International Student Visa Pre-departure Guide For International Students Coming To Australia1/14/2021 What to do before you leave AustraliaYour student visa has been granted, hoorah! You’re about to embark on the biggest adventure of your life and our handy pre-departure guide will make sure you’re all ready to go. From the documents you’ll need at the airport to what you should prioritise once you touch down, we’re rounded up everything you need to know before catching your flight. Make sure your passport is in date This is undoubtedly one of the most crucial items to pack first. It’s recommended that your passport is valid for at least six months. Make printed copies of your passport and visa It’s a good idea to make two printed copies of your passport and visa. Bring one copy with you and leave on with someone trustworthy at home. This will safeguard you from any problems if you lose the original copies. Covid-19 and the border requirements All passengers arriving by air into Australia should complete the Digital Passenger Declaration(DPD). You can start your DPD seven days before your flight and submit it within 72 hours before your departure for Australia. This is because you must provide health information and declaration (vaccination status and if required COVID-19 test result) within 72 hours before flight. IMPORTANT: Always check check for updated information prior arrival to Australia on the Department of Home Affairs website. Book your flights and check your airlines COVID-19 requirements on all flights Once your student visa has been granted, you can finally book your flights (this is our favourite step, too!). If possible, try to arrive at least one to two weeks before orientation in order to allow time to settle in, meet people and overcome jet lag. Organise airport pickup You may decide to take a taxi or public transport from the airport to your accommodation. If not, it’s a good idea to organise airport pickup before arriving in Australia. Make sure you have a printed copy of the address of your accommodation to hand in case of any issues. Contact your bank You must tell your current bank that you are travelling overseas. This will ensure that you can withdraw and transfer funds until you can set up an Australian bank account. Exchange money There are money exchange offices in Australian airports but it’s highly recommended that you have the correct currency to hand before leaving your home country. This will save both time and money. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends students bring approximately AUD $500 to cover food and temporary accommodation costs when you first arrive. Australia accepts most major debit and credit cards. Make a list of emergency contacts It’s a good idea to make a list of emergency contacts before leaving for Australia. This may include members of your family, friends, accommodation and your education provider. If you have used an education agent such as Study Online Australia, it’s recommended that you keep their details on you in case you need help or support during your stay. Create a folder for your important documentation It’s highly recommended that you pack a folder of important documentation before travelling. This may include the below:
Keep in touch with family and friends Make sure to keep your family and/or friends up to date with your journey. Let them know once you have arrived safely. What to do once you arrive in AustraliaOpen an Australian bank account One of the first things you should prioritise upon arrival is opening an Australian bank account. The most common Australian banks are listed below:
Bank hours vary but most operate between 9am - 5pm and are closed on Sundays. ATMs remain open 24 hours a day and many banks offer cardless cash in case of emergencies. Important: please be careful and look after your personal belongings if accessing cash from an ATM at night. To open a bank account, you may need the following:
Check out our handy guide on how to open a bank account in Australia for further information. Purchase an Australian SIM card Another top priority within your first few days is purchasing an Australian SIM card so that you can text and make calls abroad with ease. You can find a list of Australian mobile phone providers on our website. Apply for a TFN and/or ABN number If you are planning on working and living in Australia for more than six months, you are considered an Australian resident for tax purposes. To commence work, you must apply for a TFN number through the Australian Tax Office. You will also be required to lodge a tax return at the end of the financial year (June 30). Any income tax deductions made by your employer will be returned if you earned less than $18,200 in one year. If you are freelance, you will need to apply for an ABN number through the Australian Tax Office. You can find further information on how to get a job in Australia on our blog. Organise extra OSHC cover
OSHC can be organised on your behalf by Study Online Australia. But it is your responsibility to understand what this does and does not cover. If you would like to protect yourself for future dental, optical or physiotherapy treatments then it is up to you to organise additional private health insurance. There is the option to purchase extra packages on nib. Check out our handy OSHC guide for further information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team. Study smarter, choose Study Online Australia.
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International students are busy. When they don’t have their heads in books, they’re making friends from around the world, working different jobs and exploring their new home. So it’s not surprising that a large number of students don’t know much about superannuation when touching down in Australia. From who is entitled to setting up a fund to claiming your money after leaving the country, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about superannuation below. What is superannuation?Superannuation, commonly referred to as ‘super’, is a way of saving money for retirement in Australia. If you are working a certain number of hours for your employer, you may qualify for a super contribution from your workplace. Am I entitled to a super fund?If your monthly wage is more than AU$450 before tax, your employer must contribute an additional sum of 9.5% of your wage into a super account on your behalf. This applies to full-time, part-time and some casual employees. You have a legal right to ask your employer if your wage includes superannuation. You can find out more about the Australian tax system on our website. Where can I find my super fund?If you have worked for several different employers, you may have more than one super account. In order to find your super, use the DASP online application system or contact the Australian Tax Office. Can I claim my superannuation after leaving Australia?Whilst you are living in Australia, your superannuation contributions must stay in your fund. You may be able to claim your super after you leave the country if you meet the below requirements:
Can I access my superannuation early?Temporary residents in Australia were able to draw up to $10,000 out of their superannuation as part of Covid-19 early release. The deadline for applications ended on 31 December 2020 though payments will continue to be processed well into January 2021 for those who made the cut-off date. If you missed the application deadline, you may still be able to withdraw some of your super on other compassionate grounds. Visit the Australian Tax Office online for further information. How to take out your superannuationIf you worked and earned super while visiting Australia on a temporary visa and meet the requirements, you can apply to draw out your fund once you have left the country. This is known as DASP (departing Australia superannuation payment).
How to authorise someone to claim superannuation on your behalfYou can authorise someone else to apply for DASP on your behalf.
You can nominate the following:
The nominated person will be authorised to update your information and act on your behalf so think carefully about who you choose to represent you. If successful, your superannuation will be paid within 28 days of receipt unless you are required to provide further documentation. You can learn more about DASP on the official Australian government website. If you have any questions about superannuation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team. Study smarter, choose Study Online Australia. Whether your working holiday visa is set to expire or you have always dreamed of furthering your education down under, there are a large number of cheap courses on offer. With over 1,200 institutions and 22,000 different courses on offer, it can prove challenging to find the right pathway for you but the Study Online Australia team is here to help. We offer expert help and support with options to study in the likes of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Brisbane. Our team has up-to-date information on each course, price, payment plan and timetable. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is the opportunity to study face-to-face in socially distanced classrooms or online. For those struggling financially, there is also the option to pay a minimum fee - or in some cases - a $0 deposit in order to secure a place. You simply need to pay student visa and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) fees up front before enrolling on the course of your choice. If you’re planning to study in Australia, make sure to check out our handy guides to each Australian city with information on cheap courses and the student visa application process available. Below, we’ve rounded up the cheapest courses in Australia for 2021. Greenwich College (Sydney & Melbourne CBD)Greenwich College has a great reputation amongst international students and offers courses in Business, Leadership & Management, Marketing & Communication and Event Management. Next intake: 25 January 2021 Study costs and instalment amounts 1 term = 6 wks of study + 2 wks of holidays No enrolment or material fees apply.
Payment Instalments:
IH Melbourne, IH Sydney & IH Bondi (Sydney & Melbourne CBD)Next intake: 29 January 2021 Study costs and instalment amounts 1 term = 6 wks of study + 2 wks of holidays No enrolment and No material fee apply.
Payment Instalments:
Nortwest College (North Manly & Sydney CBD)Next intake: 18 January 2021 Study costs and instalment amounts 1 term = 9 wks of study + 4 wks of holidays $100 application fee (paid upon enrolment)
Lexis College (Brisbane, Byron Bay, Noosa, Sunshine Coast & Perth)Lexis College offers a number of flexible courses with both morning and evening timetables. Most courses will run online until at least March 2021.
Please see the most popular cheap courses below. A. Certificate III in Business (30 wks) Price: $3,000 for the whole course Intake Date: 1.3.2021 or 5.4.2021 Course Delivery: 1-2 days a week face to face if required B. Diploma of Project Management (52 wks) Price: $5,000 for the whole course Intake Date: Course Delivery: 3.3.2021 or 28.4.2021 1-2 days a week face to face if required C. Diploma of Leadership and Management(52 wks) Price: $5,000 for the whole course Intake Date: 17.3.2021 or 14.4.2021 Course Delivery: 1-2 days a week face to face if required Combine your courses and save:
If you like the sound of any of the above courses, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the team for further assistance. Study better, choose Study Online Australia. Whether you’ve always dreamed of embarking on an adventure down under or your working holiday visa is coming to an end, there are a number of reasons why people from around the world choose to study in Australia. But there’s no denying that the application process can prove tricky with the need to provide proof of identity, academic documents and a Genuine Temporary Entrant letter (GTE). Thankfully, Study Online Australia is on hand to help. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 common mistakes people make when applying for a student visa from not choosing the right course to submitting their application too soon (yes, really). Enrolling in a course last minuteIt’s essential that you don’t miss your course intake date so make sure to submit your application form well in advance. A number of the courses we recommend to students sell out months before intake closes so bear this in mind if you have your heart set on something. Not choosing the right course for youIt’s vital that you choose a course which you are genuinely interested in so make sure to start researching into prospective schools and subjects months in advance. This means carefully reading through the syllabus and working out if the timetable suits you. We also advise that you double-check the length of the course as a number of colleges offer the same program with differing term times. Applying for a student visa too soonYes, it’s good to be prepared but immigration recommends that you lodge your student visa application relatively close to your course start date. Contact the Study Online Australia team for advice on when to submit your application. Not preparing the correct documentsA number of students fail to prepare the right documents or provide too many/not enough when submitting their visa application. It is very important to remember that an immigration agent can make a decision without requesting further information. Missing a requirementSubmitting an incomplete Genuine Temporary Entry statement (GTE) or leaving out supporting evidence is enough to risk the success of your student visa application. Our team can ensure that you have met the requirements. Not regularly checking your lodged student visa application statusOnce a student visa application has been submitted, it’s vital that you check your emails daily for any new correspondence from immigration. Any delays in responding to requests for further information is likely to slow down the application process. Spending too much on student health insuranceWithout support, students often make mistakes when it comes to applying for OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). At Study Online Australia, we apply for OSHC on your behalf. This ensures that you pay the correct fee and are covered throughout your stay. Being impatientWe understand that a lot rides on your student visa but please refrain from sending emails to immigration in regards to the status of your application. If you’re concerned about processing times, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Study Online Australia team. Being dishonestIt’s essential that the information and documents you provide in your student visa application are correct. You must not forge information or lack details when it comes to work and travel experience in particular. Applying for a student visa without the help of a qualified education agentWhen seeking help with your student visa application, it’s vital that you work alongside a certified education agent who has completed the Education Agent Training Course (EATC).
At Study Online Australia, our brilliant team of qualified education agents are experienced in submitting successful student visa applications. We pride ourselves in providing prospective students with free help and advice from finding the right course for them to organising OSHC on their behalf. Study better, choose Study Online Australia. As an international student in Australia, you're allowed to work up to 40 hours every fortnight with no limits during specified term breaks. Not only does this help students to meet accommodation and living costs, as it’s a great way to meet new people and to learn valuable skills. So, where do you begin? Check out our handy guide on how to get a job in Australia below from writing a brilliant resume to creating a stand-out LinkedIn page. How to write a resume in AustraliaWhat should I include in my resume?
What should I not include in my resume?
You can find useful resume templates below: Example resume for cleaning jobs Example resume for hospitality jobs How to find student jobs in AustraliaThere are a whole range of job opportunities to choose from in Australia. To narrow down your search, think about your previous experience, education and interests. The most popular industries for international students are listed below:
Below, find a list of useful websites where you can find student jobs in Australia: Student Job Australia Seek Jobsearch.com.au Careerone Indeed LinkedIn How to create a LinkedIn pageTake a professional picture First impressions count so make sure to use a smart photograph for your LinkedIn profile. Introduce yourself The ‘about’ section is the perfect opportunity to show future employers how great you are! Write a short, snappy and memorable summary about yourself - a couple of sentences is enough. Cover your strengths, interests and proudest achievements. Don’t forget to include your brilliant skills and voluntary work Often students forget to mention their voluntary efforts. In Australia, this is highly regarded and could well land you your dream job! Don’t be afraid to be proud of your work. If relevant, make sure to mention voluntary work on your resume too. It’s also important to include your top skills on LinkedIn. When companies are looking to hire people, they will usually include the skills that they are looking for in a potential candidate. LinkedIn will scour the site for people who have these skills so make sure to update your skillset in accordance to the jobs that you are applying for. Ask for recommendations Don’t be afraid to reach out to past colleagues, managers and supervisors to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn. These act as references and if they impress prospective employers, will increase your chances of securing a great job. Applying for hospitality jobs in AustraliaJob opportunities in hospitality
Where can I find a hospitality job in Australia? Stedmans http://www.stedmans.com.au/ Troys Hospitality Staff http://troys.com.au/ Nosh http://www.nosh.com.au/ Frontline Hospitality Australia http://www.frontlinehospitality.com.au Empire Hospitality http://www.empirehospitality.com.au/ Clifford Wallace http://www.cliffordwallace.com.au/ Alseasons http://www.alseasons.com.au/ Backpacker Job Board http://www.backpackerjobboard.com.au How do I apply for a hospitality job in Australia?You can apply online for jobs in hospitality via the websites listed above but a lot of students find it more beneficial to drop their resume at local bars, restaurants and cafes. An example resume template for hospitality jobs can be found here. What to do I need for a hospitality job in Australia? RSA training In order to work on licensed premises (an organisation which sells alcohol), you must complete training in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA). Without valid evidence that you have received this training, you may have to pay a heavy fine. To find out how to complete your RSA training in your state, visit our dedicated guide. RCG training In order to work in a registered facility which has gaming machines (such as a club or hotel), you must complete competency training in the Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG). Without valid evidence that you have received this training, you may have to pay a fine. Once you have undertaken your RGA and or RSA training, you will need to apply for a photo competency card. To do so, you must have the below:
How to apply for a job in constructionIn order to work in construction in Australia, you must have a white card. This is mutually recognised in all Australian states. Who needs a white card in Australia?
Note: your white card becomes void if you haven't carried out construction work for two consecutive years or more. For further information, please visit australiawhitecard.com.au. What do I need before getting a job in Australia?You must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) before being able to work in Australia. Our expert team can assist you with this if you need help. What are my rights as an employee in Australia?Every international student working in Australia has the same basic rights at work as any other Australian:
If you would like to learn more about your work rights, please visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website. Student Visa Subclass 500 ConditionsWe’ve broken down the working conditions of the Student Visa Subclass 500 below.
Further information on the conditions of a Student Visa Subclass 500 can be found over on our blog. Whether you have questions about applying for jobs, work rights or would like interview tips, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email. Study better with Study Online Australia. International students could be allowed to return to New South Wales as early as January 2021. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that she would like to welcome 1,000 international students per week in a bid to boost the economy. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Berejikian revealed that she wants New South Wales to save a third of hotel quarantine spots for international students, skilled migrants and specialist workers. However, the state is not in a position to increase its quarantine capacity so other states would need to “lift their game” in order to allow room. "NSW would like to look at things that boost our economy... not just returning Aussies," Berejikian said. "We would like to start that as soon as we can in the new year but obviously that’s up to the federal government to let us do that." In response to her comments, a government spokesperson argued that the priority of hotel quarantine remains for Australians returning from overseas. “While we look forward to welcoming international students back and will continue planning for their return, we cannot progress the broader entry of international students at this time,” they said.
This news comes after it was announced that up to 300 international students are scheduled to return to three universities in Adelaide between November 2020 and January 2021. At the time of writing this, the number of students has not been confirmed. They will be travelling from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Indonesia. International students have not been allowed to enter Australia since March 2020 as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. If you have questions about your student visa or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) during the Covid-19 pandemic, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for free advice. You’ve decided to apply for a student visa, hoorah! Whilst gathering all of the necessary documents for your application, make sure to remember to organise appropriate health insurance. As part of Student Visa Subclass 500 conditions, you’re required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It’s important to maintain OSHC cover during your time in Australia so make sure to keep up to date with payments and to renew cover when necessary. But there’s no need to worry, our resident student blogger has answered common questions about health insurance below from what OSHC covers to protection during the Covid-19 pandemic. Do I need OSHC to study in Australia?As part of visa condition 8501, you must not enter Australia before your Overseas Student Health Cover has begun and you are not permitted to stay once it has expired. Do all international students need OSHC?Exceptions may apply if you are a student from Norway, Belgium or Sweden. If you fall into this category, you can learn more about special arrangements on the Department of Home Affairs website. What does OSHC cover?OSHC is designed to help students to meet the costs of medical bills, hospital care, ambulance call-outs and limited pharmaceuticals. There are three policies to choose from. There is a single policy, a partner policy or a family policy. The last option provides health insurance for you, your partner and any dependent children under 18 (if they live with you in Australia or are listed on your student visa). Where can I purchase OSHC?There are six providers who offer the same OSHC cover for international students, all of which can be found on the official Australian Government website. The prices of these range according to the insurance company. At Study Online Australia, we work with nib which offers competitive prices and an instant insurance certificate with your student visa lodgement. You can find up-to-date costs on our website. Our team will arrange OSHC on your behalf so you don’t need to worry. How do I use my OSHC card?If you need to visit a doctor, simply show your nib card and student ID at the reception. You will be charged both the doctor’s and government fee. If the medical centre is part of the nib OSHC Preferred Providers, you can claim right away. If not, nib will only cover the medical fees up to the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) amount meaning you will need to pay a fee. When on the move, you can use the nib app to manage and access health cover no matter where you are. Just make sure to remember to always keep a receipt so that you can submit your claim via the Nib online system. I have Medicare, do I need OSHC too?If you are from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Slovenia, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden or the Netherlands, you may also wish to apply for Medicare coverage under your country’s Reciprocal Health Care Agreements. Further information can be found on the official Australian Government website. Remember, having Medicare coverage does not exempt you from needing to take out OSHC. Does OSHC cover Covid-19 healthcare costs?If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19, it is recommended that you call the 24/7 health direct number 1800 022 222. What your OSHC covers depends upon your insurance company but details on nib can be found on our dedicated page. If you purchased OSHC but are no longer able to travel to Australia, you can apply for a refund via the official nib website. You can also change your policy dates here if you have not been able to return to Australia due to current restrictions. Head over to our page on Covid-19 and OSHC cover for further information. What happens to my OSHC cover when my student visa expires?When your student visa expires, you are no longer eligible for OSHC. If you move onto a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, then you will need to apply for Working Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). If you continue studying in Australia, you will need to extend your OSHC policy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need help extending your OSHC cover. Help and support during your time studying in AustraliaIf you apply for your student visa with Study Online Australia, we will organise nib OSHC on your behalf.
Whether you have questions about enrolment, work rights or seeking extra help on your course, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email. Study better with Study Online Australia. We go above and beyond to make sure that you have the best experience possible during your stay in Australia. For free help and advice, get in touch. Before embarking upon your studies in Australia, it’s important to understand the rules of your visa. With a seemingly endless list of restrictions, it can prove daunting at first but there’s no need to panic. Our resident student blogger has broken down essential student visa conditions so you can happily study in Australia with peace of mind. Below, find out everything you need to know about the Student Visa Subclass 500 from important work limitations and course requirements to important Covid-19 changes for students. Student Visa Subclass 500The Student Visa Subclass 500 allows students to remain in Australia for up to 5 years for the purpose of full-time study. With this visa, you can:
The benefits of Student Visa Subclass 500If you have always dreamed of studying in Australia, a Student Visa Subclass 500 is a brilliant option. Below, we’ve rounded up the benefits of a student visa:
How to check the conditions of your student visaThe conditions of your student visa are listed in your grant letter so make sure to store this somewhere safe. You can also refer to the conditions of your student visa at any time using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service. Student Visa Subclass 500 conditions explainedBelow, we have listed some of the Student Visa 500 Subclass conditions that must be obeyed whilst studying in Australia. 8105: Work limitations One of the biggest factors to consider when applying for a student visa is the work limitations. On a Student Visa Subclass 500, you must obey the following rules:
As previously mentioned, you can work unlimited hours during term break. You must ensure that you check your course timetable as these dates will vary between education providers. To receive an income in Australia, you need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Visit the Australian Taxation Office online to find out more. 8202: Meet course requirements To maintain your student visa, you must meet the following requirements:
You can change your course of study if you are unsatisfied with your current education provider or wish to try another subject. But in order to change your course of study on a student visa, you must seek approval from your current education provider. Find out how you can change courses on a Student Visa Subclass 500. 8501: Maintain health insurance When you apply for your student visa with Study Online Australia, we will organise OSHC on your behalf for the duration of your stay. 8503: Inform provider of change of address If your residential address changes, you must inform your education provider within 7 days. You will be contacted through your place of study so it’s crucial to keep your contact details up to date. 8516: Maintain eligibility In order to maintain your student visa, you must continue to meet the criteria stated in your visa grant letter. For a full list of the Student Visa 500 Subclass requirements, please visit the official Department of Home Affairs website. Covid 19: Student visa conditionsAs a consequence to the Covid-19 pandemic, work limitations for specific student visa holders have been changed. You can work more than 40 hours a fortnight if you meet the following criteria:
You can also stay informed on student visa changes during the Covid-19 pandemic on our dedicated blog. How can I extend my student visa?Do you wish to stay in Australia? As long as your grant letter does not contain conditions such as ‘no further stay’, there is the option to apply for another student visa. If you would like to extend your stay in Australia, make sure to allow at least 3 months to research your options and be sure to lodge your visa application prior to your current visa expiring. Get in touch with Study Online Australia today to discuss your options. Help and support whilst studying in AustraliaOne of the biggest advantages to applying for your student visa with Study Online Australia is that the team is always on hand to help.
Whether you have questions about enrolment, work rights or seeking extra help on your course, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Study better with Study Online Australia. We go above and beyond to make sure that you have the best experience possible during your stay in Australia. For free help and advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Hello, my name's Pavla! I'm the Director of Study Online Australia. I’m originally from the Czech Republic and came to Australia in April 2007 as an international student. During my studies, I spent over two years working for a student visa agency based in Sydney. Once I completed the course, I packed my bags and went on a huge road trip with two of my friends across Australia covering 17000 kms in just over three months. We were incredibly fortunate to see what this beautiful country has to offer! After my trip, I worked in marketing roles for a number of leading education providers in Sydney. It was during this time that I met my future husband and shortly afterwards, we were expecting our first child. Whilst I was on maternity leave, I still wanted to help shape the international student industry. I take pride in assisting people to find courses and love helping them on their student visa journey(s). So in 2012, I founded my own online student visa agency - Study Online Australia. I have over 14 years experience working in the international study industry and am really fortunate to have formed amazing friendships among students and education partners along the way. Study Online Australia is devoted to students and provides exceptional services for anyone who decides to either study or work with us. What inspired you to study in Australia?I’ve always wanted to study and work in an English-speaking country and have been lucky to have visited a lot of countries. Coming from the Czech Republic, I spent a number of holidays in the United Kingdom but really wanted to experience long-term study. I first came up with the idea to study in Australia whilst working for a student travel agency in Prague. My role was to assist tertiary students with work and holiday programs in the United States. When I was in my third year of university, I decided to spend my summer break in the United States. I worked in an amusement park in Ohio and absolutely loved it! So when one of our travel agent partners mentioned to me that they needed a Czech speaking person for a part-time job in Sydney, I jumped at the opportunity. Both dreams came true. I studied my favourite subject, marketing, and worked as an education specialist in Sydney. Tell us about your experience as an international student in Sydney...I finished my Master’s degree in Business and Administration at Prague University. During my studies, I realised that I wanted to deepen my knowledge of marketing. The passion came during my work experience on marketing teams at PHILIPS and PlayStation (Sony). So I decided to study Advanced Diploma of Marketing & Communication, a two-year course at a college in the Sydney CBD. I expanded my knowledge in marketing subjects and formed amazing friendships among my fellow students which exist still today! I used to live right in the Surry Hills and shared accommodation with three fellow students. It was an amazing experience! What do you love the most about Australia?Australia offers so many opportunities. It’s a great chance to meet people from all over the world which is incredibly inspiring. Of course, one of the biggest draws to Australia is its natural beauty too. You can go for a morning bush walk in the Blue Mountains and then jump in the ocean at Bondi Beach in the afternoon. A healthy lifestyle and great food are serious highlights here. How do you help students to find the right course for them?The most important thing for me is listening to what the student wants and needs from their experience in Australia. I ask aspiring students lots of questions and this really helps me to understand their current situation. My background as an international student helps me to relate to their inquiries too. I have great contacts within the industry which helps when managing last minute student visa applications. You may be surprised to learn that we help students to organise everything from first contact to a student visa lodgement in less than 24 hours! What do you love the most about your job?I love helping students through every step of their individual journey towards getting their student visa. From the very first email to exploring study options and then organising all of the paperwork for enrolment, I love partnering with people from all over the world. Most of them share a similar pathway to me. Tell us three fun facts about yourself...Every week, I swim roughly 10 kilometres. My favourite restaurant is Phamish in Crown Street Sydney. I love listening to Triple J every day. What are your favourite things to do when you're not working?I love spending time with my family and friends. I love to explore new parts of Australia and show them to my kids.
My favourite place in Australia is Ayers Rock and the remote parts of Australia with aboriginal history are something that I really would like to show my kids in the near future. I love reading biographies, going for dinners with other mums and exercising. I’m a triathlete so lots of swimming, running and biking help me to relax. You’ve decided to apply for a student visa, hoorah! So, what’s next? As explained in a previous blog post, I moved from the UK to Australia on a working holiday visa in 2019. After falling in love with Sydney, I knew that I wanted to continue exploring this beautiful city. With a lifelong dream of studying abroad, I decided that further education was the right path for me so chose to study IV Certificate in Marketing and Communication at International House in Sydney. This is a brilliant option for aspiring students wanting to change career paths or expand upon their skills. It’s also a great place to choose if you want to see more of Australia with campuses in Byron Bay, Darwin, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. From choosing a course to preparing the correct student visa documents, read on below to find out how the enrolment process in Australia works. How to choose the right course in Australia for youThere are over 22,000 courses available for international students in Australia which can make choosing the right option a little daunting! Thankfully, the Study Online Australia team is incredibly experienced in helping students to find a course which matches their budget, availability and career goals. Study Online Australia has long-time relationships with colleges across the country so is up to date with prices, timetables and visa changes. Company Director Pavla Hannan was incredibly helpful in finding the right course for me. She listened to what I was looking for and recommended a number of courses in Sydney. I chose to study at International House as they have campuses in the city and Bondi, both of which are within easy reach. You can find brilliant advice on choosing the right course for you from leading experts at some of Australia’s best schools and universities by checking out our Q&A series. The enrolment process explainedIn order to enrol on your chosen course, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct documents to hand well in advance. Below, find a student visa checklist to keep handy:
Study Online Australia will arrange health insurance on your behalf. Your GTE statementA GTE statement is a letter proving that you intend to genuinely stay in Australia temporarily and must include the following:
Immigration can make a decision on a student visa application with the information provided. Every student must write their own unique GTE statement. Study Online Australia has helped hundreds of students to complete theirs and will be on hand to proofread your letter to ensure you have included all of the information required. Your letter of offerIf you’re successful (congrats!), you’ll receive a letter of offer from your chosen college. The letter will detail the below information about your course:
Pay your depositAs part of your Confirmation of Enrolment, you are required to pay a deposit towards your course fees. You must make sure that you double check all of the information listed in your confirmation of enrolment as this is part of your student visa application. Your student visa has been granted!First of all, congratulations! Once your student visa has been granted, make sure to keep these important details safe. I also strongly recommend reading through your work and living requirements to ensure that you obey the rules of your visa whilst staying in Australia. What to expect from orientation dayNothing was more wonderful than receiving my visa grant letter. Thanks to the wonderful help of Study Online Australia, my student visa was granted instantly! Next on the agenda was enrolling on my course. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, orientation took place online a week before my course was due to start. Although this was not what I expected, it was a great opportunity for me to get to know some of the brilliant teachers at International House and to get acquainted with fellow classmates. It is mandatory that you attend your orientation session. What to expect on your first day as an international studentIt can be nerve-wracking preparing for your first day of studies as an international student, especially when you don’t know anyone. But I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly everyone was and instantly felt at ease! The key to success? Preparation. Student checklist:
Due to the current restrictions, I had the option to choose either weekly webinars or face-to-face lectures. I chose the latter in order to meet new people and to ensure that I could receive help from the teacher if necessary. If you are able to attend an inhouse class then I really recommend it. I have met wonderful students from all over the world, such as Brazil, Turkey and Columbia. My weekly class is four hours long (5pm to 9pm) once a week and enables me to work around the schedule with ease. I also find it much easier to concentrate in person as opposed to logging into an online webinar. I also advise spending your break getting to know fellow students. There are common areas in each college and it’s a perfect opportunity to make friends. Study support during your stay in AustraliaOne of the biggest advantages to applying for your student visa with Study Online Australia is that the team is always on hand to help.
Even after my student visa was granted, I have been able to seek advice during my studies whether it’s questions about enrolment, work rights or seeking extra help on my course. Studying abroad is exciting but can prove daunting. Study better with Study Online Australia. We go above and beyond to make sure that you have the greatest experience possible during your stay in Australia. For further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch. |
AuthorPavla, The Director Archives
August 2022
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