Career Prospects in aviation

If you want to fly real high, especially bag the best when you step back home, then aviation is the real thing. It’s very expensive but worth every penny spent. Although it costs around Rs 2 Lac per semester, the pay packet is $1, 20,000 per annum.

Moreover, if you join as a pilot in India, you’ll be earning a Lac a month – to start with. Boeing alone has forecast a need for 5,000 pilots.

If you intend to settle Down Under, MBA is not in demand. What they need are;

• Teachers,
• Engineers,
• IT guys,
• Accountants,
• Dentists and nurses.

Be sure to choose an occupation in relation to the demand. They don’t need managers, they need front liners. Australians are looking for the right skilled people, who score high, have experience, particularly in the trade area. Other than that on an average a diploma/bachelors holder is likely to be earning anywhere between $ 40,000 to 50,000 per annum. Masters is obviously more than this.

Top Accrediting Agencies in India

CHEA - Council for Higher Education Accreditation - is a private organization that coordinates about 3000 degree granting universities and colleges and over 60 recognized accrediting organizations in the USA.

American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) - is the main body accrediting MBA courses in the USA. This body accredits programs, not schools, and has now started accrediting programs in other countries too.

International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) - is a USA based body that operates internationally in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South and Latin America, accrediting business colleges

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) - is the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the M.D. degree in U.S. and Canadian medical schools. LCME is sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association

Joint Commission International (JCI) - is a US based accrediting agency that establishes quality standards for international medical organization

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) institution The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) - is responsible for the Accreditation of post-MD medical training programs within the United States. Accreditation is accomplished through a peer review process and is based upon established standards and guidelines

Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET) - represents most engineering professional societies in the USA, including the Association of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), amongst many other

Cool Weather of Australia

Being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in Australia are opposite to those in India. But like India, it is a land of diversity in terms of climate, and has tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, arid deserts and vast grazing lands as also a rich coral reef, abundant with marine life.

The transition from India to Australia, especially for North Indians is generally comfortable. The climate is generally warmer, but in the northern Australian states, is similar to that of Southwest Asia and the Pacific. Temperatures in Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia average about 20ºC to 29ºC in the summer, and about 10ºC to 22ºC in the winter.

In the southern states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, temperatures range from about 16ºC to 26ºC in the summer and about 7ºC to 15ºC in the winter. However, it does snow in Australia in the highlands and southern areas, so warm clothes are advisable for winter wear - and even in summer it is advisable to carry a light jacket, as the weather can cool off considerably.

Checklist

Before you leave, be sure to pack:

• Your documents,
• Ticket and Visa,
• Important telephone numbers,
• Right kind of clothes- Lightweights during summer months with warmer clothes for the cooler winter period,
• Right kind of gear- Sunglasses, sunhats and sunblock lotion are recommended year round in the north and during the summer months in the south

Courses in Australia

Australia offers a diverse range of courses such as

• Undergraduate,
• Post Graduate,
• Vocational,
• Technical and school programs
• Foundation studies that give international students the knowledge and skills for a smooth transition from learning in their home country to undergraduate studies in Australian universities.

Non-self-accrediting higher education providers accredited by State and Territory authorities, numbering more than 150 as listed on State and Territory registers. These include several that are registered in more than one State and Territory. The non-self-accrediting higher education providers form a very diverse group of specialised, mainly private, providers that range in size and include theological colleges and other providers that offer courses in areas such as;

• Business,
• Information technology,
• Natural therapies,
• Hospitality,
• Health,
• Law and
• Accounting.

Get Scholarships in Australia

International students can apply for scholarships offered by the Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organizations. Scholarships offered cover various educational sectors including

• Vocational and technical education,
• Student exchanges,
• Undergraduate and
• Postgraduate study and
• Research

Note: Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

The criteria for each of the programs listed below differ. In general though, you need to meet these basic requirements:

• You need to be an Indian national
• You must have an outstanding academic track record as most scholarships are merit-based
• Your performance should have been consistent over the years
• You should have all necessary documentation for need based grants including original certificates, official transcripts etc.
• If need be, you should be able to provide a certificate ascertaining your good character
• You should be proficient in English, both oral and verbal.

Eligibility for UK Scholarships

The British government and other UK organizations provide a number of scholarships and awards to help international students to study in the UK.

The competition for scholarships and grants to study in the UK is very strong. Most grant-making organizations will insist that you meet some very strict criteria. If you do not meet all the requirements for a grant, then your application will not be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must apply for your grant at least one year before your course starts; deadlines vary, so you must check that you know what the deadline is before applying
• Your application should be clear and concise
• You should use the grant-making body's application form if it has one
• A majority of the grant-making bodies will give only small amounts of money, which will not cover the full cost of a course.

Loans for Education in Australia

There is no general rule on whether you are eligible for a scholarship for Australian schools. All scholarships vary in their eligibility requirements; for students from India, some institutes ask for a certain TOEFL score, while others ask for you to have a certain GPA. There is no specified cut off, but the higher your score, the better your chances. If you are considering Aviation as an option, you will need good scores in math and physics.

A few scholarships are granted by the Australian government to promote educational cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region. These mainly consist of two programs -

• Australian Leadership Awards and the Endeavour Program. Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) is for long-term Post Graduate study at Masters or Doctoral level. This program is managed by AUSAID, the Australian government's overseas aid program.
• The other scholarship is the Endeavour scholarship, which is offered to leading researchers, executives and students to undertake short or long-term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. This program is very competitive and is offered by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).

Scholarships in Biotechnology

• Aga Khan Foundation for development studies: Forms are available from January every year at Sarojini House, 6 Bhagwandass Raod, and New Delhi 110 001.
• Biotechnology Overseas Associationship:
  Eligibility: PhD/MD degree in an area related to Biotechnology. Last date for applying is in September every year.
  Apply to: Senior Scientific Officer 1, Department of Biotechnology Block II 6th floor, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003 on the prescribed format. Advertisement is published in August every year.
• Cambridge Nehru Scholarships for PhD at University at Cambridge:
  Eligibility- First class Honours degree and age below 28 years. Last date for applying is in September every year.
  Apply to: Nehru Trust for Cambridge University, Teen Murti House, Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi 110 011 with full details of academic qualifications.
• Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow PG Research Traineeships for PhD in Indian Universities:
  Eligibility: M.Sc in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences with minimum 60% marks. Age- below 28 years. Test: CSIR-UGC-NET or Research Aptitude Test held in July and interview. Stipend: Rs 4,000 per month.
  Apply to: Director, Central Drug Research Institute, Chattar Manzil Palace, Lucknow 226 001. Notification is published in May.
• German Academic Exchange fellowship Subjects:
  Bio-Engineering, Bio-Pharmacology, Metallurgy, Environment Science, Agronomy, Veterinary Science, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry:
  Eligibility: PG degree with first division and 2 years of teaching or research experience. Last date is in September every year. Apply to: Ministry of Human Resource Development, External Scholarship Division, ES-1, Section A-1/W.3, Curzon Road Barracks, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110 001.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarships for Doctoral Studies For Indian nationals for Ph.D. in India or for visit to another Asian country in Science, Philosophy, Religion and Culture, International Relations, History, Social Change, Ecology:
  Eligibility: PG degree in first class; age below 35 years; should be a Ph.D. scholar. Fellowship amount: Rs 6,000 per month with annual maintenance allowance of Rs 10,000. Last date for applying is in May every year.
  Apply to: Administrative Officer, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Teen Murti House, New Delhi 110 001 with a self-addressed stamped envelope (25&Mac215; 10 cm).
• KC Mahindra Scholarships for Studies Abroad:
  Eligibility: a) First class degree, b) must have secured admission in a foreign university. Last date of receipt of application forms is in March every year. Address for applying: Managing Trustee, KC Mahindra Education Trust, Cecil Court 3rd floor, Near Regal Cinema, Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, Mumbai 400 001 with a s.a.s.e. 25&Mac215; 18 cm with stamps of Rs 4.
• Lady Tata Memorial Trust Scientific Research Scholarships:
  
• Post Doctoral scholarships for PhD in Science or to MD/MS degree holder.
• Senior Scholarships for post-graduates with MBBS degree or M.Sc with 2 years research experience.
• Junior Scholarships to fresh M.Sc or B.Sc with distinction and 2 years research experience. Last date for applications is January 31 every year. Apply to: Secretary and Chief Accountant, Lady Tata Memorial Trust, Bombay House, Homi Mody Street, Mumbai 400 001.
  
• RD Birla Smarak Kosh, Mumbai Fellowships and Grants for research/training in a medical or related subject. For application forms write to: Director, RD Birla Smarak Kosh, Medical Research Centre, Bombay Hospital Trust, Hospital Avenue, Mumbai 400 020.
• Research fellowship in Tribal Development:
  Eligibility: Research scholars with a background of Social Sciences, Agriculture, Medicine, who are already registered for PhD/Post-Doctoral with a recognized university.
  Rate of fellowship: Rs 3,200 per month. Last date for applying is in September every year. Apply to: Director, Tribal Development Division, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Room 212, 2nd floor D wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110 001 in the prescribed format. Advertisement is published in August every year.
• National Biosciences Awards for Career Development: Awarded to scientists who are currently engaged in basic and applied research in Biosciences and Bio-Technology. Each award carries a cash amount of Rupees one Lac, a citation and a research grant of Rs.3.00 Lac per year for three years. Contact: Adviser, Human Resource Development, Department of Bio-technology, Block-2 (6-8th Floors, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003
• Women Bioscientist Awards: Awarded to women Bio-Scientist currently working in the areas of Biology and Biochemistry. Contact Address: Principal Scientific Officer, Department of Biotechnology, Block-2 (6-8th Floors) CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.

Work Permit on Student Visa

You are allowed to work 20 hours per week on student visa. After you arrive in Australia and start your course, you and your family members may apply for the right to work.

Permitted working hours depend on the kind of visa you are given. Higher education students are allowed to work 20 hours per week when the course is in session and for 'unlimited hours' when the course is not in session.

How to Re-apply if your Visa is rejected?

It is advisable for any visa applicant to get a 'written visa rejection' stating the reason itself.
However, issuance of any visa is solely at the discretion of the consular officer. The consular officer will reconsider a case if you can provide more convincing evidence of personal, professional, and financial circumstances.

Visa Expenses

Visa application is charge at Australian $ 430 which includes an International education contribution of $115. Charge for the permission to work is Australian $ 60. Visa application charge for a student guardian is $ 430. Extra payment should be made for any translation of documents into English and also for charges arising out of medical examinations.

Australian Student Communities

Australia has many student communities on campus based on country of origin, religion, leisure and interests and it is generally very easy for students to mingle with a like-minded group.

Australia is considered to be one of the most friendly and multicultural nations with more than 100 ethnic groups living in it. As far as food is concerned, one can find varieties from the whole world in the country whether, it’s Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese and the list goes on... But students prefer to cook their own food because raw materials are available in all the nearby markets. And not to missed, Australia is known for its wines and juicy fruits.

Victoria has some of the country’s best museums and entertainment venues. Victoria is known for its sporting events, such as the Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup, its incredible scenery and its network of regional cities. However, Western Australia is renowned for its natural wonders including coastal areas, wildflowers and red rock canyons.

There are many Aboriginal communities up north around the Kimberley region. The State capital, Perth, is full of museums, galleries and restaurants. In the south of the State, there are beach towns, farming and vineyards. And, tucked away at the far south of the country and across the untamed waters of Bass Strait, lies Tasmania, a place rich with heritage and spectacular natural history.

Scholarships for Study in Australia

Scholarships are granted by the Australian government to promote educational cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region. A brief overview of each of the component programmes of Australian Scholarships follows:

Endeavour Programme

The Endeavour Programme brings together under one umbrella all of the Department of Education, Science and Training’s (DEST) international education scholarships. The Endeavour Programme showcases the excellence of Australia’s education, science and training sectors by bringing high achieving students, researchers and professionals to Australia to undertake short or long term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. It also encourages Australians to do the same abroad.

Australian Leadership Awards

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALAs) focus on developing leaders who can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in both their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. ALAs provide support for scholarships for Post Graduate studies in Australia and short-term fellowship opportunities in specialized research, study or professional attachments through participating Australian organizations.

Australian Development Scholarships

Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries to promote good governance, economic growth and human development. ADS provide people with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive change and influence the development outcomes of their own country, through obtaining tertiary qualifications at participating Australian institutions.

Australian Scholarships

Australian Scholarships is an initiative of the Australian Government that brings together and expands existing scholarship programmes in the Asia-Pacific region managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). Australian Scholarships also introduces a new AusAID managed programme - Australian Leadership Awards.