Greek Student Guide
If you are a Greek student you are probably considering or have considered studying abroad at some point. Greece has more students studying abroad than any other nation, proportionate to its population. For every million inhabitants there are 4784 students studying overseas – the highest of any nationality.
Australia has internationally recognised programs, an impressive graduate employment rate and a strong Greek culture and heritage. All these aspects make it an ideal study destination for Greek students looking to undertake a unique study experience and improve their employment prospects by gaining a quality qualification.
Australia offers:
- a high quality education system with a reputation for excellence
- internationally recognised courses and qualifications
- cheaper study and living expenses compared to many other countries
- permission to work part time while studying
- well-regarded skills and qualifications to support a career on your return to Greece
- opportunities for permanent residency and migration to Australia after study
- a strong Greek culture and thriving Greek communities
- vibrant, appealing and multicultural cities
- a safe and enjoyable lifestyle with great weather
Greek students in Australia
The largest number of Greek students in Australia (over 55% ) are studying in the higher education (university) sector. The strong reputation and research excellence of Australian universities, coupled with their multinational student body and high capacity make Australia an attractive option for Greek students.
A further 23% of Greek students are studying in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. The VET sector offers an extensive range of courses and subject areas that provide practical skills and training for a huge variety of careers. The hands-on training and simulated work environment give VET students a huge edge over other graduates.
Read more about higher education.
Read more about vocational education and Technical and Further Education.
Graduate outcomes
One of the main reasons Greek students study abroad is to improve their employment prospects. Australia definitely has you covered in this area – whether you take your qualification back to Greece or continue a career in Australia, an Australian qualification can set you up for life.
Australian qualifications are regulated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF contributes to the worldwide recognition of Australian qualifications and makes it easy for other countries to understand what level of education each Australian qualification represents. You can be confident your Australian qualification will be recognised by international employers and education institutions around the world.
In comparison to the current Greek graduate unemployment rate of 21% , Australia only has a graduate unemployment rate of 5.2% . The annual starting salary for graduate jobs in Australia is $45,000 (€22,892) and Australian working conditions are among the best in the world. Learn more about migrating to Australia.
Greek – Australian community
Australia has a strong Greek heritage and a thriving Greek community, which has been strongly influenced by the high levels of Greek migration during the 1950s and 1960s. Today, Greeks are the seventh largest ethnic group in Australia and over 365,000 people have Greek ancestry. Greek is the third most spoken foreign language in Australia behind Chinese and Italian.
Today, just under half of the Greek-born population (49.6%) live in Victoria, with a further third in New South Wales (31.7%). Victoria’s capital city Melbourne is Sister City to Thessaloniki in northern Greece, and an important overseas centre of Hellenism.
Greek Australians have become established members of Australian society and have had a major influence on the development of many Australian industries such as the food service, construction, real estate, tourism and wine industries. Greek Australians maintain a strong cultural and religious identity while playing a prominent part in Australian mainstream society in politics, the arts, education, business and sport.
Australia is home to many famous and notable Greek-Australians – tennis player Mark Philippoussis, actor and comedian Nick Giannopoulos and journalist Mary Kostakidis.
Student visas
You do not need to apply for your student visa until you are accepted by your Australian education provider and have received formal proof of offer or enrolment. However, before you apply for a course, it is a good idea to contact the Australian embassy in Greece to find out if you are eligible for a student visa, how to make your application, and what your document requirements will be.
Australian Embassy
Level 6, Thon Building
Ambelokipi
Athens 115 23 GREECE
Telephone +30 210 870 4000
Fax +30 210 870 4055
Web www.greece.embassy.gov.au
Student visas are divided into seven subclasses that depend on the type of study you have enrolled in. Greek students are currently classified at Assessment Level 1, which means you can apply for your student visa online. Visa assessment levels are determined by the Australian Department of Immigration. Read more about student visas.
Scholarships
There are a range of scholarships available to Greek students wishing to study in Australia. A scholarship can provide great help with funds for your study, and although there is strong competition for each scholarship, they are definitely worth investigating.
The Endeavour Program is offered by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and aims to encourage high-achieving students, researchers and professionals to take part in short and long-term study, research, and professional development in Australia.
There are two Endeavour Awards available to Greek students:
Scholarships database
Search the scholarships database by categories such as type of course, field of study and study location, and find a detailed description of each scholarship.
It is also worth looking into other scholarships that may be available from Greece, through your preferred Australian education provider, or through professional associations, prominent industry companies and other interest groups.
Sources
OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development), Greece education figures
