Q: I am interested in
studying in Australia. What do I do next?
A: First, check out IDP's Course
Search , a tool which allows you to search all Australian
universities for programs specific to your needs. Also, visit the
Universities
section of our site to learn more about specific schools. Finally
and importantly, call our academic advisors toll free for personal assistance with your
application or any questions.
Q: When should I
apply?
A: Your application should be submitted as
early as possible before the beginning of the semester in which you
wish to commence. The closing dates are 01 December for semester 1
entry and 01 June for semester 2. These dates are intended as a
guide only for tertiary institutions. The English schools and high
schools have different intake and vary from school to school.
Q: I am ready to apply, now
what?
A: Visit IDP's Course
Search (especially helpful if you live outside Sydney region
and can not get to our office), which allows you to prepare and
submit applications for each university you are interested in. IDP
handles the rest. You will be contacted by one of our academic
advisors shortly after you have completed the application. If you
are in Sydney, please feel free to visit our office, our bilingual
professional counsellors will be able to give you free, expert
advises.
Q: I have received an offer
letter, now what?
A: You will need to accept the offer and pay
your first semester fees to the university and we can assist you
with the payment procedure. When you do so, you will also purchase
the Overseas Student Health Cover policy from your host institution
in order to obtain the "Confirmation of Enrollment" (COE) which is
required by the Australian government prior to issuing your student
visa.
Q: Can I apply for credit exemption?
A: Most of the universities would recognise the
value or prior studies and in many cases will grant credit for
previous studies.
If you wish to apply for credit transfer or advanced standing
for your previous studies, you should complete the "University
Credit exemption” form or the relevant section of the International
Student Admission Application form. Please ensure that you send
certified copies of the required documentation with your
application form as part of the enrolment process. If you are
awarded credit, you must still be enrolled in full-time study, as a
condition of your student visa.
Q: What does the OSHC health insurance
cover?
A: All students are required to purchase
Australian Overseas Student Health Cover insurance in order to get
a visa. This insurance covers you 100% for all hospital visits and
85% for doctor's fees. It also provides you with a 24-hour toll
free telephone service for emergency and legal advice. Some
prescription coverage is also included. Because this insurance plan
only covers you in Australia, you may want to continue your own
medical insurance coverage or take advantage of the insurance that
comes with the International Student Identification Card (ISIC)
that can be obtained through STA Travel (this only applies to
certain nationality).
Q: What is a "Confirmation of Enrolment"?
A: This is a document issued by the Australian
university that states that you are enrolled as a student. This
document is required by the Australian government in order to issue
your student visa.
Q: What sort of documents do I need to submit when
applying for student visa?
A: These are the essential documents you should
have when applying for student visa:
· A copy of the electronic “Confirmation of Enrolment as an
Overseas Student” eCoE letter
· Your passport
· Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) payment
· Attendance certificate of your last course or evidence you
have successfully complete your last course
· Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself
for the duration of your course of study
Students from non-gazette countries will have to go through the
Preliminary Visa Assessment (PVA) and should contact the nearest
Australian Diplomatic Mission to
find out the exact procedures.
Q: Can I work in Australia?
A: Under the terms of the student visa,
international students must apply for a work rights visa
(application charge of AUD$55) at DIAC and tax file number from
Australian Taxation Office after
commencing studies. This allows students to work up to 20 hours a
week during academic semesters and full-time during vacation
periods. Please note that part-time and vacation work are not
always readily available, and that the Australian Department of Immigration and
Citizenship (DIAC) may decline applications for work
rights visas if they suspect the student is depending on this
income for support. In planning your finances it is unwise to
depend on the availability of part-time work in order to support
yourself.
Q: Cost of living and tuition fees
A: The living cost varies from student to
student depending on their lifestyle and state preferences.
As a guide, the estimated annual cost for a student comes to a
total of approximately AU$13,000
Please be reminded that this is intended to be used as a guide
only when preparing a budget according to their individual needs
but this should be flexible enough to allow for changes.
Textbook costs can vary considerably from AU$200-AU$600 per year
depending on the units/courses chosen.
Please note that tuition fees are different for different
degrees.
Q: If I am an international student, are there any
English Language requirements for entry or for the student
visa?
A: If you are a non-native English speaker and
do not have a Bachelors or higher education degree from Australia,
America or the UK, then you may be required to take the
International English Language Test
(IELTS) as a visa requirement. As for entry into a university,
each program will have different requirements. Please contact IDP with additional questions. Visit the
IELTS website for test center locations.
Q: Do I need a medical exam before going to Australia or
re-new my student visa?
A: In either cases, you need to have a physical
exam and a chest x-ray if your program in Australia is over 12
months in length.
Q: What are the fees for IDP's advisory
services?
A: None! All of our services are provided at no
charge to you!
