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Australia/December 21, 2022/Sayantan Biswas in Voices, Australia, TOI/Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Australia has been seeing a great resurgence in popularity as a study-abroad destination since the reopening of its borders to international students in December 2021. With over 1,01,000 student visas approved globally, and over 9,000 of those originating from India, the time seems ripe for Indian students to set their sights on Australia as they plan their higher education. Unfortunately, procedural delays and bureaucratic complications are on the rise as many countries found themselves unprepared for the large influx of students. As such, it is essential for a student to understand the various processes and steps they must take to ensure a hassle-free and productive stay overseas. Here are the major points you must consider when planning to study in Australia: 

Where to study- Assuming Australia is your preferred destination, there are 43 universities to choose from, differing in locations and specializations. You may filter these choices based on university prestige, budget, scholarships, or any combination of parameters to land a small selection of colleges to apply to. This might be a daunting process for students who have just passed out of school and looking to pursue overseas education. 

Thankfully, there is no shortage of tools and services available to help you make this decision. Online resources like the Australian government site on higher education can help you get a good overview of the education landscape. 

Money matters- There is no getting around the fact that international education can be financially challenging for many of us. The average cost of a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Australia can be anywhere from AUD 14,000 (INR 7,43,182) to AUD 37,000 (INR 19,64,125) per year. Naturally, such a significant commitment should not be made without due planning. 

While you may be able to learn the basics of student loans, forex payments, and international banking in your own time, the ideal finance strategy is often to start early. There are many international education financing advisors who may be able to help you find the best student loans, decide on the loan vehicle, equip you with all the required documentation, and ensure that your overseas journey remains free of financial baggage. You can use UniCreds to get expert advice on your student loan and apply for the best possible loans.  

Your visa- As an international student aspiring to study in Australia, you will apply for a subclass 500 student visa. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia for a maximum of five years, in line with your course. You are normally allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during study breaks. However, the Australian Government is temporarily allowing students to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight during term time across all sectors. As of July 2022, the processing fee for this application is AUD 650 (INR 53,746).   

While reports disagree on the exact timeline for approval, your visa may take anywhere from 4 weeks to over 2 months to process. Given the high student influx we are seeing, it is smart to start the process as soon as possible to give yourself ample time to get the visa approved and rectify any unforeseen changes. You can also simplify the process for yourself by utilising specialist student visa services which help guide you to prepare for each step well in advance. 

Documentation: Here is a quick checklist of all the documents you will need from your university acceptance to the end of the visa process: 

• Offer letter- The offer letter will include your course details, enrolment conditions, and fees you will need to pay. It will also spell out your rights as a student including the conditions for any refunds you may be entitled to. It is advisable not to get caught up in the excitement of the moment and read your offer letter much like a contract. If you find any terms you are insufficiently clear, or if you are unsatisfied with any part of the offer, contact the university directly and clarify the situation before taking accepting the offer. Keep multiple copies of this letter for the visa process and beyond. 
• Confirmation of Enrollment- The Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) is an official document issued by your education provider that verifies your enrolment in a specific course. CoEs are only issued after you accept the university’s offer and pay the pre-requisite deposit amount. This document is important for the visa process because it is seen as proof that you are registered in your declared course by the Australian government. 
• Proof of English proficiency– IELTS, TOFEL, and PTE Academic are the most popular exams in Australia. However, given that these exams have unrelated marking schemes, it is advisable to check your college’s entry requirements for the specific exam you have appeared for. 
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement– This is a personalised statement written by applicants confirming their intentions of studying in Australia and only residing temporarily in accordance with the visa. It is recommended that you include details of your ties to home (professional or personal) and explain how the course you are pursuing will help your future career goals. This should highlight both your intention to return home at the end of your visa and your true intention to study in Australia.
• Proof of sufficient funds – A bank statement that shows you have enough money to cover all your costs through your course including travel, course fees, and rent is the simplest proof for this step. Alternatively, you may also supply proof of your parent’s annual income if it is above AUD 62,222 (INR 33,08,661) in the year immediately before you apply. 
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)– The standard health insurance required for all international students
• Character and Fitness Requirements- A basic health examination will be conducted and some basic questions about your past conduct may need to be answered.

Where to live- Now that you know where you are going to study, it is important to figure out where you will be staying. While there are many options to consider from on-campus accommodation to co-living PBSAs, one universal point to consider remains constant. The more time you give yourself to research the area you hope to reside in, the more options you will uncover. 

While specialist student accommodation services can make your life easier by offering housing solutions catered to your specifications and putting you in touch with partners residing in your destination city, knowing the most desirable boroughs of the city, the best commute routes to your college, and where other students tend to live can help narrow down your search area and focus on finding the best possible housing within those parameters. 

There may be some bureaucratic requirements tied to specific housing options. Therefore, it is best to keep in close contact with your landlord or property manager to avoid unexpected fees. Many students today prefer to employ student accommodation specialists with direct ties to the international destination so as to be fully aware of all details of the housing arrangement right from the beginning.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/the-process-of-planning-overseas-education-in-australia/