Study in Australia

Study in Australia

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia is famous for surfing, kangaroos, and warm climate. The country covers an area of 7.69 million square kilometers, making it the 6th largest country in the world.

Australia is home to over 25 million people, and is incredibly diverse. Its rich culture and history are founded on its Aboriginal heritage and a blend of vibrant cultures.

Australia is a global leader for education. This makes it a popular study destination for international students.

Why Study In Australia?

Australia has a strong and consistent reputation for education across the world. They have one of the world’s highest percentages of higher education qualified population.

The country also continues to record high literacy and education rates. Australia boasts a world-class education system, offering high-quality education for fair tuition fees.

There are 37 government-funded universities located in Australia and 2 private universities. You will also find a number of other specialist higher education institutions.

There are 25 Australian institutions in the 2019 QS World University Rankings top 500, 7 of which are in the top 100. The highest-ranked of these is The Australian National University, which is placed on the 24th.

The next highest-ranked is the University of Melbourne, which is placed at 39th, and the University of Sydney, which is placed at 42nd.

The education starts at the age of five or six, but it may differ by a narrow margin between states.

It starts with preschool education which is not compulsory and can be offered within a school or separately. The primary and secondary school encompasses the compulsory education for Australians.

There are a large number of primary and high schools across the country with most of them being public schools. It is estimated that public schools amount to 60% of scholars as opposed to 40% in private settings.

All these education providers must be licensed by the government and must fulfill certain requirements including infrastructure and teaching. Universities, on the other hand, are mainly public institutions.

The Australian education system has established a standard curriculum so all scholars will be given the same quality of education. Despite there may be some states at which this curriculum is modified a bit, but the change is not that significant.

The actual curriculum set out in the Australia education system is based on important abilities one must have in his life: Literacy, Numeracy, Information and communication technology, Critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, Ethical understanding, intercultural understanding.

Education providers at all levels in Australia must satisfy certain requirements related to their facilities.

With this being said, these institutions are equipped with computers and the Internet and have advanced laboratories.

Higher education qualifications

You can obtain a range of qualifications through Australian universities or higher education providers. The qualifications you can attain at a university or higher education institution are shown below.

Associate degree

Duration – Two years
Completed following – Year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV
Details – The Associate Degree is a short-cycle Degree program that can help with career development if you’re already working and don’t have time to complete a full Bachelor Degree. It can be a pathway to a Bachelor Degree or prepare you for an Advanced Diploma in specialist industry training. An Associate Degree will be about the basics or foundations of your field. It will cover the broad theory and enable you to develop the basic employment-related skills.

Bachelor Degree

Duration – Three to five years (depending on program)
Completed following – Year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV
Details – A Bachelor Degree is the basic qualification for entry to a field. It will give you a systematic body of knowledge, the underlying principles, and the problem-solving techniques you’ll need to work in the discipline. With deeper content than an Associate Degree, your Bachelor Degree will develop your skills and knowledge to the point where you can pursue postgraduate studies if you want to.

Bachelor Degree (Honours)

Duration – Four years
Completed following – Bachelor Degree
Details – If you do particularly well in your Bachelor Degree, your institution might grant entry to an additional year of study to enable you to graduate with honors.

Graduate Certificate

Duration – 6 months
Completed following – Bachelor Degree
Details – Your Graduate Certificate will broaden individual skills you already have from an undergraduate program, or develop your knowledge in a new area.

Graduate Diploma

Duration – One year
Completed following – Bachelor Degree
Details – A Graduate Diploma will apply a body of knowledge in a range of contexts for you to undertake professional or highly skilled work and as a pathway for further learning.

Masters Degree (Coursework)

Duration – 1 to 2 years
Completed following – Bachelor Degree (Honours) or Bachelor Degree
Details – A Masters Degree (coursework) involves traditional coursework that will develop your expertise in your field. A Masters Degree takes either one year after a Bachelor Degree with honors or two years.

Masters Degree (Research)

Duration – Typically 2 years
Completed following – Bachelor Degree (Honours) or Bachelor Degree
Details – A Masters Degree is a course of independent research that will further your position as an expert in your chosen field of study.

Doctoral Degree

Duration – Typically 3 to 4 years
Completed following – Masters Degree
Details – The highest award offered by Australian universities, the Doctoral Degree is a research program, although it can have some coursework. The three components of your Doctoral Degree are:

A review of literature, experimentation, or another methodical approach to a body of knowledge.
An original research project that makes a contribution to understanding and knowledge in your field.

A substantial, well-ordered thesis that shows a relationship between the research and the field of study.

Higher education – Postgraduate institutions list

Australian Capital Territory
Australian Catholic University
University of Canberra

New South Wales
Australian Catholic University
Charles Darwin University
Curtin Business School
Curtin University
Curtin University — Faculty of Science and Engineering
Endeavour College of Natural Health
International College of Management, Sydney
Sydney Business School — University of Wollongong
The University of New England (UNE)
The University of Newcastle
The University of Notre Dame Australia
University of Technology, Sydney
University of Western Sydney
UTS: Insearch

Queensland
Australian Catholic University
Bond University
Endeavour College of Natural Health
Griffith University
James Cook University
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
The University of Queensland
University of Southern Queensland

South Australia
Carnegie Mellon University
Endeavour College of Natural Health
The University of Adelaide
University College London
University of South Australia

Tasmania
University of Tasmania

Victoria
Academies Australasia Polytechnic
Australian Catholic University
Box Hill Institute — Higher Education
Chisholm Institute — Higher Education
Federation University Australia
Endeavour College of Natural Health
La Trobe University
Monash University — Faculty of Information Technology
RMIT University
Swinburne University of Technology

Western Australia
Curtin Business School
Curtin University
Curtin University — Faculty of Science and Engineering
Edith Cowan University
Endeavour College of Natural Health
The University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Western Australia

Why Study in Australia

When people think of Australia, they see wide open spaces of outback bush, kangaroos, koalas, and clean air and water. Australia has much more to offer than the usual expectations.

Many international students are choosing to study in Australia because of its friendly, laid-back nature, excellent education system, and a high standard of living.

Growing Destination

Australia is currently the third most popular destination for international students in the English-speaking world, behind the United States and the UK. Many international students choose to study there because of the cultural diversity, friendly natives, and high quality of education.

Global Recognition

Graduates from Australian schools are highly sought after due to the impressive international reputation of the Australian education system. This system is carefully regulated by the government to maintain the high standards of education associated with the country.

Cost of Living

Australia’s standard of living is amongst the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs are considerably lower in Australia than they are in the United States and the United Kingdom.

International students can work part-time while they study, allowing them to offset their living costs. There is also the possibility of scholarships, which help to lower the cost of studying for international students.

Diversity of Education

Institutions in Australia offer a wide variety of courses and degrees, so international students can easily find the school and field that are right for them. The first decision international students have to make when choosing a degree program in which school caters most to their needs and interests.

Students can choose between universities, vocational education, and English language training. If necessary, it is easy for students to move between one qualification level and from one institution to another.

Technology

One of the most appealing aspects of Australia for international students is the emphasis on scientific research. Australia is at the forefront of new technology and innovations. Students who study in Australia can take advantage of the country’s impressive technology and resources.

Work

International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Australia.

This is a great opportunity for those who want to earn money to offset living expenses during their stay, and for students who want to gain work experience in their field of interest while they study.

Find out some important things to keep in mind for the working student in Oz.

Australian Grading System Explained: A Complete Guide

The academic grading system varies from one country to the other. In Australia, international students may find the grading system quite complicated and difficult to understand at first.

Many overseas students often get stressed about the ‘D’ grade, which they consider to be a bad grade. But actually, it means a distinction grade.

It’s very important to understand that every university, institute, or state, may have a different grading system in Australia. Therefore, it’s always suggested to check with the specific educational institute or university about the grading systems they follow.

Basic Grading Scale for Universities in Australia

You’ll find a table below that demonstrates the general grading system common among most Australian universities. It’s important to note that these universities might have minor variations in their grading scales.

The university grading scale below is relevant to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. You will also find equivalent American and British grades mentioned next to the Australian grades.

Honors Degree Grading

However, if you are looking to pursue an honors degree, the grades might look different. When compared to a standard undergraduate degree, an honors degree involves an additional year of study. Here’s what the honors degree grades look like:

Grading Systems in Different States and Territories of Australia:

1. New South Wales

The state of New South Wales is a popular study destination in Australia. It is home to several famous universities like the University of New South Wales, University of Newcastle, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University.

2. Victoria

Victoria is known for its renowned education system worldwide. It boasts around 9 different universities that include Monash University, Deakin University, Swinburne University of Technology, the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University.

3. Queensland

Queensland has some of the top-ranking universities in the world including Griffith University and the University of Queensland.

4. South Australia

The state of South Australia has some of the best universities in Australia, which includes the University of Adelaide, Carnegie Mellon University, Flinders University and the University of South Australia.

5. Western Australia

The state of Western Australia consists of several universities. Some of them are: University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and Murdoch University.

6. Australian Capital Territory

The two major tertiary institutions of higher education in the Australian Capital Territory include the University of Canberra and the Australian National University.

7. The Northern Territory

The Northern Territory of Australia is home to just one tertiary education institution i.e. Charles Darwin University.

8. Tasmania

The island state Tasmania is home to only one University which is the University of Tasmania, but it also hosts the famous TasTAFE.

VET (Vocational Education and Training) Grades

The Vocational Education System in Australia includes the Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and Certificates (I to IV). Most of the VET qualifications only have two grades, which either means you are competent (Pass), or you are not competent (Fail).

Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary Grades

In Australia, the Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary education system incorporates Year 1 to Year 12. Every state and territory has its Australian grading system in high school, but in general, most of the grades fall between A to F.

An international student can take up education in Australia after the age of 6. And the result reports of students are given to parents at least twice a year.

Applying for Admission

Applying to Australian institutions is easy, although it will take some time and careful planning. Remember that you can ask for help and advice from the institution you are applying to, your local Australian visa office and education agents in your home country.

Here is some advice to help with your course application:

Step 1: Choose your course and education provider

Carefully research courses, institutions, and their locations. Consider the areas of specialization offered through different courses and which specializations will best suit your intended career path.

Once you have decided on the best course, you need to find out which education providers offer it and which provider best suits your requirements. You should consider the size of the campus, the available facilities, and the support services offered for international students.

You can use the Course Search and Institution Search to help you research Australian education providers and the courses they offer, as well as enquire.

Step 2: Apply

Once you have chosen your course and education provider, it is time to apply. Go to the Enquire Now page to submit an inquiry directly to the institution of your choice.

Before you apply, you should check the academic and English language entry requirements to ensure you are eligible.

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may need to consider a different course or applying for a bridging course or foundation course, which may increase your chances.

Contact your education provider and ask about their application requirements and deadlines, as these will differ for each provider. Make a note of important deadlines to make sure you meet them. Also, remember to allow for postal times when sending forms by mail.

International students usually apply directly to Australian institutions, either by post or online. You can download application forms from institutions’ websites or request the forms to be posted.

Another option is to contact an education agent in your country or an overseas representative of the institution to which you are applying.

Your application form will ask you which course(s) you are applying for and give you details of the documentation you need to supply.

Most application forms require you to supply:

• your personal details
• certified proof of your level of English language proficiency
• details of your previous academic qualifications, such as academic transcripts
• your course preferences — the course(s) you are applying for
• a summary of your employment experience (if applicable).

If you are still completing your education, you can usually provide evidence of your most recent marks until it is possible to provide your final results.

If the documents you supply are not in English, you must provide an official certified translation. Most institutions charge a non-refundable application fee of around AUD$50 to $100 that must be included with your application. Some institutions waive this fee if the application is made online.

Before sending your application, check your visa requirements with your local Australian visa office or online at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website to ensure you will qualify for a student visa if your application is successful.

If, at any time during the application process, you are uncertain about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact your education provider — they are there to help you.

Step 3: Have your application processed

Once the education provider receives your application it will be assessed and you will be notified of the result. It may take a few weeks (longer for postgraduate applications) before your application is processed.

Step 4: Accept your offer

If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form. Before accepting the offer, you should carefully read the letter of offer and check any conditions that may apply.

You will need to meet these conditions before the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

You may also be required to pay tuition fees before your institution issues a CoE. The institution will advise you of its requirements.

Step 5: Prepare for departure

Now that you have been accepted, it is time to apply for your student visa.

You can apply for your student visa using either your letter of offer or your CoE, but you will need to supply evidence of your CoE before your student visa is granted.

See Student Visas for more information. You must also purchase your plane tickets, organize your Overseas Student Health Cover and arrange your accommodation in Australia.

Your education provider will typically send you an admissions package with information that will help you prepare for your journey to Australia.

This might include information about your course and accommodation options, facts about the location, financial information, and details about orientation programs. See Living in Australia for more information about what life is like in Australia.

5 Key Benefits of Studying in Australia

Are you planning to study overseas? Pursuing your dream education in a foreign country like Australia Renato bless you broaden your horizon. Whilst it is challenging, we can assure you it is a worthwhile experience. We listed 5 benefits you can gain when you study in Australia.

1. World-class education

As one of the favorite destinations for international students, Australia takes pride in its world-class standard of education.

Professional bodies monitor all the schools and universities in the country to ensure consistency and competitiveness. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology, education institutions also offer abundant resources and a comfortable learning environment.

Lecturers and Faculty members in the universities or schools are highly trained and experienced to guide and build the foundation of the career you wish to pursue.

2. Improved command of the English language

For international students from non-English speaking countries, Australia is an ideal country to hone your proficiency in English.

As this is the primary mode of instruction in schools and universities, you will learn the language in a formal setting. Proficiency in English is highly advantageous in an international scale.

Acquiring this skill will aid you when in search of your dream job. Although it may be difficult at the initial stage, it will still be advantageous as you will use English in your day-to-day activities, allowing you to practice frequently and in almost all your transactions.

3. Lifelong friends and networking

A significant part of your journey to study abroad is meeting people. They will come from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

Each and everyone has a different story, personality, and character, opening a window beyond your own culture, appreciating the similarities and differences.

You will have plenty of opportunities to participate in events organized in your campus or festivals happening in the city.

4. Discovering more about you

Studying overseas is more than books and lectures. This life-enriching phase is your life may lead you to discover new interests, skills, or talents.

There are heaps of interest clubs and organizations that you can be involved with and work with like-minded individuals. You can also join volunteer groups, addressing environmental issues, animal abuse, supporting social things and etc.

Your newly discovered passion will benefit your overall growth and development as a person.

5. Broader career opportunities

Your experience in living and studying in Australia as a non-local resident is an interesting factor for potential employers.

Having survived and successfully completed your study tells a lot about your character and intellect. You possess intangible life skills such as adaptability, flexibility, and enthusiasm to learn and to face challenges along the way.

Your ability to see things differently is a real charm for future employers. It’s a sign that you are capable of thinking outside the box and you genuinely enjoy innovation and creation of new ventures.

These are a few benefits of studying in Australia, there are many more advantages which will exalt your career.

In AECC Global, it is our commitment to help aspiring international students by providing honest and ethical counseling, guiding them to their study options with consideration to their personal circumstances and goals.

Completing an Australian student visa application form

All international students apply for the same visa: the Student Visa (Subclass 500), which you must apply online.

Before applying for a visa, you’ll need to obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or a Letter of Offer confirming you have been accepted into a course registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS).

The COE will be in the form of an online code that you will need to enter into the appropriate section in the online visa application. You may also need to pay a deposit towards your tuition fees.

You will be able to change course afterward to study in Australia at the same or a higher study level, but you’ll need to apply for a new visa if you’re changing course to a lower level on the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) or a non-AQF level course (unless changing from a Ph.D. to a master’s).

You may also package your studies by studying two or more courses on your Student Visa (Subclass 500), where there is a clear progression from one course to another.

Australian student visa requirements

When completing your online visa application form, you’ll need to provide evidence of the following according to the Australian student visa requirements:

1. Financial requirements:

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, travel and living costs. From February 2018, the amount you need to prove you have for living costs (separate from tuition and travel) is set at AU$20,290 (~US$13,750) for a year.

If you have dependents (such as a spouse and children), you will also need to show evidence of being able to cover living costs for them, including school fees.

Alternatively, you can show evidence that your spouse or parents are willing to support you and that they earn at least AU$60,000 (~US$40,660) a year.

2. English proficiency requirement:

If you’re not from an English-speaking country (and haven’t completed at least five years’ study in an English-speaking country) you’ll need to prove you can speak English to the required level.

Eligible tests include the IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE).

The score you will need will depend on whether you are starting a full degree, doing a foundation course, or enrolling on a preliminary English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS).

3. Health requirements:

Some students may be asked to take a medical and/or a radiological check-up to show they’re in good health (this applies, for example, to those who intend to train as a doctor, dentist, or nurse).

If told to do so, you must attend an appointment with a doctor who has been approved by the Australian immigration department.

Except for those from Belgium or Norway, all students are obliged to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

You may purchase this cover through your university, or directly from one of the five approved providers: Australian Health Management, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, Allianz Global Assistance, and nib OSHC.

The cost of this health insurance cover will vary depending on the provider and how long you purchase cover for.

Students from Sweden who have purchased health insurance through Kammarkollegiet will not need to purchase OSHC.

Belgian and Norwegian students are also not required to purchase OSHC as part of their visa requirements.

4. Character requirements:

Australian student visa requirements stipulate you must be of good character to enter Australia. This includes a criminal record check, to make sure you don’t have a substantial criminal record.

You may also need to acquire a penal clearance certificate (or police certificate) or get a police statement, and may be asked to complete a Character Statutory Declaration Form.

Australian student visa documents

The Department of Home Affairs website has a document checklist feature that will provide you with a list of documents required for your specific circumstances.

Typically, students must submit the following:

• Completed Australian student visa application form (157A)
• Paid visa application fee – currently AU$620 (~US$420) in most cases
• Copy of passport biodata page (some students may be asked to physically provide their passport)
• Certificate of Enrolment or Letter of Offer
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Evidence of health insurance cover
• English proficiency test results
• Criminal record check results
• Four recent passport-sized photographs

After you have assembled and scanned your supporting documents, you’ll need to create an account and apply with the online ImmiAccount application system.

Most visa applications take four weeks to process. If you study in Australia for a course that is longer than 10 months and finishes at the end of an Australian academic year (usually mid-December) your visa will usually be valid until 15 March the following year.

If your course is longer than 10 months and finishes in January to October, your visa will usually be valid for two months following the completion of your course.

Financial Aid for Australia

While studying in Australia, you will need sufficient funds to cover living expenses, health insurance, and tuition.

How much money will you need? You can get a general idea about expenses by looking at catalogs or application information provided by the university.

Remember that tuition rates can vary tremendously. Some universities could be cheaper than others, so to get the best idea of expenses you need to contact the schools you are interested in.

The cost of living in different parts of Australia also varies. In general, living in urban areas is more expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas.

Renting an apartment in a big city can cost twice as much as it does in a smaller town because there is such high demand for housing in large Australian cities. Food, clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses may be costlier.

Budgeting is a continuous process. At this stage, work on a “big picture” budget that will include tuition, room and board, transportation, and living expenses. Later you can be more specific, taking into consideration all the additional expenses of moving and settling in.

Remember, you should never count on earning enough from working in Australia to pay your way.

Health Insurance in Australia

The Australian health insurance system is as unique as the country itself. Because of this, it is important to familiarize yourself with how the country manages its health insurance system before study abroad there.

This way, if you become unexpectedly ill or injured, you know exactly what is and is not covered and won’t be subject to any unfortunate surprises.

Public Health Insurance

Australian citizens and permanent residents receive universal health care coverage through Medicare, a tax-funded public insurance program that subsidizes services and prescription medicines bought from pharmacies.

This system Medicare was established in 1984 with the intention of providing high-quality health care that is affordable and accessible to all Australian residents, regardless of their circumstances.

Today it provides free treatment in public hospitals and also provides free or subsidized payments to private health professionals for specific services throughout the country.

Private Health Insurance

In addition to Medicare coverage, just over half of all Australians receive additional coverage through private insurance.

Even those entitled to Medicare coverage seek out private insurance because can be used in either private or public hospitals and allows patients a wider option of doctors and hospitals.

It also covers services such as dental care and private hospitals. In 2018, private health insurance represented about 17% of health care funding in Australia.

Although managed by private companies, private insurance in Australia is still regulated by the Australian government.

For example, the government supports patients by monitoring insurance companies to ensure that their community rating (a measure that shows that insurance companies charge equal premiums regardless of medical status or claims history, so that the chronically ill or the elderly are not overcharged) is observed…

Cost of living

The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet to receive a student visa for Australia.

Refer to the step by step Student Visa Subclass 500 application and Document Checklist Tool for details on how to provide the evidence required to cover the costs of your stay, including your travel, study and living expenses.

As of October 2019, the 12-month living costs are;

• For students or guardians – AUD$21,041
• For partners coming with you – AUD$7,362
• For a child coming with you – AUD$3,152

The Home Affairs website covers in more detail how to work out how much money you might need to cover the costs of your stay in Australia as an international student.

If you experience financial trouble while in Australia, talk to your institution’s international student support and student accommodation services staff for assistance.

Course and study costs in Australia will depend on the education provider and level of study you choose.

Use the Course Search on this website to find courses and see details such as their tuition fees. There may be additional costs for your course, including course materials and access to institution facilities.

Students should refer to their provider’s payment conditions for specific advice.

Education costs

The list below gives you a broad indication of the range of course costs (yearly) for different types of qualifications.

• School – $7,800 to $30,000
• English language studies – Around $300 per week depending on course length
  Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000
• Undergraduate Bachelor Degree – $20,000 to $45,000*
• Postgraduate Masters Degree – $22,000 to $50,000*
• Doctoral Degree – $18,000 to $42,000*

Once you have received confirmation of where you will be studying, you should look for accommodation that suits your needs and budget. Student accommodation is usually highly sought after and requires prior planning.

Considerations when searching for accommodation include:

• Costs will vary depending on your chosen state, city, and type of accommodation.
• Always confirm the total cost and any other expenses you may be required to pay, such as a bond and utility fees, and ensure they are included in your accommodation agreement.
• Consider the distance of your accommodation from your campus and whether it is easily accessible by public transport, such as bus or train.
• Find out what shopping centers, hospitals and emergency service facilities, and other amenities are nearby.

University-managed accommodation

Accommodation and facilities operated or controlled by a university for the exclusive use of students. University-managed accommodation will be fully furnished, include bills as well as provide integrated university-managed support.

Contact your institution to find out what accommodation options they offer and compare the costs against organizing your accommodation.

Residential colleges

Accommodation and facilities for the exclusive use of students demonstrating priorities around quality pastoral programs, academic support, sporting, cultural, and leadership development opportunities.

Homestay

Homestay involves living with a family in their home. This can be a good option for younger students because you’ll enjoy all the comforts of a home, get to spend time with the family, and often have meals and cleaning provided.

Families offering homestay accommodation are thoroughly screened to ensure they can provide a safe and suitable living environment.

Purpose-built student accommodation

Purpose-built student accommodation are residences specifically for students. The options range from studio apartments to shared rooms with up to 16 beds, with shared communal areas and facilities.

The residences are often centrally located and near public transport, making it convenient for getting around a city. Bills such as electricity and internet are generally included in the advertised cost, so the cost of living should not change from month to month.

Culture and Language of Australia

Culture : 

Although Australia is a predominantly Christian country with about 52% of all Australians identifying as Christian, there is no official state religion.

People in Australia are free to practice any religion they choose, as long as they are not breaking the law. Religions from all over the world are practiced in Australia, demonstrating its cultural diversity.

Most universities and communities in Australia have facilities and places of worship for all types of faith, so international students in Australia should contact their international student officer about facilities at their educational institution.

Language :

Australia has no official language, but the majority of the population speaks English as a first language.

According to the 2016 census, 73% of people in Australia spoke only English at home, even including a large number of first- and second-generation migrants.

Australian English has a distinctive accent and vocabulary. Because people from about 200 countries around the world have migrated to Australia, there is a vast collection of languages spoken in the country.

Other languages spoken in Australia include Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese, and Greek.

It is believed that at one time, there were almost 400 Australian Aboriginal languages, but now only 70 of these languages have survived, and all but 30 are endangered. One indigenous language is still the main language for about 50,000 Aboriginal people in Australia.

Australian Climate

Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in Europe and North America.

Australia is often referred to as a land of diversity in terms of climate: from tropical rainforests, to golden beaches, to sparse deserts, to vast grazing lands to the rich coral reef, bursting with marine life.

Western Australia

During the winter in Western Australia, or “dry” season (April-September), temperatures generally range from 24 degrees Celsius (or 75 degrees Fahrenheit) to around 34°C (93°F).

However, average temperatures vary depending on specific location; coastal temperatures tend not to vary much throughout the day, while further inland, the temperature may reach 40°C (104°F), and then plummet towards zero during the night.

During the summer, or “wet” season in Western Australia (October-March), temperatures are generally in the mid to high 30s, with high humidity. People more accustomed to cooler climates may find this weather unpleasant, but visitors looking for some sunshine tend to find it enjoyable.

The southern coastal areas of the South West region of Australia have an average temperature of about 32°C (86°F) in the summer and 14°C (57°F) in the winter.

South Australia

South Australia’s summer lasts from December to February; the average temperature is 28°C (82°F), but can often reach higher than 30°C (86°F).

Northern parts of the state experience extremely hot conditions, as much of these parts are comprised of desert.

Nights in these areas are often very cold. Winters in South Australia last from March to November, and most of the rainfall that occurs in this area happens during June, July, and August. Temperatures during this time tend to hover around 16°C (61°F).