Step-by-step guide to studying in Australia

Decided to study in Australia? Not sure what to do? Sometimes, the process to study overseas can get too confusing. There are also some key requirements that you will need to meet before you can apply and come to Australia. To make it easier for you, we have created a list of necessary action points that can guide you through the process. Here we go!

 

1. Select your course and study destination

Pick a Course, Pick a City, Pick a University. There are more than 1,100 institutions across Australia offering more than 23,000 courses.

You have a few options for the type of courses to pick from, including:

• Vocational Education and Training (Includes Graduate Certificates, Diplomas, and Vocational Graduate Certificates/Diploma. Ranges from 3 months to 2 years)
• Tertiary Education (Includes Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies. Ranges from 1 year to 5 years). More information is available on The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency website .
• Foundation Courses (Placement to university. Only runs for 1 year)
• English Courses (ELICOS can run from 1 week to 72 weeks, and have strict attendance requirements.)

Once you’ve decided on the above, then you can move on to deciding your intake timing.

Below is a rough guide for tuition fee costs, and is dependent on the various factors:

• English language studies – Approximately $300/week
• Vocational Education and Training – $4,000 to $22,000
• Undergraduate Degree – $15,000 to $40,000
• Postgraduate Masters Degree – $20,000 to $35,000
• Doctoral Degree – $15,000 to $38,000

 

2. Plan your budget

Another important aspect in planning your study is to understand the cost of living, fees and work possibilities.

Here is a summary of average weekly living cost in Australia per state (Individual)

• NT         - $1,700 per week
• ACT       - $1,670 per week
• NSW     - $1,525 per week
• VIC        - $1,430 per week
• WA        - $1,429 per week
• QLD       - $1,359 per week
• SA         - $1,192 per week
• TAS       - $1,141 per week

You can visit this link for more detailed spending information.

 

3. Review the visa and institution requirements

Before applying for your course, make sure yo do some research on what are the requirements to apply. Each institution and course have different requirements including the type of visa required.

Some documents required that are usually asked by institutions are:

• Education Certificates - academic record or completion of pre-requisite studies
• IELTS/PET score
• Research Studies/Work Experience

Go to your preferred institution’s website for more information on what you need to prepare.

 

4. Apply for your course

Once you have made the decision and have all the requirements ready, you can now apply for your course.

There are two ways you can submit your application, directly to the institution or through an education agent.

 

Applying Directly

To apply directly to the institution, download the application form from the institution’s website. If you are applying to more than one institution, your application must be submitted separately.

 

Through an Education Agent

Another option we recommend is to contact an education agent. Most institutions have partnerships with a number of agencies. Usually, you can find the list of agents and their contact details in the institutions website. Agencies will be able to assist you throughout the application process. 

If your application is successful, you will then receive your Letter of Offer and ECOE (Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment).

 

5. Get your OSHC

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is insurance for International Students that covers medical costs in Australia. This insurance is required for you to be eligible to apply for your student visa.

To apply for your OSHC, you can go purchse online via our website or request assistance from your agent.

 

Simple steps to apply Via StudentGuru

• Fill in your start date and finish date of your course
• Add the OHSC to your shopping cart
• Apply discount code (if applicable)
• Check out and make payment online
• You will receive your OSHC certificate via email

You can also visit our blog post for more information on OHSC including what is covered and hwo to select the most suitable policy.

 

6. Apply for your Student Visa

You will need to apply for a student visa to enter Australia once you have been accepted into your course. Make sure you have all the required documents ready for your application. Some major documents that you might get asked for:

• Passport details
• ECOE (Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment)
• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
• Bank Statements
• English Test Certificate / Prior Study Certificate
• Police Clearance Certificate

Click here for a complete list of documents that you might be required to provide.

Your Visa can be applied through your student agent, or through the Australian Immigration site.

To apply for your visa directly, create an account with Immigration Australia and follow the steps in the portal and provide any required documents.

 

Fees

There are some fees that you will have to pay when applying for your visa.

Application Fee - The current fee is A$620 but it usually changes.

You might also have to pay other costs such as health checks, police certificates.

To find out how must your visa will cost, use the Visa Fee Estimator.

 

Processing Time

Visa processing time vary and can take between 4-6weeks.

Visit Immigrations’s website for more detailed fee and processing time information.

 

7. Plan for your travel and arrival in Australia

Once your visa is approved, you can plan your travel to Australia. StudentGuru have put it all together for you. Take a look at our website for all your needs, such as OSHC, Banking, Accommodation or Mobile Plans and you are set before you even arrive!