Studying in Australia

Studying in Sydney

Sydney is one of the world’s most popular cities due to its sunny and warm climate, vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, picturesque harbour, and stunning beaches. There is always lots to do from sightseeing, dining, shopping, visiting galleries and museums, going to the movies, or relaxing at one of Sydney’s many beautiful parks. Sydney siders are friendly, welcoming, and come from all over the world. Nature is always close by with picturesque beaches only 20 minutes by bus from the city centre, the Blue Mountains to the west and national parks to the north and south only a 90-minute train trip away from central Sydney.

Living Expenses

As a condition of your student visa you must have sufficient funds to pay all costs of studying in Australia, including tuition fees, living expenses, Overseas Health Cover, return airfares and visa fees.

Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. The Australian Government recommends a single student budget of AU $20,290 per year, with an additional AU $7,100 per year for a spouse and AU $3,040 per year, per child. For further details regarding accommodation costs and other living expenses, visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au for details. Figures correct from 1st Feb 2018.

Accommodation

You are welcome to find accommodation yourself, or use AIBI HE’s approved provider, The Australian Homestay Network (AHN).  AHN is Australia’s largest and most recognised homestay provider. They manage over 10,000 applications per year across Australia. AHN are committed to ensuring that a homestay experience is an enriching, secure and memorable cultural experience for both guests and hosts. For further details of AHN, refer to https://www.homestaynetwork.org/.

Health and safety

Australia is generally a very safe place to live and study and consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. However, it is still important to take care, be aware of the risks to your health and safety, and ways to minimise these risks. This is particularly important for when you first arrive and are adjusting to your new way of life. For further information, visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.

Health insurance

As an international student in Australia, you and your dependents (for example, spouses and children under 18 years old) are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your study in Australia. This insurance will cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines). You can find more information, including a list of the providers and average costs, on the Department of Health website.

Remember, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires overseas students to maintain OSHC for the duration of time they are in Australia. For further information please visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

Working while studying

While studying in Australia, you are permitted to work. Like many international students studying in Australia, you may choose to work to cover study and living expenses and for work experience in your study area. Most student visas allow you to work for up to 40 hours every two weeks while your course is in session, and unrestricted hours during any scheduled study break. Before you undertake any paid work you need to make sure your visa allows you to work. Find out more at the Department of Home Affairs.

After you complete your studies

After you complete your studies, you have several options available to you whether you stay in Australia or head home. You may be able to continue studying in Australia to gain further qualifications, or you may be eligible to undertake work in Australia to put your newly gained knowledge into practice. You can also choose to go home to undertake further study or work there.

If you decide you want to undertake further study or work in Australia you will need to check whether your visa allows this or whether you need to apply for a new visa. You can go to the Department of Home Affairs website to check your visa conditions and find out what your options are.

Wherever your remain in Australia or go back home, it would be a good idea to join the AIBI HE alumni group, which will help you stay in touch with your classmates for personal and professional reasons.