Australia is a diverse, multicultural society comprised of people from many backgrounds which makes it the ideal destination for you if you have ever dreamed about improving your future. Living in Australia means encountering many opportunities; it is a young, multicultural and open country with an ever-growing economy.
Most of the Universities in Australia accepts applications for three major intakes:
- Semester 1 (February Intake) – February/March-May
- Semester 2 (July Intake) – July/August-November
Please find below the step-by-step process to guide you in applying and gaining admission into an Australian university:
- Research and Shortlist: Before applying to an institution, it is advised to research details like Tuition fees, scholarships, ranking, education standards among others. After carrying out this research, shortlist several schools that offer your chosen course and note application dates and deadlines.
2. Check for Entry Requirements: After confirming the schools and courses you would be interested in pursuing, go to each school’s website and find out the requirements for entry. You can send emails to the consultants in various schools to seek clarification on the entry requirements.
3. Prepare for Application: After getting information on the requirements, the next step is to prepare the necessary documents for the application process. These documents usually include;
- Valid passport
- Academic certificate and transcript
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Letter of motivation
- Grading system of the country or board
- English language proficiency test results
- Academic or Employers reference (if required)
- Documents to prove financial competency
- Documents supporting work experience
Some schools in certain provinces ask for an evaluation of your degree from the World Education Service (WES). You can apply to as many schools as possible as long as you can afford the application fees. There are certain schools that give application fee waivers.
4. Apply to School: Once the school begins calls for admission, you will need to register on the school’s portal and create a profile. You can then proceed to fill out the application form in accordance with the information on your documents, you will also be required to pay an application fee ranging from AUD 50-100 depending on the school. After completing the application form and paying the application fees you are required to submit all required documents.
5. Prepare Funds: While waiting to be granted admission which can take several weeks, it is advisable to prepare funds you would be needing to cover tuition and other expenses. Most schools require a proof of funds statement to show that the applicant is capable of paying the tuition fee and also has enough money to cover accommodation and other expenses before issuing admission. The school advises you on how much you will need to cover tuition for the entirety of your program and living expenses for a year which is usually around AUD 19,854 for a year.
6. Provisional Admission Offer: If your application is successful and you meet the schools’ requirements for admission, you are offered admission. This admission will provide details on tuition, accommodation options and how to go about your journey to Australia. You will be required to accept or decline the admission offer within a stipulated time. You will also be required to pay tuition fees for the first semester in order to receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE).
7. Applying for a Student Permit: Following receipt of your CoE necessary documents for this process are;
- a valid international passport
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) evidence
- statement of proof of funds or scholarship
- Evidence of Overseas Student Health Coverage (OHSC)
- C.V
- Certified copies of your academic transcript
You will also need to pay an application fee of AUD 630; the visa application period is about 1-4 weeks. Your application will be done online via (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/).
8. Travelling: After your visa is approved, you can look for accommodation before leaving if you do not already have a place to stay. You can proceed to book your flight tickets and prepare yourself by getting the necessary things like the right clothes for different weathers, electronics, and foodstuff you will be needing and you will be set to go.
