In today’s world, Australia has become a leading global education powerhouse with some of the world’s best facilities and educators. Because of this Australia has become a favourite destination amongst international students for their education. Through this article we aim to focus on important figures for an international student pursuing their education in Australia.
Matters of importance in the selection of an educational institution in Australia
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Information about a course’s prerequisites, associated costs, the required time for completion and other important information can be found on the educational institution’s website or through their education agents near you.
There are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries which can help support you financially with your studies in Australia. To find out what scholarships you might be eligible as an international student visit https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/SIASearch/SIASearchScholarResults.aspx?moduleId=13&mode=1&Keyword=Scholarships
Important things to know while living in Australia
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Accommodation facilities
The two main ways you can arrange your accommodation facilities are briefly explained below.
Renting / leasing accommodation
You are able to rent / lease property by yourself or with friends whilst in Australia. This can be done through a real estate agent or privately. When renting a property, you will need to pay a security deposit or 'bond’, as well as rent in advance (which is usually four weeks rent). The bond is held to repair any damage that you, your housemates or house guests cause to the property while renting. Some, or all, of this security deposit may be refunded to you once your tenancy agreement has terminated.
On campus accommodation
Campus living can be a great option to minimise travel time. Most universities have comfortable and furnished apartment-style living on campus or close by. Sometimes they also offer cleaning facilities and meals with it.
By contacting your institution directly, you are able to find out the accommodation options they have available and how the costs compare with organising your own accommodation.
Financial services
As an international student, you can set up a bank account before or after you arrive in Australia.
You are also able to access financial advice from the Australian Government’s http://www.moneysmart.gov.au/ website.
Australian dollars in Sydney, Friday, Jan. 15, 2016. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
There are many support services and consumer protection services available for international students. Some of the key services are listed below.
Mental health support services
If you’re feeling depressed or sad because of everyday problems you face, there are many services available to guide you through tough times.
In a situation like this, you can consult the student welfare officer from your educational institution. Whilst they will be able to point you in the right direction for support services, they are also obliged to protect your privacy about the matter in most instances. If required, you can also access services from interpreters free of charge for these programs.
You can also access services provided by Lifeline free of charge. They provide crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services across Australia. You can access their services through using the phone number 13 11 14 any time of the day. Lifeline also offers support services through their online chat available on their website www.lifeline.org.au
Fair Work Ombudsman service
Everyone working in Australia, including international students have basic rights at work. These rights protect your entitlements at work. Some of the common ones are listed below,
- Entitlement for a minimum wage and superannuation.
- Entitlement to challenge unfair dismissal from the job.
- Entitlement for Leave, breaks and rest periods.
- Entitlement to a healthy and safe work environment.
If you’re interested in finding out more about your work rights visit the Australian Government's Fair Work Ombudsman's website on https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/visa-holders-and-migrants
Services provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman are free, independent and impartial.
Other Ombudsman services
Complaints about problems that overseas students have with private education and training institutions in Australia is investigated by the Overseas Students Ombudsman (OSO). To make a complaint about private education and training institutions in Australia or to find out more about their services visit http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/How-we-can-help/overseas-students
To lodge a complaint about a public education and training institution, you should contact the Ombudsman in the state or territory in which you are studying. You can find details of what the Ombudsman can investigate on their website. A list of the Ombudsman websites for all states and territories in Australia are below,
Australian Capital Territory Ombudsman - www.ombudsman.act.gov.au
New South Wales Ombudsman - www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
Northern Territory Ombudsman - www.ombudsman.nt.gov.au
Queensland Ombudsman - www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au
South Australian Ombudsman - www.ombudsman.sa.gov.au
Tasmanian Ombudsman - www.ombudsman.tas.gov.au
Victorian Ombudsman - www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Western Australian Ombudsman - www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au
Services provided by all the above Ombudsman’s are free, independent and impartial.
Emergency services
Emergency networks in Australia are widespread and is well equipped for any potential emergencies. In a life-threatening situation, you can call 000 from anywhere in Australia. Depending on your emergency situation Police, Fire or Ambulance services can be mobilized for your assistance.
Visit the websites below to find out more specific information in regard to the state or territory you are studying,
