Study in Australia

Australia is the third most popular study destination in the English-speaking world, with more than 200,000 international students in Australian institutions across all education sectors: higher education, vocational education and training, English Language colleges, and schools.

The Australian government invests billions of dollars each year in developing Australian education and in university research. Australian institutions have an international focus within their courses and activities. They exchange staff with institutions overseas, participate in international forums, and have partnerships and joint projects with overseas institutions and international research centers.

Australia’s universities have made important breakthroughs in modern technology and science while Australia’s vocational training system, which is based on industry standards, is used as a model for other Asia-Pacific countries. There are universities in all major Australian cities and throughout regional areas of the country ranging in size from around 3,000 students to 50,000 students. About 20 percent of students enrolled in Australian universities are from overseas. Many international students also study in vocational education and training colleges and institutes across Australia. These institutes offer qualifications that recognized in the workplace.

International students in Australia also study English language through courses offered by private organizations, universities and governments; in foundation courses to prepare them for university study; and within Australian schools.

The Australian Government ensures the quality of Australian institutions and courses in a number of ways. Institutions must be accredited and courses offered to international students must be approved and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Qualifications offered to students must fit the Australian Qualifications Framework. National agencies, including the Australian University Quality Agency and the Australian National Training Authority, monitor Australian education institutions including their teaching, learning, administration and research.

Australian institutions develop the creative, analytical and lateral thinking skills of students, and encourage individuality. The Australian education system also encourages responsibility and maturity in students. Students take an active part in their own education and are expected to supplement classroom studies with independent study in libraries, at home and in teams with other students. The staff at Australian institutions are also very experienced in helping students from other countries, and there are well-established support systems in place for international students.

Studying in Australia offers international students more than academic achievement and a globally recognized qualification. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience through which a student can develop independence, maturity, an understanding of other cultures, and the ability to see issues from different perspectives.

Study in Australia better prepares a student to work in today’s global marketplace. This is why several foreign companies recruit directly from Australian universities and vocational institutes. Many international organizations and companies employ overseas students with Australian qualifications because their exposure to the outside world gives them greater independence and maturity. With international trade barriers disappearing, great opportunities exist for those with the skills, experience and knowledge to seize them.

Noteworthy FAQ’S

Want to work while studying in Australia? It is not only about making money but you will also find it interesting when you are associated with different people from different countries, this will be a platform for you to understand different cultures as well learn different languages and improve your English as well and learn more skills.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding part-time work.

  • Is it an easy task to find a part-time job?
    Definitely – if you use your initiative and are not too fussy about the type of work you do through which you can earn money as well as gain experience so don’t just wait for the perfect job to turn up (especially part-time employment, which is often not advertised). Be pro-active: pick up the phone, knock on doors and send out your resume to potential employers. This is experienced that the Australian Employers respond well to students who show keenness to work.
  • Do I need a visa to work?
    In Australian Regulation there is no specified work visa for students. If you are a full-time international student, you are allowed to work from the day your course has commenced in Australia. If you plan to study in Australia for more than three months, you automatically receive a work visa when you apply for your Australian student visa.
  • How many hours can I work per week?
    You are allowed to work up to 20 hours during your study semester and unlimited hours during term break. It's better if you advise your employer that you are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during the semester. The Immigration Department keeps an eye on the student’s working hours so you should be careful that you do not work extra hours, you may be forced to leave Australia on breaching the rules.
  • What’s the difference between full-time, part-time and casual?

    Below is the definitions given which will explain the difference between full time, part-time and casual workers.

    Full-time: Employees generally work 38 hours a week, and have a continuing contract of employment. Benefits such as paid sick leave, annual leave, holiday pay, long service leave and carers or other types of leave usually apply.

    Part-time: Employees work regular hours each week, but fewer hours than full-time employees. They’re usually given the same basic entitlements as full-timers, based on the hours worked (this is called pro rata).

    If working full-time or part-time, any accrued entitlements such as annual leave should be paid when the employee leaves. If they’re dismissed or made redundant, they may be entitled to notice of termination or payment in lieu of notice (except in cases of serious misconduct) and redundancy pay.

    Casual: Employees are usually employed on an hourly or daily basis and don’t usually get paid sick leave or annual leave. They generally get additional pay called a casual loading to make up for this. Casual workers are also less likely to have regular or guaranteed hours of work. Notice periods do not apply to casuals upon termination of employment.
  • What type of jobs are available for me?

    Ideally, you would find part-time work in your chosen profession. But at the initial stages it would be better to look for work the below given occupations. All of these jobs will introduce you to new people, socialize yourself and help you to improve your English.

    • Supermarket Check out
    • Supermarket Shelf stacking
    • Waitress/Waiter
    • Administration
    • Taxi driver
    • Fruit picking
    • Consol Operator (petrol pump attendant)
    • Carer (aged-care facility)
  • Where do I look for part-time work?
    Again, you are best to knock on doors and be pro-active. You will also find a comprehensive listing of employment adverts in Saturday’s Newspaer. Also try the following websites: Seek, CareerOne, Coles and Woolworths.
  • How much can I expect to earn?
    Most students manage to earn about $300 a week (after tax) i.e AU$15 per hour during semester, and more during holidays. These are the Minimum wages set by the Fair Work Australia. Student can earn more than this; particularly it depends upon the job they get.
  • Will part-time work cover my living expenses?
    Part-time work can cover your living expenses. But it can vary from one person to the other, it all depends on the cost of your accommodation, how many hours you want to work, and how much you like to spend.
  • Can I work as a volunteer?
    Yes, many international students work as volunteers because it is fulfilling and can lead to future career opportunities. It also prevents you from being home sick.