Applying for study in Australia
Published 2014
Studying abroad is an exciting prospect — you’ll have a new country to explore, new classes to attend and a new campus to navigate. And now that you’ve made your decision, you’ll probably want to know what goes into applying for an Australian study experience. We outline the process below.
1. Do plenty of research
Start by exploring your options. What qualification level are you hoping to study? Are you interested in attending a university, a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institute or a private college? Is there a particular part of Australia that has caught your interest? Choosing a course and institution is all about deciding what you are hoping to achieve from your study experience and finding the right fit for your needs. Are you looking for a prestigious university, known worldwide for its research? Or would you prefer a smaller institute that prides itself on student experience and industry-relevant courses? It’s also crucial to look into entry requirements to make sure you will be eligible for admission, as well as tuition fees and scholarships.
2. Seek advice from student advisers
Once you’ve chosen a course and institution, it’s important to get help from student or career advisers — at your current institution, at the Australian institution or through an education agent. They will be best placed to answer questions you have about your studies, and will be able to provide advice to ensure your application is successful. Remember that it’s better to ask questions than to submit an application that doesn’t meet the institution’s requirements.
3. Get ready to apply
You’ve done your research and had your questions answered, so it’s finally time to apply! Start by double-checking the entry requirements of all courses you are considering, including required qualifications and minimum English language proficiency score. Also make note of application deadlines. Depending on your institution, you will usually be able to apply online or by post (you can generally download application forms on the website or nominate to have them posted to your home). Once you have your application form, you will need to provide the following information: your personal details, certified proof of English language proficiency, details of your previous qualifications, your course preferences and, if applicable, a summary of relevant work experience.
When you’ve filled in your applications and completed the necessary checks, ask yourself some final questions. Have you researched courses and potential specialisations in detail? Do you understand how universities and other institutions can differ? Have you read about the different parts of Australia to determine where you would like to study? If you’ve ticked all these boxes, you're ready for the next step.
4. Submit your application
Now that you’ve filled in your application forms, it's time to submit them. The most important thing is to make sure you have provided all the required information, including evidentiary documents (such as an academic transcript), and in the correct format. For example, you will need to make copies of important documents and have them certified by an approved person such as pharmacist or police officer — institutions will not accept originals and may not be able to guarantee their return if they are submitted. Spelling and grammar are also very important, so proofreading is crucial. Even if you are confident in your English language ability, having a ‘second set of eyes’ read your application can help you pick up on small errors that could affect your chances of being accepted.
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