An unprecedented number of Indian students are now applying to study overseas, for a variety of reasons. Some wish to pursue job opportunities in these countries after graduation and find it beneficial to seek academic training and work experience in advance. Others are keen to study in Australia in order to gain international exposure in an engaging learning environment or simply access a superior quality of education in their area of interest.
Australia is one of the most popular overseas education destinations, attracting almost 70,000 Indian students annually. Some of the top-ranking educational institutions of the world – which offer well-regarded courses in the humanities, sciences and commerce, as well as vocational skill development – are located in Australia. The post-qualification employment policies and visa pathways are also extremely appealing to several international students.
If you are planning to study abroad in Australia, it is essential to make an informed decision, and then prepare yourself for assimilating to a new academic culture. Candidates must take certain steps to ensure a seamless transition into the Australian education system:
Purpose: The most significant part of this process is to understand the intention for choosing to pursue further education in Australia. This impacts the courses and universities that you can consider. If your primary purpose is to gain academic training in order to eventually pursue a job in Australia, you must choose a course stream that is relevant to Australia’s labor market requirements. If the purpose is to simply enhance your knowledge in a particular area of interest, you can target niche courses in specialty institutions.
Research: It is essential to thoroughly research every aspect of student life in Australia. This involves gaining in-depth knowledge regarding course details, faculty members, accommodation, tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships, eligibility criteria and application procedure for the Student Visa Australia. Students must also gain an understanding of the grade system, learning trajectory, job placement policy, rules and regulations of the institution where they intend to study.
Logistics: International students must ensure that they have healthcare coverage in Australia. Those who wish to pursue part-time jobs while studying must understand the maximum working hours permitted (usually 20 hours per week), as well as the minimum wage (AUD 17.70 per hour). There are several other logistical concerns such as budgeting, transportation, food and safety, all of which can be duly addressed through expert assistance, or by conducting an exploratory visit to the university.
Those who are making the crucial decision of pursuing graduate or post-graduate study in Australia may have uncertainties and queries regarding this massive undertaking. For support and guidance throughout the process of choosing the correct institution and course, arranging documents, submitting a complete application and obtaining a student visa, it is advisable to avail the services of genuine overseas education consultants, who can successfully navigate a streamlined pathway to academic excellence and future professional success in Australia.
