Ten years ago, when I got my visa for studying overseas, I was very excited and at the same time I had many questions in mind about my future on a new land. I think every student faces this problem before his/her arrival to Australia. I have compiled some questions that I had before/on my first visit to Australia:

  1. How many hours do I need to spend daily to pass the course in Australia?

An average student has to spend about 10 hours a week to successfully pass the exam. If the stream of your course is new to your previous curriculum from overseas, then you might end up spending extra 10 hours.

  1. What happens if I fail in one of the subjects of the course?

You repeat the subject in the next semester. It is not necessary to repeat it immediately; you can take break from that subject for that semester and repeat in the next semester. Meanwhile, you can finish other subjects and re-do the ‘failed’ subject in the last semester.

  1. What happens if I don’t score enough in my English Language Requirement Exam?

There are some universities that accept your application based on a condition that you should attend an English course within Australian colleges  and clear the exam conducted by them.

  1. Can I change universities after my arrival in Australia?

Yes. You can, however, you have to go through the same procedure as you did before your arrival. You need to get a certificate of enrolment and show the proof of your visa and financial status. Once you get the clearance for all this procedure, you can happily change to other university.

  1. Is it safe to study in Australia?

100% safe to study in Australia. If you are good to people, people are good to you too. This simple logic helps you to be safer in whichever country you are in. People around me have been very helpful since the time I came to Australia.

  1. What is the weather like in Australia?

There are four seasons in Australia Winter, spring, Summer and Autumn. The temperatures in winter range from 15 ◦C during the day and drops to -3◦C in the nights. These temperatures vary depending on which state you live in.  Summer ranges from 32◦C to over 40◦C.  Spring and autumn temperatures ranges from 20◦C to 30◦C.

  1. Is it easy to find a part time job?

Yes and No. It all depends on how hard you tried yourself to get a job is important for this question.  “No Pain No Gain” aptly suits to this question. If you are a hard worker, yes, you will find job otherwise no. Check here for websites that help you to find jobs.

  1. How many hours can I work during the course time?

You are allowed to 20 hours a week during the course time and unlimited hours during the course break. However, the formal working hours in Australia is 40 hours a week.

  1. I do not speak English well. Can I survive in Australia?

Yes you can. However to get jobs in corporate world, you need to have good communication skills. The best way is developing language skills during the course time helps in securing a job.

  1. What happens if I don’t pass the course by end of the course term?

There is an option of extending your student visa. You can repeat the semester until you pass the exam.

  1. Can I travel overseas during the course time?

Yes. You can travel overseas during your course time if you can show the university a valid reason for your travel. For example: home sickness, emergency or health issues.

  1. What happens if I fell sick on the exam day?

If you can prove that you were seriously sick on the exam day. You can defer the exam by applying for ‘special consideration’ to the university through submitting your medical certificate. However, it depends on the discretion of the university.

  1. Can I change the course in the middle of my study year?

It depends on the personal situations. Mostly you have to change after the semester is complete otherwise you have to forgo on the fees paid to the university. You can definitely change the course.  

  1. Can I pay study fee with the part time job as a student?

Yes and no. This all depends on your fee and the amount you are earning as a student. Majority of the students are paid starting from $15 to $18 per hour (unless you work for cash in hand). Read here for Salary system in Australia. You can do your calculation by excluding your living expenses. If your job is flexible allow you to work part time during course and full time during your semester break, there is a possibility of paying up to $5k to 6k. This is based on many factors like frugal living and earning minimum of $18 – $20 per hour. 

  1. What are career or settlement opportunities in Australia after my studies?

Australia is a land of opportunities if you are hard working. There are many opportunities to start your career working for a company, apply for Permanent Residency (based on eligibility), start up a business etc. There are few countries that offer Permanent migration, Australia is one of them.

 

 

 

 

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