Applying to Australia is not much tedious job, but there are things that all applicants need to be conscious about. Most of the universities and colleges demand a special international student application from the international students. Check the application due dates with your education provider, as these may differ for each provider. Note the important deadlines, allowing for postage times, and ensure you meet them. There are many elements to bring together when starting your Australian education and it is important to be thorough and on-time.
Starting the application
College and university search requires a thorough research. You need to go through websites of a lot of colleges and universities and check information about them. You also need to consider factors like location, affordability, faculty, environment, and available majors before choosing a college. It is better not to delay once you have chosen your course and found an education provider that matches your criteria.
International students usually apply directly to Australian institutions, either by post or online. You can download application forms from institutions’ websites or request the forms to be posted to you. Another option is to contact an education agent in your country or an overseas representative of the institution to which you are applying.
Most application forms require you to supply:
- your personal details
- certified proof of your level of English language proficiency
- details of your previous academic qualifications, such as academic transcripts
- your course preferences
- a summary of your employment experience (if applicable)
You can apply to the Australian colleges and universities even if you are in the high school. If you are still in high school, you can provide evidence of your most recent grades until it is possible to provide your final results. An official certified translation of your documents should be provided to the universities if they are not originally in English.
Proficiency in the English language is important for international students in order to adapt to the English speaking environment of Australia. So, most of the institutions in Australia demand for English language proficiency scores from the international students with a mentioned minimum requirement. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may need to consider a different course or apply for bridging or foundation study, which may improve your chances. In such cases, you should not hesitate to email the admissions office of the institution.
Most institutions charge a non-refundable application fee that must be included with your application. Before sending your application, check your visa requirements with your local Australian visa office or online at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website to ensure you will qualify for a visa if your application is successful. If, at any time during the application process, you are uncertain about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact your education provider — they are there to help you.
What happens next?
Once the education provider receives and assesses your application, you will be notified of the result. It may take a few weeks, but once your application is accepted, you will receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form.
Carefully read the letter of offer and check any conditions that may apply. You will need to meet these conditions before the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You may also be required to pay a portion of your tuition fees before your institution issues a CoE.
Applying for a student visa
Now that you have been accepted, it’s time to apply for a student visa. You can apply for your student visa using either your letter of offer, however, you will need to supply evidence of your CoE before your student visa is granted.
Your education provider will typically send you an admissions package with information that will help you prepare for your journey to Australia. This might include information about your accommodation options, facts about the location, financial information and details about orientation programs.
You must also purchase your plane tickets, organize your Overseas Student Health Cover and start thinking about your accommodation in Australia.