Selecting the Right Programs - International Perspective

With so many options available, choosing just one has been a difficult task. But there are ways to keep sane and controlled as you make such a grave decision. These ways are-Adequate research, planning and the right timing and advice, that can land you in the college and the course of your choice.

Before applying, make sure about the course and university you want to get in. Following pointers should be followed before applying:

i. Research about the required course:

Research the course and check the online course brochure for special requirements and eligibility.

ii. Select your program and study mode:

• Select your program – research to select the best degree program suitable to you e.g., undergraduate, postgraduate by coursework, Research Higher Degree, Study Abroad, on campus, distance education, Study Centres
• Decide on the study mode (on campus or distance education)
• Check availability of the course according to your preferred study location:
• Check entry requirements
  

iii. Location and livability

• Location: Australia has some of the top cities in the world for university study and for students to live in. Melbourne, Brisbane and Wollongong are some popular destinations.
• Livability: It depends on factors such as living costs, climate, culture, transport and layout, so do ponder over these factors also. Besides your studies you can experience the best about Australian city life.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living is an important part of livability. Differences in living costs between cities are mainly due to variations in housing prices. So give time to research about the cheapest and most expensive cities to live in as it may affect your budget.
  

Academic Requirement

The academic requirements to study in Australia will vary depending on the level of education you want to study. Institutions can have different entry requirements, so read the course information on their website carefully and contact them to ask for advice.

• Schools - Entry requirements vary between schools depending on the state or territory you will be studying in. Academic performance and ability is considered during the application process.
  
  
• Vocational education and training - In most cases there are no entrance exams for VET institutions. However, some courses may have specific pre-requisite subjects or work experience requirements.
  
  
• Higher Education Undergraduate - To gain entry into an Australian undergraduate course you will need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific pre-requisite subjects. Scores of ATAR, TER (Tertiary Entrance Rank) and OP (The Overall position) are also essential for the admissions.
  
  
• Higher Education Postgraduate - As well as the satisfactory completion of at least one degree at undergraduate level, the institution may take research ability or relevant work experience into consideration.

English Language Requirement

Acceptable test for English Proficiency:
Test results must be attained within two years of commencement of the course for which you are applying:

• Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0
• TOEFL Internet-based score of 80 and writing score of 25
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic score of 54 overall with a minimum of 46 in all communicative skills

iv. Check if you are eligible for credit:

The credit policy differs for every University.

v. Read Student visa information clearly and also, check the closing dates for the course.

vi. Apply to accredited colleges:

The accrediting agencies review a school's educational program for quality, and certify that the school meets a minimal set of standards. So it is important to be sure that the colleges to which you are applying are accredited by a recognized accrediting authority.

vii. Number of International Students on Campus:

If there are many international students on campus, the school is more likely to be sensitive to the needs of students from other countries. The states which are most popular with international students are New South Wales (Sydney), Canberra, Melbourne, Queensland (Brisbane), Western Australia (Perth), South Australia (Adelaide), Tasmania (Hobart), and Northern Territory (Darwin).