| Pakistan | UK | Australia | |||
| Islamabad | London | Canberra |
Student life in Australia |
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A record number of more than 278,000 student visas were granted to international students all over the world in the 2007-08 program years. This represents more than 21 per cent growth in the student visa program in one year.
The rewards of studying at an Australian university/college are endless. It develops your potential in an innovative, flexible, yet supportive learning environment. Gain an internationally recognized qualification that will open doors for your future.
Academic Life
It is a place where students can realize their aptitude in ways that they planned and perhaps in ways that they never imagined. Australia is a dynamic, vibrant country. Its people are energetic, friendly and confident. In your academic life, you discover fresh challenges and develop skills in a supportive learning environment.
You excel as person, as well as academically. Australia’s education institutions will challenge and reward you academically, personally, and professionally. They offer a stimulating environment for students from around the world to gain valuable skills, experiences and qualifications.
Academic life of student in Australia encourage independent learning so student may seem to have a very casual and relaxed attitude toward their lecturers and tutors. This means that students are responsible for completing the readings, undertaking research and making deadlines. In many cases, it is up to you to do the required work, and no one will chase you for late essays or assignments.
If you are having trouble making the transition, there are plenty of ways you can seek help. Most education providers have an international student office, where counsellors can direct you toward learning skills help. Many institutions run classes and seminars on conversational English, essay writing, note-taking and exam preparation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — it is normal to fee a little bewildered at first.
Living in Australia
The cost of living in Australia , compared to many other countries , is high. It is estimated that in 1999 households of migrants who had lived in Australia for less than 2 years spent an average of $930 per week supporting 3 people. It is estimated that a couple, renting accommodation in Australia, would need a minimum of $365 per week to survive. A single person would need about $225 per week. There are significant costs involved in traveling to Australia, relocating household goods, and setting up in new accommodation.
Leisure and Tourism
International students studying in Australia have become important for a number of economic, cultural and social reasons. During their stay in Australia these students spend ‘work’ time studying and attending lectures. However, as with people in general, they also have periods of ‘non-work’ during which they may decide to undertake a range of travel and leisure activities. These travel and leisure activities provide international students meaningful and memorable ways to further enhance their stay in Australia.
Healthcare services
Australia has a special system of health cover for international students in Australia. This is called Overseas Student Health Cover. All students and their families must have at least standard private health insurance through the Overseas Student Health Cover OSHC scheme. This must continue for the duration of their stay in Australia, and is a condition of a student visa. Standard OSHC covers medical and hospital care expenses that students or their family may incur while studying in Australia. OSHC will also contribute to the cost of most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport. Some OSHC insurance providers offer cover over and above standard OSHC cover. This additional cover is called ancillary cover, and can be purchased in country if desired. Medibank Private is the OSHC for all new international students. Medibank Private is a government run private health insurance provider. After twelve months. International students are free to change to a different health insurance provider.
OSHC costs depend on how long you will be in Australia. Premiums vary depending on the health fund but generally they start from A$78 for three months insurance (A$312 a year). If your spouse and/or dependant children are accompanying you to Australia you will need to pay a family premium which costs you $ 548 for a family premium.
What is covered:
OSHC covers most medical expenses and the cost of hospital care which international students may need while in Australia. OSHC will also pay for most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport.
What is not covered:
Dental and optometry costs are not included but students may also take out additional cover. Students are reminded that OSHC does not cover any pre-existing conditions (such as pregnancy or prior illness) and such expenses must be met by the student.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of student accommodation available in Australia. Once you get an admission, the university's international office would help you find a suitable accommodation. Various options:
1. Home stay or farm stay
Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year. Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered and the cost will vary accordingly. Home stay is popular with younger students and those studying short term English courses. Farm stay offers the same services in a rural setup.
Educational institutions ensure that home stay families are reputable, and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard. This type of accommodation gives international students access to the Australian lifestyle in a natural and friendly way. Students are often treated like members of the family. Approx. Cost: A$ 150 - A$ 200 per week
2. Private Board
Private board is similar to home stay. Students negotiate personally with the landlord about the standard of accommodation and meals they require.
Approx. Cost: A$ 50 - A$ 150 per week
(depending on the services provided)
3. Hostels and Guest Houses
Hostels are usually run by organizations such as youth Hostels Australia, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Approx. Cost: A$ 80 - A$ 120 per week
4. Share and Rental Accommodation
Students often share accommodation with fellow students. They advertise on student notice boards and in the classified section of newspapers. All members of the household are responsible for cooking and cleaning. Students may have to provide their own furniture.
Approx. Cost: A$ 70 - A$ 150 per week
5. University Apartments
Postgraduate and married students have access to this type of self contained, fully furnished accommodation within the university system.
Approx. Cost: A$ 130 - A$ 215 per week
6. University Residential Colleges
Residential Colleges provide accommodation with meal. They are slightly more expensive than university Halls of Residence. The college undertakes cleaning and household tasks. Sporting and social facilities, tutoring, libraries and generally computer access are also provided.
Approx. Cost: A$ 150 - A$ 250 per week
7. Halls of Residence:
Halls of residence are located on or near university campuses and are generally cheaper than residential colleges. International students find them an attractive option. Students usually have meals and some cleaning services provided. Only full time students are accepted. Students need to apply early because of the high demand for places.
Approx. Cost: A$ 100 - A$ 150 per week
