Study In Australia

Please note, each institution has its own application form. Entry requirements vary between institutions and courses of study.Assistance with applications for enrolment and visas can be obtained

Ideally, you should begin the application process about 12 months before you hope to enrol. If you are awaiting final examination results, most institutions will grant provisional acceptance based on your past academic performance. Provisional acceptance will also be granted pending acceptable English language proficiency.

The following details should be supplied when applying for admission to study in Australia:

• full details of previous study, including copies of qualifications
• evidence of your English language proficiency (that is, appropriate IELTS score or as accepted by the institution)
• evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover all costs associated with the period of study
• Application forms and supporting documents should be forwarded to AA Education Network.

If your application is accepted, the enrolling institution will send a letter offering you a place in your chosen course and requesting a portion of tuition fees and health insurance. Once these have been paid, the institution will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).

This is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications.

• Excellence of the Australian education system - education standards rank amongst the highest in the world.
• Recognition of Australian qualifications - Australian qualifications are widely recognised and accepted when seeking employment or further study.
• Flexibility of the Australian education system - multiple institutions offering a wide variety of courses with flexible delivery methods.
• Work/travel - there are opportunities for students to travel and/or work whilst studying.
• Special protection and care for international students - government legislation and codes of conduct operate to regulate the industry and protect students.
• Value - the combination of competitive tuition fees and low cost of living represent good value for money.
• The Australian Lifestyle - favourable climate, safe and stable environment, attractive surrounds and friendly people make Australia an enjoyable place to study.
• Multicultural Australia - overseas students are welcome in Australias multicultural society and can apply for a student visa .
• Support for international students in Australia - networks of support exist to help students in all aspects of their stay in Australia.

For student visas, the Australian government requires prospective applicants to :

• Be enrolled in a registered CRICOS course (Your AA network counsellor can advice you on suitable courses!)
• Meet health requirements (you may be required to undergo a health check).
• Obtain health insurance Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Have sufficient funds to cover all study and travel related expenses while in Australia (at least AUD$12,000/year for living costs).
• Meet English language proficiency requirements for their preferred course (IELTS test score may be a means of assessment).
• Be of good character
• Have arranged suitable accommodation if they are under 18.

Can I work in Australia while studying?

You must have a work permit or condition attached to your visa in order to be able to do so.

Can my dependents work in Australia?

There are no restrictions on postgraduate students. 20 hours per week for TAFE and Higher Education students.

How do I get a tax file number and do I need one?

Youll need one for banking and employment purposes. You can get a application form from your education provider or your nearest post office.

Can I convert my tourist or business class visa to a student visa while in Australia?

Applicants from assessment level 1 & 2 countries are permitted to do so. For applicants from level 3 & 4, they are also permitted to do so but under special circumstances.

Can I apply for packaged programs?

Yes, all students are permitted to do so.

Does the Australian embassy accept faxed copies of Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)?

Yes.

Do I need to notify anyone about change in address?

For visa labels 8506, notification must be made to the Department of Immigration & Citizenship within 2 working days before moving to new address.

For visa labels 8533, the university must be notified within 7 days of moving to the new address

Do I need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

Yes, it is compulsory by law.

Can I change or modify my program after initial enrolment?

Yes, subject to approval from the relevant Head of School or nominee. If the new course has a longer duration than the initial one, then the student will have to apply for a new visa.

Can I change to another institution within the first 12 months of my program?

This is subject to conditions attached to your visa. DIMA may approve transfers only in exceptional circumstances.

What is a full time program of study?

A full time student takes 18 or more units of study in a term at the time of the census date and 36 or more units in a year at each of the three census dates

Can I re-enrol in summer/spring school after withdrawing from a course

No, this is not permitted.

What pace of academic progress is required to to fulfil visa requirements?

The Australian government considers students completing their programs within standard duration to be making satisfactory progress.

What is unsatisfactory progress?

Your education provider has specific guidelines addressing this.

What do I do if I am not happy with my academic progress?

You should contact the Academic Coordinator, Head of School/Faculty or the International Student Support Officer.

Can I extend my student visa in Australia?

This is possible if your current visa has no further stay conditions.

Can I apply for a leave of absence?

International students are not permitted to undertake this option.

If I cancel my program or enrolment, how soon will I have to leave Australia

28 working days following completion of program.

If I complete my program early, am I entitled to remain in Australia for the duration of my student visa?

No.

After completing my program, can I apply for a tourist visa?

You must check with the immigration department regarding your eligibility.

As of the 26th of April 2008 Student Visa holders are aloud to work up to 20 hours of paid employment a week.

Working and Student Visa Conditions

There are certain conditions which must be met for a student to work their 20 hours in Australia. Students can not commence work until they have started their course. It only allows 20 hours of work a week, this includes during holidays.

Type of work for international students

As students can only work part time or casual hours most of the work available is in shops, retail and hospitality as the hours are flexible. Generally the pay is not high and it will depend on age and experience. Many students decide to work as a tutor for students learning their native language. Tutoring work tends to pay higher how ever job opportunities are not high.

Tax Returns

Students will need to apply for a Tax File Number through the Australian Taxation Office before commencing any paid employment. Tax will be taken out of any pay earned and can be claimed back at the end of each financial year along with any other work related expenses. Each financial year Tax File Number holders must complete and lodge a Tax Return, this states what money has been earned and from where as well as how much either the tax office owes the tax payer or how much the tax payer owes the tax office.

Any tax owed to the payee will be paid within 14 days unless there is a problem which needs to be resolved, in this case the tax office will contact the person involved.

Superannuation

Any one who is paid $450 a month is eligible for superannuation, this is where a percentage of paid tax goes into a superannuation account which is applied for as an individual or through the place of work. Superannuation is a retirement fund, any money placed in this account can not be withdrawn unless in the case of an emergency or retirement. There are many superannuation providers in Australia to choose from.

Finding Work

There are many ways to look for a job, alot of students hand out resumes directly to employment options. If looking for advertisements local newspapers, and web sites advertise regularly. Websites such as www.seek.com.au and www.careerone.com.au allow job applicants to apply for positions directly through their website.

Always when applying for a job ensure that the resume and cover letter are truthful and made out with good English. In the resume include all the applicants contact details, name, educational history, employment history as well as several references which can be contacted by phone. Both a covering letter, resume and any copies of qualifications should be sent to the advertiser.

Do not include in the resume, details such as height, weight, marital status or religion. A photo of ones self is not necessary, and never state how much the applicant is wanting to be paid.

If an advertiser is interested in an applicant they will call and ask for an interview, this will generally be at the place of work so the applicant can see where they would be working and what they would be doing first hand. Always dress appropriately and be prepared, the interview is when the potential employer will decide whether or not the applicant would work well with their team. If English is the applicants second language, make sure to listen carefully and be overly prepared.

Usually after an interview the advertiser will let them no whether or not they have been successful, at times they may ask them back for a second interview or say they will call them and let them no whether they have been successful.

Your rights and responsibilities in the work place

The main responsibility for student visa holders is to make sure they do not work more then 20 hours a week, they must make sure their employer understands this as there are penalties for working more then the aloud amount.

Pay

Always check that the student is being paid a minimum of award wage. Pay must be made on a regular basis meaning fortnightly or monthly at the most. Ensure money is paid into a bank account and not in cash. After the pay period be sure the employer has provided a pay slip which has on it all the employers details, pay amount, tax and superannuation details stated on it. The pay slips will help when lodging a tax return at a later date.

Shifts

An employer will let the employee no of what shifts they are to work, it is the employees responsibility to turn up on time and work the desired shift. Let the employer no at the interview time what shifts they can and can not work due to study commitments.

Ending your employment

Ending employment is simple enough but the employee must provide enough notice, both parties must give at least 2 to 3 weeks notice when choosing to end employment.

Employers are not aloud to end employment on grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or ethnicity. If an employer does this there are rights to contact the Workplace Ombudsman to discuss rights and further action.