Is Studying in Australia a Way to Migrate?

Given that Australian degree courses are short, Australia attracts a lot of international students and it is easy to see why, but is it a way to migrate?

All Australian Universities accept overseas students and there are no quotas or restricted limits on how many or what percentage of local/international students universities can take. Million of dollars are spent in marketing and recruitment off shore and places are filled with intellects from all nations.

What do Australian’s think to this? The concerns locally are that with a wider selection of future students, universities can afford to keep their requirements high and be picky. For Australian students this makes the prospect or gaining a place at their own Universities daunting.

Some people do say it is easier to gain access to an Aussie University as an international student than as an Australian. However, this is debated.

This could be partly true due to the financial capacity of foreign students able to pay fees (shorter courses in Australia is a big pull factor). Admission qualifications for international students is case by case but students do need to be able to prove they could gain a place on a similar course in their own country, Australia is not for those who don’t make the cut at home.

Fluency in the English language is tested if a certificate isn’t provided.

There are preparation for university English language courses available locally in Australia.

Australian universities accept the international baccalaureate (IB) certificate as an entrance qualification, but not an American high school diploma, for example. You can get more detailed information from your University of choice or http://www.dest.gov.au/.

What’s the Catch?

There isn’t one and it seems to be beneficial for both Universities and international students alike.

International students do need a student visa. This is gained once a place on a course has been guaranteed. Fees do need to be paid up front, not in full but for at least half of the first year.

Students must be able to pay for their day-to-day living but can work for up to 20 hours per week.

Private health insurance is a must for all students.

To keep the student visa, students do need to have good attendance and good results.

When the courses is finished, the visa expires and it is time to say goodbye.

Many students to hope to find permanent work here, get sponsored and stay on, there isn’t a guarantee and as with many visa’s there is a need to re-apply and possibly leave the country and re-enter. Switching visas within Australia is tricky if not, from what I’ve heard, impossible.

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