Overview
Author : Mariyam Sultan Aly – Sydney, Australia. For any inquiries related to this article please contact cetab@world-federation.org
Australia is one of the most spectacular continents in the world, situated in one of the finest natural harbours, surrounded by National parks, beaches and beautiful gardens. It proves to offer students a truly diverse experience, possessing a cosmopolitan city atmosphere and an effervescent culture.
Australia is considered to be the largest island in, yet the smallest continent in the world. It is divided into six states and two territories, the nation’s capital in Canberra (NSW). Australia offers a multicultural society and is home to over four million people of different nationalities, ethnicities, cultural and religious backgrounds. It possesses a rich cosmopolitan nature that is reflected in the many galleries, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, cafes, museums and worship centres including the Museum of Contemporary art, the International Arts festival and the National Maritime Museum.
Australia is an English-speaking nation that was originally inhabited by the Aborigines prior to European settlement in the 1780s. However, since the 1950s Australia's intake of migrants has increased significantly from across the globe. Australia's migrant community has brought exclusive prosperity to the economy, culture and environment. Australia's present population exists at around 18 million people.
Why Students Choose to Study in Australia
The Australian education system is an internationally recognised, highly regarded structure. It offers valuable opportunities and world-class qualifications to local and international students who seek an academic and personal challenge in English-speaking education system.
Australian universities are renowned for their excellence in teaching and research and strive to offer a diverse range of courses, highly experienced teachers, comprehensive facilities and a rich campus life.
Many universities across the country have specific committees to cater for the needs of international students. They aim to facilitate cultural communication and the exchange of knowledge and ideas between local and international students and the wider community.
Australian universities attract most international students from South East Asia, India, UK and Canada, mainly completing undergraduate studies.
Sydney is one of Australia’s most multicultural cities, home to people from 180 different countries speaking up to 140 languages. Sydney University has over 3000 international students (66% undergraduate, 34% graduate).
Top Australian Universities (as listed by the Good Universities Guide)
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University of Adelaide
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Australian National University, Canberra
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Macquarie University
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University of Melbourne, Victoria
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Monash University, Victoria
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University of Queensland
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University of Sydney
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University of New South Wales
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University of Tasmania
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University of Western Australia
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University of Wollongong, NSW
Degree Costs
A general guide to degree costs
| Foundation studies |
A $9 000 - A $14 000 per year |
| Undergraduate |
A $10,000 - $16,000 per year |
Postgraduate
- Graduate Certificate/Diploma
- Masters/Doctoral Degree |
A $9 000 - $16 000 per year
A $11 000 - $18 500 per year |
University fees vary across universities, dependent on the faculties and duration of study.
|
Bachelor of Arts |
$17,136 per annum |
|
B Combined Laws |
$ 20,928 per annum |
|
B Commerce |
$ 20,160 per annum |
|
B Dentistry (post grad) |
$ 34,656 per annum |
|
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of surgery |
$ 39,072 per annum |
|
Bachelor of Nursing |
$ 18,720 per annum |
|
Bachelor of Science |
$ 22,162 per annum |
|
Bachelor of Computer Science |
$ 20,160 per annum |
|
Bachelor of Medicinal Science |
$ 22,176 per annum |
|
Bachelor of Engineering |
$ 22,176 per annum |
Entry Requirements
International students achievements and qualifications obtained in their country of study will be compared to Australian tertiary standards. Some students may be required to sit an English proficiency test (IELTS) that consists of a listening, reading, writing and speaking section. Preparation courses are available for students.
Most Australian universities offer students that have poor English skills assistance in order to effectively communicate and perform academically.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available to international students, across faculties by universities. In addition, international students from developing nations can apply for an Australian Government Scholarship (AUSAid).
Scholarships are also offered by students’ home countries. Details can be viewed at the Australian Diplomatic Missions website. (http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/index.html)
Accommodation
There are many options available to students who require accommodation. On campus accommodation is limited and arrangements for accommodation in residential colleges and halls of residences must be made directly, independent of the institution of study. Arrangements for residence in such colleges / halls of residences should be made prior to the commencement of the academic year. Residential colleges and halls of residence require a bond to be paid upfront.
A single room in a house / flat in the city costs approximately $80-$160 per week. A flatette (bed sitter, kitchen, shared bathroom) can cost approximately $120-$220 per week. Private board in a family's home where meals are provided can cost $160-$200 per week. A one bedroom unit costs approximately $180-$250 per week depending on the quality and location of the property. Suitable reference letters and a clean criminal record may be required to obtain accommodation.
Universities usually provide their own specialised accommodation finder to students.
Cost of living in Australia
The cost of living varies across the country and is determined by individual lifestyles. The cost of living in a capital city such as Sydney is outlined below:
|
Establishment Costs (First Year) |
|
Rental accommodation bond (one month's rent) |
A$800 |
|
Rent in advance (two weeks' rent) |
A$400 |
|
Furniture (e.g. bed, table, chair, wardrobe) |
A$1,000 |
|
Telephone connection |
A$200 |
|
Kitchenware (e.g. fridge, utensils) |
A$800 |
|
Estimated establishment costs |
A$3,200 |
|
Ongoing Costs |
Weekly |
Annual |
|
Rent (two people sharing an unfurnished two-bedroom apartment, flat or house within 10 km from UTS) |
A$200 |
A$10,400 |
|
Groceries (e.g. food, drinks, soap) |
A$90 |
A$4,680 |
|
Travel costs (e.g. train or bus fare up to 15km from the city) |
A$25 |
A$1,300 |
|
Telephone/mobile |
A$25 |
A$1,300 |
|
Gas/electricity |
A$15 |
A$780 |
|
Personal expenses (e.g. clothes, entertainment) |
A$40 |
A$2,080 |
|
Textbooks |
|
A$1,000 |
|
Stationery (e.g. pen, paper, notepads) |
|
A$50 |
|
Estimated yearly costs |
|
A$21,590 |
|
Estimated total costs for the first year |
A$24,790 |
Support Services
Many support services exist for international students. These are specifically designed to facilitate the integration of foreign students into the Australian community and the universities’ student body. These include:
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Pre-departure seminars are held in home country
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Airport reception and transfer to accommodation in Australia
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Comprehensive orientation programme (campus and city tours, advice on practical issues such as banking, shopping and transport, cultural adjustment, meeting other students, registration for Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC), enrolment, etc).
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Continuing welfare assistance
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Assistance with organising visas and Overseas Student Health Cover
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Social programmes/liaison with international student associations
In addition, there are many on-campus facilities:
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University Support Centre - offers personal, educational and vocational counselling, including short courses in learning and research skills, academic writing and assignment writing
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University Medical Centre and counselling services
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