OceaniaThe Down under The Olympic Games, the booming economy, the discovery of an occidental culture mixed with untouched land, the cult of life and the "sea, sun and surf " have made the Down Under an appealing and popular attraction. To be able to study and improve your English in such a mystical country without getting ruined, is a possibility that seems unattainable.
Every year, Australia welcomes 50 000 new international students, the majority of which come from Asia. Australia follows an Anglo-Saxon educational system, and attracts students by its cosmopolitan and high quality campuses and where the relations with the teachers are "cool". Regarding the "Australian way of life," it is quite simple: after work or school, people head straight to the beach to surf, dive, have barbecues...
Local Information:
Total population: 17 million Population: 1,5 % aboriginal
5 million immigrants from 2OO countries (50 % are non-anglophone)
70 % of the population lives in the ten main cities which are mainly located on the East Coast and the South East area of the island. Capital: Canberra Main university cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth Official language: English Student population: 670 000 Foreign students: 200 000 (50 000 new students per year) Countries of students’ origin: 80 % from Asia — 6 000 / year from Europe
Local information
Australia is an impressive mix of modern and untouched spaces spread out in a sparsely populated continent. Australia offers unlimited oppotunities to discover its stunning landscapes. Cities are located on the coasts whereas the rest of the island is an unexplored land without boundaries. In the cities, the life style is very Anglo-Saxon. Australians are also very passionate sportsmen and one can find all kinds of sports practiced around the country such as surfing, tennis, rugby, etc...
Smokers are not very welcome since Australians are health conscious.
The style of the campuses follows that of a Californian campus: small cities with huge green spaces, very high tech, very sports-oriented but there is also an emphasis on cultural activities (movies, theater, exhibitions, and concerts... .)
There are a number of student associations that are very active and easy to find.
The 50 000 foreign students that come every year are welcomed by all campuses. An international relations officer on each campus guides the newcomers throughout their stay in Australia. It is important to point out that Australian universities are quite cosmopolitan with a very strong Asian presence.
Weather and seasons: The weather varies from one region to the next (from tropical to temperate) but generally throughout the year it is very nice and agreeable.
Summer: From December to March.
Winter: From June to September. Distances: The large scale of this continent makes distances between the cities very considerable. The plane is the best means of transportation. Travelling around can take a very long time. Some examples:
Sydney/Melbourne: 1 hour 5 minutes by plane.
Sydney/Melbourne: 15 hours by car. Practical information: Currency: Australian Dollar ($A) Phone code: 00 + (61) + regional code + N°
Cost of Living :
As a guide you will need between A$ 7 000 — A$ 12 000 a year for living expenses. Examples of common living costs: Rent (room/per week): 150A$ Bus ticket:2,80 A$ Petrol gallon: 0,80 A$ Hamburger: 3 A$ Coke: 1 A$ Coffee: 2 A$ Newspapers: 0,90 A$ Movie ticket: 12 A$ Jeans: 55 A$
Organization :
The Australian education system is very similar to that of the British, and is recognized worldwide for its high quality.
The federal government gives subventions and coordinates the educational system by working with the Australian Educational Council. Higher education is regulated by the state and territorial governments. The private education is managed by each institution.
To be accepted to a higher education program,the application of a student undergoes a selection process that is based on the grade which he/she has obtained in order to receive their High School Certificate. To merely apply to a university, a minimum grade must have been achieved by the student. This is similar to the French baccalaureate system.
Accreditations All 38 Australian universities (36 public and 2 private) are accredited by the government. The diplomas and certificates awarded by them are recognized worldwide.
The 9O TAFE (Technical and Further Education Colleges) are all under the supervision of the federal government. The diplomas that are awarded to the students are accredited by the government and are recognized worldwide.
The numerous private institutions, Private Education and Training Providers,offer specialized training programs that are more or less recognized by the State. For more information refer to each insitution. Academic year:
2 semesters: end February/end June
mid July/end November Summer Session (Optional): December/January.
Tution & Fees :
The amount of the tuition fee to be paid depends on: the university, the area of study and the level of study. Fees can vary roughly from 8 000 $A in TAFE for example to 30 000 $A. The undergraduate studies are less expensive than postgraduate studies, and the scientific studies are more expensive.
Language level:
All courses are taught in English. If English is not your mother tongue you are required to take an exam to evaluate your level of English.
Minimum level required:
For entrance to a university: 6-6,5 in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
213 in the TOEFL
5 in the TWE (Test of Written English) For entrance to a TAFE:
200 in the TOEFL
5 points in the IELTS For entrance to an MBA: GMAT Equivalence of diplomas: It is better to consider a foreign diploma as having an inferior level than the Australian one in order to improve the chances of getting accepted.
Visa Information:
A visa is mandatory in order to enter Australia, with the exception of Commonwealth citizens.
Australia has published a list of 47 "gazetted countries" from which the purpose is to decrease the potential risk of illegal immigration. Citizens coming from these countries can easily obtain a visa.
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA) Duration: less than 6 months
Delivered by travel agencies Time it takes to receive the visa: same day Restriction : not allow you to work TOURIST VISA Duration: Less than 3 months Required document: Form 48 Restrictions: Non-renewable and does not allow you to work Time it takes to receive the visa: Same day STUDENT VISA Where to go: Immigration service at any Australian consulate Duration: More than 3 months Required documents: Form 157Y; 3 identity photos; CEOS (Confirmation of Enrollment for Overseas Students); passport and a stamped envelope Visa fee: 280 A$ (154 Euro — 140 US $)
(free for those entitled with a scholarship awarded by the Australian government) Restrictions: Allows you to work up to 20 hours per week Time it take to recieve the visa: 6 weeks WORKING VISA
It is very difficult for a student to get a working visa due to the restrictions placed by the immigration authorities. Where to go: Immigration Services in Australian consulates Conditions: You must have a perfect knowledge of the English language and be hired by a company in Australia Visa Fee: 160 $A (88 Euro — 80 US$) Restrictions: Depends on the situation, for information refer to the Immigration Services. Time it takes to receive visa: Depends on the situation, for information refer to the Immigration Service.
The Olympic Games, the booming economy, the discovery of an occidental culture mixed with untouched land, the cult of life and the "sea, sun and surf " have made the Down Under an appealing and popular attraction. To be able to study and improve your English in such a mystical country without getting ruined, is a possibility that seems unattainable.
As a guide you will need between A$ 7 000 — A$ 12 000 a year for living expenses.
The amount of the tuition fee to be paid depends on: the university, the area of study and the level of study. Fees can vary roughly from 8 000 $A in TAFE for example to 30 000 $A. The undergraduate studies are less expensive than postgraduate studies, and the scientific studies are more expensive.
A visa is mandatory in order to enter Australia, with the exception of Commonwealth citizens.