USA and UK have been favorites among international students to pursue their studies. However, in the last decade Australia has emerged as the country of choice for studies for international students. It has become a rage mainly because of its numerous attractions, from its playful and sporty culture to its beautiful sandy beaches, surf-friendly oceans, and interesting wildlife. The diverse and dynamic culture of this country also proves to be an attraction to all. After Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane has recently emerged as a favorite among international students, making it the third most populated city in Australia. A city of such interest will no doubt offer many cultural opportunities to anyone who lives there. However, for an international student, there is a plethora of other aspects which are important to consider while moving into a foreign country. Find out about these aspects which are discussed in detail to guide you.
The first thing comes to mind when thinking about studies is the quality of education that you are going to get. This is obviously important as international students have to spend a lot on housing, food, clothing and other domestic needs. Without a quality education and lifestyle in a reputable university, all of this seems futile. According to QS Higher Education System 2016, Brisbane ranked 27th in among the top international universities. This comes as no surprise as overall, Australia stands impressively at 4th position after USA, UK, and Germany. Australia is also known for welcoming international students with open arms. Australia has the highest number of institutions appeared in the 'QS Top 50 under 50'. The diverse courses offered at these universities are another feather in their cap.
The high desirability score of Brisbane is due to its ideal student environment. Like other cities of Australia, this city offers a wide range of activities with perfect balance of urban and outdoor lifestyle. The beautiful beaches, warm climate and playful sporty culture of Brisbane are something anyone would love. Not to mention, the cosmopolitan downtown area, a hub for interesting arts scene and nightlife. The city is a favorite among tourists too due to its location next to famous Gold coast.
‘’Brisbane has recently emerged as a favorite among international students, making it the third most populated city in Australia’’
Part-time jobs are a lifeline to international students living in a foreign country. It is important not merely to cover living costs but also in the development of your skills. However, it is essential to check the terms and conditions on your visa. According to the rules of student visa, he or she is allowed to work maximum up to 40 hours per 15 days during a semester that is, 4-5 hours per day and work full time during holidays. Opening an account in any of the banks in Perth is also beneficial as the employer can pay a student easily. Before applying for a job, a tax file number (TFN) is required which can be easily obtained from the Australian Taxation Office. Some of the popular job search websites are Seek, Adzuna, and CareerOne. In order to be informed about your rights as an employee, visit Fair Work Ombudsman. Retail, hospitality and service are some of the sectors suitable for a part-time job.
The multicultural identity of Australia is established due to its enchanting diversity. There is not a country in a world from where you will not find its people here. The diversity ensures that there is no lack of familiar people in a foreign land. This is consoling for the students who find it difficult to immerse themselves in local culture. The culture can be intimidating to many people despite its diversity. In such circumstances, it is important to learn about the place beforehand. Culture shock can lead to social isolation which is the worst thing happening to an international student. Overall, the culture of Australia is said to be friendly and welcoming.
Food often becomes an issue for an international student especially if the culture is completely different to his or her own culture. However, thanks to Australia's multiculturalism, the city of Brisbane boasts of every kind of cuisine that the world has to offer. For students, eating out is a really easy option as there are numerous restaurants that are suitable for every taste and budget. Takeaway and fast food outlets are the best options for cheap meals. If you prefer to cook your food then the various supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA would provide you with groceries and other household items. Supermarkets located in Chinatown, Sunnybank, Moorooka and Inala, also cater for international cuisine cooking.
The most dreaded word for international students is visa. Most of the students spend sleepless nights over it. In order to get over such fears, it is necessary to have proper knowledge about the whole procedure and guidelines of getting a student visa. Ensure that you have all your documents ready including medical records and IELTS result. Australian student visa is quite accommodating as it let students study and work for the duration of the course and holidays. You can package multiple courses with the same visa. Unless sponsored/ part of secondary exchange, visa fee starts from AUD 550 and can be paid directly on Australian immigration website. In order to get your visa approved, student visa needs to be combined with an accredited course provided by some Australia’s schools. Confirmation of enrolment (COE) identifies the beginning and ending of the date of the course, this will be sent to you electronically. A student must be above 16 years of age to apply for student visa. You should send your application for a visa at least 12 weeks before your start date. Your application will be allocated a unique Transaction Reference Number (TRN) by the Australian Government, which you may find out about the application status online.
University of Queensland
Griffith university
Queensland University of Technology
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Inst.
skillstech
