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Australia has become one of the most desired destinations for students around the world. This, due to their high-quality education which is demonstrated by their 10 Australian universities, is in the Top 100 worldwide. In addition, this maintains a very high employability rate.
Graduates of a university of Australia, enjoy great opportunities within the island and worldwide. Because, in addition, to acquire great knowledge, universities have the tools that allow international students to have great adaptability in every workplace.
We must also take into account other advantages such as the great quality of life, its great natural attractions, its diverse culture and its level of security which makes studying in Australia, an enriching and exciting experience.
Study in Australia
Australia is ideal for studying at all levels of education. From undergraduate to a post-graduate program, its quality education system is excellent regardless of the type of education you choose.
In addition, Australia has more than 1110 institutions and more than 22,000 courses from which you can choose depending on your needs.
Requirements to study in Australia
To apply to a University in Australia, whether for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, you need to have a minimum level of English. This varies depending on what you are going to study and the type of program to which you want to apply.
Another requirement might be official papers. For example, your bachelor’s degree in case of doing a master’s degree where you are likely to be asked for a motivation letter and reference letters.
In addition, they can ask for your qualifications translated into English by an official translator.
Keep in mind that you are likely to do one or more video call interviews. This is for the program professor ins charge to finally accept you.
Remember that this is only a guide. To know the specific requirements, the ideal is to consult directly on the website of the university to which you wish to apply.
Scholarships in Australia
In Australia, you have the opportunity to apply to different scholarships for studies. We leave you below some options to take them into consideration that can be of great help in case you need financial help.
Australia Endeavor Awards Scholarship
It is a scholarship granted by the Australian government and is one of the most popular in the country. Applications can be sent every June and applicants must belong to one of the participating countries.
Australia Awards
This scholarship is awarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. It mainly serves to cover expenses in postgraduate studies. That in addition to a percentage of secondary expenses.
Australian Research Council
The beneficiaries of this scholarship are those who belong to a scientific discipline. The purpose is for international scholars to get involved in the country’s research projects.
There are other scholarships from which you can benefit. Do not forget to ask the university to which you are going to apply if they have any particular scholarship options and what are their benefits.
Choose where you want to study
Australia is quite broad and has a lot to offer. It is up to you to choose if you want to study in the main cities or if you prefer to study in regional cities. Meaning by regional those that are far from the main cities.
This also depends a lot on the university you choose for your studies. To choose you must see which program suits you best. Remember that each university has its strength in specific areas.
When it comes to price the majority of universities oscillate between the same prices per semester so you should not worry that this is an impediment to make your choice.
Cities for students
The place you choose to live in Australia depends a lot on your lifestyle and your personality. As well as the location where the University of your dreams is located.
Keep in mind that all cities have their advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you to take advantage of the best that Australia has to offer you.
Remember that there is a great distinction between major cities and regional cities. The main cities have a higher cost of living, especially in food and leisure. But on the other hand, there is more cultural diversity and so many activities that you will never get bored.
Regional cities, meanwhile, are more hidden, but they have their charm as well. They have a cheaper cost of living in both housing and leisure. Also, if you are a nature lover these places are perfect for you.
Work and study
As a student, you are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week. To do so, it is a requirement to have fluent English because it is necessary to communicate well in the workplace. Remember that to find a job you must consider its location, in such a way that it is easy for you to get there from your home or from the campus.
Also, there are some part-time jobs to which students normally apply. These can be in department stores or other store types. Also, it could be in supermarkets, bars, and restaurants or why not, you can even become a Chef in Australia.
So in essence, If you are lucky, you can find a job that relates to your career as this would be ideal to gain experience in your area.
Remember that to work you must get a Tax File Number (TFN) or an Australian Business Number (ABN). Which works like your social security number and will be the same number throughout your life. Without it, work would be illegal.
It will also be beneficial, depending on the industry you would like to work, that you get a certificate. For example, if you would like to work in bars or restaurants, you will need an RSA Certificate.
For instance, if you are thinking about working in construction then you will likely need a white card or a blue card in case you are thinking about working with children.
Insurance
Medical Insurance
International students must receive the “Overseas Student Health Cover”. The insurance covers the basics such as doctor visits, treatments, and limited medicines. The cost is $ 40 per month. In case you have other needs, you can get private insurance. Its price varies depending on your case.
Travel Insurance
When going to Australia or traveling internally you can get travel insurance. This covers your expenses in case of lost luggage or a lost flight. Many times, we find unplanned events and it is better to ensure a refund of our money if something does not go well.
Home Insurance
Construction insurance is a cost that must be paid by the tenant. However, if you consider that you have valuable things you should ensure you can get content insurance. So, in case of any theft, you can receive back the value of your stolen things.
Bank account
Cash payments in Australia are rare. That is why is advisable to open a bank account. If you plan to work, it is also very useful because there is where your monthly payments will be deposited. To open a bank account is a very easy process so you have nothing to worry about.
The main banks in Australia in the country are St George Bank, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and National Australia Bank. Among them, you must choose the one that suits you the best depending on your needs.
If you open your account in the first week of your arrival, all you have to do is show your passport. In case you take longer, the requirements are to have an Australian telephone number and an address.
Do not worry if your address is not the definitive one because you can change it later. In addition, you must choose between opening a savings account or a checking account. The difference is in the ability to pay in installments or only make one single payment. Take into account that the cost of the card also depends on this variant.
Australian culture
Language
If you are going to leave your country to study abroad it is very likely that there is a very large cultural difference. This depending on the place of destination. For example, if your mother tongue is not English, the first culture shock in Australia will be the language.
In the beginning, it can be a challenge to adapt to the language difference. However, over time it will become easier. You will see that, by listening to it all the time, at school, in the streets, and with your new friends, you will speak and understand the language in less time than you expect. This is part of adapting to your new home.
Here we have put together a guide to help you understand the Aussie slang.
Be on time
It is very common that in several countries is considered normal to be late for meetings. In Australia it’s the opposite, they expect everyone to arrive on time. So in case something unexpected happens the right thing is to call and let them know that you will be late.
Multicultural
When you arrive in Australia you will realize that it is a multicultural country and Australians cannot be prouder of it. Australian people feel that so many cultural influences have led them to be who they are today. Therefore, if you are a foreigner, it will not take you long to feel welcome.
Australians are very kind to foreign people. They are also very open and like to make visitors feel at home. That is why they also expect everyone to be treated equally regardless of their ethnicity, gender, age, social class or rank in professional life.
Food
Through food, it is a good way to taste those cultural influences that we talk about so much. In Australia, you can find all kinds of food. From meats to seafood and fish, fruits, vegetables, and vegetables. Even in the supermarket, you can find a variety of food for all tastes.
Therefore, if you feel a little nostalgic for your country, it is very certain that you will find at least one place where you sell the food that you miss so much. Although the best thing to do when you are in a different culture is to try the typical dishes. We recommend you try the meatloaf, the lamington, the crocodile and the pavlova.
Music
The music is in the veins of Australians. They have a culture in which they have deep-rooted music and since childhood, they are taught to write and play it. For this reason, it is no surprise to find independent musicians playing in the streets or participating in bars and restaurants.
Sports
Sports are essential in the life of an Australian. It is one of the things that will catch your attention when you arrive on the island. They do not waste any time practicing any sport or attend a sports event.
Some of the most practiced sports are Australian football, rugby, soccer, baseball, cricket, golf and even formula one. In addition, Australia is the favorite destination for yoga and surf lovers.
If you want to live a complete Australian experience you must attend one of its many sporting events. Even if you don’t understand very well how the game works, it’s nice to be part of this experience.
Among the events that you cannot miss are the Rugby Championship, the Cricket Championship, the Australian Grand Prix of Formula 1 or the Australian Open dedicated to tennis among others.
Other cultural events
Australia has many cultural events that you can attend and that have worldwide recognition. In addition, many of these events are free and ideal for you to go and enjoy with friends. Here is a list of the must-see events:
Australia’s day
It is celebrated on January 26th and commemorates the arrival of the first European fleet in Sydney. This commemorative date is celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, and picnics in parks and gardens throughout Australia. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know Australian culture as a foreign student.
Tropfest Australia
It is the largest short film festival in the world. There are thousands of people watching live broadcasts. At the end of the event, an award is made to the best short films with judges and referents in the industry.
Sydney Festival
It is one of the most famous festivals in the entire country and was established in 1977. It lasts approximately 20 days in the month of January. You can enjoy musical shows, theater, performing arts, dance in even circus acts.
Perth Festival
Like the Sydney Festival, it is a festival full of colors and musical presentations. In addition, the newest things in terms of culture such as books and movies are presented.
Melbourne Comedy Festival
This festival takes place in April and May. During these two months, the best comedians in the city make a presentation. It is an unforgettable event if you are a lover of humor and good comedy.
Woodford Folk Festival
This event is dedicated to environmentalism and cultural diversity.
It is one of the most famous folk music events in Australia and it takes place in northern Brisbane, including more than 2000 local artists. The program in addition to music includes theater, writer panels, movies, and even craft workshops.
In addition to these events, you can find many more depending on the city in which you are. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the cultural agenda of the Australian government.
Cost of living
It depends on the city in which you decide to live and the specific area of the city. It also depends on the lifestyle of each person. Keep in mind that no other expenses will be more expensive than rent. It is one of the main things to take into consideration to build your budget.
Below, you can see an estimate of the cost of the rent depending on the place you choose as your new home. These costs are based on the latest Australian Government study in 2019.
- Hotels – $ 90 to $ 150 per week
- Shared apartment – $ 95 to $ 215 per week
- Campus – $ 110 to $ 280 per week
- Host family – $ 235 to $ 325 per week
- Individual income – $ 185 to $ 440 per week
On the other hand, basic services also depend a lot on you and the way you live. However, we can give you an estimate of the weekly expenses for you to take into account. Remember that the main cities like Sydney or Melbourne are more expensive. While the cheapest cities are the smallest and rural ones like Adelaide.
- Market purchases – $ 140 to $ 280 per week
- Gas, electricity – $ 10 to $ 20 per week
- Telephone and Internet – $ 15 to $ 30 per week
- Public transportation – $ 30 to $ 60 per week
- Entertainment – $ 80 to $ 150
Home
Finding a place to live in Australia is not complex. You can do it on your own or through a real estate agency. You should keep in mind that a real estate agent has an extra cost to help you find a place and you must include it in your budget.
If you are still in your country, the best way to find a place is through
Internet sites such as rent.com.au, realestate.com.au, allhomes.com.au, among others. You can also research on Facebook pages where many students who need a roommate, post opportunities.
On the other hand, if you are already traveling to Australia and still do not find a fixed place you can try Airbnb or a hotel room until you can find something safe. This also works if you would like to share a flat and you still don’t have a partner.
Once you are in Australia you can find places for rent in your university ads. You can also find it through your classmates or even the Aussiety App.
You can download the Aussiety app in the apple store or play store.
Apartment
In case you want to live in an apartment you should know what it includes. For example, water, electricity, telephone, Wi-Fi and if it includes a washing machine and air conditioning. Otherwise, there will be extra expenses that you will have to pay monthly as part of the rent.
You can choose to live with roommates, which will greatly reduce the cost of the monthly rent. The important thing is that you reach an agreement regarding the house rules. Also, an agreement on how the extra expenses are going to be divided. This is to not have any problems during your stay.
Live with a host family
It is a good alternative for younger students. With a family, you have the opportunity to understand what the life of Australian people is like. You will practice your English more and you will feel like a member of the family.
Another of its advantages is that you should not worry about food or cleaning since that is included. In addition, you will have privacy because you will have your own room, but with the comfort of living in an already established home.
Campus
If you choose to live in a room on the campus you must book it in advance. The advantage of this type of residence is that everything is managed by the university. You have access to community areas, and you should not worry about cleaning the place.
Also, the monthly payment normally includes basic services, internet, air conditioning, and a washing machine. In addition, campus residences perform integration activities. An easy way to meet people and make friends. Something useful if it is your first time studying in Australia.
Process
When choosing a place you must be aware of its location. Is it near to your university? Is it near to the bus stop? Or is located in a residential or busy place?
After you make sure you find the place where you want to live, you must sign the contract. To do this you need to make a deposit that is equivalent to one month’s rent. It is in case they need to make arrangements to the place after your departure. In case there is no damage, the money will be returned to you.
You also need to pay a month’s rent in advance to secure your place. Take into account that normally the rent is paid monthly. Either by transfer or deposit, so you need to have an open bank account.
Purchases
The main supermarkets in Australia are Coles and Woolworths. In both, you can find good prices. They also offer weekly discounts. It is important that you always look at office hours. Because it is normal for supermarkets to attend fewer hours on weekends.
In regional cities, it is more complicated to find large supermarket chains nearby. There is more common to find stores like IGA. They are smaller and more expensive but have more flexible office hours.
As for the big chains we have Kmart where you can find things for your basic needs if you are a newcomer. There is also Target, Red Dot, The Reject Shop and IKEA. These are department stores where you can find everything from food and clothing to home furnishings.
Transport
The best thing to do when you arrive in Australia is to familiarize yourself with the transport line that operates in your city. This is because a different transport line operates in each city.
On the other hand, transportation in Australia can be considered expensive. But if you buy a frequent card you can save up to 30% of the normal value. In this way, you can pay monthly or by day. You can make payments to the machines of the stations. Or you can also download the mobile application.
If you download the application it is easier to recharge your cars with no complications. You also usually have access to different transport schedules. On the other hand, one of the positive points of having a card is that it works on different transport. For example, for the train, the bus and the ferry.
In the end, we recommend you not to throw away the cards. Because if you have a balance on the card left you can ask for that money back. All that you need to do is to send the card to the company and your bank account number.
Free-time activities
Gym
As in any other part of the world in Australia, you can find a lot of gyms. If your thing is to have a healthy lifestyle, do not hesitate to sign up for one. It also depends a lot on what you like to do.
If you like to swim you should look for a gym with a pool. If you like group classes, you can also look for one that offers that. There is also a wide variety of karate, yoga, dance, athletic, boxing courses, among other sports disciplines that you will love.
Sport
As we mentioned before Australia has a great sports culture. If your university has sports as an extracurricular activity, it would be a good idea to register. You can also create your own team and practice it with other interested people.
Food
There is a great diversity of coffee shops, restaurants, and bistros throughout the country. You can find a variety of flavors and cultures in each dish. Don’t be afraid to experience what Australia has to offer in terms of gastronomy. In addition, if you are a student you can get good discounts by presenting the student card.
Normally the opening hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lunch. From 18:00 to 21:00 for dinner. And coffees generally open in the morning to enjoy a good breakfast.
Culture
You can go to the movies to change your routine a bit. There are also many entertainment events that you can attend. Australia offers theater, live music, and festivals, it all depends on the cultural agenda of your city.
Nightlife
As for the nightlife Australia has bars and clubs for all tastes. They have a good atmosphere and all kinds of music that adapts to the cultural diversity of the Island.
Remember that in Australia it is forbidden to drink if you are under 18. It is also forbidden to smoke indoors. Be prepared because besides that a lot of fun awaits you.
Tips to save as a student
Finally, we leave you some useful tips that can help you save in Australia. We know that as a student many times the budget is tight. But don’t worry, we are here to help you.
- Download the Aussiety app to obtain discounts in multiple establishments across Australia.
- Use the student card to get discounts in restaurants and bars.
- Take advantage of supermarket discounts when they are on deals day.
- Take your own food to campus instead of eating out all the time.
- Instead of taking public transportation, if the distance is short, walk or use a bicycle.
- You can perform activities that generate income. For example, being a tutor for your classmates in subjects they don’t understand or being a part-time nanny.
And remember, studying in Australia is a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy to the fullest and take advantage of everything that this wonderful continent has to offer you.
