Australia is known to the outside world as a fast paced and technologcally advanced country. Yet, this country is much more than that. It is big, that is true but aside from that, Australia has the most beautiful environment to live in. It is filled with breath taking beaches, serene nature, calm sanctuaries, shimmering cities and much more. It is an adventure waiting.
Not just the environment but even the people in these surroundings are from all over the world. People from more than 200 countries come together to make Australia their home. This is also why anyone that lives in Australia never feels out of place. It is as comfortable and accommodating as the land you grew up in.
Although, all of these have to be considered before choosing a place, the top priority of concern would be one's health. But even when it comes to this, Australia does not disappoint. They have high standards in health care for both public and private hospitals. All are up to date on the most recent medical technologies and provide high care services. This can also be proven by the life expectancy of the Australians being among the highest in the world.
Australia is chosen as one of the best places to study in, with five of the best cities, students want to live in. It has top notch universities that offer any course that you may dream of.
PROSPECTS & EXPENSES
Study Expenses
The cost of studying in Australia varies depending on universities you choose and level of study you enroll into as indicated in the table below.
| Education/Qualifications | Fee (AUD$/year) |
|---|
| School |
AUD$7,800 to AUD$30,000 |
Vocational Education and Training
(Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) |
AUD$4,000 to AUD$22,000 |
| English language studies |
Approximately AUD$300 per week depending on course length |
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree |
AUD$15,000 to AUD$33,000 |
| Postgraduate Master’s Degree |
AUD$20,000 to AUD$37,000 |
| Doctoral Degree |
AUD$14,000 to AUD$37,000 |
Living Expenses
The minimum cost of living required by the Department of Home Affairs to issue a student visa is $AUD20,290 to cover accommodation and living expenses indicated below.
Accommodation Expenses
| First Child |
AUD$3,040/year |
| Second Child |
AUD$3,040/Year |
| Dependents |
AUD$7,100/year |
| Hostels and guesthouses |
AUD$80 to AUD$135 a week |
| Shared rentals and On-Campus Accommodation |
AUD$70 to AUD$250 a week |
| Homestay |
AUD$110 to A$270 a week |
| Return Air Travel |
AUD$2,000/head |
Weekly Expenses
| Groceries or eating out |
AUD$80 to AUD$200 |
| Gas and Electricity |
AUD$60 to AUD$100 |
| Phone and Internet |
AUD$20 to AUD$50 |
| Public Transport |
A$10 to A$50 |
| Entertainment |
A$50 to A$100 |
EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS ON STUDENT VISA
Working while studying is one of the major reasons why a large number of international students choose Australia as their study destination. The Australian Immigration system allows international students on a student visa to work up to 40 hours fortnightly during semesters and unrestricted hours during semester breaks.
The international students must obtain Taxation File Number (TFB) from Australian Taxation Office to apply for any work in Australia. The process requires basic details like name, current address, date of birth, the date of arrival in Australia, passport and proof of enrolment.
The industries such as hospitality (restaurants, bars and cafes), agriculture (farming and fruit-picking), retail (super markets and clothing stores), tourism (hotels and motels), sales and telemarketing are the most common areas where international students work while studying in Australia.
Find a Job
Some of the best ways to find appropriate work in Australia are through online job sites and newspapers, through institution’s international student support staff, registering the details at a recruitment firm and through recommendations of people you know well.
Work Rights
Every individual working in Australia including international students on student visa or people on working holiday visa have some basic rights at work. This includes:
- A healthy and safe work environment
- A minimum wage
- Right to Challenge unfair dismissal
- Breaks and Rest Periods