Study Expenses in Australia

A Masters can cost $ 10,000 plus, whereas a diploma will be easy on the pocket and the extra time can help you get work and make points for your permanent residency (which are 120). A regular course in Aviation costs around Rs 2 Lac per semester. As for the fees, vocational courses cost between Rs 1,50,000-2,25,000 for six months. Masters would be anywhere between 2,50,000-4,50,000 per semester. These figures include living expenses.

Other than that, the annual cost of living as fixed by the Australian High Commission is $ 12,000. Tuition fees may amount to anywhere between Australian dollars 8,000 - 30,000 per year, while the living expenses amount to approximately Aus$ 12,000 per year. The fees vary depending upon the institution and program and living expenses vary depending upon the city. While living expenses range from A$ 10,000 to A$ 15,000 per annum, depending on individual lifestyle.

International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on part-time basis during semester and full-time in the holidays, which have proved to be of immense help to international students in earning their livelihoods.

Popular Institutes of Australia

There are 39 public universities and two private universities in Australia, which offer both undergraduate and Post Graduate programs. The most popular courses of study amongst Indian students at the Post Graduate-level include studies in-

• Business Administration,
• Management,
• Computer Science,
• Information Technology,
• Engineering, and
• Surveying.

Note of Caution: Interested students should bear in mind that all universities and institutions approved to offer degrees and other higher education awards are listed on the registers of the 'Australian Qualifications Framework'. Institutions that are not listed on the AQF are not recognised by Commonwealth, State and mainland territory governments of Australia.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Institutes

Australia specializes in vocational education and training. The VET sector is divided into two sections - a nationally recognized government system of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and private providers. Students can study vocational courses at both public TAFE institutes and private colleges. The government ensures the quality of courses, staff and teaching by carefully monitoring these institutions.

The vast range of courses under this category includes;

• Information Technology,
• Business And Management,
• Marketing And Communications,
• Health,
• Science,
• Design and the Arts,
• Television Production And Media,
• Environmental Studies and Land Management,
• Sport and Recreation,
• Engineering and Building, and
• Hospitality and Tourism.

English language training and university preparation courses are also offered. TAFE is the largest provider of tertiary education courses in Australia with approximately 250 institutes and 41,000 international students.

Industry training is common to all the VET programs. The awards in VET sector are:

• Certificates,
• Advanced certificates,
• Associate diplomas, and
• Diplomas.

Studying at TAFE level is also described as a way of gaining entry to Australia's universities. Most TAFE institutes have arrangements with specific universities, enabling students to gain credit for a portion of their study undertaken at TAFE.

Fellowships for Study Abroad

Royal Society Fellowships

The Royal Society currently offers incoming fellowships for researchers from North America and Asia. The aim is to attract outstanding Post Doctoral scientists to undertake high-quality research at a UK laboratory.

Asia Research Fellowship

This scheme provides support for Post Doctoral researchers from a number of Asian countries for up to one year. The Asian countries, which the fellowship programme includes India.

The research undertaken must be on a subject within the natural sciences, including: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Agricultural, and Medical Research.

Note: Awards are not granted in the areas of the social sciences or clinical medical research.

De Souza Trust Goa Scholarship

The De Souza Trust, Goa Scholarship aims to provide opportunities for dynamic young men and women of Goan origin who have demonstrated academic excellence and extra-curricula achievements to study or train in the UK.

Since 1998, when the scholarship was first introduced, several Goan students have successfully completed their studies in subjects such as diverse as Media Management, Architecture, Computing & Design, TV documentary, Music Therapy, Architectural Conservation and Human Rights, Communication Systems & Signal Processing and Innovation Technology & the law.

Language and Culture of Australia

Australia is a multi-cultural land. The main language in Australia is English. The country has more than 1 million Asians currently living in Australia.

Of course you’ll have teething problems of cost cutting, budgeting, finding your way around and facing some form of discrimination, but those are the initial hiccups in any foreign land. Australia is known for its well designed programs, favorable weather conditions, secure living and a plethora of options served on a huge platter.

You will need to pick a city that’s simple and affordable. Melbourne and Sydney are on the higher side, so in order to balance the cost of living and enjoy the beaches at the same time, then go for Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.

Student Visa for Australia

Students who have passed 10+2 can either take entry to universities or other tertiary institutions with a good band score (minimum 6.0) of International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS is required for admission into all Australian institutions. You must also have the financial means to support yourself and appropriate private health insurance cover during your stay in Australia.

Most importantly, you need to have your documents in order, and your visa processed through the new E Visa option.

Things you should bear in mind:

• If you hire an agent make sure he is MARA (Migration Agents Registered Authority) certified.
• Paper submission or through an uncertified agent can result in rejection.
• You should apply under the visa sub-class for your principal course of study.
• Electronic confirmation of enrollment (eCoE) is the only accepted evidence of enrollment for processing student visa applications.
• Processing time for this via is about three to six months.

Generally, an international student is issued with a multiple entry visa for the duration of their study course in Australia. Once a student is accepted into a full time course of study at an Australian institution he needs to obtain a student visa, which is valid for the duration of the course of study indicated on the Confirmation of Enrolment form provided by the Australian Institution. This form is provided once international student fees (or exchange places) have been arranged, and overseas student health coverage charges have been paid.

The holder of a student visa has the right to live and study in Australia. They may be allowed to apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week part time during term periods and full time in the vacation periods. Graduate level students may also be entitled to apply for a permanent residence visa in some circumstances.

Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme

Prospective applicants can also contact institutions directly for information on how to apply for an ORSAS award. Some aspects of this award are as follows:

• These are funded by the Department for Education and Skills
• These grants are for Post Graduate students undertaking full-time study for a research degree at British higher education institutions
• Applicants must be able to pay tuition fees at the full international (i.e. not the EU/UK) rate
• Selection of candidates is based solely on academic merit and research potential
• Awards meet the difference between the home and overseas level of tuition fees only, and do not cover maintenance costs

Note: Participating higher education institutions receive an annual grant to fund ORSAS awards and select their ORSAS award holders internally.

Accreditation Criteria

Important indicative parameters on which accrediting agencies make these judgments are:

• Course content and research initiatives
• Faculty expertise and experience
• Evaluation procedures
• Infrastructure, equipment and facilities
• Industry exposure and interaction
• Student support and progression
• Governance and leadership
• Innovative practices
• Employment prospects

How to evaluate college/institution?

• Verify on what parameters a discipline/ course/education program in a specific institution is accredited.
• Find other institutions that are accredited by the accrediting agency. Compare the institutions.
• Find out the market value of the accreditation. Does the job market value the accreditation?