Australian qualifications and institutions are recognised globally for their high quality and excellence in academics. Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold prominent positions worldwide. Furthermore, they are readily accepted for further studies at leading international universities.

COST OF STUDY

The annual tuition fee varies from AU$ 10000 to AU$ 20000 (i.e. Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs. 7 lakhs) depending on the university or college. Approximate annual living expenses of an Indian student would be in the range of AU$ 8000 to AU$ 10000.

The cost of living and tuition costs in Australia are much lower that compared to the USA or the UK. These lower costs make it more affordable for students to attend a school in Australia and still have a high standard of living. Australia offers excellent value for money, with living expenses and tuition costs in Australia considerably less expensive than the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).

The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on housing, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs.

ELIGIBILITY

For postgraduate programs, most of the good universities prefer a first class: however there are universities, which accept students with high second class. In the undergraduate level, most of the good universities look for 70% or higher in +2/PUC. However there are students who have been admitted to good universities with just a high second-class degree.

Most common admission intakes are in February and July. In addition, some universities admit students in Oct/November term for programs like MBA/MIT. The students need to plan well in advance due to the fact that the embassy takes about 6-8 weeks for the PVA (Provisional Visa Announcement) and final visa.

VISA

One of the important requirements for a student visa application to Australia is that, the student must be accepted for enrolment, to undertake a course, by a Government registered Australian education institution. This is ensured by verifying the advice of acceptance from the Australian institution (Letter of Offer).

The financial background of the student will be checked and the sponsors (parents or relatives) have to produce the related documents for atleast 6 months prior to the pre-visa application date. The evidence of cash assets will be sufficient enough to show that the applicant is able to afford the education and cost of living at Australia. It is compulsory for all international students to have a minimum band score of 6.0 or 5.5 (for diploma courses) in IELTS

Normally the processing of application may take a four (4) to six (6) week timeframe. If you are advised that you meet the PVA requirements, you will be asked to undergo further processing. This includes payment of course tuition fee to the Australian educational institution and a medical examination. It is essential that the student and the accompanying dependent(s) meet the Australian Health requirements before a visa may be granted

The students have to obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa. The premium for OSHC is only to be paid once the PVA requirements have been met. The current premiums for OSHC are AUD274 for a single person and AIJD54S for a whole family.