Entry Requirements
International students achievements and qualifications obtained in their country of study will be compared to Australian tertiary standards. Some students may be required to sit an English proficiency test (IELTS) that consists of a listening, reading, writing and speaking section. Preparation courses are available for students.

Most Australian universities offer students that have poor English skills assistance in order to effectively communicate and perform academically.

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available to international students, across faculties by universities. In addition, international students from developing nations can apply for an Australian Government Scholarship (AUSAid).

Scholarships are also offered by students’ home countries. Details can be viewed at the Australian Diplomatic Missions website. (http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/index.html)

Accommodation
There are many options available to students who require accommodation. On campus accommodation is limited and arrangements for accommodation in residential colleges and halls of residences must be made directly, independent of the institution of study. Arrangements for residence in such colleges / halls of residences should be made prior to the commencement of the academic year. Residential colleges and halls of residence require a bond to be paid upfront.

A single room in a house / flat in the city costs approximately $80-$160 per week. A flatette (bed sitter, kitchen, shared bathroom) can cost approximately $120-$220 per week. Private board in a family's home where meals are provided can cost $160-$200 per week. A one bedroom unit costs approximately $180-$250 per week depending on the quality and location of the property. Suitable reference letters and a clean criminal record may be required to obtain accommodation.

Universities usually provide their own specialised accommodation finder to students.

Cost of living in Australia
The cost of living varies across the country and is determined by individual lifestyles. The cost of living in a capital city such as Sydney is outlined below:

Support Services
Many support services exist for international students. These are specifically designed to facilitate the integration of foreign students into the Australian community and the universities’ student body. These include:

• Pre-departure seminars are held in home country
• Airport reception and transfer to accommodation in Australia
• Comprehensive orientation programme (campus and city tours, advice on practical issues such as banking, shopping and transport, cultural adjustment, meeting other students, registration for Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC), enrolment, etc).
• Continuing welfare assistance
• Assistance with organising visas and Overseas Student Health Cover
• Social programmes/liaison with international student associations

In addition, there are many on-campus facilities:

• University Support Centre - offers personal, educational and vocational counselling, including short courses in learning and research skills, academic writing and assignment writing
• University Medical Centre and counselling services
• University Mentor Scheme – international students are matched with a senior student for support and guidance
• First Year Programme - support and advice is available for new students making the transition to university life
• Careers Centre
• English Language Support
• Legal assistance- students ombudsman
• Child care facilities
• Special needs service to cater for students with injuries / disabilities
• Student Loan Scheme

Financial Aid
Certain countries are more closely affiliated with tertiary institutions. For example, US students are eligible to apply for financial aid to undertake studies at Wollongong University.

Semester Dates
There are specific deadlines for each university for international students' application. Each semester usually commences with an introductory orientation week filled with a host of activities to facilitate the transition into university or those returning to university. Semester 1 begins in March and lasts for approximately 13 weeks, ending in May. This is followed by an examination period. Semester 2 usually begins in July and ends in October. It lasts for the same duration as the first semester and is followed by an examination period. Students can also undertake study programs in the summer and winter vacations. The summer vacation lasts for approximately 3 months and the winter vacation lasts for three weeks.

Halal Food
Halal food is available widely in Australian capital cities and other cosmopolitan areas. Many restaurants offer a range of cuisines selling halal foods only. Increasingly, more universities are catering for the needs of Muslim Students by providing halal food outlets on campuses. The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils aims to ensure the highest standards are maintained in the sanctioning of Halal foods across the country.

Mosques
Many universities encourage Muslim students to practise their faith and provide a special prayer room for students and freely permit female students to wear the headscarf. Most Australian universities have established Muslim student associations and societies.

Some universities have incorporated a special “Islamic week” into their cultural program, alongside such events as “Women's week” and “Festival Week” to enhance the student body's knowledge of the various cultures and religions present in the university community.

There are many Islamic centres in Australia, largely located in capital cities. These centres encourage youth input and service the needs of all Muslim denominations.

Mosques and Islamic Centres can be viewed at Home www.islam-australia.com.au. .....

Activities
There are many non- academic activities that the university offers. This includes the many clubs and societies that are available to students, concerts, films, barbecues, plays, exhibitions, performances, speakers and leisure courses.

Each city offers residents a vast array of activities, including sporting and cultural events unique to the city:

• Melbourne Grand Prix
• Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
•  The Bledesloe Cup, Sydney
•  The City to Surf Fun Run, Sydney
•  The Iron Man series
• One-day international cricket series.

There are also many unique tourist attractions within each state.

New South Wales

•  The Sydney Opera House
•  The Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Bondi Beach
• Blue Mountains
• Jenolan Caves
•  The Hunter Valley

Victoria

• The Great Ocean Road
• Phillip Island
• Wildlife Wonderland
• Sovereign Hill Historic Gold Mining Regions

South Australia

• Coober Pedy Opal mining areas
• Kangaroo Island
• Mt Gambier Volcanic Crater
• Barossa Valley
• Port Augusta

Western Australia

• Gold Mines of Kalgoorlie
• Karrie Forests and Beaches
• Swan River
• Ningaloo coral reefs
• Pearling Industry in Broome

Tasmania

• Port Arthur
• Cradle Mountain Track
•  Bass Strait Waters

Queensland

• Stockman’s Hall of Fame
• Longreach
•  The Gold Coast
•  The Great Barrier Reef

Employment & Visas

The Australian government does not grant international students visas’ whereby they can work. International students can not study part time on a students visa. Students on a temporary visa can choose to study part time but must still pay international student tuition fees.

However, students may apply for permission to work in Australia upon commencing their studies at a cost of approximately $50. If you are granted permission to work, a new visa label is provided. Working students must obtain an Australian Tax File Number from the Australian Tax Office. The right to work in Australia may be declined by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs if this is the student’s only means of income for support.

Upon being granted permission to work the following regulations must be observed:

• A maximum of 20 hours a week during the term.
• Unlimited during recognised vacation periods.
• Practical Course work can be fulfilled
• Volunteers must seek permission to be involved in unpaid work.

Student Exchange Programs

There are many study abroad programs designed for international students to study in Australia for 6 months (1 Semester) or a year (2 semesters) where credit points are transferable to their country. This scheme does not extend the duration of students’ university studies and alter fee payments.

Different universities have different eligibility criterium for students to complete an exchange program, however most require students to achieve a GPA of at least 3 on a 4-point scale. Proficient English skills are a requirement and determined by the English Testing System (IELTS).

Health Insurance
Overseas students must take out compulsory medical and hospital insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. This is known as Overseas Student Health Cover and is a condition of issuing an Australian Student Visa (approximately $312 per student). Payment and registration is required yearly. Not all health services are covered by this scheme, so private medical insurance should possibly be considered.

Useful Websites

1. University of Sydney  www.usyd.edu.au

2. University of Wollongong www.uow.edu.au

3. Accommodation finder  www.domain.com.au

4. The Good Universities Guide                                                            http://www.thegoodguides.com.au/searchguide.cfm

5. University of Western Australia                     http://www.international.uwa.edu.au/undergraduate/perth

6. Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs http://www.immi.gov.au/