills. Which area do you thrive in? Only you know the answer.

We hope you understand the difference between Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research in Australia. We want to know which course would you like to study in Australia? Let us know in the comments.



Free-Student-Guide-Australia-Download

Load More

Top
error: Content is protected !!