It’s more than a slogan. It has been transformed in to reality.
There are many factors which contribute toward this – an education system which reflects quality, excellence and innovation, education institutions which impart the most modern skills cost effectively through innovative teaching, a high level of technological advancement, some of the best infrastructure and facilities and a welcoming multicultural society enjoying a quality life-style in a safe environment.
The combination of world-class qualifications and access to the latest technology and research excellence opens doors to many opportunities. International students gain skills in Australia that help them to launch their careers and set them apart in the eyes of employers.

It is a place where students can realize their potential 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. When you study in Australia, 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.
In 2006 there were 3, 32,500, international students in Australia of some 190 different nationalities of these around 2,500 were Nepalese students, studying mainly in the fields of Post graduate studies. The rich diversity of nationalities ensures that you will make lifelong friends with students from around the world as well as from AUSTRALIA
In Australia International students experience a unique kind of education- a learning style that encourages innovative, creative and independent thinking. International students build valuable skills, which gives them an advantage academically personally and professionally.

Australia has a seemingly limitless array of education and training opportunities. International students can choose from a vast range of courses with a vocational orientation.
Each of Australia’s institutions has its own strengths and areas of specialization, which gives international students a wide choice and access to the latest technology and research in their chosen field. The most popular courses amongst Nepalese students are Business, Information Technology, Engineering, Science, Nursing and Hospitality.
But, Australia offers much more to explore. Australian institutions place great importance on developing the ability of students to think creatively and independently, read widely and critically, participates in debate and function as part of a team. Such skills are in demand from employers and so an Australian education qualification gives international students an edge in a competitive world.
Australia has three distinct education sectors- a school sector, which provides technical skills after post secondary schooling and a higher education sectors, which provides post senior secondary qualifications. These three distinct sectors are well linked together through Australia’s unique qualifications frame work.
The Nepalese and Australian education systems are very similar in structure. Yet they are distinct in their teaching-learning process. In Australia, Students take a much more active role in the learning process. Australian institutions place great importance on developing the ability of students to think creatively and independently, read widely and critically participate in debate and function as part of a team. Such skills are in demand from employers and so an Australian educational qualification gives international students an edge in competitive students and edge in as a competitive world.

Australia enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world but its living costs and student fees have a competitive edge over other countries.
The internationally respected Economic intelligence unit ranks Australia 12th out of 31 countries for the cost of doing business environment flows through to the cost of living and costs of providing education and training services.
As a result, Australia has built a world-wide reputation for excellence based on its high quality systems of education and training delivered at comparably lower costs. But this lower cost does not reflect a corresponding diminution of quality.
Research shows that the average cost of completing a Bachelors Degree in business was nearly 54%less than a private university in the United States of America while the cost of completing a Masters Degree in business was nearly 44% less than in the United States of America.
The cost of living in Australia also enjoys an edge over other countries. Statistics shows that the cost of living for an international student in Australia was nearly 30% less than either the United States of America or the United Kingdom. Average expenses for the students living in Australia are estimated to cost about AUD 12000 pa
Excellent communication and transport facilities, cosmopolitan shopping complexes and excellent health facilities makes Australia a pleasant living place with one of the world’s best environments, Australia is the place to study.

Educational qualifications certify the knowledge and skills a person has achieved through study, training, work and life experience. They are a measure of our “intellectual capital “and increasingly important in a society where continuous upgrading is required in all forms of work and in day- to- day life.

Australia has developed what is called the Australian qualifications frame work (AQF) which links together different level qualifications in highly visible, quality assured national systems of educational recognition, thus promoting a seamless and diverse education and training system.

The AQF is a unified system of thirteen national qualifications in the school, vocational education and training and higher education sectors. As a result, Australia has a comprehensive national system helping learners, employers and education training providers to participate and navigate the qualifications frame work.

This allows students to start at the level that suits them and then enhance their qualifications as per their need and interests which develop and change over time,

The AQF assists learners to plan their career progression at whatever stage they are within their lives and when they are moving either in Australia or Overseas. Work based qualifications and academic qualifications are now part of a single system, allowing minimum flexibility in career planning and continuous learning.

In this way the AQF supports national standards in education and training standards in education and training and encourages life-long learning.

The AQF makes a specific commitment to flexible, transparent and systematic learning pathways and to the removal of boundaries between educational sectors. It therefore encourages cross-sect oral linkage programs such as:

VET: Vocational Education and Training in schools.

Which allows schools to offer industry based units of learning that can contribute to both the senior secondary certificate of education and certificate I – IV qualifications?

Articulation and Credit Transfer Arrangements:

Between the registered Vocational education and training providers and universities involving efficient articulation of programs and maximum credit transfer.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by which credits are granted of an individual’s knowledge and skills gained through education, training, work and life experience.

Many Australian Universities recognize vocational qualifications such as diplomas and advanced diplomas as a good foundation for a bachelor’s me Degree. Some Vocational education and training institutions have agreements with Australian Universities that give students with diplomas and Advanced diplomas credit in to Bachelor’s degrees.

There are also an increasing number of partnerships between registered vocational education and training providers and Universities, which have been set up to enhance the pathways from an industry qualification to higher education qualifications. This ensures that the maximum amount of credit is given to avoid repetitive and inefficient education and training.

This features of the Australian Qualifications frame work is especially useful for international students because their prior learning can be recognized and accredited to their course to attain any of the thirteen AQF qualifications, herby reducing the amount of time that they need to study.

International Recognition:

Australian Education Institutions offers an exciting range of courses at the diploma, undergraduate and post graduate level. All courses offered to International students have a CRICOS number as a signifier of Australian and Quality control In addition all professional degrees like Engineering, Information Technology, and Accounting are also accredited by the respective professional bodies like Engineers Australia, Australian computer society and CPA Australia.

Global Recognition:

Australian Universities are the most internationalized in the world. They have working agreements for students staff exchange, research collaboration, joint programs with some of the finest institutions in the world like OXFORD, CAMBRIDGE, UCLA, HARVARD, LSE, NUS, IIT, IISC , IIM.

Entry Requirements:

 All students who aim to pursue their further education in Australia must demonstrate their English proficiency by obtaining scores in the IELTS test. This is also a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa. Enrolling in to bachelor or masters degree student must obtain at least an IELTS score of 6.0 each band. Whereas those enrolling in a diploma level program need an overall band of 5.5. However some courses like law, communications, MBA need a higher level of proficiency, as overall band score of 6.5 or 7 with no band less than 6.0.

Work While Study:

As a student you are legally permitted to work 20 hours a week during semester and full time during vacation. It can be on-campus or off-campus. After enrolling at the institution in Australia you will have to apply for a work permit to DIMIA with a letter from your institute as proof of enrollment. Casual work may not be relevant to your course but will sharpen your soft skills. Working is a great experience but don’t rely on it for additional income. It’s also very important to balance work and study.

Scholarships:

At the undergraduate level, few universities offer bursaries in the form of fee waivers (25.50%) of tuition fee to students with academic background. There are limited full fee scholar ships awarded based on Std XII marks in 4 major subjects ( eligibility – above 90% ) and IELTS score (above 7.0 ) . There are some government funded scholarships like the IPRS (International Post graduate Research Scholarship) to attract high quality researchers.

IRPS covers tuition fees and the annual overseas health cover (OSHC) for the entire period of study.

However, it must be noted ‘getting aid’ is very competitive as it is based on academic requirement and no country specific quotas are applicable.

Supporting Your Education Financially:

Many banks now sanction loans up to Rs.35 lakhs to students who intends pursuing their higher education abroad. Since the rate of interest is reasonably low with repayment normally commencing one year after completion of the program. Most of them find it more convenient option. Please check with your bank for detailed eligibility criteria including collateral security, parent’s income, and guarantor. Personal loans for education purpose can be taken as to up to an existing educational loan.

Placements after Completion of Course:

Every university has a career and employment office to assist you find jobs anywhere in the world. For more information on employment opportunities and career services offered by universities PLEASE VISIT www.gcca.com.au (Graduate careers council of Australia (GCCA).

The Australian immigration system now offers clear pathways for those students who choose to change their visa status to work / live in Australia, after graduation.

Visit www.immi.gov.au for more info.

Australia is the next ‘hot’ destination after the USA, in terms of numbers, quality and living conditions. Every year, several thousand students from Nepal and throughout the world go to Australia, for world-class education, which is recognized globally and that has top-class and highly ranked universities. Australian universities and training institutions offer a wide range of courses to met most aspirations and requirements. The curriculum and infrastructure are the latest while the faculty is up-to-date and progressive in outlook and result-oriented.

 The excellence in Education, the multicultural background of students, value for money, English speaking country and on top of that, Governmental and institution support for international students are some other aspects that has made Australia a very attractive destination for students from all over the world.

Main intake every year commences in February/March whereas most of the universities also have an intake in July.

There are two semesters per year, from February to June and July to November.

November – February is the major vacation period.

All the programs in all fields of specialization are available for study in Australian institutions at all levels.

Cost of education in Australia is quite competitive when compared to other countries like UK and USA. Also, because of the ‘foreign exchange value’, Nepalese students find Australian education comparatively cheaper and more affordable!

There are 39 universities in Australia offering Bachelor degrees, Master’s degrees, Doctorate, Postgraduate certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas that are recognized throughout the world. Universities are established under legislation and set their own academic requirements within strict legislative guidelines.

As part of its commitment to the high quality of Australia’s higher education, the Australian Government has established the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA). This agency is tasked with ensuring high quality of teaching and learning, research and management standards in Australian universities through a panel of expert senior academics and administrators. Higher education research: There is a strong culture and tradition of leading research in Australian universities that has been internationally recognized.

Australia has an integrated nationwide system of qualifications, known as the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which is recognized by the Australian Government. Under this, students can move easily from one level of study to the next and receive credit for previous study. It brings together the qualifications offered at different levels.

There are several institutions offering Vocational courses offering Certificate and Associate Degree programs (equivalent to +2 level in Nepal), which are highly popular for their employment potential. TAFE colleges and private institutions are highly popular in offering Vocational programs. The vast range of courses includes information technology, business and management, marketing and communications, health, science, design and the arts, television production and media, environmental studies and land management, sport and recreation, engineering and building, and hospitality and tourism. English language training and university preparation courses are also offered. TAFE courses most appropriate for students from Nepal and neighboring Asian Countries are at Certificate II, III, IV, Associate Diploma, Diploma and Advanced Diploma level and are normally of two-year duration.

After the vocational level, admission is possible at the undergraduate level, which offers Bachelor’s degrees. At the Master’s level, the focus is more on research, though most universities are offering professional master’s degrees too, that are suitable for gainful employment. A good academic record in Bachelors degree from a recognized university is necessary. Any work experience in the field will be helpful. For most of the MBA programs, students need to have 2-5 years of work experience along with their Bachelors Degree, in addition to good GMAT scores.

As there are no grading/rating of universities, students are advised to go through the program structure and course content. Reputations are built over a long period and universities are known for their specific faculties.

To start with, the student should collect various brochures and prospectus for different institutions and do a comparative analysis of the institutions, vis-à-vis course details, tuition fee, standing of the university etc.

Detailed information and guidance is available from the counselors of Foreign Link and through our website’s. Once the institution has been decided upon, the procedure to be followed would be: –

Admission Procedure

Make an application to the institution of choice through Foreign Link.

The institution will make an offer of admission based on qualifications after assessing the application.

Submit a Pre Visa Assessment (PVA) application to the Immigration Section of the Australian High Commission through Foreign Link.

Accommodation and living expenses

For accommodation, students have a number of options available that can be on-campus or off-campus such as hostels, rented housing, home stay etc. The cost of living can vary depending on the city. However, on an average, a student would need between AUD 8,000 – AUD 10,000 per annum. This amount would cover accommodation on rent, food, clothing, transport etc.

Required Tests

For admission into any level of programs, IELTS is required for admission and for visa purpose as well.

For Master’s level programs in Sciences, Engineering and Education this is the only requirement. Unlike the US, a score in GRE is not required. At the same time, some universities prefer applicants with a GRE score.

However, for admission into MBA programs, decent GMAT score, in addition to IELTS and relevant work experience of at least 2-3 years is required along with good academic background.

Health insurance

All international students in Australia are required to have medical insurance. The overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) charge of AUD 342 is payable before the student visa is issued.

Work prospects

Students can work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week after they start their studies and full time during vacations. However they are required to obtain a work permit by paying AUD 60 payable in Australia itself on course commencement, in favor of DIMA to obtain their work permits.

The limitations on work must be strictly observed; students found working more may face deportation.