Australia is an attractive destination for Nepalese students due to a variety of reasons:
Type of Institutions:
- Universities: Australia boasts 39 universities, with 37 being government-run. These institutions offer a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including innovative courses in IT, electronic business, and science. Australian universities are renowned globally, with faculty engaged in groundbreaking research.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET): Australia provides a broad array of vocational education and training courses. Many international students opt for Technical and Further Education (TAFE) as an affordable pathway to gain skills for various industries.
Degrees and Courses:
- Australian universities offer degrees such as Doctoral, Masters, Graduate Diploma/Certificate, and Bachelors.
- Undergraduate programs usually span 3 to 4 years, covering Arts, Commerce, Science, and IT.
- Postgraduate studies offer diverse choices, emphasizing research capabilities and modern facilities.
Courses Available:
- Humanities, Education, Social Studies, Mathematics, Computing, Science, Visual and Performing Arts, Engineering, Business Administration, Law, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Hospitality, and Tourism.
Intake: Australia typically has two intakes in February and July, with some universities offering additional intakes in September and November. Applications should ideally begin 7-8 months prior to the intake.
Admission Requirements: Requirements vary, but generally include a resume, statement of purpose, academic records, reference letters, and IELTS score.
Student Visa Process: The Australian student visa application involves steps like applying for admission, receiving an offer letter, confirming enrollment, providing necessary documents, and demonstrating financial capacity. The e-visa system has streamlined the process, and the number of visas for Nepalese students is steadily increasing.
Living Costs: Australia offers various accommodation options, including home stay, hostels, shared accommodation, rental, boarding schools, and university accommodation. Costs vary depending on the type of accommodation.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Several scholarships and financial aid options are available for international students, including Commonwealth Learning Scholarships, Australian Postgraduate Awards, and Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
Work Opportunities: International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during studies and full-time during vacation periods. Spouses of students can work unlimited hours if the student is pursuing a Master's degree.
Work Visa: After completing their education, international students can apply for a work permit in Australia. The country has a demand for foreign workers, and graduates have a pathway to permanent residency through a points system. Obtaining a Tax File Number (TFN) is a prerequisite for employment.
Australia's student-friendly environment, diverse course offerings, and post-graduation work opportunities make it an appealing choice for Nepalese students.
Australia Student Visa: To study in Australia for more than 3 months, students need to apply for a student visa. The process involves steps such as applying for admission, receiving an offer letter, confirming enrollment, and providing necessary documents. The issuance of Australian student visas has become more accessible with the adoption of the e-visa system through approved education agents. The number of student visas granted to Nepalese students has seen a steady increase, reaching 97,035 in 2007 and projected to reach 100,000 annually by 2025.
Student Visa Process - Step by Step:
- Apply for admission in the desired course.
- Receive the offer letter and accept it.
- Confirm enrollment (eCOE) by meeting Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements.
- Make tuition and other fee payments, including Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Submit visa documentation, including eCoE, health and character requirements, biometric arrangements, and OSHC.
Student Visa Document Checklist For Nepal: Nepalese students applying for an Australian student visa need to submit documents such as visa application charge, Additional Information Form 956A, letter of offer, NOC from MOE, passport, photographs, statement of purpose, academic certificates, work experience certificate, IELTS score card, evidence of funds, income, medical check, and biometric data.
Living Costs in Australia: The cost of living in Australia varies based on accommodation choices. Options include home stay, hostels, shared accommodation, rental, boarding schools, and university accommodation. The expenses range from A$50 to A$350 per week, depending on the type of housing.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Various scholarships and financial aid programs are available for international students. Commonwealth Learning Scholarships, Australian Postgraduate Awards, and Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships aim to assist students with educational and accommodation costs.
Work Opportunities: International students in Australia can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during studies and full-time during vacation periods. Spouses of Master's level students can work unlimited hours. The country has a straightforward path to permanent residency for graduates.
Conclusion: Australia provides a comprehensive and student-friendly education system with diverse courses, ample work opportunities, and a streamlined visa process. The quality of education, along with the unique Australian lifestyle and work prospects, makes it an increasingly popular destination for Nepalese students seeking a globally recognized education.