Australia is a leading global education powerhouse with some of the world’s best facilities and educators. Universities in Australia provides local and international students with a wide range of quality study options. Furthermore, Australia is the 3rd most popular students destination in the world. Australia is home to some of the finest universities in the world. However, students often commit the mistake of coming to Australia without enough information. So, here are the 8 things international students should know about Australia:
1. Simplified paperwork procedures
Once you have been accepted to a university and a course of your preference, you can start preparing your visa application. Fortunately for all foreign students, the Australian government has simplified this procedure to a large extent. As of 2016, all study visas fall under the same category, Student visa (Subclass 500), no matter your academic field of interest.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to reach out to your university and ask for help when applying. They have staff who are familiar with the procedures and will be happy to offer guidance.
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2. Growing Destination
Australia is currently the third most popular destination for international students in the English-speaking world, behind the United States and the UK. Many international students choose to study there because of cultural diversity, friendly natives, and a high quality of education.
3. Global Recognition
Schools and employers all over the world recognize degrees from Australian schools. Graduates from Australian schools are highly sought after due to the impressive international reputation of the Australian education system. This system is carefully regulated by the Australian government in order to maintain the high standards of education associated with the country.
4. Studying dilemmas
Coming from a different student culture can be a challenge when you travel across the world to earn your degree. Perhaps your previous education has been narrower, or broader, or you need to adjust to the different mix of practical and theoretical classes. As a result, some students can find it difficult to keep up.
Australia has a distinct culture of exchanging study notes and study guides in order to help new students adjust. It’s easily done online, where you can swap your own notes for someone else’s free of charge, and prepare for a difficult exam with the help of past students who have mastered the subject matter.
5. Lifestyle and culture
Australia’s warm, sunny weather is the perfect personification of its inhabitants’ sunny disposition. It is a very multicultural country, and you will find yourself surrounded by people of all backgrounds and interests.
Trendy restaurants and cafes, museums and galleries, lush green parks, gardens and so much more make the country an exciting one to explore. Don’t be shy about asking for help or advice regarding any aspect of your life in Australia – there’ll likely be a crowd of people eager to offer you a helping hand.
6. The upside-down seasons
Another useful fact for those who choose to study in Australia is that its location in the southern hemisphere means that the seasons are opposite to those in Europe and the US. This means that Australia’s spring will start just as the autumn leaves start to fall from the trees in Toronto, and you’ll likely be basking on the beach while many in Wales are wearing winter coats.
However, keep in mind that many corners of the country can get cold during winter months ( July and August). So learn about the district you plan to go to and pack your luggage to serve you in both seasons.
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7. Public transport
No matter where you decide to study, Australia has a well-developed variety of public transport options. This includes buses, trains, light rail, and ferries. The services have reliable timetables, and it might be useful to learn about any schedule changes before you start your semester.
Some territories have concession fares for students, so ask around and obtain the proper transport cards depending on your age and status.
8. Work and study options
Many student visas allow their students a certain period of time to work in Australia, and although this is often an excellent way to minimize your expenses, you should consider whether this will affect your studying.
Your visa allows you to work up to 40 hours a fortnight while your classes are in full swing, and you are free to work as much as you please during breaks, while your family members can do the same.
Keep in mind that the minimum wage in Australia is A$17.70 per hour, and students can easily find work as tutors, in retail or in tourism.