About Australia
Australia is an exciting country to live, work, travel and study and is built on a diverse and multicultural population. Enriched with a native aboriginal culture dating back 40,000 years and breathtaking natural landscapes and sceneries, Australia is a land that must be experienced with all your five senses!
Why Australia and not Europe, US or the UK? Australia is closer to home, with cheaper cost of education, transport, and cost of living and cheaper again to flu home again after your studies.
About Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital city of the state of Victoria and offers the perfect setting for an exciting educational experience. The city is also one of the safest cities in the world with an excellent public transport.
There is a lot to love about Melbourne - just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live here.
Melbourne is very much about lifestyle. It is no huge surprise to residents that their city has been ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities.
Melbournians love the city's vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne is less than 200 years old and never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing. (Source: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)
Climate
Melbourne has a reputation for its changeable weather. A tip for any visitor is to be prepared for anything – take an umbrella and wear layers that can be worn or removed as needed!
As a general rule, Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with warm to hot summers, mild and sometimes balmy springs and autumns, and cool winters.
While Melbourne has a reputation for rain, the city actually receives less rainfall than either Brisbane or Sydney.
Melbourne is an excellent place to see the seasons change. In summer, most people head out to visit our golden beaches. In autumn, experience the glorious foliage of the many European-style parks that fringe the CBD. In winter, Melbournians enjoy the warmth of cosy cafes and bars. Spring is a time for renewal – a great time to head back into our parks and revel in our beautiful gardens. (Source: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)
So what are you waiting for? Come study in Melbourne!
|
Season |
Average maximum |
Average minimum |
|
Summer (December to February) warm to hot |
25°C (77°F) |
14°C (57°F) |
|
Autumn (March to May) mild |
20°C (68°F) |
11°C (52°F) |
|
Winter (June to August) cool to brisk |
14°C (57°F) |
7°C (45°F) |
|
Spring (September to November) cool to mild |
20°C (68°F) |
10°C (50°F) |
(Source: Bureau of Meteorology, Climate statistics for Australian Locations (Melbourne))
For more information visit:
www.australia.com Tourism Australia official web site
www.visitvictoria.com To find out about destinations, accommodation events and attractions
www.thatsmelbourne.com.au To read about events, dining, shopping, parks and shows
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au Home page of the City of Melbourne
Settling in: Accommodation and Living Expenses
It is recommended that students allow a minimum of $18,000/year to cover their living costs and an extra $5,000 for food, transport and any personal items required. For a more detailed estimate of cost of living in Australia, refer to the table linked for reference
The costs provided in the table are only an estimate and can vary according to individual circumstances. They do not include tuitions fees, expenses related to mobile phones, computers or cars
You can visit the web site www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au for more information on living costs in the state of Victoria.
Arranging Visas
Most international students wanting to study in Australia require a student visa. Some other visa holders are also eligible to study as international students in Australia. Many students apply for a visa themselves on-line or via the Australian Diplomatic Mission in their country. The visa application process can be complicated and for students from some countries it may better to submit an application with the assistance of an accredited agent due their familiarity and experience in the field. You should check with Yorke Institute in Australia for our accredited agents in your country.
In order to apply for a visa you will need a valid passport, an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) and any other documentation required by the Australian diplomatic post with which you lodge your application. For example, if you are under 18 you must have a completed CAAW form to ensure your accommodation and welfare is approved by your education provider.
You must ensure to allow enough time for processing between lodging your application and the start of your academic program, as it can be a lengthy process depending on your country of origin.
Note: Visa information regularly changes so it is important to check the Department of immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website http://www.immi.gov.au/ regularly.
Visa Conditions
If you are granted a visa, you must abide by its conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the cancellation of your visa. For a full list of mandatory and discretionary student visa conditions please visit
www.immi.gov.au/students/visa-conditions-students
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
The Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship provides comprehensive information about student visa requirements and the application process, as well as application document checklists to assist you with your application. Visit www.immi.gov.au/students/index.htm, for the latest information.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
As well as links from the DIAC website the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website www.dfat.gov.au/embassies, has a comprehensive list of Australian embassies, high commissions, consulates and representative offices around the world.
Migration Agents
A registered migration agent can assist you in submitting your visa application and communicate with DIAC on your behalf, but please note that you do not need to use a migration agent to lodge any kind of visa application.
Education Agents
Education agents promote various Australian education programs and institutions internationally and are a good way for students to apply to study in Australia. Agents are experienced in making international student applications and applying for visas. Most speak both English and the local language so this makes the application process a lot simpler and generally hassle free for students and parents. Most do not charge for their service as they collect a commission from the institution you choose to attend. However, some agents do charge small amounts or offer additional services for which they charge.
Please Note: Although able to assist in completing education and visa applications, Education Agents are NOT licensed to provide migration advice.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Overseas student health cover (OSHC) is insurance that provides cover for the costs of medical and hospital care which international students may need while in Australia and is mandatory for international student visa holders. OSHC will also cover the cost of emergency ambulance transport and most prescription drugs.
Overseas Students must have health cover for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. OSHC gives access to out of hospital and in hospital medical services.
Single cover for 12 months costs $374; family cover for 12 months costs $748.
Note: Yorke Institute can arrange your OHSC (as specified in your letter of offer) unless you prefer to arrange it yourself.
Further information on OSHC can be found at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/privatehealth-consumers-overseascover.htm
School Aged Dependants
Students accompanied by any school aged dependants must ensure that they are enrolled in a school. There are options of enrolling them in public or private schools. Full fees are required to be paid if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school. You can contact your local council for more information.
Permission to work
From 26 April 2008, people granted student visas will automatically receive permission to work with their visa grant. Most student visa holders will no longer need to apply separately in Australia for permission to work. Please note that you will NOT be able to work in Australian until the first official day of classes when we will confirm your study commencement.
Yorke Institute can provide a range of services to help you improve your resume, to get work experience opportunities, job coaching and ongoing support with issues you might have.
Our orientation program includes information about banking, Tax File Number, superannuation and taxes.
Please keep in mind that you can work a maximum of 20 hours/week during the term and unlimited hours during your term break.
Further Information
Please refer to the Australian Government explanation of how the Education Services to Overseas Students Act 2000 works: http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/QuickInfo/ESOS_FrameWork_pdf.pdf
