Frequently Asked Questions

Australian Education and Training -A Class Apart

Australia is an internationally recognized source of high quality education as well as research excellence. Our universities, vocational education and training colleges and schools are world-class. Australia world in English language courses for international students. Australian Government legislation requires quality assurance agencies and codes of conduct to be in place so that international students in Australia and their parents enjoy a level of service and financial protection that is unparalleled. 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 and a high standard of living.

Why Study in Australia?

Australia has the third largest number of international students in the English-speaking world behind the USA and UK. In some countries Australia is the students’ first choice study destination.
Australian qualifications and institutions are recognized worldwide for their high quality and excellence. Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold lead positions worldwide. Also, they are readily accepted for postgraduate study at leading international universities. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA. Have a look at the interactive map and see where Australia is in relation to the rest of the world. You can also see how close we are to your home country.

Recognition of Australian qualifications

Australian qualifications are respected globally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which is a national system of learning pathways recognised throughout Australia and the world.

Qualifications recognition

Australian qualifications are recognized globally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. Most courses and training undertaken by international students in Australia on a student visa are covered by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national system of learning pathways which is endorsed by the Australian Government and recognised throughout Australia and the world. On completion of an AQF qualification international students can progress to the next AQF level anywhere in Australia provided they satisfy student visa requirements.
My country enrollment statistic?

More than 180,000 international students from about 80 countries study in Australia each year. You should visit Study in Australia websites for country-specific student statistics.

Application and Enrollment

You can use the Study Wizard on this website to guide you through the process of applying and enrolling in courses offered by registered Australian institutions. You will receive an electronic confirmation of enrolment letter and you must also apply for a study visa. Even without creating your personal profile in the Study Wizard you can browse through the steps to help you plan and apply for your studies in Australia.

Steps for Selecting and Applying

These steps are designed for people who will be traveling to Australia on a student visa. In some cases there may be a change to the application process contingent on your country of nationality. If you have visited the Study Wizard on this website you can return to your client profile to review your selections and continue through the application and enrolment process. GeeBee Education can help you with this.

Universities

More than 84,000 international students from over 80 countries are studying at Australian universities. This is about half of all international students enrolled in Australian courses.

The terms University and Degree are protected in Australia so that only institutions which meet Australia’s high 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 globally. Australia has nearly 4000 formal agreements with universities around the world.

Many Australian universities concentrate on traditional areas of learning and inquiry, while others are more vocational and applied in focus. All, to some extent, combine tuition with research.

It is Australia’s reputation as an innovative and research-intensive culture that is attracting many international students at the postgraduate level. Australia’s expenditure on research and development ranks high.

Scholarships

• Scholarships are available for international students. However most are offered for postgraduate study in universities.
• The Australian Government and education institutions offer scholarships for international students however most of these are offered in universities and for postgraduate study mainly. There are a number of other organisations giving scholarships for international study.
• The majority of international students in Australia are full-fee paying students. With only a limited number of scholarships available for international students there is intense competition for these awards. Scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training in Australia.
• For information on scholarships use the Scholarships Database. Here you will find the most accurate, reliable and searchable list of all scholarships available by Australian-based organisations, institutions and government bodies available to international students studying or planning to study in Australia on student visas.

Australian university scholarships

Australian universities offer a range of postgraduate scholarships to international students predominantly targeting Ph.D. and Masters Degrees by research. The course of study and financial support is determined by the university. The Australian Government Education Department website and GeeBee can link you to the relevant university to find out more about scholarships available.

Other funding sources

International and charitable organisations offer scholarships for international study. Applications for these scholarships must be made to the representatives of these agencies in the student’s home country, not Australia.The Association of Commonwealth Universities website provides a scholarships guide for Commonwealth postgraduate students offered by Governments, Rotary International, World Bank, World Health Organisation, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, Rockefeller Foundation and other organisations.

International students in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week during course time and full-time during vacation periods.

Entry requirements to study at Australian institutions

Students must meet minimum academic requirements and need a sufficient level of English language proficiency for entry to Australian education and training institutions. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.

Working while you study in Australia

• International students studying in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work once they start their course. Applying for a student visa with permission to work can be done electronically or on paper using form 157P or through Geebee.
• A visa with permission to work enables you to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods. Occasionally family members can also apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week throughout the year. In the case of masters and Ph.D. students and Au sAID or Defence-sponsored students, family members can apply for permission to work unlimited hours. If you are the family member of a student who has commenced a masters or Ph.D. course, you must bring evidence from the education provider that the student has started this course. Under certain circumstances dependants of students are permitted to work.
• The application charge for a student visa with permission to work is A$55 however this is subject to yearly review. Check with Geebee for up to date details
• The income you get from working in Australia should only supplement your income and not be used as your only source of income. Before you come to Australia, you must show that you have enough money to pay for living expenses, education costs and travel for the duration of your study.
• Most students take part-time or casual jobs at some time during their studies. Some jobs are closely tied to courses of study (such as part-time work by law students in solicitors’ offices). Some students teach school children or get jobs on campus in the canteen, the bookshop, in the institution’s offices and as lab assistants. Some jobs are entirely outside the education community such as bartending, babysitting, gardening, hospitality, sales, computers, restaurants, or fruit picking
• Some institutions offer a job placement service. If work is available you will need to obtain a tax file number from the Australian Tax Office. You will need to contact them about their requirements and processes.
• Student visa information on this website is an outline only and subject to change. For more detailed, accurate and up-to-date information on student visas and visa requirements please check with Geebee office.

An Australian Government survey showed that in terms of total costs-including tuition fees and living expenses-Australia was consistently less expensive than the USA and UK. Tuition fees will vary contingent on the course or institution. This website provides average costs as a guide. Living costs too will vary by location, course and lifestyle.

• Australia 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).
• Tuition fees vary according to the institution and course selected but this website provides a guide to the average costs. Scholarships are available for international students but the competition is intense and most of the international students in Australia are full-fee paying students.
• The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on housing, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs. This is a realistic guide, but remember that individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle.
• International students studying in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your student visa in Australia. Students in Australia are also responsible for their own accident and property insurance. It is a good idea to take out travel insurance before leaving your country to cover lost baggage, cancellation of plane tickets and repatriation. .
• International students can work while studying in Australia but the money you earn should not be used as your only source of income. To be granted a student visa in Australia you need to have adequate means of financial support.

Failing to meet the entry requirements

If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enrol in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course. Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. There are also many English language courses with starting dates throughout the year to equip you for further study in Australia. It is suggested that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses.
Entry requirements

Students need a sufficient level of English language proficiency and must meet minimum academic requirements to study in Australia. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.
English language proficiency

English language proficiency is now a requirement when applying for a student visa (see table below). The IELTS 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

Australian education institutions can only accept students with an appropriate level of English proficiency. 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. You should check the entry requirements with your proposed institution or UNIVERSE STUDY LINK.

Academic

• Undergraduate
  Undergraduate courses require the overseas equivalent of Australian high school matriculation, such as three passes at GCE A Levels in appropriate subjects. Some courses may also have certain pre-requisite subjects.
• Postgraduate
  Entry to postgraduate courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Proven research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.
• Vocational education and training
  Usually there are no other entrance exams to VET institutions. But some courses may have certain pre-requisite subjects or demonstrated work experience.

If you do not meet the entry requirements

If your English language proficiency score is not high enough, there are many English language courses with starting dates all through the year to prepare you for further study in Australia. All Australian universities have their own English language centre or have links with English language colleges. and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course. Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. It is suggested that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses. If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enrol in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia

On this website you can search an Australian Government register for information on all registered institutions and courses available to international students in Australia. There are direct links to Australian universities and many other institutions offering courses to international students. An illustrated map of Australia will help you locate these institutions.

Search for a course

Public and private institutions must be registered with the Australian Government and meet special registration conditions enabling them to deliver courses to international students in Australia. This website allows you to search for information on these courses and institutions.

To help when you use the course search facility on this website to access information about courses and fields of study:

• The English Language Training sector offers courses only in the English Language Study (ELICOS) field of study
• The School sector offers courses only on the Education field of study

You can search for a course or you can search for an institution.

Australian institutions are not officially ranked. However, there are some commercial publications available that compare achievements of universities and institutions in meeting certain criteria such as use of technology or student support services.

All of Australia’s education and training institutions offer high quality, globally relevant courses because Australian Government legislation requires them to be registered and meet quality assurance measures. Excellence in teaching, research, facilities and support services is found across Australia’s diversified education and training system. Prospective students should focus on finding institutions that offer the course most suited to their particular needs and aspirations.

A variety of Australian education and training programs are offered offshore. These programs allow you to obtain Australian qualifications in your own country or to combine study at home with study in Australia. You will need to check with GeeBee Education about what courses are offered in your country.

Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system is often referred to as Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in other countries. It delivers training that is both practical and career-oriented and includes courses in computing, business studies, marketing, tourism and hospitality. VET is also available in Australian schools.

VET courses are provided by both public institutions called TAFE Institutes and private colleges. All institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards.

Australian VET graduates are able to seek employment with the knowledge that their skills are those demanded by employers. Under Australia’s national qualifications framework graduates can also progress into higher-level courses including entry into universities for Diploma and Bachelor degree courses.

Clean, safe, cosmopolitan

Students from all over the world come to Australia to take advantage of our top-notch education and enjoy our friendly hospitality and cultural diversity. Australia has low crime rates and strict gun control laws providing a safe environment in which to learn and travel. With one of the highest standards of living in the world, Australia offers modern transport systems, convenient telecommunications, cosmopolitan shopping complexes and excellent medical services.

Visitors from many parts of the world are attracted by Australia’s spectacular natural environment and the warmth of the Australian people. Australia is rich in the arts and is keen to preserve and display its diverse culture.

Australians are also environmentally conscious and keen to preserve the country’s natural beauty and scenery. Our Clean Up Australia campaign is being adopted worldwide.

Health care

Australia has a very good health care system. All Australians pay a Medicare levy (additional tax) to fund the public health system and ensure everyone gets access to public system doctors, hospitals and other health care services. People who pay extra into a private health insurance fund receive certain privileges when they use private health care services.

International students studying in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa.

Food

Australia has a fantastic variety of food. Our top quality meat, fish, fruits and vegetables are exported globally. There is a large range of fruit and vegetables available at Australian produce markets. You should have no difficulty in finding the foods that you are used to at home.

You can sample almost every type of cuisine available throughout the world in our many restaurants. There are elegant restaurants or typical Aussie pubs. Ethnic restaurants offer international cuisines. Good food at reasonable prices can be found at bistros or cafes. And for those who like takeaway, most of the major global fast food chains are well represented.

Electricity

The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. The Australian 3 pin plug is very safe. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas that operates on a different voltage.

Transport

With one of the highest standards of living in the world, Australia offers modern transport systems. Australia has an extensive public transport network that includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines. Metropolitan areas are divided into zones and your ticket type and cost is contingent on which zone you are going to travel in and for how long. Tickets can be bought at train stations, on buses and trams and at news agencies.

Tourist students may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers licence but if the document is not in the English language the visitor must carry a translation with the licence. An international driving licence is not sufficient.

Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, main hotels or shopping centers or you can call taxis in the street. A light and sign on the roof indicates cab vacancy. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometer traveled. Taxi drivers do not have to be tipped.

Shopping

Australia’s major centers and capital cities have world-class shopping facilities

General shopping hours

9.00 am – 5.30 pm	Late night shopping until 9.00 pm
Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day	7 days a week

Telephones

Australia has a modern telephone system. Many private households now also have internet access. Public telephones are available at all Post Offices, shopping centers. Public pay phones accept a variety of coins and Phonecards. Phonecards are pre-paid for use in public pay phones and can be bought at a large number of retail outlets in denominations of $A5, $A10, $A20 and $A50. Credit phones take most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners International and can be found at international and domestic airports, central city locations and hotels.

Mobile phones are very popular and can be purchased from a number of retailers.

Australian weather

Australia is diverse in its geography and climate. Being in the southern hemisphere Australia’s seasons are reversed. Summer starts in December and winter 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 Geography

Australia is a land of contrasts: sweeping golden beaches, coral reefs rich with marine life, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, vast grazing lands and sparse deserts.

One of the oldest continents, Australia is as wide as the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei and as long as the distance from Singapore to Manila. It is the only country to occupy an entire continent.

Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia has many animals and plants, which are unique on the planet.

More information

The Australian Government has an extensive network of Education and Training Counsellors, Australian Education Centers (AEC’s) and education advisers globally providing reliable and impartial advice on study opportunities in Australia. The latest information on the Australian education and training system costs of study and living, application and enrolment procedures and the Australian way of life is also available from Geebee and reference sites set up in local institutions and libraries around the world.

Help in your country

The Australian Government has an extensive network of Education and Training Counsellors, Australian Education Centres (AEC’s) and education advisers around the world providing reliable and impartial advice on study opportunities in Australia.

INDIA

Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates

Australian Government representation in other countries can take a variety of forms. Our main diplomatic offices are embassies and high commissions. In many countries you will also find Australian consulates and trade offices. You can find the contact details of your nearest Australian Government office on the website of UNIVERSE STUDY LINK.