Study in Western Australia - The Facts
G'day and welcome! You want to study in Western Australia! Why? Can you? Know how and what to study? Know where to study? How can you achieve this? At this stage of your thought processes you may have many questions which remain unanswered.
So Can I Study In Western Australia?
The information below will provide you with some of the answers to those questions, plus how to go about getting a student visa if you wish to proceed with your dream! An overview of life in Western Australia is also provided to entice you even more!
Getting a Student Visa/work Visa and Student Visa Forms
How you go about achieving a student visa is important but firstly let's sample a description of some of the reasons why you should come to Western Australia to study! Western Australia - sun, adventure, an awesome natural environment and friendly people - it's what you'll find if you decide to come and study.
Nowhere else in the world can you experience and interact with such unique natural attractions. Dive with the world's largest fish - the whale shark, snorkel with manta rays, swim with wild dolphins, walk amongst the tree tops of ancient trees, sleep under a canopy of stars in the desert, or explore the beehive-like-formations of the Bungle Bungles with the help of an Aboriginal guide. Western Australia otherwise known as WA is known as the Golden State in recognition of the wealth derived from its gold discoveries.
Today its international reputation is enhanced by many of nature's riches - gold, diamonds and pearls. WA has a climate to suit all occasions. The big variety of landscapes and climates in WA means there is always plenty of sunshine, making it a perfect year-round place to study, work or live. Western Australia has many distinct regions from the capital of Perth, down to the South West which is famous for its world class wines, luxury accommodation and forests of tall trees.
There is then the Golden Outback's spectacular goldfields which are the place for historic townships, brilliant starry nights skies and wide open spaces. Awesome marine life, endless white sand beaches and warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean characterise the state's far north.
If it's Aussie frontier adventure you're after head further north to the North West. Here you'll find rugged ancient landforms, vast cattle stations and Aboriginal culture and unique quality accommodation. Hopefully you are now enticed sufficiently to now get down to the 'real' business of getting a student visa!
WHY study in Western Australia?
WA has welcomed international students for decades, and is one of the leading Australian destinations for students. In any given year over 30,000 international students from 75 countries are enrolled in Western Australian courses.
Other reasons are: Excellence of the WA education system - educations standards rank amongst the highest in the world Recognition of Australian qualifications - Australian qualifications are widely recognised and accepted when seeking employment or further study Universities - there are five universities in Western Australia. The oldest is the University of Western Australia, established in 1911.
Curtin University of Technology can trace its orgins to 1900 as an Institute of Technology, receiving university status in 1986. Murdoch University was Western Australia's second university opening in 1975. Edith Cowan University can also trace its origins to 1904, becoming a multi-campus university in 1991. The only private university, Notre Dame, opened in Fremantle in 1991, and has strong links to its United Status parent campus. See below 'Where to study' for a more detailed list of all educational establishments in WA.
Work/travel
There are opportunities for students to travel and/or work whilst studying. Students must obtain both a student visa and student work visa to undertake these activities. See further down 'Getting a Visa' Special protection and care for international students - government legislation and codes of conduct operate to regulate the industry and protect students.
Value - the combination of competitive tuition fees and low cost of living represet good value for money
The Australian lifestyle - great climate, attractive surrounds and friend people to name but a few Multicultural Australia - overseas students are welcome in Australia's multicultural society Support for International Students in Australia - see Student Visa Forums below for further information
CAN I study in Western Australia?
Anybody can apply to study in Australia but all students MUST obtain a Student Visa before commencement of study. See section on 'How' below.
WHAT to study
It is important that you think about career and life goals before choosing your educational establishment. The course you study in WA will shape your career and life plans.
PLANNING your study
The most important issues to consider when planning your study are: your present English level, your previous education, what qualification you want to achieve, the entry requirements of this qualification, whether this is the most appropriate and realistic qualification for you, how long you wish to study for, the cost of study and living (see below) and what you want to do when you have completed your study
WHERE to study
Consider where you want to study in WA; would you like to be part of a big university, or do you prefer a rather small campus? Places to study range from Universities (e.g. Curtin University of Technology); Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes through to Management and Technology institutues (e.g. Auston Institute of Management and Technology). Visit www.aa-education.com for more detailed information on all educational establishments in Western Australia HOW - a student needs to obtain a Student Visa before commencement of study.
Getting a student visa
To be granted a student visa you must complete an application form, pay the visa application charge and satisfy the student visa requirements (e.g. have adequate health insurance). Different Student Visa Types (Subclasses) and conditions apply. Applications can be submitted either on-line, in person or by mail. Visit the Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs (DIMIA) at www.immi.gov.au/study/applying for more detailed information.
International students studying in Australia on a student work visa can apply for permission to work once they commence their course. A student work visa enables you to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods. In some cases family members can also apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week throughout the year. The application charge is currently A$60 but is subject to yearly review and the 157P 'Permission to Work' form needs to be completed. You can download this form from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) as highlighted above. Please note if you undertake volunteer or take part in unpaid work, you must still apply for permission to work - this type of work counts towards the limit of 20 hours per week!
A Tax File Number (TFN) is also required and can be obtained through the Australian Tax Office. Contact them at www.ato.gov.au for further information. Studying, living and working abroad can bring many new adventures but it can also sometimes feel daunting. There will be times when support and advice is required. Student Visa Forums exist to support and assist students for the duration of their studies in Australia. This can include student support services at the educational institute you have chosen supporting your personal and academic achievements with issues such as: language tuition; application and visa-processing assistance; on-arrival reception and orientation programmes, accommodation and employment services. Websites such as DIMIA also offer support and advice.
COST OF LIVING/TUITION
WA provides one of the most affordable study
destinations in the English speaking world, with tuitution quality
comparable to the world's best at considerably less cost. The cost of
studying in Australia for international students depends on the level of
studies. Some institutions sometimes make an additional charge to cover
other student costs.
Tuition Fees
The following tuition fees represent the average costs of undertaking courses of study and should be used as a 'guide' only. Specific information about tuition fees should be obtained directly from the eduational establishment you wish to study at.
- University Foundation St AUD $10,000 - 14,000
- University Undergraduate Bachelor Degree (Arts, Bus, Econs, Law)AUD $12,000 - 18,000
- University Undergraduate Bachelor Degree (Science, Engineering) AUD $14,500 - 22,000
- University Postgraduate(Certificates, Diplomas)AUD $6,000 - 18,000
- University Postgraduate(Masters, Doctorate)AUD $12,000 - 20,000
- Vocational Training(Certifcates I-IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma)AUD $12,000 - 14,000
- English Language Training(course, duration, institution, variation)AUD $1,300 - 11,500
Cost Of Living & Standard of Living
A further advantage for students choosing Western Australia as a study destination, is its position as a country with one of the world's highest living standards but at a fraction of the cost of more expensive countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. For example, the average cost of living for international students in the United Kingdom was 45% higher than in Australia.
WA fares well when compared to both international cities and other Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Institutions have calculated living costs at around AUD$250-280 per week for international students in Perth, varying upon individual circumstances and accommodation preferences. This is well below the Australian average of AUD$320 per week and well below the costs of Sydney and Melbourne!
Health Insurance - the Australian government requires that all students holding a student visa must take out Overseas Students Health Cover for themselves and any family members, for the period they are in Australia. This will allow treatment by doctors and if necessary access to one of the world's best hospital systems. Costs vary but AUD$330 per year is a guide, depending upon the level of cover and the preferred provider.
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au is a useful website for advice on study in Australia and finally....have fun and enjoy your study in Western Australia!
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