Australia, or the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign state made up of the Australian continent's interior, the island of Tasmania, as well as a number of other smaller islands. is the sixth-biggest country in the world and the largest country by area in Oceania, covering 7,617,930 square kilometers (2,941,300 square miles). Australia is the oldest, flattest, driest, and least fertile continent in the world. It is a megadiverse nation with a vast range of climatic conditions and landforms, including deserts in the center, tropical rainforests in the northeast, and mountain ranges in the southeast. 

With six states and ten territories, Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The eastern seaboard of Australia, where nearly 26 million people live, is extensively urbanized. The five major cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, with Canberra serving as the nation's capital. Australia's demographics have been formed by centuries of immigration: 30 percent of the population is made up of immigrants, and over half of all Australians have at least one parent who was born abroad. The country's economy, which derives its income from a variety of sources including services, mining exports, banking, manufacturing, agriculture, and international education, depends heavily on Australia's enormous natural resources and well-established international trade relations.

Australia is a highly developed nation with a high income economy; it has the eighth-highest Human Development Index, the tenth-highest per capita income, and the thirteenth-largest economy in the world. Australia is a regional power and spends more on its military than any other country in the world. With all of its major cities performing remarkably well in international comparative livability surveys, Australia consistently ranks among the highest in the world for quality of life, democracy, health, education, economic freedom, civil liberties, safety, and political rights. It belongs to a number of international organizations, such as the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific Community, the G20, the OECD, the WTO, ANZUS, AUKUS, Five Eyes, the Quad, APEC, and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Top-Notch Educational Institutions
Australian universities are among the best universities in the world. There are some of the best academic institutions around the country, offering competitive programs and stunning campuses. These institutions can really set you ahead in your career and educational goals. There are 37 top universities in Australia, according to Times Higher Education?s World University Rankings 2022, and six of them feature in the prestigious top 100, meaning there is no shortage of choice.

Multicultural
Australia is known for its diverse population of immigrants from all over the world, more than 192 nationalities. When studying in Australia, you will meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. You will learn about new cultures and let others learn about you. Also, you will get familiar with different political views, traditions, lifestyles and religions.

Safety and Security
Safety remains one of the major concerns for every international student. No wonder, you might as well want to know if Australia is a safe country for studying abroad. Australia is regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world. The Australian government does not tolerate racism or violence in Australia and has inclusive policies. Australia is in the top 10 of several global safety rankings. As per the 2019 Global Wealth Migration Review, Australia stands as the safest country in the world for women. Likewise, in the 2020 Best Countries report, Australia comes in at the 5th spot, ahead of Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands.Australia has cultural diversity and friendliness,which lessens the political unrest.Crime rates are meager and strict gun control laws ensure a safe environment for people living there.

Language and Lifestyle
Australia is an English-speaking nation with a  population of  about 25.69 million. Besides the incredibly diverse cultural history, the Australian way of life portrays a one-of-a-kind shared spirit and attitude. More than 200 languages are spoken in households with English being the official language. Since Australia is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and beaches in the world, people love to be outdoors and travelling. Australians meet over various events and gatherings like Barbeques, family dinner, sports, concerts etc. to spend leisure time with friends and family.

Weather
Australia has a generally temperate climate where most of the country receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. There are four seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the tropical north. Mild winters and warm to hot summers are what attract most people to Australia especially those hoping to escape scorching heat, high humidity, dreary winters and unhealthy air quality. It has comparatively better climate compared to the cold winters of Europe and US.

Scholarships
Australia has abundant scholarship opportunities for international students as nearly AUD 300 million is invested in this sector by the Australian Government. The scholarships in Australia are offered by the Australian Government, education providers, and several private and public organizations. Some of the major scholarships for international students in Australia are:

• Australia Awards: It is a prestigious international scholarship offering international students an opportunity to undertake study, research, and professional development in Australia. It is open for international students from Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

• Destination Australia: The Destination Australia Program (DAP) is the Australian Government's new mobility program for domestic and international students to study inregional Australia. Over 1000 scholarships are available each year to support both domestic and international students studying at regional campus locations in qualifications from a Certification IV level and above.

• Provider scholarships: The education providers offer plenty of grants and bursaries for qualifying international students based on academic merit. It is advisable to contact the admission team for further advice and information on individual providers.

Incredible Work Opportunities and pay rate
For international students, there are several rewarding experiences and opportunities to gain real-work experience in Australia. International students can work part-time - 40 hrs /fortnight during course sessions and full time during vacation and holidays. As of 1 July 2021 the National Minimum Wage is $20.33 per hour or $772.60 per week

PSW Opportunities
Students can work in Australia after the completion of their course. Post Study Work (PSW) also known as Temporary Graduate Visa allows them to live, study, and work in Australia after completion of studies. The duration of the visa depends on the level of the Australian study qualification.

• Bachelor degree (including honors): 2 years

• Masters by research and masters by coursework: 3 years

• Doctoral degree: 4 years

• 2 years of academic completion in Regional areas provides 4 or 5 years PSW opportunities.

Include family
You can include members of the family unit in your application when you apply. Family members who apply for the visa must meet health and character requirements. You can add your children to the application until a decision on your application is made.

High-possibility of settling in Australia / PR Opportunities
Many international students are attracted to the sightseeing, quality of life and laid back environment in Australia. Some of them even aim to settle in the country by acquiring PR from the Department of Immigration and Border Control (DIBP). The visa allows one to remain in Australia indefinitely. The "Points Test" determines applicants ' suitability for a visa. The points are awarded based on Age, English Language Ability, Skilled Employment, Qualifications, Australian Study, Study in a regional area of Australia, Partner's skills and qualifications.

ACCOMMODATION

Finding you home away from home You have four main options when it comes to finding a place to stay during your studies. Depending on what you need – and your budget - you might choose to live in a hostel, rent a flat, live on campus or live with a local family (homestay).No    matter    which    option you?re looking at, you should keep in mind: How much you want to spend. Don?t forget to include extra costs like a rental bond or bills for electricity, gas or water.

How far away you want to be – and how easy it is to travel between home and campus. What you might want close by, such as shopping centers, restaurants and health services

If you?re ready to start looking or need help finding accommodation, get in touch with your university, TAFE or student union.

Accommodation on campus
Traditional halls of residence inside universities are a popular option for international students coming to Australia for the first time. Depending on the campus, these usually range from AUD$100 to AUD$700 per week. Students wanting on- campus housing should apply well in advance. Living on-campus conveniently places you near everything you need. Meals, computer facilities, laundry and cleaning services are sometimes also included.

Homestay
A homestay might be a good option if you?re younger, as you get all the comforts of living with a local family Homestay programs are a popular accommodation option for foreign students enrolled in short-term courses that give them the opportunity to stay with an Australian family. Homestays can have single or shared rooms, with costs that vary from AUD$110 to AUD$370 for each room per week. This cost typically includes three meals a day, laundry facilities, cleaning services, and utilities such as internet and phone.
 

Private accommodation
Living in a privately-rented property can be very attractive, especially as a student in a new country! It enables you to decide who you would like to live with and where. Students who choose this type of accommodation may either move into pre-furnished houses on a room-by-room basis, or apply to lease the place as a whole with friends they already know. The cost varies for this on basis of no of student sharing.

HEALTH CARE

International students undertaking formal studies in Australia, and their dependents (for example, spouses and children under 18 years old), must obtain OSHC. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover, and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines). It is a mandatory requirement for visa application and one must maintain the OSHC cover for the duration of stay in Australia. Learn more about OSHC, including a list of the providers at www.privatehealth.gov.au/.

COST OF LIVING
In Australia, a student gets value for money in terms of the cost of living. The annual cost of living for an individual applicant is calculated to be AUD 21,041 while for spouse and child; it is AUD 7,362 and 3,152 respectively. As of 2020, this is the amount that should be covered by the applicant to meet financial criteria as GTE.

The general expenses for a student include:

The costs can vary depending on the lifestyle of the student and the place of stay.

AUSTRALIAN QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK (AQF)

Australia has an integrated nationwide system of qualifications, known as the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which is recognized by theAustralian Government. Under this, students can move easily from one level of study to the next and receive credit for the previous study. It brings together the qualifications offered at different levels. Under this, Australian Universities offer Bachelor degrees, Master's degrees, Doctorate, Postgraduate certificates, and Postgraduate Diplomas that are recognized throughout the world.

QUALITY ASSURANCES AND PROTECTIONS

Australia has laws and services to make sure international students receive high-quality education and are treated fairly.

- Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
(TEQSA) (https://www.teqsa.gov.au) is a national regulatory and quality agency for higher education. It was established by the Australian Government to monitor quality, and regulate university and non-university higher education providers against a set of standards developed by the independent Higher Education Standards Panel.

- Australian Skills Quality Authority
(ASQA) (www.asqa.gov.au) is a regulating body for VET education which ensures the quality of vocational education and training and the delivery providers.

- Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) protects the following student rights:

The well-being of all international students.
The quality of students' education experience.
The provision of up-to-date and accurate information

- Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching
(QILT) (www.qilt.edu.au) is a student survey making it possible to compare higher education institutions and study areas, based on the results of thousands of surveys completed by current and former domestic and international students. The Compared website (www. compared.edu.au/) uses QILT survey responses allowing exploring and comparing the experiences of 2 million students and graduates of different institutions and study areas.

- Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
(CRICOS)(https://cricos.education.gov.au/) is a register where every course offered to international students is accredited by the Australian Government to ensure a consistent standard across all Australian education providers.

- Tuition Protection Service
(TPS) set up by the Australian Government assists students in case of provider default. Also, TPS enables students to:

• Complete the studies in another course or with another institution.
• Receive a refund on the unspent tuition fees.

- Overseas Students Ombudsman investigates complaints about private education and training institutions in Australia. The Ombudsman's services are free, independent and impartial.

QUALIFICATIONS
The Australian Education system provides primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Tertiary education includes higher education (including Universities) and Vocational Education and Training (VET).

Vocational Education And Training (VET) :
Australia offers a wide variety of Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.They are offered through TAFE, Registered Training Organizations (RTOs), or some Universities . It is a means of training and qualifying for a highly skilled job in business, the arts, or industry, or as an alternative pathway into university degree studies.The course duration is usually 2 to 2.5 years.The VET qualifications can include:

• Certificate level courses (6 months to 2 years)
• Diploma (1- 2 years)
• Advanced Diploma (1.5 - 2 years)

How is VET different from Higher Education?
VET is different from the Bachelor program due to the time duration and the practical and skills-based approach to education. Traditionally, VET courses are known to focus more on providing practical and work-orientated occupational skills, whereas university or higher education courses are better known for focusing on providing theory-based knowledge and professional career paths.
Benefits of VET:

- Gain quality training and work-based skills
- Learn with industry trained experts
- Easier entry requirements
- Low tuition fee
- Hands-on skills and more based on the practical approach of learning
- Nationally recognized qualification
- Easy employability (79.8% of VET graduates were employed aftertraining)

HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher education courses can be taken to earn an advanced degree and continue your studies in Australia. There are three main types of higher education which lead to Bachelor, Master and Doctoral Degrees.

In Australia it is quite common for students to enroll in a double or combined Bachelor Degree program which leads to the award of two Bachelor Degrees. Double master is also a common practice. This is most common in the fields of arts, commerce, law and science.

Australian institutions offer a wide range of courses – from science to management and commerce, humanities to engineering, and law to health sciences. Australian institutions rank among the world?s best by discipline, particularly in engineering and technology, medicine, environmental science, and accounting and finance.

There are 43 universities in Australia (40 Australian universities, two international universities, and one private specialty university).

- Bachelor degree (3 to 5 years)
A Bachelor Degree is the basic qualification for entry to a field. It provides a systematic body of knowledge, the underlying principles, and the problem-solving techniques to work in a discipline.

- Bachelor Degree(Honors) (4 years)

This is an additional year of study to enable students to graduate with honors if they perform particularly well in their Bachelor studies.

- Graduate Certificate (6 months)
It broadens individual skills gained from undergraduate programs and helps develop knowledge in new areas.

- Graduate Diploma ( 1 year)
It provides knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake professional or highly skilled work and as a pathway for further learning.

- Master Degree(Coursework) (1 to 2 years)
It involves traditional coursework that develops expertise in the field. A Master?s Degree takes either one year after a Bachelor's Degree with honors or two years after a Bachelor's Degree.

- Master Degree (Research) (2 years)
It is a course of independent research that will further enhance skills and understanding of the chosen field of study.

- Doctoral Degree (3 to 4 year)
The highest award offered by Australian universities, the Doctoral Degree is a research program, although it can have some coursework. The three components of Doctoral Degree are A review of literature, experimentation or other methodical approaches to a body of knowledge; an original research project that makes a contribution to understanding and knowledge in the field. A substantial, well-ordered thesis that shows a relationship between the research and field of study.

PATHWAY PROGRAMS

Pathway programs are a unique concept and an integral part of Australian education system, allowing students the flexibility to study in their desired Australian educational institution, even if they are falling short on entry requirements (academic and English language), or missing the cut-off for their preferred program by some margin.

With multiple intakes, lower entry requirements and smaller class size, it helps in building foundation for an applicant, allowing them to blend into a degree without any hassle. These programs present an easier way to get enrolled in your desired course and universities making you eligible to pursue the same with ease. In this set up, once you have completed your diploma program, you can start with your second year in a bachelor's program (with credit exemptions) via a degree pathway; resulting in completion of your bachelor?s degree in a stipulated time.

Majority pathway programs are run either by the individual university, or by a closely associated specialist college, and are located on or very near to the host university's campus. Because they are so closely affiliated with a particular university, the process of moving from Foundation to a degree is very straightforward and clear-cut. When you apply for a place on Foundation, you also submit an application for the degree. You will receive two offer letters simultaneously (a „packaged offer?). The offer for the degree will state that your place is conditional upon you achieving a score of xx in the foundation program so you will know – before you start the pathway course – exactly what you need to do in order to progress to your degree.

Receiving a packaged offer also has the advantage of allowing you to apply for just one student visa to cover you for both courses.

Australian Pathway Program Coursework

Pathway program coursework in Australia varies by type. Generally, students choose between either an Australian university foundation program or an English for academic purposes (EAP) program. Both types equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to earn admission to Australian degree programs.

In foundation programs, learners take courses that satisfy the prerequisites for specific degrees. Courses may include accounting, sciences, mathematics, and computing and information systems. EAP programs, meanwhile, focus on language skills, such as academic writing, oral communication, and research

Australian Pathway Program Experience

When taking a pathway program in Australia, international students get a taste of college life before beginning their degrees. These programs operate like traditional higher education programs, with classes running regularly throughout the week, along with some complementary training available online. Learners should expect a minimum of about 20 hours of class time and coursework each week, though requirements can change depending on the student's program and pathway needs. Classes are relatively small, enrolling 10-15 students from various regions around the world.

The cost of education in Australia is affordable compared to the USA or UK. Higher education in Australia is comparatively short and intensive which provides value for the money as well as reduces the living expenses. According to Study in Australia, the official government site for international students, typical annual tuition fees for international students are:

• Vocational degree - AUS 8000 to AUS 22,000
• Bachelor's degree - AUS20,000 to AUS45,000*
• Master's degree - AUS25,000 to S50,000*
• Doctoral degree - AUS18,000 to S42,000*

*These figures do not include high-value courses such as veterinary or medical degrees, which can cost significantly more.

As of 2021, subject to change.

The intakes to study in Australia are:

- March
- July
- September and November

The major intake is March and July. However some courses are available for September and November as well. The VET providers have more intakes for their programs than the higher education providers and Universities. 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.

REQUIRED TESTS
To study in Australia, for admission into any level of programs, English proficiency such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE A) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for admission and visa purpose as well. In addition to that, no other formal tests are required.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The general entry requirements:

These are minimum requirements, which may differ from university to university.

For international students planning to study in Australia, the application process involves several steps. The application procedure to the providers is fairly easy. The required documents include:

• Passport (Photocopy)

• English Proficiency (IELTS/PTE/ TOFEL ) score sheet

• All the Academic Documents till date (Individual score sheet as well)

• Resume/CV

• Recommendation letter

• Statement of purpose

• Application form of University/ College

• Work Experience (If any)

• Marriage certificate (If married)

Additional documents may be required in case of University request. Offer letter is issued once the application is successful. The duration of offer letter processing takes from a day to few weeks.

What is GTE?

The very first thing to keep in here is that, GTE is a like statement or a letter, and it?s one of the most essential criteria in assessing your Australian study visa application. It is one of the main reasons usually why a student visa is not granted. And the main reason behind this is, if the student could not provide sufficient evidence for entering Australia genuinely. So what exactly is GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant)? GTE also

known as GTE statement is an essential requirement that assess the student's genuineness to enter Australia temporary and only for the purpose of studies, with no other incentives to remain upon completion of studies. It is one of the most paramount assessments you should pass as a student in order to get your visa granted. However, the good news is, this is not as complicated as it is. It is an easy task, just a letter. We will try to make it easy for you. Below are the requirements the Australian Department of home-affairs is using to determine if you meet the GTE requirement:

• Circumstances in home country   

• Potential circumstances in Australia  

• Value of the course to the applicant?s future 

• Applicant?s immigration history  

• Evidence or information about:

  • Previous study

  • Gap in previous study

  • Current Employment

  • Ties to home country

  • Economic situation/conditions

  • Future Career goals and plans

GTE VERIFICATION

 i) Education loan or Cash Balance

ii) Annual Income Verification

iii) Relationship Certificate

iv) Birth Certificate

v) Tax Clearance Certificate

vi) Property Valuation

vii) Address Verification

VISA APPLICATION

The Visa Application of Australia is completed online through the IMMI Account. After filling the form and paying the visa application fee, students have to provide their biometric details in the VFS global. To be granted with a visa, students need to show that they are Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) meeting the criteria. The required documents are:

• A valid passport

• Financial ability to pay for the study

• Appropriate information about academic and English ability

• E-Coe (electronic confirmation of enrolment) for a course

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

• Health and Character Certificate

• Criminal record check results

• SOP (statement of purpose)

• Fulfillment of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria

To maintain a  student visa in Australia students must comply with several visa conditions including attendance andacademic performance.

For more information about visas, please visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student- 500#Over

Overall application process

There are  43  universities in Australian (40 Australian universities, two international universities, and one  private specialty university). 

Australian Capital Territory

• Australian National University - http://www.anu.edu.au/study/information-for/international-students
• University of Canberra -  http://www.canberra.edu.au/international

New South Wales

• Australian Catholic University - https://www.acu.edu.au/international
• Charles Sturt University - http://www.csu.edu.au/international
• Macquarie University - https://www.mq.edu.au/international.php
• Southern Cross University - http://scu.edu.au/international/
• University of New England - https://www.une.edu.au/study/international
• University of New South Wales - http://www.international.unsw.edu.au/
• University of Newcastle - https://www.newcastle.edu.au/international
• University of Sydney - http://sydney.edu.au/future-students/
• University of Technology, Sydney - http://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/international
• Western Sydney University - http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/international
• ???????University of Wollongong - https://www.uow.edu.au/future/international/index.html

Northern Territory

• Charles Darwin University - http://www.cdu.edu.au/international

Queensland

• Bond University - http://bond.edu.au/future-students/international
• CQ University - https://www.cqu.edu.au/international-students
• Federation University of Australia - https://federation.edu.au/brisbane
• Griffith University - http://www.griffith.edu.au/international
• James Cook University - http://www.jcu.edu.au/international/
• Queensland University of Technology  - https://www.qut.edu.au/international
• University of Queensland -  http://www.uq .edu.au/international/
• University of Southern Queensland - http://www.usq.edu.au/study/international
• ???????University of the Sunshine Coast - http://www.usc.edu.au/learn/international-students

South Australia

• Carnegie Mellon University - http://www.australia.cmu.edu/
• Flinders University - http://www.flinders.edu.au/international-students/
• Torrens University Australia -   http://www.torrens.edu.au/studying/international-students
• University of Adelaide - http://international.adelaide.edu.au/
• University of South Australia - http://www.unisa.edu.au/study-at-unisa/international-students/

Tasmania

• University of Tasmania - http://www.utas.edu.au/international

Victoria

• Deakin University - http://www.deakin.edu.au/study-at-deakin/international-students
• Federation University of Australia - http://federation.edu.au/international
• La Trobe University - http://www.latrobe.edu.au/international
• Monash University - https://www.monash.edu/study/international
• RMIT University - https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students/
• Swinburne University of Technology - http://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international/
• University of Divinity - http://www.divinity.edu.au/study/international-student-resources/
• University of Melbourne - http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/info/international
• Victoria University - http://www.vu.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students

Western Australia

• Curtin University - http://international.curtin.edu.au/
• ???????Edith Cowan University -   http://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/international
• Murdoch University - http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Future-students/lnternational-students/
• ???????University of Notre Dame Australia - http://www.nd.edu.au/nav-future-students/international-students
• ???????University of Western Australia - http://www.international.uwa.edu.au/
  
  

For Student Visa

1. Complete your choice of English Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOFELS/PET)
2. Select destination region, University and course
3. Apply for the course/offer letter to the university
   • Application documents mentioned in Admission procedure
   • Then within few weeks decision regarding “Offer letter” is received
4. After applying for offer letter ,you can start preparing for Financials and documents
   • Bank loan or Cash balance (with source) calculation factors
     • Fees after scholarship
     • Insurance fees (single/dependent)
     • Living expenses(single/dependent)
     • Travel Expenses
   • Annual Income
     • Should be at least 35% of total funds Required
   • Property Valuation of at least 10 million/1 crore
   • Tax Clearance certificate
   • Relationship Certificate
5. No objection Certificate(NOC)
6. With NOC and swift transfer, fees and insurance will be transferred
7. Subsequently, the university/college would send ECOE to the student
8. The next step would be of medical which can be done from IOM, Norvic or NIC
9. Finally ,visa application is lodged Online
   • Visa application documents mentioned in “Visa Application”
10. Then Biometrics can be done via VFS Global ( Chayya Center)
11. After which ,Visa decision will be issued within few days to some weeks
12. Plan for the departure