Getting an undergraduate degree in Australia can be a life-changing experience for students who have never studied in another country. But there are many things to consider before applying for a degree. For example, does the college have a reputation for providing a safe and welcoming environment for international students? Also, does the university offer a variety of courses to meet different student interests?
Cost of studying in Australia
Choosing the right program can affect the cost of studying in Australia. The Australian government estimates that a standard full-time year costs AUD 21,041. This includes food, accommodation, travel, fun and little extras.
Australian universities charge tuition fees based on the number of units a student takes. Each unit is placed in a fee band. The government sets a minimum and maximum range for each fee band. The fee bands are the same for domestic graduate students.
Most Australian universities also publish cost-of-living breakdowns. These are typically detailed and include the cost of living in the local area.
The most expensive option is student accommodation. For a studio in Sydney’s CBD, you can expect to pay AUD $1,700 a month. For more budget-friendly options, you can choose to live in a suburb instead. Alternatively, you could rent a house or flat and share with housemates to reduce your rental cost by about 20% to 30%.
Courses offered
Hundreds of courses are available during undergraduate study in Australia. These courses range from vocational certificates to undergraduate degrees. There are also post-study work opportunities. The courses are designed to develop skills and knowledge to succeed in your career. There are many scholarships available for international students.
Some of the most sought-after fields of study include engineering, creative arts, science, information technology, social work, business, and law. The highest award offered by Australian universities is the PhD degree. A PhD is an advanced qualification that consists of a comprehensive research project.
Australia’s higher education system is highly regarded and well-recognized internationally. Its universities are often present in the annual international rankings. Its qualifications are well-respected worldwide and are used by employers.
There are hundreds of bachelor degrees available in Australia. These courses generally take three years to complete. However, they can be completed in as little as two years. Typical topics of study include human resource management, leadership skills, international business, change management, and organisational behaviour.
Academic calendars
Typically, the academic year in Australia begins in late spring or early summer. The year typically consists of two terms, or semesters, and a two to three week break between terms. The first semester is usually 15 to 16 weeks long and the second semester is usually seven to eight weeks long.
The academic calendar includes key dates associated with studies, teaching periods, lectures, public holidays, withdraw dates, and payment dates. The calendar is created up to three years in advance.
The traditional Aussie academic calendar consists of two semesters, with the spring semester beginning in early February and the autumn semester starting on September 1. The academic year usually ends in early July.
Academic calendars for undergraduate study in Australia vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some institutions offer a short summer semester, while others have three semesters. Some independent schools have three-week breaks between terms one and two.
The academic year in the United States is a shorter term than in the UK. The US academic year consists of two terms, a winter break, and a summer break. The academic year is divided into two teaching periods, each of four weeks, with a two-week break between teaching periods.
Work visas for international students
Currently, international students are allowed to work 40 hours per fortnight. However, this is subject to a cap. The Australian Government has announced that the restrictions on international student work hours will be lifted in mid-2023.
International students who have studied in Australia prior to 5 November 2011, and have obtained a qualification that is listed on the Skilled Occupation List, are eligible to apply for permanent residency. This means they will be able to work in Australia for up to 18 months.
Students studying in the main cities are eligible to work for up to two years. Doctoral level students are eligible to work for up to four years. International students who have obtained a recognised Australian degree, including an undergraduate degree, are eligible to apply for a Graduate Work Visa. These visas allow international graduates to work in Australia for up to five years, and for students with graduate qualifications in certain areas, such as IT, they may be eligible to work in Australia for up to 18 months.
