Universities and Colleges in Australia

1. Australian Catholic University
2. Australian International Hotel School
3. Australian National University
4. Bedford Business College
5. Bond University
6. Central Queensland University
7. Charles Sturt University
8. Claremont College
9. Curtin University, Western Australia
10. Deakin University
11. Edith Cowan University
12. Flinders University
13. Griffith University
14. James Cook University
15. La Trobe University
16. Macquarie University
17. Monash Mt Eliza Business School
18. Monash University
19. Murdoch University
20. Northern Territory University
21. Queen's College
22. Queensland University of Technology
23. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
24. Southern Cross University
25. Swinburne University of Technology
26. Swinburne University of Technology, Lilydale Campus
27. Sydney Institute of Technology
28. University of Adelaide
29. University of Ballarat
30. University of Canberra
31. University of Melbourne
32. University of New England
33. University of New South Wales
34. University of Newcastle
35. University of Notre Dame Australia
36. University of Queensland
37. University of South Australia
38. University of Southern Queensland
39. University of Sydney
40. University of Tasmania
41. University of Technology, Sydney
42. University of Western Australia
43. University of Western Sydney
44. University of Wollongong
45. Victoria University

Visa Process

(i) Evidence of Enrolment

One of the important requirements for a student visa application is that you must be accepted for enrolment, to undertake a course, by a Government registered Australian education institution. This is verified by the advice of acceptance from the Australian institution (commonly known as Letter of Offer), which is issued to a student who has been offered enrolment in a full-time course. You should not pay any part of the course tuition fee prior to the outcome of the PVA.

(ii) Financial Ability

Sponsor/s will have to provide documentary evidence of having cash assets ( immediately encashable assets like savings and fixed deposits in banks) held for atleast 6 months prior to the pre-visa application date. For school applicants, funds need to be held for 3 months prior to the pre-visa application date.

Who can be a Sponsor?

Sponsor/s can be the applicant, parents, grandparents, or spouse only ( relatives like brother /sister /uncle /aunt /cousin / family friend are not acceptable). School applicants have no restriction on sponsor/s.

How much funds have to be shown?

For Masters and Doctorate CoursesSponsors must provide evidence of cash assets for the first year tuition fee (as on the letter of offer) and living expenses (assumed at A$ 12000 p.a.) and access to additional funds (from acceptable sources) to meet the cost of the remainder of study and stay in Australia.

Commercial loans from Banks and government loans are acceptable.

In case the applicant holds a partial scholarship from an Australian institution or an institution in India ( eg. Educational Trusts), funds to cover the remaining costs must be provided as prescribed above.

Private corporate sponsorship is acceptable subject to certain conditions. However if the company is a family owned business and if one/both parents are directors/partners, it is treated as a parent sponsor.

Students with Dependants (Spouse/Children)
Costs could be expected to increase by atleast 35% if the student has a spouse, a further 20% (plus A$ 8000 p.a. for school fees if the child is 5 years or older) if the student has one child, a further 15% for each additional child plus school fees. The above amounts apply irrespective of whether they will accompany the applicant. Individual return travel costs need to be taken at A $ 1500 approx.

For Vocational Education and Training (VET), TAFE, Higher Education and School coursesSponsors must provide evidence of cash assets covering tuition fee and living expenses of the entire duration of the proposed and pre-requisite course (including foundation/ELICOS/Bridging program that precedes the main course).

(iii) English Proficiency

All students have to demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency, measured by an IELTS overall band score of atleast 6.0, except those enrolling for a Diploma course (VET) in which case 5.5 is acceptable. Please note that TOEFL score is not acceptable and IELTS is compulsory even if the student has studied in English medium institutions throughout his/her academic career.

(iv) Potential to breach visa conditions

This is an assessment of an individual's current circumstances done by the visa officer by reviewing for example, the situation in your home country - your personal and financial commitments that may prompt you to return to your home country.

(v) Other Relevant Matters

These include:

•  Immigration links with Australia

•   Usefulness of course for career development

•   Satisfactory completion of year 12 / relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent.

•   Strong links have to be established between past academic/work background and study goals.

•   Guardianship arrangements (if applicant is under 18 at the time of PVA application)

4. Further Processing

If you are advised that you meet the PVA requirements, you will be asked to undergo further processing. This includes payment of course tuition fee to the Australian educational institution and a medical examination. It is essential that the student and the accompanying dependent(s) meet the Australian Health requirements before a visa may be granted. This involves a medical check and an x-ray for applicants over 16. Applicants will need to present an original valid passport to identify themselves to the Doctor and Radiologist. In some cases medical results will be referred to Australia and as this process takes 3 - 4 weeks, applicants will need to allow additional time. Usually only medicals where the doctor or radiologist has detected an abnormality will be referred to Australia. Applicants need to take into account postage or courier times also.

5.  Total processing time

As a general rule, applicants should allow a four (4) to six (6) week timeframe for processing of applications.

Factors that may delay this processing time include:

•   Medical referral to Australia and the need for any subsequent medical tests;

•   Document verification including educational documents, employment references and bank statements; and

•   Applications which are incomplete and require the visa office to make contact with the applicant or the applicant’s agent.

6.  Health Insurance

It is compulsory for all international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for themselves and their dependents, where applicable, for the duration of the visa. The. premium for. OSHC is only to be paid once the PVA requirements have been met. The current premiums for OSHC are AUD274 for a single person and AIJD54S for a whole family.

7.  Re-entry into Australia

All Student Visas have a multiple entry facility for the full period of the visa. Students who plan to travel out of, and return to, Australia at any time during their course are advised to check that their visa is valid for return to Australia.

Fees of Different Courses

Staying in Australia

There is a wide range of student accommodation available in Australia. These include university halls of residence, university apartments for post graduate students and privately rented independent housing. Students can also arrange a 'Homestay' with a local family or board at many of the private secondary schools. Once you get an admission, the university's international office would help you find a suitable accommodation. Various options:

1. Homestay or farmstay
Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year. Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered. , and the cost will vary accordingly. Homestay is popular with younger students  and those studying short term English courses. Farmstay offers the same services in a rural setup.

Educational institutions ensure that homestay families are reputable, and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard. This type of accommodation gives international students access to the Australian lifestyle in a natural and friendly way. Students are often treated like members of the family.
Approx. Cost : A$ 150 - A$ 200 per week

2. Private Board
Private board is similar to homestay. Students negotiate personally with the landlord about the standard of accommodation and meals they require.
Approx. Cost :  A$ 50 - A$ 150 per week
(depending on the services provided)

3. Hostels and Guest HousesHostels are usually run by organisations such as youth Hostels Australia, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Approx. Cost :  A$ 80 - A$ 120 per week

4. Share and Rental Accommodation
Students often share accommodation with fellow students. They advertise on student notice boards and in the classified section of newspapers. All members of the household are responsible for cooking and cleaning. Students may have to provide their own furniture.
Approx. Cost :  A$ 70 - A$ 150 per week

5. University Apartments
Postgraduate and married students have access to this type of self contained, fully furnished accommodation within the university system.
Approx. Cost : A$ 130 - A$ 215 per week

6. University Residential Colleges
Residential Colleges provide accommodation with meal. They are slightly more expensive than university Halls of Residence The college undertakes cleaning and household tasks. Sporting and social facilities, tutoring, libraries and generally computer access are also provided.
Approx. Cost :  A$ 150 - A$ 250 per week

7. Halls of Residence:

Halls of residence are located on or near university campuses and are generally cheaper than residential colleges. International students find them an attractive option. Students usually have meals and some cleaning services provided. Only full time students are accepted. Students need to apply early because of the high demand for places.
Approx. Cost : A$ 100 - A$ 150 per week

Part Time Opportunities in Austrailia

International students at the higher education level can work on a casual basis (upto 20 hours a week) during course time and full time during vacation periods, provided this does not interfere with their study program.

Universities and TAFE institutions have a Careers Office, which regularly posts employment vacancies.

Before gaining paid part-time employment, you must lodge an application for a ‘student visa with permission to work’ with the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). You can only do this once you have started your course in Australia. 

Eligibility for Courses in Austrailia

Undergraduate (Bachelor Level)

The two main points (besides English Language requirements) to be considered before applying to any course in a university:

1. Australian Year 12 Qualification and Equivalents
(12 years of schooling)

The Australian education system is based upon 13 years of school level education (i.e. primary plus secondary). Each state in Australia has its own secondary school certificate. While these certificates have different names, they all require an equivalent standard of education and can be referred to generally as Australian Year 12 qualifications. All Australian universities recognize the various Year 12 qualifications from different states. The universities also recognize a wide range of secondary school certificates from other countries as being equivalent to the Australian Year 12 qualifications. Specifically, successful completion of class 10+2 from India.

2. Pre-requisite Subjects

Some courses specify 'pre-requisite subjects'. This means that students must have passed this subject as part of their entry qualification; this is because the first year subjects of the course assume that students have a good basic knowledge of this subject at Australian Year 12 level. Pre-requisite subjects vary from course to course. For instance, a Bachelor of Arts degree might have no pre-requisite; a Bachelor of Commerce might require general Mathematics and Bachelor of Engineering may require advanced Mathematics/Calculus. Some courses, especially in art and design, also require students to submit folios of their work with their applications.


Post Graduate (Master's & Doctorate level)

Masters degree and Graduate diploma: Most Australian universities accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into postgraduate courses. However, entry to postgraduate programs is competitive and often complex. For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.

PhD and Postgraduate diploma: For Postgraduate diploma, the student should have a recognized master degree in an appropriate field. For PhD, though each application is assessed on individual basis, a good master degree is essential.

Education System in Austrailia

Why study in Australia?

Australian universities have a higher proportion of attending international students than almost anywhere. Find out why the Australian blend of high quality degrees and programs allied to excellent value for money, is so popular with international students.

U.S. College and University

(AZ) Arizona Western College

(AZ) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University -AZ

(AZ) Phoenix College

(AZ) Pima Community College

(AZ) Rio Salado College

(AZ) Scottsdale Community College

(CA) Citrus College

(CA) Academy of Art College

(CA) CA State Polytechnic University, Pomona

(CA) California State University-Chico Campus

(CA) Foothill College/De Anza

(CA) Fresno Pacific University

(CA) Riverside Community College District

(CA) San Diego, University Of

(CA) San Francisco State University

(CA) San Jose State University

(CA) Santa Ana College & Santiago Canyon College

(CA) Santa Monica College

(CA) University of California, Riverside

(CO) Colorado College

(CO) Colorado State University

(CO) Colorado State University- Pueblo

(CO) Colorado Technical University - HTIR

(CO) Denver, University of

(CO) Westwood College of Technology

(CO) Otero Junior College

(CT) Bridgeport, University of

(CT) Fairfield University

(CT) Quinnipiac University

(CT) Teikyo Post University

(FL) Digital Media Arts College

(FL) Webber Int'l University

(FL) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - FL

(FL) Florida Metropolitan University (CCI)

(FL) Jacksonville University

(FL) Nova Southeastern University

(FL) Saint Thomas University

(HI) Hawaii Pacific University

(IA) Cornell College

(IA) Iowa State University

(IL) Columbia College-Chicago

(IL) Eastern Illinois University

(IL) Illinois Institute of Technology

(IL) Loyola University of Chicago

(IL) Southern Illinois University

(IN) Manchester College

(IN) Oakland City University

(IN) Southern Indiana, Univ. Of

(IN) University of Evansville

(KS) Emporia State University

(KY) Western Kentucky University

(KY) Brescia University

(KY) Campbellsville University

(KY) Morehead State University

(LA) Louisiana at Monroe, University of

(LA) Lousiana College

(LA) McNeese State University

(MA) Dean College

(MA) Emmanuel College

(MA) Fisher College

(MA) Massachusetts College of Art

(MA) Simmons College

(MD) Baltimore International College

(MI) Finlandia University

(MI) Grand Valley State University

(MI) Saginaw Valley State University

(MN) Argosy University/Twin Cities

(MN) Saint Catherine, College of

(MO) Drury University

(MO) Northwest Missouri State

(MT) Montana State University-Billings

(NC) Central Piedmont Community College

(NC) Fayetteville State University

(NC) North Carolina at Pembroke, Univ. Of

(ND) North Dakota State University

(NE) Wayne State College

(NE) Midland Lutheran College

(NH) Franklin Pierce College

(NM) Eastern New Mexico

(NM) New Mexico Highlands University

(NM) New Mexico Junior College

(NM) New Mexico State University

(NV) Community College of Southern Nevada

(NV) Nevada-Reno, University of

(NY) Dowling College

(NY) Wells College

(NY) Caldwell College

(NY) D'Youville College

(NY) Iona College

(NY) Metropolitan College of New York

(NY) Mohawk Valley Community College

(NY) New York Film Academy

(NY) Rockland Community College

(NY) School Search USA

(NY) St. Thomas Aquinas College

(OH) College of Wooster

(OH) Wittenberg University

(OH) Ashland University

(OH) Findlay, University of

(OH) Hiram College

(OH) Kigezi International School of Medicine

(OH) Lakeland Community College

(OH) University of Toledo

(OK) Oklahoma City University

(OK) Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

(OR) Oregon State University

(PA) Dickinson College

(PA) Drexel University

(PA) Arcadia University

(PA) Duquesne University -Office of Int'l Affairs

(PA) Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

(PA) Gannon University

(PA) Keystone College

(PA) Marywood University

(PA) Point Park College

(PA) Scranton, University of

(PA) Chestnut Hill College

(SC) St. Benedict, College of

(TN) Middle Tennessee State University

(TN) University of the South

(TX) Dallas Baptist University

(TX) Angelo State University

(TX) Southern Methodist University

(TX) St. Mary's University

(TX) Stephen F. Austin State University

(TX) Texas State University

(UT) Utah State University

(VA) Hampden-Sydney College

(VA) Randolph-Macon Woman's College

(WA) Yakima Valley Community College

(WI) Wisconsin-Eau Claire, University of

(WI) Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of

(WI) St. Norbert College

(WI) University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

(WV) Davis & Elkins College

(UT) Snow College

(HI) University of Hawaii-Hilo

10 Things to know about New GRE Pattern 2011.

Test 2011
1.Better Design:
The new design is Multi-State Design, where you can go back and forward in a particular
section and edit the answers. You can mark and go back to a question and answer. It is
different from the way the current GRE works. The goal is to create a more natural test
experience.

2. Improved Quality of Data:
The quality of the data used for the GRE Test will be better in the new pattern. New
GRE pattern is designed to measure those skills that are critical to graduate and Business
programs.

 3. Most revisions to Verbal Section
The verbal section is the most changed section of the whole GRE. There will be more
complex reasoning. No antonyms and analogies. No vocabulary out of context. New
types of questions.

4. Quantitative reasoning :
They are including a calculator to avoid distractions in test caused my minor mistakes.
They are interested in reasoning ability and not the arithmetic calculations. More
emphasis on Data interpretation and real life scenarios.

5. Analytical Writing :
There are not many major changes here but there will be expectations for more focused
responses and less generalization.

6. New Test Score Scaling :
Due to changes to verbal and quant sections the new scale for them will be 130 to
170 score scale with increments of 1 point instead of before 200 to 800 with 10 point
increments. The analytical writing section will have same scale of 0 to 6 with 0.5
increments. The new test is designed to give fair chance to demonstrate your reasoning
skills irrespective of your background.

7. First New GRE 2011 Test Scores and Test :
The first day of test is Aug 1, 2011. The scores for the tests taken between august and
October will be available in November 2011. Applicants who need to GRE Scores before
November 2011, should take the current test before Aug 2011. The score reporting will
go back to normal 10-15 day cycle after late November.

8. Paper based Testing :
If you are taking paper based test, then you have to take before Nov 2011. The test dates
that are available are : Oct 23, Nov 20 in 2010 and Feb 12, 2011. All the new changes to
GRE will be available in the paper based test too after the launch.

9. Split Test Going away :
if you are in China, Hon Kong, Korea and Taiwan, you may be used to split-test. It is
going away with new pattern. The new test will facilitate faster reporting, offered more
often on computer and can be done in same day and single sitting.

10. GRE Test prep Material :
The GRE Test prep material is available more than an year ahead of time for better
preparation. In fact, it is currently available now at GRE website : GRE revised General

Test Sample Questions

Are Old GRE Scores valid after New GRE 2011
Pattern ? How long ?
Short answer YES, they are valid. They are valid for 5 years from the Date you have
taken the test. As you know, GRE test scores are typically valid for 5 years from the date
since you have taken the GRE. Let me explain with example. Let’s say you take GRE
in June of 2010, then your score will be valid until June of 2015. That’s five years. ETS
clearly states on their website in the instructions to the US schools that GRE Test scores
will be valid for 5 years and it does not change with the introduction of the new GRE.


Will US Schools Accept old GRE Test scores if I apply
after the new GRE 2011 pattern ?
YES, They will. ETS specifically mentions in the instructions to the US institutions that
they should not discriminate between the old GRE scores and New GRE 2011 pattern
scores until the scores expire. But, they tell the schools that if a student has taken GRE
two times and applies with Old and new scores together, then they should consider the
new pattern scores. You are not at any disadvantage if you take the old or Current GRE
pattern test. Similarly, taking the new GRE pattern in 2011 not give you any advantages
with admissions either. Do not be fooled by any myths. You can see that below in the
screenshot taken from ETS GRE website.

Information on TOEFL

Required in US & in some universities of Canada. It consists of 120 points.
It is an internet based test (iBT)

 TOEFL iBT

Section	Content	No of Questions	Approximate time
Reading	3 Passages	36-42	60-100 minutes
Listening	2 Conversations 4 Lectures	34	60-90 minutes
Speaking	2 Independent tasks 4 Integrated – skills tasks	6	20 minutes
Writing	1 Integrated – skills task 1 Independent task	1 1	50 minutes

Information on IELTS

Required in every European country, Australia and some universities of Canada.
It consists of nine bands.

There are two versions of the IELTS test:

Academic Module This Module is for students seeking entry to a university or institution of higher education offering degree and diploma courses.

General Module This module is for students seeking entry to secondary schools, for vocational training courses or immigration purposes.

Academic Module

Academic Module

Section	Content	No of Questions	Approximate time
Listening	Audio	40	30 minutes
Reading	3 passages	40	60 minutes
Writing	1. Report writing 2. Essay writing	2 tasks	60 minutes
Speaking	1. Introduction 2. Task card 3. Cross questioning	15-20	11-15 minutes

General Visa Information on UK

What is a visa?

A visa is a document issued by the UK Border Agency which gives someone permission to travel to or enter the UK.  This permission is called ''entry clearance''. 

There are 4 types of entry clearance document: 

• a visa which is required by some nationals or citizens of the countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
• an entry certificate which is issued to non-visa nationals;
• an EEA family permit which is issued to non-EEA nationals who are the family members of EEA nationals; and
• an exempt vignette for people (such as diplomats) who are exempt from the requirements of the Immigration Act 1971. 

What are visa application centres?

Where there are no visa sections in the country where you are applying for a UK visa, a visa application centre (VAC) is where you, as a visa applicant, will have to go in person to submit your application and provide your biometric information.  Our VACs are run by commercial partners.  You may also collect your documents from the VAC at the end of the process.  VACs are located in major cities for your convenience and ease of access.
Visa staff at the British mission will then consider your application and decide whether to issue or refuse your visa. In some instances it may be necessary for the visa staff to request further documents. VAC staff have no say in deciding the outcome of an application

Can I have more than one visa?

It is not possible to hold more than one visa or entry clearance. If your circumstances change you should always inform the Home Office before you leave the UK so that your permission to stay can be curtailed. Once your permission to stay has been curtailed you will be able to apply for a new visa overseas.

Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?

Visas for the UK can be issued only at British Missions overseas. If you need a visa, you must get it before you travel to the UK.

Can somebody else fill in my application form for me?

Yes, but you must sign the application form personally to show that the information given is true and accurate. Giving false or misleading information, or failing to give important relevant information on a visa application form, or to an entry clearance officer, will be reason for an application to be refused.  You may also be automatically refused a visa for the following ten years for using deception in an application.
Our visa application forms are available only in English and must be completed in English or with certified translation of certain documents.  This will enable us to improve the efficiency and quality of the service we provide to our customers.

Can I apply for a long-term visa?

You should give careful consideration before applying for a long-term visit visa valid for 1, 2, 5 or 10 years as there is the possibility that the visa may be refused, or issued for a shorter period than you have applied for. This could happen if the evidence you provide does not support a long term visit visa application or does not meet the entry clearance criteria. If the application is refused or the visa is issued for a shorter period, you will not be refunded your application fee.  There is no automatic entitlement to a 1, 2, 5 or 10 year visit visa.

Although there is no requirement for you to have held a short term visit visa (that is, a standard visit visa of 6 months validity) before being able to apply for a long term one, if you have not previously applied for a UK visa, you may wish to apply for a short term visit visa first.

Applications for long-term visit visas will be considered in the light of:

• Whether the applicant can demonstrate a frequent and sustained need to come to the UK, such as family links or an established business connection.
• Whether personal circumstances are unlikely to change significantly during the validity of the visa.  The better able the applicant can demonstrate stability over the long term the more it will support an application for a longer period.
• Whether the applicant can support themselves in the UK without public funds, and demonstrate that they intend to leave the UK at the end of each visit.
• Previous travel history as evidenced in a current valid passport.

Applicants under the age of 18 may only be granted a visa which is valid to six months past their 18th birthday. For instance, for a 14 year old applying for a five or ten year long term visit visa, the visa expiry date will be limited to the date that is six months after the applicant’s 18th birthday.

What if I don't understand English?

You will need to find someone who can speak English to help you complete the application form.
Your documents can be submitted in local language as long as they are accompanied by a summary in English.  You may be required to provide certified translations for some documents.  Please ask your local visa application centre or visa section for advice.

What is 'biometric' information?

All UK visa applicants, save for those benefiting from a limited number of exemptions and exceptions, are required to provide biometric data (we will take 10-digit finger scans and a digital photograph for our records) as part of the application process.
You will have to go in person to your nearest visa application centre to provide your biometrics and submit your application.
Your visa application will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information.  The finger scans are electronic so staff do not need to use any ink, liquid or chemicals.  You will have your digital photograph taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes to complete.  You should make sure that you do not have any decoration (such as henna), or any cuts or other markings on your fingertips before having your finger scans.  You should also make sure that if you have any cuts and bruises on your face, they have healed or disappeared before you have your photograph taken.  Digital photographs must be of your full face and you should not wear sunglasses, a hat or any other head covering (unless you wear it for cultural or religious reasons but the face must not be covered).
Please note: children under the age of five are not required to provide biometrics as part of the application process. 

Why may I need to attend an interview?

When a visa officer cannot make an immediate decision about whether you qualify for a visa, you may be asked to attend an interview. We aim to do this within 15 working days from the date the visa officer assesses your application.

Always try to make your application well in advance of your intended travel date.

Course Fees & Living Expenses in Canada

     Course Fees

Approximate $10,000

Living Expenses

$400-$600 per month

Canada Student Visa

•Completed Student Application form.

•Completed Supplementary Questionnaire for students and postdoctoral researchers.

•Official letter of acceptance from Canadian university, college or Technical Institute.

•Certificate of Acceptance from the province of Quebec (Only if you plan to study in province of Quebec)

•TOEFL/IELTS scores if applicable

•Passport, valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry to Canada, plus valid passports of any accompanying dependants.

•Bank Draft for the applicable visa processing fees.