STUDY INFO IN AUSTRALIA
- Australia is one of the English-speaking western countries, located closest to Indonesia.
- The geographical location of Australia is relatively close to Indonesia with varying climate conditions. The climate in some cities is not much different from the climate in Indonesia.
- A modern country that has many interesting and beautiful sights.
- Stable social and economic conditions.
- Multi-cultural society and culture.
- The quality of education is high and internationally recognized.
- Comfortable and secure living and learning environment.
- International students receive special protection in Australia (from ESOS Act), which guarantees the quality assurance and international reputation from every educational institutions in Australia, as well as protection on educational expense. This protection applies to all sectors of education and training in Australia.
- Competitive tuition fees.
- Student can apply for a part time work permit of 40 hours per two weeks.
- Student with Post Study Work Visa may work within two (2) years after graduated from their bachelor / postgraduate study.
- Special service is provided by Australian institutions for international students.
The cost of living like in other places will vary according to the city where people live and the lifestyle of each individual. Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, for example, has higher cost of living than other cities. Each student will generally require between AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,000 per month. This fee covers the cost of accommodation, meals, transportation, telecommunications, and other daily necessities.
If you bring your family, then you need to provide an additional approximately AUD 8,000 per year for your partner, and about AUD 5,000 per year for each child. This estimation does not include the tuition fee. The cost of living in Australia can be more expensive compared to the cost of living in Indonesia, but the amount of fees required is very dependent on the lifestyle and the type of accommodation you choose.
The Australian government issued regulations for international students who are under 18 years old. Parents or guardians are required to regulate the provision of shelter and the welfare of the student prior to his departure to Australia, as well as report to the host institution.
- Student Visa & Health Insurance (CRICOS & ESOS ACT)
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is a list of all the course providers and institutions that are allowed to accept international students. Students who want to register for the learning period of more than three (3) months need to obtain a student visa (student visa) Australia. Student visas are issued only to registered courses in CRICOS. The duration of student visas granted is in accordance with the duration of the program adopted.
All of these are covered in the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act-laws that protect international students in any way for the quality assurance of education in Australia and the refund of school fees if the institution cannot fulfill its obligations.
In August 2005, the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (DIMA) Australia introduced a new type of student visa: “eVisa or Electronic Visa”. DIMIA changed its name to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) in 2014. The application process with eVisa method can be completed within a period which is usually faster and cheaper than the maintenance as usual.
SUN Education Group is an accredited agent for the maintenance eVisa so that we can provide visa processing services to two (2) ways, namely through eVisa or through the usual process.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be owned by all Australian student visa holders, which must be purchased from registered health organizations, such as Medibank Private, Worldcare Assist, Faith International, Australian Unity, BUPA Australia etc. Each institution has its own insurance company. Therefore, OSHC is paid along with tuition, that is before students apply for visa and the amount paid includes the total duration of the student’s learning. Students who do not have a student visa because the courses are taken less than three (3) months, are not required to have OSHC, but it is advisable to have travel insurance (travel insurance).
This insurance covers the cost of general practitioners, hospital inpatient care and prescription drugs, eye and dental care is usually not included, then it is recommended that you check it before leaving for Australia.
OSHC cost is around AUD 500 – AUD 600 per year
.
- Accommodation
The place and the comfort of the accommodation play an important role in determining whether or not you stay at home in Australia. Therefore, the selection of proper accommodation and in accordance with the needs of each student is one of the main things that need to be considered. The types of accommodation usually occupied by international students in Australia are:
- Accommodation on campus
(On Campus Accommodation)
Many universities have dormitories. Boarding facilities are generally equipped with a bed, a study room, bathroom, laundry, kitchen, as well as a gathering place. Most dorms provide food. On-campus accommodation costs average about AUD 230 – AUD 400 per week.
- Rent Apartment or House
International students can rent an apartment or house. The amount of the rent paid vary according to the location, spacious, and the facilities available. Many international students occupy the house or apartment together (sharing). The cost of renting an apartment is AUD 350 – AUD 550 per week. These costs can be saved by inviting friends to stay together so that each tenant only pays half of the cost.
- Stay with Australian Family (Homestay)
Homestay is one of the most effective ways for international students to practice English and a good experience to get to know the culture and customs of Australia. Living with a host family provides valuable opportunities to have conversations with them. You can learn more quickly because you are constantly thinking and speaking in English in every situation – a situation that is very practical. You can choose a homestay which includes a meal or just room only. For student who is under 18 years is usually recommended to stay in a homestay in order to get closer supervision from parents. As a guest of a homestay, you are expected to be independent, respectful and willing to cooperate. Homestay fee ranges between AUD 250 – AUD 360 per week (including meals).
Part Time Work
At this time, new student visa issued immediately have a limited work permit/limited work condition. International students may work part time 40 hours per two (2) weeks during college and work full time during the holidays. Especially for students Degree (Postgraduate students), a work permit is granted without maximum time limit.
Besides getting some allowance, employment opportunities will greatly add to the experience, insight, and independence of students. All these advantages can be a good start for entry into the workplace after graduating from the study.
The salary earned during part time work is around AUD 10 – AUD 20 per hour.
- Primary & Secondary Schools
Schools in Australia are divided into two (2) categories namely public and private schools. Both accept international students and get government funding. Most of co-educational schools types accept male and female students’ with the exception of some private secondary schools. Private secondary schools are usually not co-educational and frequently affiliated to certain religion. There are more than 12.000 international students study in Australian schools.
In general, the length of primary and secondary education in Australia the same as in Indonesia, which is 12 years old. Compulsory education in Australia is up to class 10. Class 11 and 12 referred to as the Senior Secondary class. After graduated from grade 12, students will get a qualified Senior Secondary Certificate of Education from each state; recognized for admission to universities in Australia and overseas.
The tuition fee for Primary and Junior Secondary School ranges AUD 10,000 – AUD 15,000 per year; while the tuition fee of Secondary School around AUD 14,000 – AUD 20,000 per year.
- English Course (ELICOS)
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) is an English language training program organized by specialized institution that is around 160 institutions in Australia. University that organizes ELICOS usually recognize the value ELICOS exam in lieu of IELTS™ or TOEFL® which is the university entry requirements. Therefore, students who IELTS™ or TOEFL® under the requirements, it is advisable to take this ELICOS program.
In addition to experienced and qualified instructors, all students can use modern facilities such as language laboratories, video facilities, and a library, as well as computer-assisted learning facilities, etc. Students can enrol for the duration of the study between four (4) to 48 weeks depending on each person’s needs.
ELICOS costs for an average of around AUD 300 – AUD 450 per week.
Requirement to Register
Students are required to have a good level of English and the measurement can be seen from the IELTS™ or TOEFL® score. In addition, the academic value is required as a condition of receipt of students both at school and at university. For Postgraduate level, the capability to do research or working experience in the field will also be considered for entry.
- Vocational Education & Training (TAFE and VET)
A kind of polytechnic vocational study program known as Technical And Further Education (TAFE) owned by the government, and Vocational Education & Training (VET) private or also called College.
The graduates from this vocational education obtain qualification under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) *, such as:
- Certificate I
- Certificate II
- Certificate III
- Certificate IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma.
This qualification can be used to pass on to the Bachelor level S-1 (Bachelor Degree) or directly step into the career world.
Cost of vocational education revolves around AUD 10,000 – AUD 27,000 per year.
* AQF is a national system that provides a detailed guide to all the qualifications and level of education in Australia, to ensure control of the quality of education offered in all states for all students including international students. AQF has a list of accredited government agencies, universities approved, educational institutions and vocational training.
- Pre-University Program
(Foundation Studies)
Pre-University Program (Foundation) is an intensive preparatory course of study as a base and a bridge that prepares students for entry into university, with duration of six (6) to 12 months. Pre-University Program (Foundation) is divided into several fields of study, such as business, sciences, and arts & design, as well as the media and social sciences.
The fee for Pre-University Program (Foundation) ranges between AUD 20,000 – AUD 32,000 per year.
- Professional Degree Program
(Undergraduate Degree)
Australia has 37 public universities and two (2) private universities. All universities offer an attractive learning environment and high-quality qualification. In 2015 there are more than 215,000 international students from 180 countries studying in Australian universities according to Austrade.
Most Australian universities offer a combination of various fields of study, so that students can get more than one qualification (Double Degree). In the final year of a degree program, students with good achievements will be offered to add one (1) year of study to get an honorary degree (Honours). When graduated with satisfactory (First Class Honours), the students have the opportunity to directly proceed to the doctoral program, so that the study period can be shortened.
Every Australian university has its strengths and its own field of specialization, giving students a wide choice and access to the latest technology and research in their chosen field. Education systems are very focused on the importance of developing the ability to think creatively and independently.
Internationalization of higher education and research are of great importance and Australian universities are major participants in educational and research projects as well as international ideas.
The tuition fee at the university for the course is based on category. The non research laboratories / Non-Lab Degree (Arts, Business, Economics and Law) typically ranges between AUD 21,000 – AUD 34,000 per year. As for Lab Degree (Science and Engineering) around AUD 23,000 – AUD 35,000 per year. Medicine program specifically for college expenses ranging between AUD55,000 – AUD 66,000 per year.
- Professional Graduate Program
(Postgraduate Degree)
Graduate Program consists of a Graduate Certificate (6 months), Graduate Diploma (1 year), Master Degree (1-2 years), and Doctoral Degree (3-4 years). Master Degree in stages, students will be asked to make a thesis (thesis); whereas at this stage of Doctoral Degree, students will be asked to complete a dissertation of research.
Tuition for Postgraduate program (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master) ranged AUD 25,000 – AUD 34,000 per year. [/wc_accordion_section]
[wc_accordion_section title=”LOCATION OF AUSTRALIA”] Located in the south of Indonesia, Australia is the smallest continent as well as the largest island in the world. Area of the country is about 7.69 million km2; stretches 4,000 km from east to west and 3,200 km from north to south. Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth (Commonwealth) and is the country’s number six (6) in the world in terms of area of territories.[/wc_accordion_section]
[wc_accordion_section title=”AUSTRALIA CLIMATE”]
Because the location of the continent of Australia is in the southern hemisphere, the country has a varied season. Nearly three-quarters of Australia has a tropical season, and another quarter experienced four (4) seasons of the period opposite to those in the European and American countries, namely :
- Summer: December to February
- Fall: March-May
- Winter: June-August
- Spring: September to November
GEO & CULTURE
LOCATION OF AUSTRALIA
Located in the south of Indonesia, Australia is the smallest continent as well as the largest island in the world. Area of the country is about 7.69 million km2; stretches 4,000 km from east to west and 3,200 km from north to south. Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth (Commonwealth) and is the country’s number six (6) in the world in terms of area of territories.
AUSTRALIA CLIMATE
Because the location of the continent of Australia is in the southern hemisphere, the country has a varied season. Nearly three-quarters of Australia has a tropical season, and another quarter experienced four (4) seasons of the period opposite to those in the European and American countries, namely :
- Summer: December to February
- Fall: March-May
- Winter: June-August
- Spring: September to November
AUSTRALIA TIME ZONE
Because of the large size, Australia has three (3) different time zones, just like Indonesia. In some places in Australia, the Daylight Saving Time is applied during summer season which is the first week of October to the first week of April, by adjusting the time to be one (1) hour earlier.
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): Indonesia GMT + 10 or GMT + 3
- Central Standard Time (CST): GMT + 9:30 or Indonesia GMT + 2:30
- Western Standard Time (WST): GMT + 8 or Indonesia GMT + 1
PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA
Australia has a population of more than 22 million people and most of them live in the cities along the eastern coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Most of Australia’s population descended from the UK and Ireland, followed by Scotland, Italy, Germany, and China, as well as Greece. This makes Australia the country with diverse cultures. The national language used in this country is English.
TRANSPORTATION IN AUSTRALIA
Australia has a very good and extensive public transport system including buses, trains, electric trains, ferries and trams (for the Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney city centre). If you use public transportation regularly, you can save up by buying a ticket that can be used repeatedly or called multi-rider ticket. The cost of taxis is rather expensive in Australia and at night there is a surcharge.
Holders of student visa that valid for 12 months or more are allowed to drive a vehicle in Australia using an international driving license or Indonesian license (SIM) for three (3) months after their arrival. After the time limit of three (3) months, students are required to use the Australian driving license, which can be obtained after following a written test on the rules on the highway and complete the other requirements. Holders of student visa with validity period of less than 12 months may be driving a vehicle with international driver’s license or a valid driver’s license from Indonesia without having to replace the SIM Australia.
Remember, driving drunk because alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. The use of seat belts for the driver and passengers are required by law.
GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA
The Australian government runs a parliamentary system with three (3) levels:
- Legislative (Parliament of Australia)
- Executive (Federal Executive Council)
- The Prosecutor (Supreme Court of Australia)
Australia consists of six (6) states and two (2) territories. Based on the total population, the order of the states and territories are as follows:
- New South Wales (NSW)
The oldest part of this country has the densest population and is the first area to be developed by the Europeans. Sydney as its capital, is a cosmopolitan city which hosted the Olympics in 2000 and in 2015 became the seventh rank for “The World’s Most Liveable Cities” (the city of the most comfortable place to live) according to the survey agency The Economist Intelligence Unit. The city has a natural harbour that is amazing and wonderful-Sydney Harbour where the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are located. Two other largest cities in NSW after Sydney is Newcastle and Wollongong. The climate in this state is not too hot or too cold, the average temperature is 12°C – 21°C.
- Victoria (VIC)
Victoria is the smallest state in Australia, but it is the second most populous state. Its capital is Melbourne which is the second largest cosmopolitan city after Sydney. This city was once the capital of Australia in 1901 until 1927. With a mix of Victorian building and skyscrapers modern, in 2015 the city was the city ranked first in the category “The World’s Most Liveable Cities” (the city of the most comfortable place to live) according to the survey agency The Economist Intelligence Unit. The climate in this state ranges from 15°C-30°C; with the weather being unpredictable, this state has the nickname “City of the four seasons in one day”.
- Queensland (QLD)
The state has the second largest and third most populous has two (2) cities that are not familiar, namely as its capital Brisbane and the Gold Coast where Warner Bros Movie World and located. Q1 Building, once the tallest building in Australia is the world’s tallest residential building is also located on the Gold Coast. The climate in this state about 14°C-29°C.
- Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia is the largest state, with an area covering one third of the Australian continent. Perth as its capital is ranked ninth in the category “The World’s Most Liveable Cities” (the most comfortable city to live) according to the 2015 survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit. This state is rich with mining products such as iron, aluminium, oil and gas; also rich in agricultural products and livestock, such as wheat, wool, mutton and dairy cattle. The climate in this state an average of about 15°C-27°C, tropical in the north and more varied in the south with four (4) seasons.
- South Australia (SA)
This state has a capital of Adelaide, with the largest economy in the industrial, defence technology and research. Factory car manufacturer General Motors Holden Australia was located in this state. The most popular sport in this state is Australian football, otherwise known as Aussie rules or footy, with the largest number of participants from the region. Adelaide is ranked fifth in the category of “The World’s Most Liveable Cities” (the most comfortable city to live) in 2015, according to a recent survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The climate in this state ranges between 15°C-29°C.
- Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania is an island located in the south of the Australian mainland, its capital is Hobart. Since 2002, the island can be crossed by ferry from Melbourne named Spirit of Tasmania with duration of 10 hours to Hobart; or use the aircraft lasted only one (1) hour. Animal typical of this island is the Tasmanian Devil. The climate in this state is rather cold, averaging around 4°C-24°C, due to its location in the south.
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
This state is the centre of Australian government and where foreign embassies are located. Canberra-Australia’s national capital is in this state. ACT experienced a four (4) seasons each year, warm in spring, hot dry summers, cool in autumn, cold, and sometimes snowy in the winter.
- Northern Territory (NT)
This state has the natural conditions that vary from the ranks of smooth rocks, large canyons, dunes broad, deep lagoon, rivers, ravines and hills – a high rock. The capital of NT is Darwin, the nearest city in Australia with Indonesia. The climate in this state ranges between 19°C-35°C.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN AUSTRALIA
Australia is known for a variety of tourist destinations ranging from nature, culture, and entertainment. Beautiful nature, advances in technology, and infrastructure as well as the multi-cultural population of Australia are always interesting to discover. Here are some interesting places that can be visited for studying in a country that is often called Aussie.
- Sydney
This main destination for 80% of foreign tourists has many interesting places to visit. Opera House, Darling Harbour with stunning marine aquarium, botanical gardens, museums, shopping malls in the city center, to visit other parts of the bay where there are beach Manly and Taronga Zoo. Do not forget to visit Sydney Tower to see the view of the whole city from the heights, and the historic Rocks area near Circular Quay is where there are souvenir shops and pubs.
- Melbourne
A city that has separate areas for cultural enthusiasts, lovers of sport, fashion enthusiasts and culinary adventurers. Discover the wide variety of cafés, bars and boutiques in the small streets in parts of the city that is not visible from the main road which is neat. Enjoy riverside thick atmosphere from Southbank and visit Federation Square, a meeting place for creative and café culture. You can cruise down the Yarra River and exploring meadows and lakes in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the unique energy of the various city neighbourhoods, ranging from the classy South Yarra to beachside St Kilda and Fitzroy fun. Then followed by a day trip to the beach, wineries, galleries, and golf courses of the Mornington Peninsula.
- Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road is a 243 km long road which was built by soldiers returning from World War I between 1919 to 1932. This place can be reached during the three (3) hours drive from Melbourne. This road leads to the Twelve Apostles, a collection of very beautiful limestone formed by the natural process of water erosion and wind.
- Cairns
This small town has a very beautiful natural attractions are the Great Barrier Reef, a popular spot for scuba divers. Expanse of tropical forest Daintree Rainforest wide variety of biodiversity and waterfalls can also be enjoyed here.
- Gold Coast
A city near Brisbane is famous for its beautiful beaches, especially for the lovers of the sport of surfing. Additionally Surfers Paradise, Theme Parks, Warner Brothers, Dreamworld Studios are places that must be visited in the city. To enjoy the view from Brisbane to Byron Bay, visit the observation deck level 77 ‘observation deck’ in Q1 Building, the tallest residential building in the world.
- Magnetic Island
The island is located east of Townsville city has an area of 52 km2; 54% of the island is a National Park Magnetic Island where koalas and kangaroos can be found in their natural habitat.
- Tasmania
Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places in Australia, because of its beautiful natural, charming mountain, wild and seductive desert and many beautiful lagoons scattered in every corner. Unique flora also widely found in Tasmania, which is also the place where the oldest and tallest trees in the world are located.
- Kakadu National Park
The word Kakadu is the wrong pronunciation of the origin of the word “Gagadju” which is an Aboriginal word. Kakadu National Park is very rich in Aboriginal culture; there are more than 5,000 places that illustrate the culture of the Aboriginal people for thousands of years, including Aboriginal rock art. Various types of flora and fauna can be found in this place, also many beautiful waterfalls. Camping places are also provided in the Kakadu National Park.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIA
- In 1954 Bob Hawke made it into the Guinness Book of Record: he drank 2.5 litres of beer in 11 seconds.
- Bob Hawke became Prime Minister of Australia.
- Australia has more than 6,000 species of flies, about 4,000 species of ants, and about 350 species of termites in Australia.
- Tasmanian Devil really exists and has the powerful jaws like a crocodile.
- Australia has a population of wild camels with one hump in the world.
- Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on earth.
- Sydney Opera House has roof that weighs more than 161,000 tons.
- Australia has a very strong reputation in science, technological invention, and is a leader in science and technology fields such as Biotechnology, Solar Energy, Astrophysics and Nanotechnology.
- For the health sector, Australia has gained seven (7) Nobel Prizes including for the discovery of penicillin. [/wc_accordion_section]