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Thriving Abroad: 4 Tips Every International Student Must Know

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Traveling abroad as an international student can be one of the most exhilarating experiences ever. 

However, as much as it is exciting it can also come with its own challenges. Typically, the idea of studying abroad in a foreign region presents itself with vast opportunities for academic and personal growth. ​

Nevertheless, since there are challenges involved, you need to equip yourself with the right strategies and knowledge. 

This way, you can be sure to improve your academic performance, transition swiftly, and enhance your overall experience while working abroad. 

This article provides essential tips to help you thrive abroad as an international student. 

Ready to read? Let’s go. 

Understand Visa Regulations       

Understanding the visa regulations for the countries involved is a fundamental aspect of a seamless international student experience. 

It is vital for each student to learn and understand all the visa requirements while staying vigilant on any changes or updates available. 

In Australia, you must meet all the health, study and work related requirements to meet these obligations.  For example, you can only work 48 hours per fortnight when your study is in session and unlimited work hours are allowed during official school holidays.

Remember, complying with these regulations is a legal requirement and guarantees an uninterrupted and smooth academic journey. 

As a result, this lets you focus on your studies, thus making you perform even better. 

Connect with Your Peers 

If you want to study a course like masters in nursing abroad, you must look into building connections with peers for the ultimate experience. 

Consider joining clubs or organisations as they offer excellent opportunities to associate with global and local students with similar interests. 

Sometimes you can find these groups on social media also like Facebook, Whatsapp or Linkedin groups.

Besides serving as social hubs, these groups also help establish a sense of community, thus allowing international students to feel at home away from home. 

Additionally, taking part in various group activities helps one gain valuable cultural insights, build lasting friendships, and overcome challenges that come with new social and academic settings.  

Establish a Financial Plan 

Financial plans are critical in ensuring an exciting and stable experience as a student studying abroad.  

Make sure to open a student bank account in a reliable Australian bank for easy and seamless financial management during your college years!

Creating a budget and sticking to it helps one manage expenses well while ensuring they meet their personal and academic needs without straining. 

It would help if you explored cost-saving options like financial well-being contributions and student discounts. 

Familiarise yourself with currency exchange rates to maximise your educational adventure with less financial constraints.  

If you want to understand the cost of living for international students, then check the video below:

Maximise Support Services 

Utilising support services at the university is one of the most significant pillars of successful studying abroad. 

The support services include but are not limited to counselling services, writing centres, and tutoring programs. 

These services offer useful assistance in conquering academic difficulties. 

Whether you want to address individual problems, seek guidance on coursework, or fine-tune writing skills, the resources are established to offer comprehensive support for all.  

Do Not Ignore Your Health and Well-Being 

International students must always prioritise their well-being and health status. 

For instance, you should explore the local healthcare system to understand all the requirements involved. 

Ensure you get an ideal health insurance coverage (like OSHC for Australia) to help you with medical bills. 

Your mental wellness is vital as well; while stress and homesickness are common mental issues for new international students, you should get the necessary help when needed. 

Do not ignore or suppress factors that affect your mental well-being. 

You can learn more about the available support services for international students here.

We hope these tips help you to achieve your career goals.  All the best with your journey as an international student.



Top STEM Courses for Female International Students in Australia

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Women in STEM is one of the most talked about topics in recent history. 

Rightly so, as there is underrepresentation of women in the STEM field.    

So in this article, we are looking for Top STEM courses in Australia that female international students need to know about.

Let’s get started!

What is STEM? 

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

It refers to a multidisciplinary approach to education and career paths involving these fields.

But these four fields of STEM comprise many other subfields that students can have a career in.

Notably, some universities also refer to STEM as STEMM (including Medicine in STEM).

Why STEM in Australia?

In this ever-changing world, technology is dictating the future of work.

Many new work opportunities are emerging, while some jobs are disappearing in front of our eyes.  

Education in STEM is not just critical but essential for preparing ourselves for the jobs of the future.

In Australia, the gap between the skills employers need and knowledge generated in the education sector is widening.

So, STEM course graduates are considered to be in high demand in Australia.

STEM careers are well-paid and highly valued in today’s job market.

Why Women in STEM?

According to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, women make up only 37% of students studying STEM courses in Australian universities.

And the numbers are worse when it comes to STEM-qualified employment with women representing 15% of these jobs. 

In 2022, there was 17% or $27,012 of pay gap between men and women in STEM industries.

Apart from these numbers, more women are needed in STEM careers as they bring a different perspective in the industry. 

Increase of women in STEM can ultimately benefit the industry as a whole. 

List of popular STEM courses in Australia

There are plenty of options in terms of courses you can study in STEM areas, but we have handpicked some of the most popular ones.  

You can undertake both or either undergraduate or postgraduate courses in these fields:

  • Information Technology
  • Biomedicine
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Agriculture Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Physics
  • Biochemistry
  • Food Science
  • Medicine

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other courses you can do in the STEM fields.

Top STEM universities in Australia

Here is a list of Top STEM universities in Australia that you might consider studying in:

  • Australian National University (ANU): ANU is known for its excellence in research and STEM disciplines.
  • The University of Melbourne: A global leader with a strong emphasis on innovation and technology.
  • The University of Sydney: The University of Sydney offers cutting-edge research facilities and a diverse range of STEM courses.
  • The University of Queensland (UQ): UQ is known for its contributions to science, research and technology.
  • Monash University: Monash University is renowned for STEM programs and research output.

Requirements to study STEM courses in Australia as an international student

Here are some of the basic requirements to study STEM courses in Australia:

  • Passport and Student visa: You will need a passport and an Australian student visa in order to study in Australia as an international student.
  • Academic Qualification: To get an admission into STEM courses, you will need to have a high school certificate with good grades in the relevant subjects to get into an undergraduate program. If you want to get into a postgraduate course, then you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
  • English Proficiency tests: Students from non-English speaking countries are required to undertake an English Proficiency test like IELTS, PTE or others. With minimum overall scores of 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS equivalent depending on the university.
  • Entrance Tests: Some universities in Australia may require entrance tests as part of their admission requirements. While some offer scholarships to students with higher scores in these entrance tests. Common entrance tests into STEM courses include GRE, GMAT (for postgraduate courses) and SAT or ACT (for undergraduate programs).

We hope you find this information related to STEM courses for female international students in Australia useful. 



Australian Universities Start Dates 2024 Revealed

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Start of the new calendar year means start of new academic year in Australia.

And many students wander when does the university actually starts?

So in this article, we are going to look at Australian Universities Start Dates for the year 2024.

Before we get started though, a quick disclaimer: While all efforts has been made to check the accuracy of these dates, there is a possibility that there might some inaccuracies. If you do find any, please report it to us at info@overseasstudentsaustralia.com

We also suggest that you check with respective university for exact dates.

Now, that done, let’s get back to the topic.

Australian University Calendar

Australian universities typically offer semester or trimester system for study periods.

While most of the universities offer only 2 semester teaching in a calendar year in Australia, some also offer 3.

Typically, these are divided into these main intakes:

  • February/March Intake (Autumn intake)
  • July/August Intake (Winter intake)
  • October/November Intake (Summer intake)

February and July intakes are the most common intakes. While the November intake, also known as summer semester is only offered by fewer universities.

February is the first and the largest intake of the year.

This is when most of the international students and domestic students start their university year.

July is second largest intake with many international students starting their university during this time.

November intake is relatively the least popular and comparing to other intakes, only fewer students enrol into this semester.

For each intake, here are the general timelines:

February intake

StartsMid term breakExamEnds
February /MarchAprilMay/JuneJune

July intake

StartsMid term breakExamEnds
July/AugustSeptemberNovemberNovember

November intake

StartsMid term breakExamEnds
October/NovemberDecemberJanuaryJanuary

If you are curious to know which intake is the best or worst to study in Australia, then don’t worry, we have complete guide on that topic. Check the guide here.

Australian Universities Start Dates

Here is a list of Australian universities and their respective start dates for each semester for the year 2024:

State/TerritoryUniversitySemester 1 StartSemester 2 StartSemester 3 Start
NATIONALAustralian Catholic University26/02/202429/07/2024N/A
The University of Notre Dame Australia19/02/202422/07/2024N/A
ACTThe Australian National University19/02/202422/07/2024N/A
University of Canberra05/02/202429/07/2024N/A
NSWCharles Sturt University26/02/202408/07/202411/08/2024
Macquarie University19/02/202422/07/202409/12/2024
Southern Cross University04/03/202401/07/202428/10/2024
The University of Newcastle26/02/202422/07/2024N/A
The University of New England26/02/202424/06/202421/10/2024
The University of Sydney19/02/202429/07/2024N/A
University of Technology Sydney19/02/202405/08/2024N/A
University of Wollongong05/02/202413/05/2024N/A
UNSW Sydney12/02/202427/06/2024N/A
Western Sydney University04/03/202401/07/202428/10/2024
NTCharles Darwin University04/03/202422/07/202418/11/024
QLDBond University*15/01/202413/05/202409/09/2024
CQUniversity04/03/202408/07/202404/11/2024
Griffith University04/03/202415/07/202404/11/2024
James Cook University29/01/202408/07/202416/09/2024
Queensland University of Technology26/02/202422/07/202418/11/2024
The University of Queensland19/02/202422/07/202425/11/2024
University of Southern Queensland19/02/202408/07/202411/11/2024
University of Southern Queensland*22/01/202413/05/202402/09/2024
University of the Sunshine Coast26/02/202422/07/202425/11/2024
University of the Sunshine Coast*26/02/202422/07/202404/11/2024
SAFlinders University26/02/202422/07/2024N/A
The University of Adelaide26/02/202429/07/2024N/A
The University of Adelaide*29/01/202420/05/202402/09/2024
University of South Australia26/02/202422/07/2024N/A
University of South Australia*08/01/202401/04/202424/06/2024
TASUniversity of Tasmania26/02/202422/07/2024N/A
VICDeakin University04/03/202408/07/202404/11/2024
Federation University Australia04/03/202422/07/202418/11/2024
La Trobe University04/03/202429/07/2024N/A
La Trobe University*04/03/202404/03/202422/04/2024
Monash University26/02/202422/07/2024N/A
RMIT University04/03/202422/07/2024N/A
Swinburne University of Technology26/02/202429/07/2024N/A
The University of Melbourne26/02/202422/07/2024N/A
Victoria University19/02/202429/07/202404/11/2024
WACurtin University26/02/202422/07/202425/11/2024
Edith Cowan University19/02/202422/07/2024N/A
Murdoch University26/02/202429/07/2024N/A
Murdoch University*15/01/202406/05/202426/08/2024
The University of Western Australia26/02/202422/07/2024N/A

* means Trimester system

Source: Universities Australia

Here are some more frequently asked questions regarding Australian Academic Calendar

What month do universities start in Australia?

Australian universities typically start in February/March for the new academic year.

What month does university end in Australia?

The last semester of the year for many universities ends in November.

What is Summer Semester in Australia?

A study period typically offered during November to January is known as Summer semester in Australian university calendar.

How many days a week do you go to university in Australia?

It depends on the university and the course but you can expect to be at the university for 2 to 3 days in a week.

Can you start university in the semester 2?

Yes, you can start university as an international student from semester 2 (July intake) in Australia.



Eye-Opening Statistics About International Students In Australia

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Australia is a top choice for students around the world who are looking for high-quality education. 

Every year, prospective students leave their home countries and embark on a journey to pursue higher education in Australia. 

These international students contribute not only to the vibrant cultural diversity of the nation but also to its economy and academic growth.

Imagine this: each year, students from all over the world say their farewells to their families and home countries and begin their journey to the beach shores and dry lands of Australia. They come from almost every part of the globe you can imagine – China, India, Malaysia, the United States, you name it. 

It is like a lively global fusion right at the core of the Southern Hemisphere!

In this article, we are looking at some key statistics about international students in Australia and their significance.

How Much Money International Students Contribute To The Australian Economy

International students contribute significantly to Australia’s economy through their financial contributions, while the demand for quality education in Australia keeps increasing. 

When students begin their education, they not only contribute to their own growth but also to the Australian economy by investing large amount of money as a part of their tuition fees and living expenses.

Back in 2019, international education contributed a massive $35 billion to Australia’s economy, and it dipped down during the dark hours of the pandemic.

But in 2023 until June, it is already worth about $21.8 billion. 

International students in Australia have a wide-ranging financial impact on the economy. They contribute not just through tuition fees, but also in other sectors like accommodation, retail, transportation, and more. 

Number of International Students Studying In Australia

Australia is becoming increasingly popular among international students looking for higher education. 

There is a steady rise in the number of international students studying at universities and educational institutions in Australia. 

The number of international students studying in Australia has increased significantly.

There are currently over 710893 international students studying in Australia which is about 34% higher than in 2022.

The major factor contributing to Australia’s popularity among aspiring international students is the country’s prominent education system. Australian universities consistently rank high in global university rankings, offering a wide range of programs and disciplines across various fields. 

These institutions provide a high standard of education, ensuring students receive quality learning experiences and acquire globally recognised qualifications.

You can read more about why international students choose to study in Australia here.

Leading Source Countries of International Students In Australia

Australia attracts thousands of international students from several countries of the world. 

Among them are top leading source countries that contribute significantly to the pool of international students studying in Australia. 

According to the Australian Government Department of Education, the top countries where international students come from into Australia are:

  1. China (152,395)
  2. India (118,869)
  3. Nepal (59,147)
  4. Columbia (33,494)
  5. Philippines (29,916)

Australia’s strong partnerships with leading source countries will continue to shape the future of international education. This will create opportunities for many students to have transformative academic experiences.

Popular State or Territory in Australia among International Students

When it comes to studying in Australia as an international student, the choice of state or territory holds considerable importance. 

Each region offers distinct educational opportunities and experiences, making it crucial to understand the landscape of international education in Australia. 

Factors such as university ranking, culture diversity, course availability, support services, cost of living and employment opportunities amongst others are the popular considerations before choosing a state or territory to study in Australia.

Listed below are the data on the number of students that study in each state or territory in Australia:

  1. New South Wales (271,509)
  2. Victoria (212,087)
  3. Queensland (108,764)
  4. Western Australia (53,186)
  5. South Australia (42,562)
  6. Australian Capital Territory (18,419)
  7. Tasmania (8,499)
  8. Northern Territory (4,555)

Types of Courses International Students Study in Australia (Level of Education)

When it comes to international students studying in Australia, the types of courses and the level of education they pursue are quite important. 

Australia provides a range of courses at various levels to cater to the individual academic or vocational goals of students.

Here are the types of courses available for international students and their population percentage:

  1. Higher Education (Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctoral degree) – 49% 
  2. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Certificate I, Certificate II, Certificate III and Certificate IV) – 32% 
  3. English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) – 13%
  4. Non-award – 3%
  5. Schools – 3%

International students have many options to start their learning path, from vocational and technical courses to higher education degrees.

International Graduate Outcomes 

The international graduate outcomes are survey data that measure and show international graduate outcomes after their study period in Australia. 

International graduate outcomes refers to the career and employment prcomparedf international students who have completed their studies. Upon graduation, students usually benefit from various post-study work opportunities, allowing them to gain practical experience in their fields. 

Many international graduates successfully get employment in Australia or return to their home countries with enhanced skills and qualifications. 

The International Graduate Outcome survey is usually carried out by the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) body which evaluates the career aftermath of international students’ study such as salary, employability and more. 

This survey is usually conducted annually between August and September. This survey was for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students in Australian universities. 

Overall, the graduate employment rates increased in 2022 and up at 57.7% compared to 43% in 2021 for undergraduate students.

For post graduate students, the employment rate went up also to 57.9% compared to 43.9% in 2021.

Undergraduate students from Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia have the highest full-time employment rates.

Postgraduate students from the Phillipines, Indonesia and Malaysia have the highest full-time employment rates. 

Interested to know more? Click here to check out the most recent international graduate outcomes data.

Average International Graduate Salary 

Many international graduates from Australian universities and institutions often experience positive outcomes in the job market, regardless of their fields of study. 

Australia’s strong economy and thriving industries offer competitive salaries to international graduates, giving them a rewarding start to their professional journey.

Currently, international graduates earn an average of $60,000 per year compared that to $54,300 from previous year. 

The average Australian graduate earns $68,000 per year.

Conclusion

The data on international students in Australia shows that it is a great place to get a global education. The increasing number of students coming to Australia reflects its popularity as a top study destination. 

If you are thinking of commencing your academic or vocational journey in Australia, then this might be your calling.

Sources of Research:



Understanding Academic Misconduct in Australia: A Guide for International Students

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As an international student, you might have come across a very important term in Australian academics, “Academic Misconduct”.

With more international students choosing to study in Australia than ever before, it is critical to explain the concept of academic integrity and academic misconduct to the student.

But due to language barriers and various other reasons, some students might not understand the importance of these terms.

So in this article, we are giving you detailed information to help you understand the academic misconduct in Australia and its impact on you as a student in Australia.

What is Academic Integrity?

Academic Integrity is about acting honestly, responsibly, ethically in your studies.

It is about maintaining those values when doing your assignments, research, homework, exams and all other academic 

It is expected by all universities in Australia that students and staff must adhere to academic integrity standards.

What is Academic Misconduct?

Academic misconduct refers to any action or attempt made by a student or group of students to gain an unfair advantage over others in an academic setting.

Academic Misconduct is a serious offense and can have serious consequences if breached.

Types of Academic Misconduct

These are the common types of academic misconduct you must know about:

📝 Plagiarism: It is an act of copying others’ work without giving credit. This includes words, ideas and information from sources without credit. You are basically claiming it to be your work when it is not.

📚 Cheating: It is about unfair actions during exams, tests, quizzes, like looking at someone else’s paper or using notes when not allowed.

🧪 Fabrication: Making up data or sources or lying about information in assignments or research papers, similar to telling a made-up story.

🤝 Collusion: It is about working together on academic tasks with other students when you should do tasks alone.

💰 Contract Cheating: An act of paying someone else to do your homework, assignments, tests, etc. Contract Cheating is illegal in Australia.

🎭 Impersonation: Having someone else pretend to be you and getting them to sit test on your behalf.

🧾 Misrepresentation: Giving fake documents or information, like using a fake ID or fake academic transcripts.

🚫 Breach of Exam Rules: Breaking the rules set out by your educational institutions during the exam, like using phones when it’s forbidden.

Consequence of Academic Misconduct

These are some of the consequences of academic misconduct:

  • Failing and repeating the subject: You might receive a failure for the subject and might have to repeat the subject again.
  • Formal warnings: Your educational institution might issue you a formal warning letter.
  • Additional costs: If you have to repeat the unit or subject, then you may also have to pay additional costs for that.
  • Expulsion from the university: You might also be expelled from the university or college if you were involved in serious academic misconduct.
  • Student Visa Jeopardy: Serious cases of academic misconduct can also lead to criminal charges, visa cancellation and deportation.

What happens if a student is accused of Academic Misconduct?

Here are the steps that are usually expected in cases of academic misconduct. Please note that these steps may vary from one institution to another. 

But here are the general overview:

  1. Notification: Students get notified about the allegation of academic misconduct.
  2. Investigation: Education institute starts investigation about the allegations made.
  3. Meeting: Students are usually expected to attend the meeting with the academic faculty members and can provide their side of the story.
  4. Evidence review: After the meeting, students reponses and evidence is evaluated by the educational institution.
  5. Academic hearing: Student might be required to attend the academic hearing if the evidence suggests academic misconduct.
  6. Decision: After hearing, the decision is made about whether a sanction should be imposed or not.
  7. Appeal: If the student was given a sanction (discussed above in the consequences), then they can appeal if they believe that the decision for sanction was unfair.
  8. Documentation: Any outcome of academic misconduct is recorded in Student’s academic records. 

How to avoid Academic Misconduct?

Here are ways on how you can avoid academic misconduct:

  • Own work: Always do your own original work.
  • References: Always reference your work with the correct reference style used by your educational institute. 
  • No Cheating: Never involve in any cheating whether if it is with friends or using paid services.
  • Check your submission: Double-check your work before submission. You can use tools to check your plagiarism score for any unintentional plagiarism.
  • Time Management: Managing your study, work and life balance will help you plan for your academic career. You can download free time management template from our website here.
  • No Sharing: Sharing is not always caring. So, don’t share your work with others unless it’s allowed by your educators.
  • Support Available: Use the academic resources and support channels provided by educational institutes
  • Seek support: If in doubt or struggling with your academic works, then seek support from the right channels. The earlier, the better.

Reporting Academic Misconduct

If you come across any academic misconduct by any other student or peers, then you should promptly report it to your educational institution. 

Most universities and educational institutions in Australia will have clear guidelines on how and where to report academic misconduct.

You can research that information on your education institute’s website.

How to get support?

If you are struggling to complete assignments, tasks, or homework, then help is available via your educational institutions.

The first point of contact for support is your teacher.

If they can’t help you with your questions, they will direct you to seek support from academic channels at your institution. 

So, don’t hide away and seek support as soon as you need it. 

If you want to know everything about assignments in Australia, then check our detailed guide on it.



Update: Fully Funded Maitri Scholarship for Indian Students (Australia)

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Details for the long awaited Maitri scholarship for Indian students have been released. 

Maitri Scholarship was first announced on 14th February 2023 and since then we have been waiting for further details about the scholarship.

Now, the Centre for Australia India Relations has provided more insights into this $11.2 million scholarship.

Interested? Read on.

What is Maitri Scholarship?

Maitri Scholarship is an Australian government initiative to strengthen bilateral ties with India. 

The scholarship is designed to help high achieving Indian students to study higher degree programs in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) at an Australian university.  

What are the benefits of Maitri Scholarship?

Maitri Scholarship will provide the following benefits to the successful applicants:

  • Significant financial contribution toward tuition fee
  • One-off establishment fee
  • Economy class airfare
  • Visa
  • Passport
  • Overseas Students Health Cover
  • Travel Insurance
  • Temporary Accommodation
  • Monthly stipend
  • Funding for professional development

Maitri Scholars will also join an alumni community to share their experiences and further develop their knowledge and professional relations. 

Who is eligible for Maitri Scholarship?

Here are the eligibility requirements to apply for the Maitri Scholarship:

  • You must be an Indian citizen
  • You must not be an Australian citizen or Permanent resident of Australia
  • You must be a new enrolment at Australian University
  • You must have completed an eligible Higher Degree by Research (HDR) application through the nominating Australian university
  • You must be proposing to study an approved qualification at nominated campus
  • You must be willing and able to participate in Maitri professional development events, function (if possible, internship/work placement) organised by Centre, DFAT and the University 
  • You must hold a student visa for the duration of the course
  • You must follow the Maitri Scholars Program Agreement and other documents including Australia Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research

What courses can you study under Maitri Scholarship?

Here is a list of approved courses for the Maitri Scholarship, specifically studies in STEM-related fields of advanced manufacturing, critical technology (incl. batteries), critical minerals, and clean energy solutions:

  • Masters (by research) 
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)  

As per the update, Undergraduate degrees and Master by Coursework degrees are not eligible for this scholarship.

Not eligible for this scholarship? Check our article on fully funded scholarships for international students here.

How to apply for Maitri Scholarship?

Students who are planning to study in 2024 must express their interest to apply for the Maitri Scholarship to their respective Australian university. 

You don’t need to apply to the Centre for Australia-India Relations.

Universities will then nominate the potential scholars for consideration by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (Centre).

Australian universities can apply for this program through GrantConnect.

So, if you’re a student who meets the above requirements and wants to apply for studying in 2024, contact your university for an application.

Source: Centre for Australia India Relations



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