Student Guide to Australia for Indian Students: Accommodation, Requirements

Read: Reasons to Choose Australia as a Study Destination

Education System in Australia for International Students

Australia has the third-highest number of international students in the world after the United Kingdom and the United States. Australia also has seven of the top 100 universities in the world. Australia's national quality assurance system is unique in its structure and rigour. The government has set up the Australian Quality Training Framework to strengthen the quality assurance processes in education.

Read: Education System in Australia

College Fit in Australia

Students have a wide range of options when they choose a college or university at the higher education level. Although there are agencies that attempt to rank colleges and universities, the concept of “fit” is also important. The GPA* of admitted students is important, but majors offered, location, number of students enrolled, and campus culture influence a prospective student’s decision. Some colleges and universities are publicly funded, while others are privately supported.

*GPA means grade point average. It is the average of all grades received.

Check: CRICOS Code in Australia

Top Universities in Australia for International Students

The top universities in Australia are not just limited to single digits, rather there is a list of top-ranking universities in Australia which attract numerous admission applications for admissions. As per recent stats, some of the popular Australian universities are as follows:

• The Australian National University
• The University of New South Wales
• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Western Sydney
• Monash University

These are in no particular order. The area of New South Wales on the east coast of Australia is the centre of all its renowned academic institutes. Most of the best colleges in the country are situated in cities like Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. About 2,60,000   Indian students are studying in Australia from the academic year 2022 up to July. Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Health Care, Information Technology, and Hotel Management are the popular courses Indian students pursue in Australia.

Read: Best Student Cities in Australia

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Latest Updates:

July 31, 2023: Australia witnesses 48-hour a fortnight rule application for its part-timers, which started in July this year. This will help students get more intensive hands-on work experience and will help them get a few extra bucks to support their personal expenses as well. 

June 28, 2023: Recently an agreement called MATES has been agreed upon by India and Australia which will give Indian students an eight-year-long work visa without sponsorship confirmation in Australia post their study completion starting from July 1, 2023. Check out more details at: 8-Years Without Sponsorship Visa in Australia for Indian Students.

March 9, 2023: In the recent line of events, Australian PM Anthony Albanese made a couple of announcements while his travel to India to strengthen ties with India culturally, educationally and trade-wise. Check: Australia-India Educational, Cultural & Trade Ties Boosted with PM Anthony’s Announcements

February 23, 2023: Australia's Education Department has announced an increase in the working hours for international students holding the subclass 485 visa from 40 hours a fortnight to 48 hours a fortnight. For those who have qualifications that qualify them to get a job in the skill shortage sector, visas will be favourably extended for such international students by two years along with the working hours. Check out more details at - Australia Increases Working Hours to 48 Hours a Fortnight from July 1, 2023.

January 10, 2023: Western Australia decides to introduce the Punjabi language across its public schools. The curriculum is being chalked out and the language would be for pre-primary to class XII students. Since Punjabi is the fastest-growing language in Australia which is spoken expansively, the WA Government wishes to bring this language into the curriculum officially which would be available to students starting in the year 2024 and exams would be scheduled for the year 2025.  

May 12, 2022: Australia introduces Temporary (subclass 408) Skill Shortage Visa so that employers are able to source employers to work under skill shortage occupations. The visa application costs AUD 1,290 and takes up to 6 months to process. Read more at: Australian Student Visa Guide

April 13, 2022: Along with the Temporary 408 subclass visa, a temporary subclass 500 visa has also been introduced in Australia which is valid upto 5 years but comes with certain restrictions as well.

April 12, 2022: Temporary (subclass 408) visa was introduced by the Australian Government to encourage employment in critical skill sectors which saw a gradual decline amid COVID-19 restrictions. Check more details at Temporary (subclass 408) visa introduced to bridge employment decline in Australia 

February 15, 2022: Australia is set to open its borders for fully vaccinated visa holders without any travel exemptions from February 21, 2022. Those visa holders who are not fully vaccinated would require a travel exemption and might have to quarantine upon arrival as well.

December 28, 2021: Australian cities and their Governments are releasing official travel exemptions for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated international students starting from December 15, 2021. The Northern Territory of Australia started accepting international students on December 20, 2021. Western Australia will welcome its fully vaccinated international students from February 5, 2022. Queensland and South Australia will lift travel restrictions for fully vaccinated international students not before 2022. Victoria, NSW, Tasmania and Australian National Territory are still following the precautionary measures by requiring a mandatory COVID-19 or RT-PCR test report upon arrival and isolation is important for its international students.  

December 28, 2021: All international students travelling to Australia must submit the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) form. This form is to be submitted 72 hours prior to their departure. The form consists of the applicant's details pertaining to their - travel history, vaccination details, flight details, and contact details. The form also requires them to sign to declare that their information can be accessed and they are also required to accept to follow the quarantine norms set by the government,

December 13, 2021: Australian Government has proposed measures for international students holding Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Visa that they can one - apply for a replacement visa, two - the stay duration has increased for both current and former visa holders by 3 years, and three - applicants can reapply for the same duration again as they were able to apply originally. VET sector graduates can also expect an increase in stay duration in Australia by 2 years. Check All About Post Study Work Permit in Australia for more details.

December 13, 2021: Australian Government announces FEE-HELP loan for over 30,000 undergraduate students studying across Australian higher education institutions. Also, a fee relief of AUD 27.8 million for the academic year 2022 including ASQA, TEQSA, CRICOS and TPS for international students has been proposed. This announcement comes in order to attract more and more international students and the perks associated with it.  

November 16, 2021: The Australian government has announced that it will open its borders to international students from Dec 1, 2021. Fully vaccinated eligible visa holders (including international students) can come without applying for a travel exemption. Students holding valid visas need to provide proof of their vaccination status (should be vaccinated with an approved vaccine) and a negative Covid-19 PCR test report was taken within three days of departure. Australia has approved both the vaccines Covishield and made in India Covaxin. Also, travellers need to comply with the quarantine requirements in the state or territory of their arrival.

Track Country-wise COVID-19 timeline at:

Countries Consider Re-Opening For International Students Amid COVID-19

From November 16, 2019, Adelaide, Perth, and Gold Coast are classified as regional by the federal government. This allows the cities' university graduates an additional year of post-study work rights (PSWR). Also, the graduates in Darwin city can stay for two more years and Ph.D. graduates can stay up to six years. Even after receiving the regional status for migration, all cities other than Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will not be entitled to the Destination Australia scholarships. Only areas classified as 'Inner Regional Australia' to 'Very Remote Australia' remain eligible for Destination Australia. Darwin is the only capital city that has access to both the scholarship scheme and an additional two years of PSW. The number of visas set aside for regional migration will increase from 2000 to 25,000.

Safety in Australia

Australia is a multicultural society that welcomes people from other cultures, countries, and backgrounds. While the majority of Indian students studying in Australia have a positive experience of living and studying in Australia, there were several incidents of assault as well as robbery during 2009 and 2010, which affected not only Indian students but also members of the larger Indian community in Australia. Presently, no such incidents have been reported and active efforts have been made by the Australian government to prevent such untoward incidents from happening in the future.

Read: Australia emerging as a favourite study abroad destination among Indian aspirants

Australia is diverse in its geography and climate. The country is located in the southern hemisphere. This means Australia's summer starts in December and winter begins in June. Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics where the average temperatures are in the mid-20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.

• Australian Capital Territory – This region covers Canberra. It has hot, dry summers, and cold winters with occasional fog and frequent frosts. The average temperature in summers would be around 30°C to 15°C; in winters it would be around 11°C to 0°C.
• New South Wales – This region covers Sydney and its weather is very relaxing all around the year. The average temperature in summers would be around 22°C to 40°C; in winters it would be around 17°C to 8°C.
• Northern Territory – This region has a tropical climate, and has two distinct seasons, the 'Wet' and the 'Dry'. The Wet season spans from November until April and is characterized by increased humidity followed by monsoonal rains and storms. From May until October, the 'Dry’ season is characterized by warm, dry sunny days and cool nights. This region covers Darwin. The average temperature in the wet season would be around 33°C to 25°C; in the dry season, it would be around 35°C to 21°C.
• Queensland - Warm summers and mild winters are what you can expect here. This region covers Brisbane. The average temperature in summers would be around 20°C to 30°C; in winters it would be around 20°C to 10°C.
• South Australia – This region experiences mild weather with sunshine all year round and covers Adelaide. The average temperature in summers would be around 17°C to 30°C; in winters it would be around 15°C to 6°C.
• Tasmania - Snow falls in the mountains in winter. However, most people in Tasmania live in towns and cities near the coast. The ocean moderates the temperatures there. It covers cities like Hobart and Devonport. The average temperature in summers would be around 25°C to 10°C; in winters it would be around 11°C to 4°C.
• Victoria – This region covers Melbourne. It enjoys warm summers, pleasant springs, mild autumns, and crisp winters. The average temperature in summers would be around 26°C to 15°C; in winters it would be around 13°C to 6°C.
• Western Australia - This region covers Perth and is famous for its long days of sunshine, spotless blue skies, and brilliant beaches. The average temperature in summers would be around 31°C to 18°C; in winters it would be around 17°C to 7°C.

Lifestyle Tips for Indian Students in Australia

Australians are known to be friendly and helpful people, with a great sense of humour. Australia is considered one of the most competitive nations on Earth. This covers all areas of life including the workplace. While English is Australia’s national language, some certain words and expressions have come to be regarded as uniquely Australian through common usage. Some of them might seem strange to non-Australians.

Australians love their sport, both playing it and watching it. The most loved sports in Australia include Australian football, rugby, and cricket. This relatively benign climate has resulted in a country where people spend a good deal of time outdoors at beaches, in the countryside, or on sporting fields as either spectators or participants.

Check: Student Accommodation in Melbourne

Indians Living in Australia

Nearly 8,060,000 Indian immigrants live in Australia in 2023, which is nearly 3% of the total population of Australia. They represent the third-largest immigrant community by country of origin, after UK and China. Almost one-third of all Indian immigrants resided in Victoria.

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Accommodation for International Students in Australia

Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to live in university-managed accommodation, or with a private landlord. Choosing university-managed accommodation can also give you a catered or self-catered option. Catered accommodation offers the benefits of your meals being cooked for you and a degree of certainty with meal costs.

If you have an idea about what you prefer, the accommodation office at your university will be able to tell you what accommodation they have available - so that’s the place to start. If you are thinking of renting from a private landlord or if your chosen university can’t offer you anything in its own residential facility, the accommodation office should be able to provide you with a list of private properties and landlords in the area.

Wherever you choose to live, you should make sure that you know your contractual rights and responsibilities. In most cases, you will be asked to enter into a tenancy agreement, which you should read thoroughly before you sign.

Read: Living Cost in Australia for International Students

Orientation in Australian Universities

Orientation week is mandatory for international students so ensure that you arrive before it starts. This is the time when you will be introduced to the university and its services, as well as enrol in your classes. It is essential that you read your guidebook, which is provided by the college. The guide explains each part of the admission process.

Activities in Australia

Along with sports, colleges offer extra-curricular activities that provide students with a wide range of experiences. Music, drama, science, and literary societies in colleges offer opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities. Visits to theatres, concerts, and places relevant to the courses of study such as art galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites, scientific companies, and projects are all part of college life.

Admission Requirements for International Students in Australia

These vary between study programs and levels. For each course, Indian students will need to meet a minimum English language requirement. Along with that, a minimum academic record of 65% and above in class XII will be required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program.

It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purposes, the actual numbers may differ from university to university.

The following documents also need to be submitted as part of your admission process

• Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Photocopied score reports of GMAT / GRE and IELTS / TOEFL scores
• Portfolio (in case of Students applying for art and design courses & architecture programs)
• Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds to support education

Timeline for Applying to Australian Universities

Most of the universities in Australia accept online applications. You will have to visit each college's website to apply. In most cases, you will have to make an account on the college website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and its stages through this account. Please refer to the website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying.

Application fee: Not all colleges in Australia require you to pay an application fee while applying. Only 6-7 universities in Australia accept application fees from students. The fee amount will differ depending on the college and course being applied to, so check with individual colleges about their application fee.

Steps to Apply for Admission to Australian Universities

The common steps to applying for admission are as follows:

• Search for colleges and courses
• Contact schools and visit websites for information
• Narrow down your list of schools
• Take the entrance exams like SAT or GMAT / GRE and TOEFL / IELTS / PTE
• Write SOPs and ask for LORs
• Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
• Appear for video interviews with the colleges that shortlisted you
• If accepted, apply for a student visa

SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It is always written in the first person and describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It needs to highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why the college should accept you. The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should reflect your personality as well. Read: Sample SOP for Australia

Essay: Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.

LOR: A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the prospective student to recommend him to the college in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function. The third party could be a professor, direct manager, etc.

Intake Seasons for Australia

Australia generally has two intakes i.e. February and July, with few universities offering multiple intakes in September & November. You should start your admission process around six months before the application deadline. Typically most universities have three deadlines, during one intake. It is up to the convenience of the students, which deadline to aim for. You should be done with your language and aptitude tests by three months before the deadline. The last three months should be dedicated to filling out the application form properly.

It is essential to ensure that the ‘complete application process along with appearing for interviews and visa application procedures should be complete by Nov-Dec for the February intake. If you are looking to get admission into vocational courses, then some courses may have admissions open in January and perhaps even May or July.

Australia February Intake 2024

Usually, for February intake at Australian universities, students are required to submit their applications maximum by November end or the start of December. The Australia February intake deadlines vary with each University. Hence, it's advised that international students should begin shortlisting their courses and universities in August and sit for the necessary English language and standardized tests so that they can be submitted along with the application.  

Australia July Intake 2024

After the February intake in Australia across various universities, the students willing to apply for the July intake begin their preparations. For Australia July intake, international students should begin their research for their desired courses and universities in March itself. The application deadline for July intake in Australia varies between mid-June and July for international students. Students must make sure they appear for the relevant tests of English and standardized tests by January. 

Australia November Intake 2024

This is an infamous intake of Australia also known as the November intake in Australia. Applicants who are unable to apply to February or July intakes of Australia can apply for this intake. However, applicants should know that there are fewer university and course options during this intake. 

Course in Australia for International Students

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English Language Exams for Australia

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are all standardized language tests, which are required to be taken for the purpose of getting admission into colleges. These follow different formats, structures, and result bands. These tests are different in various ways but many colleges ask for anyone of the results. So it's up to the student to decide which exam to appear for.

Repetition of exams: IELTS can be taken an unlimited number of times. TOEFL can be retaken as many times as wished but cannot be taken more than once in a 3-day period. Same with PTE, it can be taken as many times as desired. You must wait to receive your scores before you can book your next test.

Fee: The fee for these exams is tabulated below for reference:

Exams	Exam Fee for Indian Students
IELTS	INR 16,250
TOEFL	INR 16,900
PTE	INR 15,900
GRE	INR 22,500 | Subject Test Fee: INR 14,500
GMAT	INR 22,800

Time to apply: Ideally, if you are aiming at the September intake you should appear for these exams by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. The universities you will be applying to will mention which exam results they will accept. But if they give you a choice to go for either of these, then the choice depends on you. The time required to prepare for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE would depend on the existing English language proficiency. You may require 2 to 4 months of preparation before the exam date.

Read: Exams needed to study in Australia

Standardized Tests Required for Australia

GMAT - The Graduate Management Aptitude Test is used to measure the abilities of the potential MBA aspirant to undertake higher education in the field of business or management. It measures the mathematical, English, and reasoning skills of the student.

GRE - The Graduate Record Examination is another test required to be taken by students applying to graduate schools to pursue an MA or MS. Increasingly many business schools are also accepting GRE scores for the purpose of granting admission for an MBA.

Ideally, if you are aiming at the September intake you should appear for these exams by November so that you can apply before the first deadline. The preparatory duration generally ranges from 4 to 6 months.

Average Scores: The average GMAT accepted across universities is 520. The average GRE score is 145 for Verbal, 160 for Quantitative, and 4.0 for Writing.

Candidates should note that the minimum percentage required for study in Australia is just for reference purposes, the actual numbers may differ from university to university.

Cost of Living in Australia

The cost of living depends heavily on what part of Australia will you be living in along with how much you will socialize. Some of the basic elements for living as an international student in Australia are:

• Accommodation rent ( on campus or off campus )
• Groceries and food
• Utilities like electricity, water, gas, internet
• Phone bills
• Text and reference books
• Airfare for travelling back to India

Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:

• Dining out
• Travel and Vacation
• Car rental and Car insurance
• Cable TV connection

Living Costs in Australia

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa. You must have AUD 21,041 per year to study in Australia.

Health insurance

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory and you will not be able to apply for your student visa until you have purchased a policy recommended by your host university. It includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover, and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines). The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires overseas students to maintain OSHC for the duration of time they are in Australia.

Cost of Studying in Australia

The tuition fee varies according to different universities, courses, and the city. The tuition expenses in Australia might be up to 14.35 Lacs per year for an undergraduate course. And if you are thinking of applying to a postgraduate course, the cost would be 17.30 Lacs per year approximately. Read: Cost of Studying in Australia

Cost of Studying in Australia 

BTech	Average Tuition Fees: 21.86 Lakhs	Average Living Expenses: 6.31 Lakhs
MS	Average Tuition Fees: 23.01 Lakhs	Average Living Expenses: 6.31 Lakhs

Also, Read

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Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Fee waivers are awarded to international students based on the criteria of merit and need for it. Scholarships in Australia are offered to those candidates with strong academics, good performance in standardized exams, and extracurricular achievements who would be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance. To benefit from these opportunities, one has to make sure to send all the required documents by particular deadlines. In addition to this, the presentation of the application is also important because one is judged by the image one projects.

Documents required: The documents usually needed for a scholarship application are as follows, although the requirements may differ:

• Academic records and photocopies 
• A recent CV
• A letter of intent, which acts as a cover page
• Certificate of Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Letters of Reference

Check out: Scholarships in Australia for International Students

Education Loans for International Students in Australia

Student Eligibility Criteria: The first thing is to be aware of whether you are eligible to apply for a loan in Australia to study or not. The general eligibility criteria that are followed by all the banks are –

• You should be an Indian national
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be seeking admission to professional, technical, or other courses of study. Most banks maintain that the selected course should be job-oriented.
• You must have secured admission to foreign university institutions.
• You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail of the loan.

Eligibility for the course: You may not get a loan on every course. Here are the kinds of courses that qualify for the education loan.

• For Graduation: Job-oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities
• For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS, and also diplomas
• These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central government.

Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the bank may offer to give a loan of 80%, and you will have to put in the balance of 20%. This is called the margin amount. The maximum loan amount offered by banks for studies abroad is generally around Rs 20 lakh.

If your tuition fee amount is Rs 30 lakh, you’ll have to manage the rest of the funds by yourself. Some banks charge a processing fee, while others don’t. it may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total loan amount. So if the bank charges you 1% as a processing fee, that will be an additional cost you’ll have to cover.

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Documentation required: You will have to provide the acceptance letter sent by the University reflecting that you have been selected for the course and the schedule of fees. You will also need to show the mark sheet of the last qualifying examination to show your academic record.

All banks have different requirements for documentation, so you need to confirm with the bank first.

Repayment: Repayment starts only after the course period. If the student got employed within one year after completion of the course, the repayment should start immediately after the expiry of one month from the date of employment.

If you do not secure a job within a year of completing the course, then repayment starts irrespective of whether or not you are employed. The loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after the commencement of repayment. If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled time, an extension of time for completion, of course, may be permitted for a maximum period of two years. Generally, you will get up to a maximum number of 10 years to repay the loan. Applicants can also apply for a loan through Shiksha.

Student Visa in Australia

If you want to attend a university or college in Australia you will need a student visa. The following documents will be required as part of the application process for your Australia Study Visa.

• Valid Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in Australia.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• Application fee payment receipt, as you are required to pay before your interview
• Confirmation of Enrolment Form (COE) To obtain a visa to study in Australia you must be fully enrolled in an Australian institution and receive a “Confirmation of Enrollment (COE)”. These forms are issued by the Australian institution you will be attending. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received.
• An acceptance letter from your host university will include the proposed study plan
• Letter from your current institution confirming your status as a Study Abroad Student
• Overseas health insurance receipt
• 2 or 4 passport-sized photographs

Note: Additional Documentation may be required. During the personal interview, additional documents may be requested by the interviewer. These may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial status -

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
• Scores from tests that your college required, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT
• Your intent to depart Australia upon completion of the course of study
• How you will pay for all educational, living, and travel costs

Read: Documents Needed to Start Your Student Visa Application for Australia

Application Process for Student Visa in Australia

The average time taken by the Australian High Commission for the visa procedure is anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks depending on the individual’s background, so the students need to apply for their visas at least three months prior to their course commencement.

As an international student, you must complete your course within the minimum course duration listed on your CoE. You must leave Australia after the completion of your studies. If you wish to stay in Australia for your graduation ceremony, you may need to apply for a visitor class visa.

Work Permit in Australia While Studying

Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their studies in Australia. The spouses of Master and PhD students can work unlimited hours. If you are doing voluntary, unpaid work, it is not included in the limit of 40 hours per fortnight.

Read: Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Australia

Visa for Spouse in Australia

The partner of the student gets a Dependent Visa and a valid work permit for the same duration as the primary applicant. This is applicable only to Master's degree applications. Please note that the Student Visas for Australia have changed effective July 1, 2016. Please read the New Student Visa Guide for Australia to understand the various rules.

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Pre-Departure Checklist for International Students

Your checklist before you leave for Australia should include the following items, reminders, necessary documents and also the following: 

• Book airline tickets
• Arrange accommodation in Australia
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in Australia
• Arrange your banking – consider buying traveller’s cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

1. Passport
2. Airline tickets
3. Travel insurance certificate
4. Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution
5. Key addresses and phone numbers
6. A bank statement showing proof of funds
7. Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
8. Traveller’s cheques—if applicable
9. Medical and immunization records
10. Academic history and university transcripts

Apart from the above-given documents and instructions, students usually going for a year or two have questions regarding the required luggage to carry for 2 years MS course for example. The simple answer to this question is that students can first check the temperature predictions and pack accordingly. Along with the necessities, carry clothing and accessories as per requirement and climate in Australia. 

After arriving in Australia, international students may have some difficulty in adjusting maybe with the weather, travelling, people, etc. There are a few key pointers that must be noted by international students in order to cope with the new environment:

Homesickness

Homesickness is a predictable problem faced by most students at one point or another. It may occur at the beginning or even well into your year. Homesickness will pass. Be patient. Give it at least two weeks. If you are feeling sad, explain what is happening to your friends. Do not hide in your room; if you do, the homesickness will only worsen. Find your counsellor on staff with whom you can talk about homesickness or other problems.

Homesickness might be made worse by frequent, long telephone calls home. Most homesick students feel more homesick after a call home than they did before they picked up the phone. Try to limit yourself to one call home every week. The sooner you integrate into the university experience, the sooner your homesickness will pass.

Shopping in Australia

Large shopping malls and supermarkets like Wal-Mart, and Target in Australia are one-stop shops for all of your daily needs. Be vigilant to ensure that all of your shopping is properly billed and that you keep the bills with you at all times.

Learning basic cooking

Cooking for yourself will save you money. Indian food is expensive in Australia. It will also satisfy your urge to eat ‘your food’ during moments of cultural shock. Indian spices are not commonly available in smaller cities, but there are often shops on campus where you can get ingredients used in most Indian food. Read: Student life in Australia: Iconic foods to try

Travel

Each large city has and provides different methods of public transportation, such as buses, taxis, or trains. You might wish to rely on a private car for transportation. Even with the rising cost of petrol, private cars are the most economical and convenient mode of transportation because you get a lot of flexibility and freedom in your car. You can travel wherever and whenever you want, and don't have to depend on the schedule of public transport. However, before you buy your own car, you will have to use public transportation or ask friends for rides.

Staying on Student Visa

When you enter Australia, you may remain there as long as you are enrolled in the school to complete your academic program. After the program ends you may apply for the temporary graduate visa through either the new post-study workstream or the graduate work stream provided you meet the specific eligibility requirements. The duration of the subclass 485 visa you are granted will depend on the qualification that you have used to qualify for the arrangements.

Job Opportunities in Australia

Indian students are used to the concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment for getting jobs. There is no concept of placements in Australia, like most other countries. Most Australian Universities have a cell called a Career Services Center, which helps you get jobs and help you prepare for interviews. The on-campus recruitment is always driven by student interest. Companies that recruit through the university do not offer a job directly. What they offer is an internship or co-op. Companies like to see your work for a few months before they hire you full-time. 

Related Reads

• How to get PR in Australia with Student Visa?
• Life after MBA from Australia: Placements and Job Prospects

Post-Study Work Visa in Australia

Graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree may be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. Graduates who have completed a Master’s by research degree or a Doctorate may be eligible to apply for a three or four-year post-study work visa respectively. Other graduates may be eligible to apply for an 18-month subclass 485 Visa through the graduate work stream.

Read: Permanent Residency (PR) Courses in Australia

Cities with an additional year of PSWR from November 2019 are:

• Adelaide
• Perth
• Gold Coast
• Wollongong/Illawarra Geelong
• Hobart
• Sunshine Coast Canberra Newcastle/Lake Macquarie

Read: All about Post Study Work Permit in Australia

Read more about Studying in Australia

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If you are looking for assistance with Australian university admissions, you can get in touch with our Shiksha study abroad counsellors by signing up at Shiksha Counselling Service.