Background
Australia is the name of a country as well as that of a Continent. Aborigines, the ancestors of Australia arrived some 40,000 years ago. The European settlement began arriving in 1788, when Britain made it a penal colony. Geographic isolation i.e. surrounded by water on all sides has fostered unique animal residents, such as the duck-billed platypus, kangaroo and koala. The Scenic and Natural beauty of Australia brings in a large number of tourists every year. Australia is one of the world mostly thinly populated area in the world today.

Politically it is a liberal democracy and has a federal system of government, with six state governments, two territory administrations and a national government. Although an independent nation, the Monarch of Great Britain is also the Monarch of Australia.

Today, Australians enjoy a high standard of living supported by an economy rooted in manufacturing, export-bound agriculture and considerable mineral wealth. Australia has some of the best cities in the world like Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, due to hard working nature of the people. Australia is fast coming up as a popular study destination among Indian students. Australia attracts approximately 9,500 students from India annually.

Location : Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean

Total Area : 7,686,850 sq km

Capital City : Canberra

Currency : Australian Dollar

Population : 19,546,792

Languages : English, native languages

Climate : generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.

Brief History
Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.
A referendum to change Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to a republic, was defeated in 1999.


Accommodation & Part-Time work
Academic Cost

Foundation studies cost around A$ 9,000 to A$ 14,000 a year.

Undergraduate studies cost around A$ 10,000 to A$ 16,500 a year.

Post graduate studies cost around A$ 9,000 to A$ 18,500 a year.

Vocational Education and training cost around A$ 5,500 to A$ 18,000 a year.

ACCOMMODATION

Home stay or Farm stay

Costs around A$110–A$270 a week.

Home stay means staying with Australian family and is opular with younger students and those studying short-term English courses.

Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered and the cost will vary accordingly. Self-catering Home stay is sometimes available cheaply.

Farm stay offers the same services in a rural setting.

Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year and ensure that Home stay families are reputable and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard.

Hostels and guest houses

Costs around A$80–A$135 a week.

Hostels are usually run by organisations such as Youth Hostels Australia and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Share accommodation & Rental accommodation

Shared accommodation cost around A$50–A$160 a week.

Rental accommodation cost around A$70–A$350 a week.

Students often share with fellow students. They advertise on notice boards and in newspapers. Students may have to provide their own furniture.

When renting a house, apartment or bed sitter, landlords require rent to be paid in advance and will require a security bond equal to one month's rent.

University accommodation

Cost around A$80–A$250 per week.

This may be University Apartments, Halls of residence, or University residential colleges.

Halls of Residence are usually cheaper and a popular option with full-time international students. The cost ranges depending on the type of accommodation.

Residential colleges provide accommodation with meals. They are slightly more expensive than university Halls of Residence.

The college undertakes cleaning and household tasks.

Working

International students in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work.

A student can work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods if they have been granted a visa with work rights. I

In the case of Masters and Doctorate students, family members can apply for permission to work unlimited hours.

You can only apply for a visa with work rights after you arrive in Australia and have begun studying.The application charge for a student visa with permission to work is A$50.

The money you earn from working in Australia should only supplement your income and not be used as your only source of income.


Applying for Enrolment
University education was introduced into Australia in the 1850's. Today there are 39 universities maintaining a high level of excellence located in every state and territory of the country, varying in size from 3000 to over 30,000 students. The Federal Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) is responsible for a national education policy and ensures that consistency and standards are maintained through all states and territories. Australians believe that education is a part of their children's birthright and so community involvement in monitoring the standard of education is very high. As Such Schooling is compulsory in Australia.

Schools operate directly or indirectly (non-governmental schools) under the respective state governments, however all of Australia's post school qualifications are linked by a single nationwide system of qualifications known as the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). Since the Australian government endorses the AQF, system it is recognized all around Australia and valued by other countries as well.

Applying For Enrolment

Visit the Education counselor in your city and web sites providing information on education and related information for studying in Australia. If you have relatives or friend studying in Australia than it would be a better option for collecting information.

The Australian Education Centre at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi or the Education Reference Centre at the Australian Consulate-General's office in Mumbai are good places to begin your research. You can also seek information from the institutions directly either through post, Phone or visiting their website.

The IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for student visa purposes. Some visa Assessment Levels accept the IELTS entry levels required by the education institution. Institutions set their own English language requirements and may have different IELTS entry levels for the proposed level of course than those required for a student visa. IELTS test appeared should not be more than 24 months before the day on which the application was made.

Application forms can be collected from the Australian Education Centre or Australian Embassy or the authorized agents or from the institutions directly. The filled in application with the necessary document is to be submitted to the authorized agent or the international office or the institution directly.

The institution after assessing your application and supporting documents finds you meet the meet the entry requirements will send you a letter of offer. Depending on your country of nationality and the education sector of your study you may be required to undergo a pre-visa assessment before the institution issues an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). The eCoE is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications. You may be required to pay tuition fees before applying for the student visa. The institution will advise you of its requirements but generally it will require payment of at least one semester of course fees.

Education System
Institute Types & Degrees

Primary and secondary schools
Primary and Secondary education in Australia is delivered through both government and non-government providers. The primary school last for 6 years and the age level is 6 to 12 years. After Primary school student can join up for junior secondary school where the age level is 12 to 16 years. At the end of the four year programme the student is awarded junior secondary certificate of education (Year 10 certificate). This is equivalent to class X in India.

After completion of year 10 certificate student can join up for year 12 certificate. This is a 2 year course and the age level is 16 to 18 years. After successful completion the student is awarded senior secondary certificate of education. This is equivalent to class XII in India.

Foundation Studies
Foundation studies are university prepatory programs, usually one year in duration. Foundation studies give international students the knowledge and skills for a smooth transition from learning in their home country to undergraduate studies in Australian universities. In particular, foundation studies prepare international students for undergraduate degree or diploma courses at selected Australian universities. Foundation studies are divided into various streams like arts, business studies and science studies. The common feature of foundation studies is that a university allocates a provisional place in an undergraduate course for a student who achieves the prescribed grades.

English Language Schools (ELICOS)
These are specifically for people who come to Australia to study English either for educational purposes or for other reasons. The Australian system of English language training is known as English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). There are a range of courses including General English; English for Special Purposes; Vacation Courses; and Examination Preparation. ELICOS centres are often attached to universities however there are also private ELICOS centres and ELICOS centres at most TAFE institutes. No entrance requirements need to be met before a student can undertake an ELICOS course and starting times for courses are very flexible. This flexibility allows students to combine holidays with an English course or to complete a course before starting at another education institution. The course is for 4 to 10 weeks.

Vocational Education and Training Institutes
Vocational education and training (VET) gives students l skills that is both practical and career oriented. for their careers. VET courses are provided by both public institutions called TAFE (Technical and Further Education) Institutes and private colleges. All institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards. TAFE is the largest provider of tertiary education courses in Australia with about 250 institutes and over a million students including about 41,000 international students. The VET courses include computing, design, pilot training, business management, hospitality and tourism and many other courses. In general terms the courses lead to Advanced Diplomas, Diplomas, and Certificates I-IV. Statements of Attainment, Certificates of Proficiency and Certificates of Competency may also be issued. Studying at TAFE level is also a way of gaining entry - termed a pathway - to Australia's universities. This pathway option is popular, particularly among international students who are not accepted directly into a university course from their home country.

Universities (Higher education)
The Terms University and Degree are protected in Australia so that only institutions which meet Australia's rigorous quality assurance processes can use the titles. Australia has 39 universities which are listed on the registers of the Australian Qualifications Framework as well as a number of recognised higher education institutions. Australian universities also have overseas branch campuses, twinning arrangements and exchange programmes for students and staff worldwide. Australia has nearly 4000 formal agreements with universities around the world.

University level first stage: Undergraduate Studies
Access to undergraduate education is through the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. The main stage of university education leads to the Bachelor's Degree. Undergraduate studies last between three years (Arts, Science, Commerce), four years (Education, Engineering), five years (Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Architecture) and six years (Medicine and Surgery) full-time. Arts and Science faculties usually offer either a Bachelor Degree (Pass) obtained in three years or a Bachelor's Degree (Honours) obtained in four years; candidates for the latter undertake extra work in their speciality. An Honours Degree is normally required for access to higher degrees.

University level second stage: Postgraduate Studies
A graduate with a Bachelor's Degree can proceed to a one- to two-year postgraduate course leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in a particular subject. A student who has qualified for a Bachelor's Degree (Honours) at a sufficiently high level may proceed to study for the Master's Degree which constitutes the second stage of higher education. This Degree may be obtained after one year (Pass Degree) or two years (Honours Degree) of full-time study. Alternatively, a student who has qualified for a Master's Degree (honours) at a sufficiently high level may proceed to study for a Doctor's Degree (usually PhD).

University level third stage: Higher Doctorate
Many faculties award a Higher Doctorate in Science (Dsc) or Humanities (DLitt) upon submission of published work representing a substantial contribution to knowledge in a particular field.

Visas
Any person who intends to undertake full-time study in a registered course in Australia needs to obtain a Student Visa. The visa process involves two steps with a Pre Visa Assessment (PVA) as the first step If you are advised that you meet the PVA requirements, you will be asked to undergo further processing.

Pre Visa Assessment Basic Requirements
You are of Good character.
Evidence of Enrolment , This is verified by the advice of acceptance from the Australian institution (commonly known as Letter of Offer), which is issued to a student who has been offered enrolment in a full-time course.
Financial Ability, will have to provide documentary evidence of having cash assets ( immediately encashable assets like savings and fixed deposits in banks).
English Proficiency, All students have to demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency, measured by an IELTS overall band score.
Potential to breach visa conditions.

Further Processing

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.
You have no outstanding debts to the Commonwealth of Australia, or have made arrangements acceptable to the Minister to repay such a debt.


Why study in Australia
The universities in Australia have earned an international reputation for excellence in many disciplines. Practical and career-orientated training are delivered by the institutes to make the graduates more confident with respect to the skills demanded by employers.
Both public and private institutions must meet high standards of quality and ethical practice which take into account such issues as curriculum, qualifications of teaching staff, and facilities including specialist equipment.
Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel in an English speaking country.
Australia also 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), and a standard of living that is amongst th highest in the world.
Students go to Australia from many countries because of the high standard of education offered and because Australia is an attractive, friendly, beautiful and safe place to live.
Australian qualifications are internationally recognised when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities.
Australia is an international leader in safeguards and support services for international students. Specialist services for international students are well resourced, quality assured and can be enjoyed in a safe and welcoming society.