Study Abroad in Australia

Discover the easy steps required to study in Australia with Scholars Zone as your trusted companion. We’re here to simplify the process for Bangladeshi students, from understanding admission requirements to finding the right institution, and right program and securing scholarships. Let us guide you through this exciting educational journey with ease. Start your application process today and take the first step toward your dreams of studying in Australia.

Index

  • Overview of Australia 
  • Why study in Australia
  • Best Cities to Study in Australia
  • Australian Education System
  • Studying in Australia: Group of 8 (Go8)
  • Genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement
  • Visa rejection
  • Top Subjects in Canada
  • Low Cost Tuition Universities in Canada
  • Application Requirements
  • DLIS Institution For Bangladeshi Students
  • Pathway to PR
  • Top Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students
  • Visa Submission Guideline

Overview of Australia

Australia stands out as an excellent choice for international students, offering a host of compelling advantages:

  • High-Quality Education: Renowned for its excellent education system, Australian universities consistently achieve high global rankings, ensuring a top-notch learning experience.
  • Internationally Recognized Qualifications: Australian qualifications are widely acknowledged globally, opening doors to diverse and lucrative job opportunities across the world.
  • Innovation and Success: Australia has a rich history of fostering innovation, and producing successful individuals across various fields, making it an inspiring environment for ambitious students.
  • Stringent Quality Standards: The education system adheres to rigorous quality standards set by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), ensuring a globally competitive academic experience.
  • Student Protection: The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) safeguards the rights of international students, providing a secure and supportive environment.
  • Dedicated Support Services: International student advisers and a plethora of support services contribute to a positive student experience, fostering a smooth transition into academic life.
  • Collaborative Government and Education Providers: The government collaborates with education providers to furnish valuable resources and assistance, creating an environment conducive to academic success.
  • Informative Resources: Prospective students can explore masterclass series, diverse school options, and inspirational stories from fellow students, aiding in informed decision-making.
  • Useful Planning Tools: Quick links and tools like the Career Matcher and Cost of Living Calculator assist in planning studies effectively.
  • Stay Updated Through Social Media: Keeping abreast of developments in Australia’s education scene is facilitated through social media and newsletters.
  • Cultural Respect: Australia values and respects the rich connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land, promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity.

State & Territories
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The states and territories, and their capital cities are:

 

 

Climate & Weather

In Australia (except the Northern Territory), the four seasons are experienced in the following months:

  • Summer: December – February 
  • Autumn/Fall: March – May 
  • Winter: June – August 
  • Spring: September – November
 

Languages
English is Australia’s primary language, but more than 200 other languages are also spoken in Australian households.

Why study in Australia

Australia stands out as a leading study destination for international students and here’s why:

 

  • Academic Excellence: Australia is globally recognized for its exceptional education standards, boasting world-class universities and institutions.
  • High Standard of Living: With consistently high rankings for quality of life, Australia provides an outstanding and safe living environment for students.
  • Dependent Opportunities: International students have the advantage of bringing their dependents, who are permitted to work full-time, offering additional benefits for families.
  • Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates can leverage a two to four-year post-study work visa, providing valuable opportunities to gain practical experience in Australia.
 

Streamlined Permanent Residency: Australia’s simplified Permanent Residency application process facilitates the transition from student to resident, making it an appealing option for those looking to settle in the country.

Best Cities to Study in Australia

The best Australian cities for international students are assessed based on factors like university rankings, student mix, popularity, employer activity, affordability, and student perspective. Each city has its unique characteristics:

 

Melbourne:

  • Located in an ideal geographic setting, Melbourne is known for its vibrant cultural scene, music, and sports.
  • Boasts high employer activity and an unmatched standard of living.
  • Although relatively expensive, the experience is considered worth the cost.

 

Sydney:

  • As Australia’s financial capital, Sydney is home to millions of international students.
  • Offers a diverse cultural environment and a significant student mix.
  • Renowned universities attract students from around the world, and part-time job opportunities are abundant.

 

Canberra:

  • Houses the largest international student population in Australia.
  • Scores high on desirability with natural and man-made wonders.
  • However, the cost of living in Canberra is relatively higher.

 

Brisbane:

  • Known for adventure activities and welcoming neighborhoods.
  • Ideal for learning and leisure due to its geographic location, friendliness, and cultural mix.
  • Offers reasonably priced housing and affordable living costs for overseas students.

 

Perth:

  • Stands out for its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views.
  • Less crowded with a smaller population, leading to a less competitive job market.
  • Features a cool climate, accessible transportation networks, and unique geographical location.

 

Considering Permanent Residency (PR) facilities is crucial when choosing a city. Information about PR opportunities in each location can significantly influence a student’s decision, impacting long-term prospects and settlement options after completing their education.

Australian Education System

The Australian education system provides primary, secondary and higher education to international students. 

 

School (Primary and Secondary) 

Australia hosts international students aged five years of age and over, including children of international students who are studying at a tertiary level. 

Australian schools are among the finest in the world, including government and private schools. Fees and entry requirements vary across Australian states and territories, and across schools.
  

School’s academic year dates

  • Length – 13 years in total (Kindergarten/Preparatory to Year 12) 
  • Terms per year – Four, with holidays (breaks) between each term 
  • Start date – Late January/early February

 

English language courses  ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. These courses must meet strict national standards and follow an industry-led quality assurance framework. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn English in Australia, there is a course to help you reach your goal.
ELICOS academic year dates

  • Length – From five weeks to 60 weeks, depending on your level 
  • Semesters per year – The year is split into blocks of ELICOS weeks 
  • Start date – Throughout the year 

 

Pathway and Foundation courses 

If you don’t meet direct entry academic requirements for Australian universities, pathway studies offer preparatory skills for undergraduate programs. These pathways encompass English language preparation, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, and Foundation studies. Some universities have agreements with pathway providers, allowing credits for prior learning.

Foundation academic year dates

  • Length – 1 year (some may be longer) 
  • Semesters – Vary by course 
  • Starts – Usually in February, but can vary by course.    

 

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is taught by Australian Government-owned Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private registered training organizations (RTOs).  

These education and training providers are usually smaller than universities and offer more practical courses, with job-ready learning leading to over 500 different careers. Many VET courses include work placements or workplace-based learning.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) academic year dates  

  • Length – 1 to 4 years 
  • Semesters – 2 (or 4 ‘terms’) 
  • Starts – Late January/early February (can vary by course). 

 

Higher education   

Universities and non-university higher education providers (including private institutes and Government-owned TAFEs) offer undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and Doctoral degrees.   

Many higher education providers also offer Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate programs, and even Associate Degrees leading to full Bachelor qualifications.  


University academic year dates

 

Undergraduate (Bachelor level) 

  • Length – Typically 3 years (4 years for a Bachelor Honours degree) 
  • Semesters – 2, but some providers now offer three trimesters 
  • Starts – Usually March, but can vary by course and education provider. Mid-year or second-semester starts can also be available.

 

Postgraduate  

  • Length – 1 to 2 years 
  • Semesters – 2, but some providers now offer three trimesters 
  • Starts – Usually March, but can vary by course and education provider 

 

Doctoral 

  • Length – 3 years (plus 1 year for review) 
  • Semesters – Most Doctoral candidates do not attend classes, but instead have academic supervision throughout the year 
  • Starts – Start dates are negotiated with a Doctoral degree supervisor

 

Studying in Australia: Group of 8 (Go8)

The Group of Eight (Go8) comprises Australia’s eight most prestigious research-intensive universities. The Go8 is focused on influencing the development and delivery of long-term sustainable national higher education and research policies and creating elite international alliances and research partnerships. The group includes:

 

  •   The University of Melbourne
  •   The Australian National University
  •   The University of Sydney
  •   The University of Queensland
  •   The University of Western Australia
  •   The University of Adelaide
  •   Monash University
  •   UNSW Sydney
 

In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the Times Higher Education Rankings (THE), and the QS World University Rankings, seven of the Go8’s members are ranked in the world’s top 100 universities, and all of the Go8’s members are ranked in the world’s top 150 universities (QS).

 

Genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement

All applicants for a Student visa must show they are coming to Australia temporarily to gain a quality education. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is not intended to exclude students who, after studying in Australia, develop skills Australia needs and who then go on to apply for permanent residence.

Include a personal statement addressing the GTE requirement in the application form

In the online student visa application form, you will need to provide a personal statement in English addressing the GTE requirement. This statement is to be 300 words in total (a 2000-character limit applies). The statement needs to address your personal circumstances for undertaking your proposed study in Australia.

In addition to the written statement in the application form, you will also be required to attach supporting documents to ImmiAccount.

Generic statements unsupported by evidence will not be weighed heavily in the GTE assessment.

We consider your personal circumstances when we make a decision. When we assess whether you are a genuine temporary entrant, we consider your situation as a whole.

Ministerial Direction 69 (52KB PDF) sets out a number of factors we take into account when determining if you meet the GTE requirement. It is not a checklist. We encourage you to read Ministerial Direction 69 before drafting your GTE statement. Examples of factors we might take into account include:

What evidence and information to include

We encourage you to provide evidence or information about:

 

Previous study

  • academic transcripts showing qualifications achieved
  • name of the education provider(s)
  • length of study
  • certificates of attainment
 

The gap in the previous study

  • reasons why there is a gap in your studies including where you did not maintain enrolment
 

Current Employment

  • your current employer
  • company address
  • period of employment
  • details of your position
  • the name and contact details of someone who can confirm the circumstances of your employment
 

Ties to home country or country of residence

  • evidence of financial, family or social ties. You need to show you have significant incentives to return home
 

Economic situation in home country or country of residence

  • documents showing employment or business activities for 12 months before lodging an application
  • potential employment offers including salary and other benefits,  after course completion
  • income tax return or bank statements
 

Employment in a third country

Potential employment offers, including salary and other benefits, after course completion

 

How we assess GTE

  • The GTE requirement is used to make sure the student visa program is accessed as intended. The student visa program is not a way for international students to maintain ongoing residency in Australia.
  • The GTE requirement helps identify applicants who are using the student visa program for motives other than gaining a quality education.
 

Situations in your home country (or country of residence)

We consider your:

  • reason for not studying in your home country or region if a similar course is available there
  • ties to your home country that support an intention to return after study is finished
  • economic situation
  • military service commitments
  • political and civil unrest in your home country
 

The potential situation in Australia

We consider your:

  • ties to Australia that present a strong incentive to stay in Australia
  • level of knowledge of the proposed course and education provider
  • previous study and qualifications
  • planned living arrangements
  • financial stability
  • Value of the course to your future
 

We consider:

  • if the course is consistent with your current level of education
  • if the course is relevant to past or proposed future employment in your home country or a third country
  • expected salary and other benefits in your home country or a third country obtained with your qualifications from the proposed course of study
 

Your immigration history

We consider:

  • previous visa applications for Australia or other countries
  • visa refusals or cancellations

If you are a minor, we consider the intentions of your parent, legal guardian or spouse.

 

Statement of Purpose

In addition to completing the GTE questionnaire, students are required to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining their background, current study plans, and future career goals. The SOP should cover:

  • Previous Study: Detailing past academic experiences and addressing any gaps in education.
  • Current Employment: If currently employed, discuss the present job and potential career prospects in the home country after graduation.
  • Value of Chosen Course: Articulating how the selected course aligns with the student’s future aspirations.
  • Ties to Home Country: Providing evidence of financial, family, or social ties to demonstrate a strong commitment to returning home after completing studies.
  • Situational Factors: Explaining the reasons for not pursuing studies in the home country and highlighting ties that support the intention to return.
 

Immigration officers closely scrutinize the information in the SOP during the visa decision-making process. It is crucial for students to address these aspects to enhance their visa application.

 

Interview

Education providers will also invite the student for an online or in-person interview after the student submits the GTE questionnaire. In some cases, the institutions may forego the interview.

 

 

 

Australia Study Visa Processing Time

  • 75% of Australian student visa applications from Bangladesh are processed in 29 days.
  • 90% completed within 42 days.
  • 75% take 43 days, and 90% take 77 days.


Visa Fees

Age Group

Base Visa Fee (AUD)

Applicant Charges (AUD)

Total Visa Fees (AUD)

Under 18

620

150

770

18 and above

620

470

1090

Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Master Card
  • VISA
  • American Express

Note: Additional banking and currency conversion fees may apply when using credit cards in Australian dollars. Currency fluctuations can impact the total fee.

 

Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC)

  • OSHC is mandatory health insurance for Australian students, covering medical expenses.
  • It must be obtained before applying for a study visa and is required from arrival throughout the stay.
  • Providers include Medibank, BUPA, Allianz, nib, and Australian Health Management.
  • Family members traveling together need coverage.
  • Policy names must match passport names, and refunds are available if the visa is denied.

Visa rejection

Some of the common reasons why a visa application might be rejected include:  

  • Failure to show that student has the financial capacity to support themselves (and family, if applicable) in Australia  
  • Failure to convince the visa officer that the main purpose of travel is to study  
  • Failure to convince the visa officer that the student will leave at the end of the study  
  • Insufficient English language proficiency  
  • Falsified or incomplete documents
 

Failure to satisfy medical or character requirements