On 20th of July 2020, Alan Tudge, the acting minister for immigration and Dan Tehan, the education minister in Australia released a joint press statement that included the five major changes that they are making to student visas.
Following upon that announcement to the student visa changes, there is a further update on the free student applications for international students.
In this article, we are going to discuss:
✅ What is free student visa application?
✅ Who is eligible for this visa?
✅ How to apply for this visa?
✅ Other Student Visa Updates
What is free student visa application?
This free visa application is one of the major changes announced by Australian Government couple of weeks again.
Australian Government has decided to waive the visa application fee to allow international students to lodge a further student visa application to complete their study.
Basically, students who have been unable to complete the study due to COVID-19 pandemic, will be able to apply for a new student visa at no extra cost, to help them complete their study.
It is a very good initiative by Australian Government and finally some much needed relief for international students.
Who is eligible for this visa application?
There are few requirements to meet in order to be eligible for this visa application:
You must have held a valid student visa on or after 1st feb 2020
You were unable to complete your study due to Covid 19 pandemic
This waiver of the fee will be available to new student visa applications made after midnight 5th August 2020.
Please note: if you didn’t meet these requirements, then you are ineligible to apply for this free visa.
Also, it will only be available to the new visa application and no refunds will be issued to the applications made before 5th August
How to apply for this visa?
In order to get this student visa fee waiver, you will need to apply your student visa and you have to provide an additional form which is to be completed by your education provider.
Please note that this form needs to be completed and signed by your education provider.
You will be required to submit this form along with your student visa application.
You must apply for this visa online. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply.
If you are ineligible for this visa waiver or fail to submit this form along with your student visa application, then your application could be invalidated and you would be required to submit the new visa application.
Other updates:
In addition to the student visa fee waiver, there were 4 other major announcements, that includes::
👉 Australian government will recommence granting international students visas who are offshore. So this basically means when the borders are reopened international students who already have got their visas sorted they will be able to make arrangements to travel to Australia
👉 Online study undertaken outside Australia as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions will count towards the Australian Study Requirement for existing and new student visa holders.
👉 Graduates affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions will be able to apply for and be granted a Temporary Graduate visa outside Australia (where they have met all the requirements)
👉 Flexible time-frame to be given to the international students to provide further information for the visa applications. So additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language test results, biometric information and health checks.
For more details on these changes, please check the Department of Home Affairs here.
Again, if you are in a doubt with your specific situation, then we suggest you to check with a registered migration agent for that.
What can I do after finishing my study in Australia? What are my options after graduation in Australia? These are some common questions that come in the mind of many international students in Australia who are nearly completing their study.
So in this article, we are going to explore 7 options after completing your graduation in Australia.
Option 1: Continue your further study in Australia
The first option for you is to continue your further studies. Many students after finishing their degree in Australia decide to continue their studies here. For example, you are completing your Bachelor Degree, then you can continue their Master’s Degree in Australia.
Obviously, students are already familiar with the Australian education system so it’s much easier for them to continue their further study.
Things you need to keep in mind before continuing your studies:
🟢 You may need to apply for a new student visa as your old student visa might be expiring. So if you need to apply for a new student visa application before the current visa expires.
🟢 You would also need to apply for the course that you would like to study. Even if you plan to study in the same institution or maybe if you want to study in a different institution or in a different city or state.
🟢 You may have to provide evidence for enough funds for your further studies.
🟢 You will also need to renew your OSHC (Overseas Students Health Cover) insurance.
If you don’t want to study further you can always look for other options.
Option 2: Travel around Australia
Australia is a beautiful country and if you like to have some confirmation for that, here is some proof of that.
So many international students after their graduation in Australia, like to take some break and travel around Australia. As most of the international students are quite busy while they are studying and working during their student visa, it’s a good idea to travel around and explore this country further.
International students can apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) that allow them to stay up to a maximum of 12 months in Australia for travel purposes. Please note that you can not work on a tourist visa in Australia.
Option 3: Complete a professional year
If you have completed an accounting, engineering or IT related degree, then you can seek to obtain professional work experience. International students from these streams can apply for a professional year program.
This program can be really beneficial to learn how Australian workplaces operate and getting some work experience, which is a part of the program and can be further helpful in applying for your permanent residence
Additional 5 points can be claimed toward your permanent residence visa after successfully completing the professional year in Australia.
Option 4: Apply for a working holiday visa
If you are between the age of 18 to 30 years old and if you have a passport from one of the eligible countries you can apply for a work and holiday visa or a working holiday visa.
Working holiday visa can let you stay and work for 12 months and if you like, you can apply to extend it for a further 12 months. You must not be accompanied by dependent children. Check the list of eligible countries on Department of Home Affairs website.
This visa allows you to stay in Australia and work and travel at the same time. There are 2 different types of working holidays visas (subclass 417 & 462) available to apply for the people from eligible countries.
🟢 Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas are open to people who hold a passport from Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan or the United Kingdom.
🟢 Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas are open to people who hold a passport from Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, Uruguay or Vietnam.
Option 5: Apply for a temporary graduate visa
The next option is to apply for a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa allows international students who studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years to stay and work in Australia after finishing their studies.
This visa has two streams:
🟢 Graduate work stream – Graduate work stream allows students to gain valuable work experience and improve their English skills while they are working on their application for the skilled independent visa. It usually lasts for 18 months.
🟢 Post-study work stream – Post-study work stream is for those students who don’t want to stay in Australia permanently and would like to work after studying in Australia. This visa usually lasts from 2 to 4 years depending on the courses students have completed.
The duration of this visa will depend on your level of qualification:
🟢 Diploma or trade qualification – 18 months
🟢 Bachelor’s Degree (with or without Honours),
🟢 Master’s Degree by Coursework – 2 years
🟢 Master’s Degree by Research – 3 years
🟢 Doctoral Degree – 4 years
From November 2019, students who are planning to study in regional area universities will be eligible to access an additional 1 to 2 years in Australia on a post-study work visa. You can check more details on this here.
Option 6: Apply for a permanent visa
If your study was in the nominated skilled occupation list, then you might be eligible to apply for the Australian Government’s skilled migration program which can help you achieve permanent residence and citizenship in Australia.
One of the key benefits of studying in Australia is that it has a very attractive migration program and it gets millions of applicants every single year to meet its shortage in certain skills and areas.
After completing your studies, you are usually eligible to apply for one of the following visas:
Some of these are skilled independent visas where you can apply without any sponsorships, regional sponsored migration scheme where an employee can sponsor you in the regional area or employer nomination scheme where any employer you are currently working for can sponsor you.
Applying for permanent residency is not an easy task, so we suggest you check the Department of Home Affairs website for detailed information.
Also, if you are unsure about how you should proceed to apply for a permanent residence visa, then consider using the services of a registered migration agent for your visa application.
Option 7: Return back home
Last but not least you can always return back to your home country. If you don’t want to work in Australia or travel after your studies, then it’s time to pack up your bags, leave Australia and return back home.
Although it can be tough after living in Australia for so long to return back to your home country. Many international students succeeded in their career after returning back to their home countries as well.
If you are planning to move back to your home country, make sure to plan ahead and sell bulky items to avoid expensive shipping. You should also look into cancelling your utilities and paying off your bills before leaving. Also, make sure to join your institute’s Alumni to keep in touch with your fellow alumni.
So these were some of the options for international students after completing their studies in Australia. What are you planning to do after your graduation in Australia? We look forward to your comments below.
Disclaimer: Please note the information provided in this article is general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Your circumstances could be different, so we suggest you consult a registered migration agent to discuss your situation.
You’ll be needing and using a lot of things once you become a university student. Depending on the requirements set by your college and degree, you’ll have to bring an adhesive page marker, notebook, pen, calculator, and laptop. Some would even use a student planner and a flash drive.
You can bring all of these things with ease when you use a backpack during your stay at a university. A backpack is one of the top picks of almost every university student because it helps them stay organized, plus it’s convenient to carry and transport even for extended periods of time. What’s more is that it can help you be on-trend! But, with the number of backpacks available for university students today, do you know which to choose?
Listed below are some of the features every university student should look for when buying a backpack:
1. Wide, Padded Straps
You will put a lot of things in your backpack, which means that carrying it around for long periods can cause strain to your neck and back. Fortunately, choosing a backpack that has wide and padded straps can prevent this from happening. These straps will reduce the pressure from your neck and back, allowing you to carry your valuables with ease.
Backpacks with wide and padded straps can also provide added comfort, perfect if your classes will require you to walk from one building to another.
2. Compartments
As mentioned, you will need to invest in several items to excel and survive college. These items come in different sizes–your pens are small and light, while your notebooks are heavy and bulky. You might even have to carry fragile items, such as your laptop inside your backpack.
To ensure that none of your valuables are damaged as you’re carrying them, look for a backpack that comes with several compartments. The backpack you choose should have compartments for smaller items, such as your pens and keys, and larger items, like your notebooks. The more compartments the backpack has, the better.
Aside from taking care of your essentials, a backpack with several compartments will make it very easy for you to find items the moment you need them. You don’t want to miss out on taking notes during class just because you can’t find your pen inside your backpack, right?
3. Durable Material
You will be using your backpack for at least four years as you stay in the university. If you don’t want to see yourself buying different backpacks throughout the entire school year, make sure that you invest in a backpack that’s made from a very durable material. Look for canvas and nylon backpacks as these are known to be some of the most durable materials used for apparel.
When buying a durable backpack, don’t hesitate to extend your budget. Although it can be very tempting to buy a cheap backpack, don’t do it as this can usually mean that the product is made from low-quality or substandard materials. Buying this kind of backpack can result in more costs and stress as you’ll have to pay for repairs or replacements throughout the entire school year.
Although a durable backpack is usually expensive, buying this will be a cost-effective investment as this will last for years. A durable backpack will also reduce stress because you don’t have to go back from the start to search and buy a brand new backpack again.
4. Waterproof Material
Aside from the durability of the material used to make the backpack, you should also check if the material is waterproof or not. This is an important property to look for as this can significantly affect the condition of your valuables the moment you place them inside your backpack.
The weather is usually unpredictable, and using a non-waterproof backpack can compromise the overall quality of your valuables. Your notes will be drenched, and your laptop will be damaged when you place them inside a non-waterproof backpack and, then, heavy rain suddenly pours. This is one of the worst nightmares every college student fears.
5. Style
College is an important time of your life because this is when you’ll recognize your true self. College will encourage you to show off your personality and reach out to individuals who share your passions and interests. If you want to show off your style and stand out during this phase, consider the style of the backpack you’re going to use.
Backpacks come in different sizes and designs, making them so easy for you to choose one that truly fits your personality. You’ll be more encouraged to use your backpack if it enables you to showcase your unique style!
6. Other Small But Significant Details
Buying a backpack is an important deal because your comfort and health as a university student depend on the backpack you’re going to buy. Although most backpacks look the same–having several pockets outside and two large straps for the back–these products come in a wide variety and will require you to pay more attention to smaller details.
Before choosing a backpack, spend some time to check other small details, namely:
🎒Zippers: The quality of the zippers is important when choosing a backpack. How the zippers work can affect your convenience and safety as you’re using the backpack.
When buying a backpack, try out the zippers first. Check if you can use them with ease and if the backpack closes and opens using the zippers. It’ll be challenging for you to use your backpack if its zippers suddenly get stuck. This can also put your safety at risk as your valuables can be prone to theft.
🎒Hidden Pockets: If you want to have peace of mind every time you carry around your car keys, wallet, and smartphone, look for a backpack that comes with hidden pockets. These compartments will keep you safe from the prying eyes of pickpockets.
🎒Side Pockets: Getting your umbrella or tumbler out from your backpack can be very stressful. You’ll have to open the main zipper of your backpack before you can protect yourself from heavy rains or quench your thirst.
You can save yourself from the hassle by finding a backpack with side pockets. With this property, you can easily get your umbrella, tumbler, and other items without having to open the main zipper of your backpack.
Start Your Search Early
Now that you know what to look for in a backpack, start searching for retailers that sell this product. Compare at least three retailers so you can determine which among these offers high-quality backpacks at an affordable price.
Will my job be taken over by artificial intelligence or robots in the future?
This is one of the key questions that many people have in their minds these days and rightfully so due to the rise of technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning over the last few years.
When choosing any course, we always suggest that you must follow your dream and passion but it’s also very important to understand the changing environment and make a smart decision based on which industries will have plenty of jobs in the future.
So in this article, we are going to discuss jobs of the future including the top 5 industries to have most jobs in Australia in the next 5 years.
Before discuss about the jobs of the future, we are going to look latest government data (Based on the Skills Priority List, data on job vacancies and projected growth in employment over the next five years).
Top 10 in-demand professions over the next five years
Australia’s top 10 in demand jobs over the next five years based on the government statistics is here. We are going to discuss some of these professions in more details in next parts. But here is a quick list of these in-demand professions:
Construction Managers
Civil Engineering Professionals
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers
Registered Nurses
ICT Business and Systems Analysts
Software and Applications Programmers
Electricians
Chefs
Child Carers
Aged and Disabled Carers
Let’s go over more details about these professions and industries now.
1. Health care
With an increase in pressures from the pandemic, life expectancy and a growing aging population, Australia needs lots of healthcare professionals.
For the records, there were around 13% of Australians over the age of 65, which increased to 15% in 2017. Now, this number is set to touch 20% by 2037, which clearly tell the saga of the increasing aging population. With that comes the need for more aged care and other health care professionals.
Also, the introduction of the national disability insurance scheme has led to the growth in the disability carers.
Some of the professionals that will be needed in this industry are:
1. Aged and disabled carers
💰 Weekly Pay – $1,265
📈 Future Job Growth – Very strong
🎓 Skill Level – Lower skill
2. Registered nurses
💰 Weekly Pay – $1,909
📈 Future Job Growth – Very strong
🎓 Skill Level – Very high skill
3. Physiotherapists
💰 Weekly Pay – $1,444
📈 Future Job Growth – Very strong
🎓 Skill Level – Very high skill
Search all health professionals related courses here
2. Education and Training
Since the start of the population boom in Australia, the demand for educators is rising day by day, so we will need plenty of educators in the future.
Also, education is Australia’s third-biggest export adding on average of $32 billion to the economy each year. The education industry grew by 2.7% over the past 10 years, much higher than the national average in Australia.
Some of the professionals that are set to drive this industry are:
1. Primary school teachers (particularly in math and science)
💰 Weekly Pay – $1,801
📈 Future Job Growth – Strong
🎓 Skill Level – Very high skill
2. University lecturers and tutors (specifically in the international education sector)
Search all education, training, and language-related courses here
3. Construction
Construction is the third industry which will provide plenty of opportunities in the future. With the current demand for better infrastructure and an increase in housing demand, the construction industry will require plenty of specialised skilled people.
Although the labouring and non-skilled jobs could be replaced by machines in the future and are certainly on the decline but more skilled and degree educated professionals will be required in the industry.
Some of the key skill people required in this industry will be:
1. Electricians
💰 Weekly Pay – $1,823
📈 Future Job Growth – Moderate
🎓 Skill Level – Medium skill
2. Plumbers
💰 Weekly Pay – $1,894
📈 Future Job Growth – Strong
🎓 Skill Level – Medium skill
3. Construction Managers
💰 Weekly Pay – $3,450
📈 Future Job Growth – Strong
🎓 Skill Level – Very high skill
4. Concreter
💰 Weekly Pay – $2,100
📈 Future Job Growth – Strong
🎓 Skill Level – Entry level
Search all building, construction and architecture related courses here
4. Professional, scientific and technical industry
Obviously, with the rise of technology, there will be plenty of jobs in the IT, technical and science sector. There will be more job roles that will arise due to the new technologies become more accessible such as blockchain, 3D printing, drone deliveries, internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Most of the young people planning to work in the future must have some skills and knowledge in IT.
More specifically professionals required in this industry will be:
In 2017, more than 8.8 million visitors in Australia and they spent around $42 billion dollars and in the future, this trend will continue to rise as travel gets cheaper and more efficient. Obviously, COVID-19 had a huge impact on the travel and tourism industry but it has seen tremendous growth ever since and the trend is likely to be the same in the future.
Now, not only many tourists come to travel to Australia but many domestic travellers also become part of Australia’s travel and tourism industry. Also, as one of the high-income countries, we tend not to cook too much at home and rely a lot on eating out and food delivery services.
No wonder, this is certainly giving a lot of push to the jobs in food, accommodation, and other related industries.
Some of the key jobs that will set the boom in this industry are:
It is vital for international students to know which careers or industries have better future career prospects in Australia. It can help international students in various ways, such as:
👉 It can help to choose the right course.
👉 It can also help to plan ahead for the career.
👉 It will be easier for them to find a job in the related study field.
Which courses can I do in these industries?
You can choose to do various types of courses related to these industries, like:
🎓 Vocational Education and Training Programs – For the low to medium-skilled job roles, you can undertake a certificate, diploma or an advanced diplomas course related to the industry.
🎓 Undergraduate Programs – For high skilled jobs, you are usually required to complete an associate or bachelor degree program in that field
🎓 Postgraduate Programs – For a job that requires very high professional skills, a postgraduate degree like a Masters Degree or Doctorate Degree (PhD.) might be required.
So these were the five industries that are set to give plenty of job opportunities in the future in Australia. Which industry are you planning to study?
If you would like to know the future growth aspect of any industry or a career in Australia, then we suggest you check this website out.
This data has been gathered from the Australian Government’s website: Joboutlook.gov.au
We have been frequently asked by many overseas students “Should I study in a regional area or in the city in Australia?” So we went and explored various aspects of studying in the regional towns and city area. Let’s look at the pros and cons of studying in regional Australia and the city:
What are the Regional Areas in Australia?
Regional Australia is referred to as any area outside a metropolitan area.
Australian government is simplifying the definition of Regional Australia for various visa purposes. From November 2019, Regional Australia will include all of Australia except:
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
This means some cities (like Gold Coast, Perth, Canberra, Newcastle, and Wollongong) previously considered as cities will be included in the list of regional areas.
For migration purposes, the Department of Home Affairs has divided the whole of Australia into three main categories:
Major Cities
Cities and Major Regional Centres
Regional Areas and Other Regional Centres
In this table below, we try to make it easier for the students to understand the new regional areas from 16th November 2019 and the benefits they can access when studying in these areas.
– Priority processing on regional visas. – Access to the Regional Occupations List – more jobs compared to non-regional lists. – International graduates with a bachelor or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution will be eligible to access additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa
Regional centres and other regional areas
– Rest of Australia
– Priority processing on regional visas. – Access to the Regional Occupations List – more jobs compared to non-regional lists. – International graduates with a bachelor or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution will be eligible to access additional 2 years in Australia on a post-study work visa – Priority in negotiating region-specific Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).
The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the content of this publication.
Why the Australian Government made these changes?
As regional areas are generally less populated areas, that’s why the Australian Government is promoting and getting more people to move out in those areas.
It will not only help to build up those areas but also help to meet the shortage of the skills needed in the regional areas.
These changes will also mean that there will be less pressure on major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that has got a growing population.
Universities in regional areas
Australian Capital Territory
Australian National University – Canberra
University of Canberra – Canberra
Australian Catholic University – Canberra
New South Wales
Charles Sturt University – Wagga-Wagga, Port Macquarie, and Albury
Southern Cross University – Lismore and Coffs Harbour
University of Wollongong – Wollongong
University of New Castle – New Castle
The University of New England – Armidale
Northern Territory
Charles Darwin University – Darwin
Queensland
University of Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast
Central Queensland University – Rockhampton, Cairns, Gladstone, Noosa, Townsville, Emerald, Mackay, Bundaberg
James Cook University – Townsville
University of Southern Queensland – Toowoomba
Bond University – Gold Coast
Griffith University – Gold Coast
Southern Cross University – Gold Coast
South Australia
Flinders University – Adelaide
University of Adelaide – Adelaide
University of South Australia – Adelaide
Carnegie Mellon University – Adelaide
Central Queensland University – Adelaide
Tasmania
University of Tasmania – Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie
Victoria
Australian Catholic University – Ballarat
Deakin University – Geelong and Warrnambool
Federation University – Ballarat
Latrobe University -Bendigo, Shepparton, and Wodonga
Western Australia
The University of Notre Dame – Broome & Fremantle
University of Western Australia – Perth
Curtin University – Perth
Murdoch University – Perth
Edith Cowan University – Perth
Central Queensland University – Perth
City Area
Pros
Facilities
Australian cities are some of the most liveable cities in the world. The universities in the metropolitan areas are world-class and well known for their education, campuses, and facilities like libraries, computer labs, science labs, etc.
Lots of options for studying
There are thousands of courses that you can choose when studying in the metro areas. Most of the universities, Tafe and private range of study options that you may not be able to find in some regional areas.
Multicultural
Australian cities are very multicultural. You can see people from all walks of life, religions, backgrounds, and nationalities. Don’t get surprised if you bump into people from your home country.
More job opportunities
With larger populations, comes a huge number of job opportunities. As most overseas students look forward to some part-time work during their study period, it becomes the crucial factor for deciding where to study in Australia.
Easily accessible transport
Australian cities are really well connected with the different modes of transport like trains, trams, buses, and ferries. Most of the cities have multiple modes of transport which make going from home to school or work really easy and you don’t need to buy a car to travel around the city.
Entertainment
There are a large number of shopping centers, cinemas, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in the cities for your entertainment. Apart from them cities will also hold various events like festivals, sporting events, etc.
Cons
Crowded
As mentioned above, the main reason the Australian Government is trying to push students and migrants to move to regional areas is due to cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are getting overcrowded.
Population in these cities are booming which leads to congestion on the road, crowded public transport and shortage of rental properties.
Lots of competition
Although there are plenty of job opportunities available in the cities, there is stiff competition in the job market as most of the international students choose to study in city areas.
No additional points for migration purposes
If you are aiming to get additional points for the migration purpose, then cities are not going to be much help. There are no extra points for studying in the metro area.
Regional Area
Pros
Extra points for migration
One of the main reasons international students choose to study in regional areas is the obvious benefit of getting 5 extra points. These 5 points can be vital when applying for your permanent residence.
Additional year on Post Study Work Visa
As announced by the Australian Government, international students studying at regional universities will get one extra year of Post Study work visa. This visa allows the students to stay back in Australia after completing their studies for working full-time.
More Australian culture
You can see the real Tru-Blu Australian culture when leaving in regional towns. While Australian cities are very multicultural, Australian towns are opposite and have fewer migrants. You can get to see, live and experience the typical Aussie environment.
Relaxed lifestyle
The pace of life in Australian regional towns is much slower than the cities. People usually are not in a rush, so it might feel like you are on a vacation all the time. Even at work, people take a laid back approach and the workload is less stressful.
Cost of living
As a matter of fact, the cost of living in regional towns are much less compared to the cities. For example, while the rent for a 1-bedroom apartment costs around $1360 in Adelaide and it costs $2602 in Sydney.
Closer to Nature
If you like to bring closer to nature and love the outdoors, then studying in a regional area will be the best bet for you. Australia is a beautiful country with its very unique landscapes and wildlife.
Specialised courses
There are certain types of courses that are only available in regional areas. For example, the University of Tasmania’s Marine courses is the kind of one and only courses available throughout Australia.
Small class sizes
One of the key benefits of studying in a regional area is that class sizes are smaller as compared to cities. So, you get a personalised sort of education and its quite easy to build a relationship with your teachers and lecturers.
Special scholarships
Australian Government has announced a special scholarship, Destination Australia, for international students studying in regional universities. This scholarship will provide $15,000 per year to the students studying programs from Certificate IV level to Doctoral degrees.
Many universities also offer a variety of scholarships to attract more international students to study in the regional area. Make sure to enquire for scholarship before you apply for any course.
Community Feeling
When there is less number of students studying in your course, you can easily build a bond with them. It also helps to settle into the study and living environment quickly. Since most students might be living in the same areas, it is easier to catch up with friends after uni.
Cons
Fewer job opportunities
As most of the regional towns are smaller compared to larger cities, there can be a shortage of jobs in certain regional towns. As community aspect is really strong in regional areas, most of the employers prefer to give jobs to locals first.
Facilities
Infrastructure, lack of funding and less number of students mean that facilities in the universities are not as fancy as they are in city universities.
Lack of Public Transport
Public transport in regional areas is very limited. Usually, buses are the only mode of transport in regional towns with limited timetables. If you are not living close to university or work, then you will need to buy a car for your everyday commute.
Entertainment is limited
Regional towns are nowhere close to as lively as cities are. Most of the shops and shopping centers will close early and fewer number of options are available for dining out and events.
Our Top 10 regional cities for studying in 2020
Based on our research on various factors like:
Cost of Living
Lifestyle
Liveability
Availability of reputed universities and courses
Facilities
Job opportunities
Our Top 10 Cities for studying in Regional Australia are:
While there are many pros and cons for studying in both regional and metropolitan areas in Australia, we suggest that you find one that meets your requirements well.
Some of the factors you should consider when making the final decision about studying in Regional Australia or city are:
Your career goals
Your financial situation
Your preferred course
Your lifestyle
The reputation of the university or institution
Cost of living
Job opportunities
We hope this article helps you in making a better-informed decision for your career.
Student exchange in Australia comes with plenty to organise.
And so, when it does come to organising, budgeting should be number one on your priority list. Because, like all things in life, your student exchange is going to cost you!
In which case, it’s time to take a look at what costs and fees you can expect as an exchange student in Australia.
Visa Application Fee
Caption: Student visas come with student visa fees!
First things first. If you plan on studying in the great big land of Oz, you’re going to have to apply for aStudent Visa (Subclass 500). The base application fee is currently $575 AUD and applies to students within or outside of Australia.
If you have family members planning to tag along, they also come at an additional cost. Additional application charges add $430AUD onto (your existing) application fee. And, for any underage family members, you’re looking at $140AUD.
Health Examinations
Medical examinations are a standard procedure with any type of visa. And so, your student visa is not exempt from this visa “fact of life”. Fees depend on your home country and the kinds of examinations you are personally required to take.
But, to give you a general idea, the basic medical examination in Australia ranges from $200 AUD to $300 AUD. You may have more costs added to this price depending on whether theMy Health Declarationsrequire you to take extra examinations.
Overseas Student Health Cover
Assuming you’re alive and well, the next thing is to make sure you stay healthy for the duration of your student exchange. This means you will need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
The OSHC is mandatory if you want to shift your student visa from pending to approved. The Australian Immigration Department requires you to have your OSHC policy in action from the moment you arrive in Australia…until the moment you leave.
In terms of cost, your OSHC cover varies depending on what level of insurance cover you choose, how long you plan on staying in Australia, and which insurance provider you choose.
Again, for a general idea, your standard OSHC policy costs roughly $480 AUD to $560 AUD per year. For a one-year standard OSHC policy, the main certified OSHC insurance companies in Australia include:
AHM: $486 per annum (each year)
NIB: $491 per annum (each year)
Bupa: $544 per annum (each year)
Medibank: $545 per annum (each year)
Allianz: $558per annum (each year)
Tuitions & Access To Genuine Funds
Caption: Organise your finances to get your student visa approved
Now you can’t apply for student exchange if you’re not enrolled to study at an educational provider in Australia. So you’re going to have to start calculating in tuition fees. While tuition fees vary from one education provider to the next…a university semester in Australia costs $10,000-$20,000 on average.
The Department of Home Affairs determines whether you have the funds to support your education (and living expenses) through its ‘Genuine Access To Funds’ assessment.
In order to pass this assessment, you will need to show documentary evidence that you can actually pay for your student exchange in Australia. And you have a few official options to choose from:
Option 1 – Twelve Months Funds
Evidence of funds for travel to Australia, 12 months living, and tuition:
Flight Costs: $1,000 AUD-$3,000 AUD (depending on which part of the world your applying from).
Living Costs: $20,290 AUD for students. Plus add an extra $20,290 AUD if you’re accompanied by a guardian, $7,100 AUD for a Spouse/Partner or $3,040 AUD for a child.
Course Fees: Calculate the first 12months of your course fees (starting from the date you lodged your visa application).
Option 2 – Annual Income:
Evidence of sufficient annual income:
You must have a personal annual income of at least $60,000 AUD. And for those of you who are being accompanied by family members, the requirement is at least $70,000 AUD.
The income you demonstrate must be either personal income from your spouse or parents. Or you can also negotiate for the total amount to be combined from a few people’s incomes. You will also need to provide official government documents such as tax assessment.
Option 3 – Genuine Access To Funds:
You and any accompanying family members must demonstrate you will have access to the funds while in Australia:
When another person/business is providing funds: Show evidence of the relationship and any history of financial support, i.e identity documents.
If relying on a financial deposit: explain any recent large deposits or ongoing deposits e.g. wages.
If you have an education loan: disbursement should be provided i.e. the loan terms and the full amount to be disbursed.
If you’re relying on another type of loan: show evidence of collateral used to secure a loan, terms of the agreement, and capacity to cover ongoing costs.
Student Accommodation
Caption: Don’t forget student accommodation costs
Next up on the list. How much isstudent accommodation going to cost you? Of course, this isn’t an additional cost. It’s part of the Genuine Access to Funds Options – 1) 12-Months Fund, 2) Annual Income, or 3) Genuine Access to Funds.
Still, it’s worth wrapping your head around what kinds of student accommodation options are available and their relative costs.
Option 1: Host Family:
Staying with an Australian host family is popular for students on a high school exchange, and less so for those on university exchange. Still, there are plenty of university students that can’t say no to a home-cooked meal!
Weekly Price Guide: $300 AUD for standard homestay package (including food, accommodation & utilities).
Option 2: University Accommodation:
Always a great option for those students obsessed with all things uni life and having your university right at your doorstep. It tends to be on campus or right nearby.
Weekly Price Guide: $150-$400 AUD (Including utilities and communal areas, usually excluding wifi, furnishings, and food).
Option 3: Off-Campus Student Accommodation:
Purpose-built student housing is designed for international students wanting to experience student life without the “your university is your home” aspect of on-campus living. These sites tend to be located in central university districts and social hubs and filled with other international and domestic students.
If you are all about independent living, renting your own apartment is about as independent is it gets. You get to choose your own apartment, the area you live, and the kind of people you flat with. Usually, it is not furnished and you also have to pay the utility bills as well.
Weekly Price Guide: $250-$400 AUD (not including food or utilities. And may or may not include furnishings)
The English Test
Your English Language test costs more than just brainpower (Image 5)
To study in an English speaking country, as the logic goes, you need to have English language skills. Which means you will have to sit the IELTS or an equivalent English language test. And this testing comes at a cost.
In all likelihood, you’ll be sitting the IELTS – the most widely respected and accepted English language certification in Australia. The IELTS test costs $340 AUD or $347 AUD where a GST payment applies.
Police Clearance Certificate
Another annoying but necessary part of your student visa application is a police certificate. The Department of Immigration requires character clearance for international students entering the country. Price varies depending on which country you get your certificate. But, to give you a rough idea, it’s $42 AUD for a police check application in Australia.
General Expenses
General living expenses are entirely dependent on you! Excluding accommodation…your looking at about $50-$250 AUD per day for public transport, groceries and/or eating out, and maybe a bit of recreation or shopping. Of course, you can go far below or above this limit depending on how thrifty or luxurious your student lifestyle is.
Takeaway Thoughts
Your student visa application and student life in Australia is going to require some serious cash flow. In which case it’s time to knuckle down, get out your calculator, and start budgeting in your student exchange fees!
