Australia is currently the third most popular English-speaking destination for overseas students, after the United States and the United Kingdom. Numerous international students prefer to study there because to its cultural richness, hospitable locals, and good educational standards. Learn how to study in Australia from Pakistan
Introduction
Institutions in Australia provide a vast array of courses and degrees, allowing overseas students to easily select the suitable institution and field. When picking a degree programme, overseas students must first choose which institution best meets their needs and interests. The options available to students include universities, vocational education, and English language instruction. Australia’s approach to vocational and technical education is currently regarded as one of the most progressive and effective in the world. It has a worldwide reputation for excellence in all fields of education and training. Universities in Australia are widely acknowledged for their proficiency in a variety of disciplines1.
International students studying in Australia are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week. This is a fantastic chance for those who like to earn money to offset their living expenses during their stay, as well as for students who wish to obtain job experience in their field of study while they study2.
Natural Sciences Studies in Australia
The natural sciences (biology, zoology, chemistry, etc.), mathematics, engineering, social sciences (sociology, anthropology, archaeology, psychology, etc.), and medical areas (including MD’s and PhD’s) are among the most popular study fields in Australia. You merely need to choose a specific field, and there will undoubtedly be an appropriate course. And because there are numerous colleges, the variety of programmes is vast, so you will have numerous options. In addition, the Australian curriculum is in sync with worldwide trends and frequently revises existing courses and adds new ones as necessary3
How should one prepare for study in Australia?
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au is the official Australian Government website for international students. As a student, you can search for courses, institutions, and scholarships, read about studying and living in Australia, see student testimonials, and get knowledge about Australian education.
Phase of educational counselling and preparation
Prior to enrolling in a course, you must first undergo education counselling. Collect as much information as possible about the nation, culture, norms and regulations, cost of living, finances necessary for the course, and your interests. For this reason
Explore Australian online learning portals and official educational websites.
Communicate with friends, family members, relatives, or other individuals you know who are already living in Australia and/or have completed their schooling.
Obtain direction from education consultants. However, keep in mind that they will charge you for consultation.
Consult your local Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) for free advice.
The following is a summary of the process you should be aware of while preparing to study in Australia.
Questions should be posed in the planning phase
Does my qualification comply with Australia’s standard accreditation system?
Do I qualify for the course for which I wish to apply?
What is the application process’s deadline?
Will I be able to finish the needed paperwork list before the due date?
Must I take the IELTS exam prior to travel for the specified course? (Contact the university and review the application form)
What are the tuition and living expenses for the duration of my studies in Australia? (see the university’s website)
Am I permitted to work beyond 20 hours each week?
Can I seek advice from the Pakistani student alumni network? (reach out to the Ausaid Alunmi network)
In which of the preceding phases can my university provide assistance? (details on scholarship, visa application, university housing options, and course selection) Will this course aid me in finding a job in my field of interest after graduation?
Course selection
The education system in Australia offers 22,000 courses across 1,200 institutions. English language classes are available at all levels of education, from secondary school through vocational education and training (VET) to higher education (including universities). The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (National Code) establish nationally consistent standards for providers of education and training to international students. As an international student with a student visa, you must enrol in an institution and course that are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Registration with CRICOS ensures that the course and institution at which you are enrolled meet the high standards required by international students. On the Study in Australia website, you can search for courses and institutions.
Questions should be asked during course selection
What is the global and Australian ranking of the institution to which I am applying?
What is the required English proficiency level for this course? (IELTS Band)
What is the current market and employment demand for the course’s graduates?
Is this course approved and registered with CRICOS?
Am I permitted to work while taking this course?
Do I need to apply for a short course prior to admission in order to meet the stated criteria?
Finances
One of the most crucial factors to consider when deciding to study in Australia is how much money you will need to be comfortable. There are numerous factors involved in this procedure. Australia offers five of the top 30 best cities in the world for students based on student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employer activity – all of which are crucial factors for students when deciding on the ideal study destination. And with the Australian Government providing more than A$200 million annually in overseas scholarships, it is easier for you to experience the difference an Australian education can make to your future employment prospects.
Costs of education in Australia
It may vary depending on the institution and level of study chosen.
As an international student, you must pay your tuition payments in advance. There may be additional fees associated with your course, such as course materials and use of institution facilities.
The table below provides an indication of the range of course expenses for various types of credentials.
between $7,800 and $30,000
English language study – about $300 per week depending on the length of the course
Vocational Training and Education (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000
Bachelor of Arts – $15,000 to $33,000* Master of Arts – $20,000 to $37,000* Doctorate – $14,000 to $37,000*
Not included are high-value programmes like veterinary and medical school. Please visit institution websites directly for course pricing information.
All costs are expressed in Australian dollars per year. To change to your native currency, visit xe.com.
Hostels and guesthouses cost between $90 and $150 a week.
Weekly Shared Rent – $85 to $215
On campus, costs range from $90 to $280 per week
between $235 and $325 per week for a homestay
$165 to $440 per week in rent
Boarding schools cost between $11,000 and $22,000 per year
Other monthly costs
Food and beverages – $80 to $280 each week
Energy costs range from $35 to $140 per week
$20 to $55 per week for phone and internet
Public transportation – $15 to $55 weekly
Auto (after purchase) – $150 to $260 weekly
Entertainment – $80 to $150 per week
Beginning February 1, 2018, the annual cost of living is:
You – $20,290
Partner or spouse – $7,100
Child – $3,040
All costs are expressed in Australian dollars per year.
You can open a bank account either before or after arrival.
To open an account, you must present your
Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE), passport, Letter of Offer, and further forms of identification are required.
You might also require a Tax File Number (TFN). The Australian Tax Office website (opens in a new window) contains information about obtaining a TFN.
Financial or student assistance personnel at your institution or college can provide you with information on how to open a bank account.
Fellowships
Australia Honors – Through Australia’s vast scholarship programmes, the Australia Awards aim to encourage knowledge, education partnerships, and enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours. The programme combines the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the Department of Education, and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research scholarship programmes (ACIAR). Each year, applications for Australia Awards Scholarships are accepted between 1 February and 30 April. Explore further about Australian Awards https://australiaawardssouthwestasia.org/scholarships/
Since 1 January 2017, the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) has superseded the International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) programme. Visit the following link to learn more about the Research Training Program: https://www.education.gov.au/research-training-program-frequently-asked-questions-students
Visa, Passport, insurance
Successfully admitted Pakistani students to an Australian higher education institution must immediately apply for a student visa (subclass 500) with the Australian High Commission. For the convenience of visa applicants, the High Commission in Pakistan has opened visa application centres in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.
Students from Sindh and Baluchistan should apply at the location in Karachi.
Students from KPK, Kashmir, and upper Punjab should submit their applications in Islamabad.
For Central Punjab students, please contact the Lahore office.
The location of Islamabad is
Constitution Avenue and Ispahani Road, Diplomatic Enclave, No. 1 Sector G-5/4, Islamabad, Pakistan Post Office Box 1046, Islamabad, Pakistan
Ph +92 51 8355 500
Immigration & Visa enquiries
you can write to immigration.islamabad@dfat.gov.au
The working hours of the Australian High Commission in Pakistan are
Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Also check the Australian Immigration Account page for more details.
Centres for Visa Applications in Australia (AVACs)
The Department of Home Affairs has a Service Delivery Partner arrangement with VFS Global to provide visa application and biometrics collecting services in Pakistan via AVAC5 for Australian visa applicants.
AVACs provide visa application submission services including:
biometrics collecting paper visa application lodgment application fee payment responds to general pre-lodgment visa application enquiries
Applicants may submit an application for an Australian visa in person at any of the AVACs now situated in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi.
Additional details on the Australian Visa Application Centers may be found at http://www.vfsglobal.com/Australia/Pakistan/index.html.
Stay
Up to five years, in accordance with your enrollment.
Cost
Unless exempt, the visa costs a minimum of AUD 575 for the primary applicant.
Additionally, there is a fee for each family member visa applicant.
You may also be required to pay additional fees for medical examinations, police clearances, and biometrics.
Important points to remember
Enroll in an academic programme in Australia.
Verify that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entrance into Australia and that you have the required visa papers. Additionally, it is prudent to prepare copies of your passport in case you lose it.
OSHC – Overseas Student Health Coverage This is a necessity for entry into Australia, so ensure that you have a health insurance policy in place before you depart.
Travel Insurance – You should also consider purchasing travel insurance, which may cover expenses that your OSHC does not, such as flight cancellations, missing documents, dental or vision treatment, etc.
Once you’ve determined where you’ll be studying, you can search for accommodations that meet your needs and budget. The costs will vary according on the state, city, and type of lodging you select. Always confirm the whole price and any additional costs, such as a security deposit and utilities fees. Consider the distance from your campus and the availability of public transportation, such as buses and trains.
Determine the local retail malls, hospitals, and emergency care facilities, as well as other amenities.
Temporary Accommodations
When you initially arrive in Australia, you may wish to investigate the following choices for short-term lodging: hostels and inexpensive hotel rates.
Your institution may be able to provide you with temporary lodging until you get settled. Consult the institution’s international support personnel or their website for more information.
Rental
You can rent or lease a property alone or with others. This can be done privately or through a real estate agent. In order to rent a property, you will be required to pay a security deposit or ‘bond’ (typically equal to four weeks’ rent) and rent in advance (also usually four weeks). The security deposit is used to repair any damage you, your roommates, or your guests make to the rental property. You may receive a partial or full return of this payment once your tenancy agreement has expired.
For additional information on your rights and responsibilities when renting in Australia, you should consult the state or territory’s Fair Trading office.
On Campus
Campus living might be an excellent way to reduce travel time. Most universities offer nice, fully-furnished apartments on campus or nearby, with housekeeping and food sometimes included. Contact your school directly to learn about the various housing alternatives and how the prices compare to arranging your own housing.
Homestay
Homestay involves residing with a family at their house. It is a fantastic alternative for younger students because it provides all the conveniences of a well-established family, including meals and housekeeping services. Families giving homestays to international students are rigorously vetted to ensure they can provide a proper living environment.
Legal security
You have responsibilities when it comes to timely payment of housing expenses, cleaning, and maintenance. You have the legal right to feel safe in a well-maintained home with functional amenities. If you have any issues with your housing, you should contact your agent or landlord (if renting), your foreign student support staff for on-campus living, or the service through which you acquired your homestay.
There are various groups that can provide assistance, such as tenant unions and consumer advocates. For additional information, please visit your state’s or territory’s Fair Trading office.
Following graduating
Whether you want to remain in Australia or return home upon graduation, you have various possibilities. You may be able to continue your studies in Australia to pursue a higher level qualification or a different field of study, you may be eligible to undertake post-study work to put your newly acquired knowledge into practise and gain work experience in Australia, or you may choose to return home to pursue additional study or work.
If you decide you want to continue your education or job in Australia, you will need to determine if your current visa permits this or if you need to apply for a new visa. You can visit the website of the Department of Home Affairs to review your visa conditions and choose your choices.
Consider joining an alumni group of your college wherever your path may bring you. It will help you maintain contact with your peers and might present you with several options and benefits.
Back to Home
If you are going home after completing your studies, consider the following:
Transporting stuff back home.
Obtaining exam results from your institution that are not part of your academic qualification.
Reclaiming the security deposit from the rental property.
Joining pertinent alumni associations.