Tag Archive for: Visa Services

Overseas Students in Australia records another double-digit growth

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Australia is set for another record reaching double-digits with 720,150 students enrolled across various sectors as of September 2019.

Overseas student numbers in Australia set its record by 11.4% in 2018 and 12.6% in 2017.

The overseas student population was comprised of the growth from the higher education and vocational (VET) sectors, contributing 12% and 17% year-over-year increases, respectively. ELICOS increased with 3% growth while there was a small decrease recorded for schools and non-award programs having -4%.

Here are the top countries where overseas students are sourced out:

  • China (28% of the total)
  • India (15% of the total)
  • Nepal (7% of the total)
  • Brazil (4% of the total)
  • Vietnam (3.5% of the total)

While student visa holders in Australia are focused mainly on study options, they also are entitled to work rights. They are entitled to work up to 40 hours per fortnight or 20 hours per week while their course is on-going while they can also work full-time during term breaks or holidays.

Education agents are one of the major players of this growth in which they source out overseas students to study in Australia. With over 20 partner education institutions offering over 100 different courses in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, MEI can help you choose a course and a college that suits your career and life ambitions. Our qualified counselors will provide you with expert guidance, based on your goals and circumstances. We listen to you and provide personal advice that will help you navigate your way to success.

Top tips for international students while entering Australian colleges

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Known for its diverse communities and quality education, Australia has become a popular study destination for international students over the years.

With topnotch education providers having 37 of its institutions landed in the 2019 World’s Best University Rankings, international students not only have the opportunity to study at some reputable universities but they also gain quality education and training that are valuable and recognized all around the world.

Here are some useful tips for international students as they embark their journey to Australia for the first time:

Embrace your new environment

Being immersed in a new environment can be a challenge but embracing it will make it easier for you to adapt to the lifestyle, culture and the warmth of its people. The onshore students you’ll encounter are friendly and accepting of any race and ethnicity; since Australia is known for being multiculturally diverse.

Socialize

Aside from quality education, one of the best things about being an international student in Australia is that you have a chance to meet people from all around the globe inside the campus; sharing the same goals and passion that you have. Fear of being alone and the way of coping with anxiety matters during the course of your study greatly affects your holistic being. To overcome these anxieties, you need to get involved with social activities such as club teams, culture immersions, and community services.

Seek for support networks

Always make sure to know where to get the right information with regard to the institution’s support services. You will need this in instances that you have questions regarding the course you are taking, the campus and other study-related questions you have in mind.

Always make a D-I-Y planner and manage your expenses

Being alone and independent in a foreign country will demand responsibility especially in your studies. To do this, you have to make a calendar of your to-do’s and make sure that all sure assignments are done on time to avoid pile-up tasks that would lead you to procrastinate. You also need to manage all your expenses from your accommodations, tuition fees, etc.

Take some time to breathe

Spend your spare time during term breaks and downtime to travel and explore the beautiful country with plenty of things to do and see. Aside from its beautiful beaches and natural landscape, Australia also has a rich history with restaurants, museums and art galleries.

Studying in New Zealand for Chinese Students

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The Chinese economy is booming and its citizens are always on the lookout for all things quality. The education and training of their youth is no exception. In 2017, almost 25,500 Chinese students were granted visas to study in New Zealand. This is more than half of the almost 50,000 student visas issued for the year.  What makes NZ such an attractive education destination for the Chinese youth and how can you get competitive and comprehensive education like theirs? Read on and find out.

Why NZ

If you are looking for a great adventure along with a world-class education, then New Zealand is the perfect place to be. All of New Zealand’s eight universities are in the top 3% in the world rankings, making your NZ education a passport to great opportunities.

In New Zealand, the world is your playground. Whether you get inspiration from the sea, the mountains, or the forests, there will be an adventure waiting for you. You will experience all of what a first world country offers minus the overcrowding, thanks to the population of only 4.6 million people.

Ranked 2nd by the Global Peace Index in 2017, it is one of the safest places to study. It has also been tagged as the least corrupt country too. Who wouldn’t thrive in a laid-back environment, surrounded by warm and welcoming Kiwis?

Requirements

Your journey to New Zealand starts at home. Determine what level and specific course you wish to pursue. This would help you zero in on the school you want to apply to. While different learning institutions have varying requirements, it is important to supply all of it. This can be conveniently done online. Once you have an unconditional Offer of Place in your school of choice, you should then proceed to secure a student visa.

There are three types of student visas specific for Chinese citizens. These are the general student visa, the Pathway Pilot, and the student visa for partners of work visa holders. Disparities in requirements are present for each student visa type. What’s common across the three is the requirement of offer of place and evidence of maintenance funds. Read more on student visa requirements here <https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/checklists/china >

School Fees

How much you have to pay for school fees depend on the duration, level, and course you want to pursue.  Students taking up English language courses tend to pay the least. They cash out $ 5,000 for a 12-week course. They are followed by PhD students who shell out $ 6,500 to $ 9,000 per year. Postgraduate degrees prove to be the most expensive. A student at this level can expect to pay $ 26,000 to $ 37,000. Those who are taking up medicine and veterinary science subjects should be ready to pay more.

Living Costs

Where do you plan to stay in New Zealand? How would you describe your lifestyle? Your answers to these two questions will determine how much you have to spend for your day to day expenses.

You would need $ 7,080 assuming that you are from Beijing and spend $ 4,300 in your current city, pay rent, and would rent when you stay in Auckland. This is $ 3,700 more than what you would spend in Beijing for the same standard of life. Consumer prices in Auckland are close to 80% higher than in Beijing. For more rates and to select another Chinese and New Zealand city, visit this <https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=China&city1=Beijing&country2=New+Zealand&city2=Auckland&displayCurrency=NZD >.

Support Group

It can be isolating to be in a foreign land. Find support! Chinese youth is the biggest international student group in New Zealand so you should be in touch with a buddy in no time. Visit the New Zealand Chinese Students’ Association website and get started. You should also take advantage of student orientations and classroom interactions to find your tribe. All you have to do is be warm and friendly.

The Chinese economy is showing no signs of slowing down. Benefit from the economic boom by being globally competitive. Start preparing for your New Zealand education now and be poised for success.

Studying in New Zealand for Taiwanese Students

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Imagine a first world country comparable to Germany and Japan, minus the frantic pace of life plus the grandeur of nature. Now, imagine that you are right smack in the middle of it as you pursue world-class education in the company of one of the most welcoming group of people in the planet. Sounds too good to be true? Better believe it. All of it is possible when you decide to move to New Zealand.

Before You Go to NZ

Any Taiwanese student who intends to study in New Zealand for more than three months needs a student visa. It will cost you TWD 1300 per application. You or your representative can lodge your application at the New Zealand Visa Application Centre in Taipei. The Centre is open from 8am-3pm on Mondays-Fridays, except on holidays. Make sure to bring all the original documents with you. It’d also be wise to secure photocopies so you have a backup. Documentary requirements vary from one type of visa from another. For details regarding requirements for a general Student Visa, a Student Visa for partners of Work Visa Holders, and Students and Trainees Work Visa, visit <http://www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand/taiwan/student_visa.html >.

Getting There

When you travel from Taiwan to New Zealand, you would fly across 6,000 miles of land and sea. That would take you at least 11 hours and 41 minutes. Flights shouldn’t be a problem as multiple airlines including Air New Zealand, China Southern, China Eastern, and Air China fly to Taipei to Auckland. Prior the flight, be cautious of your food and water intake. You wouldn’t want an upset stomach while in a long flight.

All NZ cities and towns are connected via buses so it would be easy to get around. City-suburban rail services are likewise available in Auckland and Wellington.

Cost of Studies

Studying overseas is a major investment. As such, you can expect to shell out a considerable amount of money. Fees depend on the duration and level of studies you wish you pursue. State primary and secondary schools have fees ranging from $ 11,000 to $ 13,000. Private schools charge considerably higher and fees start at about $ 25,000.

Costs are considerably higher in the tertiary and post-graduate levels, but international PhD students can enjoy the same rate paid by NZ natives pursuing a PhD. Full list of New Zealand university fees can be found here <https://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/sites/default/files/uni-nz/Fees%20for%20International%20Students%202018.pdf >.

Can’t quite afford the fees for a New Zealand education? It’s not time to worry yet! Government-sponsored as well as school-specific scholarships and exchange programs are available. Find out what is applicable for you here <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/how-to-apply/scholarship/search-results?nationalityid=193 > .

Cost of Living

Prior to moving to New Zealand, you have to understand that the cost of living is significantly higher. On the average, the cost of living in Auckland is 40% more expensive than in Taipei.                                                             The price difference can be seen in basic necessities like food. A 0.33 litre bottle of water costs $ 2.45 in Auckland, but just $ 0.97 in Taipei. Same is true for a basic meal in McDonalds. When in Taipei you can get one for $ 5.89, you have to shell out double when you are in Auckland.

This is not a comprehensive comparison. Your ultimate living cost will depend on your lifestyle and the exact region of NZ you decide to stay in. Naturally, city centres are more expensive than places away from it.

Want to learn how to cut living costs? These five tips may be of great help <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/blog/5-ways-cut-your-living-costs-while-you-study-new-zealand/ >.

Opportunities

Being an international student in New Zealand will present you with numerous opportunities, not just after you finish your studies, but even as you are studying. Certain student visas will enable you to work for 20 hours a week during the term. Tertiary students can work full-time during the Christmas and Holiday period provided that their course is worth more than 120 credits. Masters and PhD students don’t have any restrictions on the hours they can work so if they are up for it, they can juggle full-time studying and full-time work at the same time.

Kiwis take pride in their “Can do” attitude. Most international professionals who thrive in the NZ workplace imbibe this attitude too. Make the most of your stay by not just making money on the side, but also honing your character.

Deciding to leave the familiar for the unknown is a bold step. Don’t be haunted by the “what-ifs” and “should haves”.  Start your New Zealand journey now. It definitely worth it.

Studying in New Zealand for Filipino Students

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If you are a Filipino, there is a 99% chance that you have a relative working or studying overseas. Filipinos are no stranger to establishing roots in a foreign land. In fact, the Filipino migrant diaspora has earned them a solid reputation in the global market. In more recent years, the diaspora has gone beyond labor and onto education. The Philippines has become one of the fastest growing education markets in NZ. What makes New Zealand so attractive to more than 4,100 Filipino students? Simply put, it’s the work-study-life balance. Want to experience the NZ way of life? Here are a few things that you need to know.

Preliminaries

One of the most important things that you need to obtain if you intend to study in a NZ learning institution is a student visa. You or your representative can lodge your application at the counter of the New Zealand Visa Application in Manila (M-F except public holidays; 7am to 2pm) and in Cebu (M-F except on public holidays; 7am to 1pm). Bring all the documentary requirements and pay an Application Lodgement Fee of Php 785. Only PhP currency is accepted in the Centre. Specific documentary requirements, photo specifications, and processing time details can be found here <http://www.vfsglobal.com/NewZealand/philippines/Student-Visa.html >.

Getting There

Flight time from Manila to Auckland is close to 14 hours. Make sure that you wear comfy clothes and eat food that won’t upset your stomach. Flying to NZ shouldn’t be a problem as non-stop flights from Manila to Auckland are offered by Philippine Airlines. Air New Zealand likewise offers flights from Cebu or Manila to NZ, plus connecting flights to 20 NZ domestic destinations.

Cost of Living

Prior to getting to New Zealand, it is important to note that the cost of living is significantly higher there. Consider a Big Mac Meal. You can get it for Php 169 ($ 4.67) in the Philippines. The same meal can go for as high as $ 11 when you are in a Kiwi McDonald’s. Rent also follows the same trend. When in the PH you can just pay PhP 16,538 ($ 456) for a 45m2 furnished studio space, you have to shell out at least $ 1,557 in New Zealand.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the disparity in costs. Learn how to wisely spend while you are in NZ by reading this blog <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/blog/5-ways-cut-your-living-costs-while-you-study-new-zealand/> .

Chance at a Living

A recent survey shows that Filipinos are the happiest migrants in New Zealand. The reason? Filipinos earn seven times more in New Zealand compared to the home country. Plenty of work opportunities are available for an individual with a student visa. Work up to 20 hours per week during the term and work full-time during the holidays. What you earn while you work in NZ can help offset your living costs. If you spend your money wisely, you can probably have some savings too.

There is good reason why 90% of Filipino students choose to stay in Kiwi territory after completing their studies. Take advantage of the great working environment and satisfying pay during your stay in NZ.

Filipino Support

It’s easy to feel homesick when you are away from family, friends, and everything familiar. There’s an easy remedy for that. Go out and reach out! Filipinos are the third largest Asian ethnic group in New Zealand, behind the Chinese and Indian Ethnic groups. Majority of Pinoys live in Auckland and Wellington while the minority lives in the Canterbury Region. Most universities like the University of Auckland, Otago University, and Victoria University of Wellington have their own Filipino students’ associations. Wherever you are in NZ, there should be a kababayan within reach.

Filipinos are natural wanderers. If you are up for challenge and adventure, head over to New Zealand. You are sure to gain friends and experiences that’d last a lifetime.

Studying in New Zealand for Vietnamese Students

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How do you like to get a world-class education set in absolutely safe and stunning scenery, surrounded by laid-back and welcoming people? For more than 2,200 Vietnamese students, the choice was not hard to make. Education New Zealand revealed that Vietnam is among the top three Southeast Asian countries in terms of student numbers. A whopping 60% increase on the number of first time student visa applications from VN to NZ was also seen in 2017. Indeed, more and more Vietnamese families are opting to go to New Zealand to get world-class education. Don’t want to get left behind? Read on.

First things first

So you want to pursue your academic dreams in New Zealand? Great! The first and essential steps can be done at the comfort of your home country. Take advantage of online application systems. Most NZ learning institutions have these. Just comply with all the necessary documentary requirements, pay the fees, and you are all set. Once the NZ education provider gives you an Offer of Place, you can now process your student visa.

To lodge your student visa application, you should go to the New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Remember to always provide the original documents, along with a backup photocopy of each. Read, read, and read the requirements. More detailed information about Student Visa application for Vietnamese students can be found here <https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/checklists/vietnam/checklist-for-vietnam-visitor-visa-general-1.pdf >.

Getting there

Air travel distance between Vietnam and New Zealand is close to 5,700 miles. In terms of a direct flight, this means that you’d clock 11 hours on the plane. This should not be a cause for concern as carriers like Air New Zealand, Vietnam Airlines, and Cathay Pacific have topnotch facilities to make your journey as comfy as possible. Fly from Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi to major NZ regions like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

Getting around NZ is fast and convenient as regions are connected via bus, train, and plane routes.

The Cost

Studying overseas is considered by many to be an investment. Like most major investments, getting a degree in New Zealand can require considerable financial resources. Education fees vary greatly, depending on the type of course you want to pursue. A full list of indicative NZ university fees can be found here <https://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/sites/default/files/uninz/Fees%20for%20International%20Students%202018.pdf>.

Feel like you won’t be able to afford the fees? Government-sponsored scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students are available. Learn more about these at <https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid-and-development/scholarships/who-can-apply-for-a-scholarship-3/viet-nam-scholarships-2/>. Universities and other learning institutions also offer grants and scholarships. Check their corresponding websites to know the details.

Living costs depend greatly on your lifestyle and location. There are regions that can be more expensive than others. For example Auckland and Wellington have premium weekly rent rates at $ 512 and $ 408, respectively. Southland and West Coast are considerably more affordable at $ 228 and $ 232. The trend is the same when it comes to food. According to the New Zealand Estimated Food Costs for 2018, you will spend $ 61-71 per week to maintain a Basic diet if you are in Wellington. The same is possible for less if you are in Christchurch ($ 57-67).

If you need help in keeping your living costs down, read up on this <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/blog/5-ways-cut-your-living-costs-while-you-study-new-zealand/>.

The Opportunities

The Kiwis believe in the “Can-do” attitude and if you imbibe it, there will be great opportunities for you. Getting a student visa in NZ allows you to work a maximum of 20-hours per week, on a part-time basis, while the term is on-going. During the holidays, you can work full-time. While you get quality education, you can earn on the side, and gain practical life experience. What’s not to love about that?

Support Network

Moving away from people and places that are dear to you can be incredibly challenging. Don’t be a stranger! Higher learning institutions like the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, and Victoria University of Wellington have associations specific to Vietnamese students. Are you into photography? Are you the world’s number one anime fan? Interest-based groups also abound. Whatever your interest is, you are sure to find kindred spirits out there. All you have to do is be open.

Your time in NZ is a window to meet people from diverse backgrounds. Don’t limit yourself to the familiar. Socialize and find your tribe!

Vietnamese students are flocking to NZ to receive world-class education. Don’t get left behind. Get started on your very own epic New Zealand adventure.

Studying in New Zealand for Korean Students

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Travelling for work and leisure is a way of life for the Korean people. In fact, the influx of Koreans in the different parts of the globe has in its own right, paved the way for the Annyeong fever in the mainstream media. New Zealand relations with South Korea have flourished over the years due in large part to the number of Korean tertiary students opting to get world-class education in NZ. Koreans are the fourth largest group of international students in the country. About 55 percent of Koreans in New Zealand attends a private tertiary institution while the remaining 45 percent is divided between the primary and secondary schools. Thinking of joining the club? Here are the essential things that you need to know.

Preliminaries

Your dream of studying in a New Zealand institution will start to materialize when you lodge an application for a specific course or program. Not sure which one is right for you? Try this online study options guide <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/study-options/programmes/#module-36>.  One of the most important requirements for a student visa is an unconditional offer of place coming from an educational provider in NZ. Admission requirements vary from one institution to another, but keep in mind that providing all the relevant information is essential for a successful admission. Read up and don’t forget to check and double check.

Once you have secured a spot in a learning institution in New Zealand, it is now time to apply for a student visa. All application forms are accessible through <www.immigration.govt.nz/forms>. Student visa applications must be lodged at the New Zealand Vis Application Centres (VAC) in Seoul. Got more questions? You may find the answers here <http://www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand/southkorea/english/contact_us.html >.

Essentially, the immigration office will want to see evidence that you are accepted in a learning institution and that you can financially support yourself once you are in New Zealand. Checklist for a Student Visa for Korean nationals can be found here <https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/checklists/korea/checklist-for-korea-student-visa-general.pdf >.

Getting There

The distance from Seoul to Auckland is about 6000 miles which makes most flights an 11-hour sitting contest. Korean Air, Air New Zealand, and Asiana Airlines have non-stop flights to and from NZ. Getting there shouldn’t be a problem. Once you are in NZ, getting around will prove to be a breeze. InterCity, the national coach service of the country has extensive networks and affordable fares. Save a bit of cash by getting a bus pass. If you are going to travel long distances, it would be faster and more cost-effective to travel by plane. With 25 domestic airports connecting flights in NZ, this should be rather easy.

Living Costs

There is no single formula in determining your living costs. How much you really need will be dependent on your lifestyle and the region of NZ you live in. Some essentials are more expensive in one region than another. For example, weekly rent in Auckland will cost you $ 512, more than double of what you will shell out if you stay in Southland ($ 228). The New Zealand Estimated Food Costs for 2018 Basic diet estimates that you will need $ 61-71 per week if you are in Wellington, but only $ 57-67 if you are in Christchurch.

Need some inspiration to cut living costs? Here’s one for you < https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/blog/5-ways-cut-your-living-costs-while-you-study-new-zealand/>

Opportunities

New Zealand is one of the best places to be an international student. Apart from getting world-class education, your stay in NZ will enable you to work part-time while studying. Who wouldn’t want extra cash to offset living costs and save a little cash? If you have a Student Visa, you may be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the term and full-time during holidays. If you’re getting your Masters or PhD, you may work full-time all year round.

Support

It’s easy to feel lonely in a foreign land if you don’t have a support network. Don’t be a stranger and reach out. There are a variety of Korea-NZ national associations ready to guide you. People from the motherland have also established local associations in most NZ learning institutions. Go out there and explore.

Pursuing further studies in a land different from your own is both exciting and scary. Get an experience of a lifetime by embarking on your very own New Zealand adventure.

Studying in New Zealand for Overseas Students

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Great adventure awaits those who are courageous enough to get out of their comfort zones. Willing to take the great leap? Studying in New Zealand is an experience of a lifetime. There are way too many reasons to get a NZ education. All of its eight universities are in the top 3% in the world rankings. Peace and security is a non-issue. In fact, it’s the 2nd most peaceful country in the 2017 Global Peace Index. Opportunities abound for individuals who pursue studies in New Zealand. Want to experience the Kiwi’s laid-back lifestyle? Read on and find out more.

First things first

Before you get too excited and apply for a visa, you need to cover the basics first. What level of study do you want to pursue? New Zealand offers comprehensive study options. Whether you are aiming for a Bachelor’s degree or just a few steps away from that prestigious PhD, the NZ education system gets you covered. Not sure on the right course to pursue and institution to attend in New Zealand? Try your hand at their interactive study options guide. Access it here <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/study-options/programmes/#module-36>.

Specific entry requirements vary per learning institution. However, all international students should expect to speak English wherever they go. As such, facility in using the language is a must.

While you are in your initial preparations, consider where exactly in New Zealand you want to study. Aside from the availability of universities and other tertiary learning institutions, the location that you choose has an implication on your budget. As you know, pursuing a degree overseas can be quite expensive. An undergraduate degree alone can cost you NZ$ 22,000 to NZ$ 32,000 while a PhD has a price tag of NZ$ 6,500 to NZ$9,000. Can’t quite afford it? Do not despair. The New Zealand government offers a variety of scholarships. Choose one that fits your profile <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/how-to-apply/scholarships/ >.

Once you are set on what and where to study and are confident in your source of funds, it is now time to apply in an educational institution. This should be no problem if you have satisfied all the necessary requirements. So what is there to do next? It is now time to apply for a visa.

Visas

There are a variety of visas available for individuals who wish to pursue studies and training in New Zealand. A full-time course that takes more than three months of stay in NZ requires a student visa. Below are various types of student visa issued by the New Zealand government.

Visa Type Criteria Duration of Stay What you can do with the visa
Fee Paying Student Visa Student who intends to study full-time in NZ for more than 3 months; has been accepted in a NZ institution and are willing to shoulder cost of education and accommodation Up to 4 years Study full-time and work up to 20-hours part-time during the term and full-time during the holidays
Exchange Student Visa Student who has been accepted in an approved student exchange scheme Up to 4 years; duration depends on the length of the exchange Study full-time through an exchange program. Can work part-time depending on the duration of the exchange program and the student’s age
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa Student with an approved foreign government scholarship or loan and an offer from an approved education provider Up to 4 years Study full-time and work up to 20-hours part-time during the term and full-time during the holidays
Pathway Student Visa Student with the desire to study up to 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and an offer from a Pathway education provider Up to 5 years Study up to 3 courses consecutively using a single student visa and work up to 20-hours part-time during the term and full-time during the holidays

 

Details of each visa type can be found here < https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/study/explore-student-visas >. Read up on the requirements and functions of each visa and choose the one that’s a best fit for your particular circumstance.

Opportunities present themselves to those bold enough to chase them. Get prime tickets to great opportunities by studying in New Zealand.

Studying in Australia for Indian Students

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Indians are behind only the Chinese in terms of number of enrollments to Australian educational institutions. The specific number is around 73,000 altogether across the coast cities and their associated universities. Better, many western Australian universities work in collaboration with Indian counterparts to better promote cross-cultural exchange. This influx of Indian students is looking to be a continuous trend so now is a good a time as ever to consider getting your own education in Australia.

A New Beginning

The first step is always getting a student visa. To get one you need to shell out around INR 28,000, be more than six years old, and have full-coverage health insurance. That latter requirement is for your protection to ensure that you stay safe. Additionally, you need to be accepted already in an educational institution in Australia which easy enough to do with online applications. The visa does last five years, however—more than enough time.

How to Get There

10,500 km separates New Delhi and Sydney, Australia. As such, the expected travel time runs upwards of 12 to 13 hours. This is for a non-stop flight via Air India Limited. If you’re looking for a little break prior to studying or simply want to take a side trip, you can readily stop over in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which can increase the overall travel time by 2 to 3 hours at most. All in all, it’s a very easy going journey

Considering Costs of Living

Because of the strength of the Australian Dollar versus the Indian Rupee, prices for most basic commodities and rent is significantly higher in Australia—somewhere between 200% and 400% to be precise. This disparity in price is something that you should take into consideration before committing to long-term education. Chicken, water, and rice are over twice the cost in Australia as they would have been in India.

What You Can Earn

While it might seem intimidating to consider the high cost of living, the payoff down the line in terms of potential earnings after studying makes it worth it. Among the most popular courses are those geared towards developing an IT Professional career. In India, that can earn you upwards of INR 800,000 annually. That balloons to a whopping INR 4,000,000 when you apply for similar roles and jobs in Australia.

Little Indias

As mentioned earlier, India is second only to China in terms of number of migrations into Australia. The rough number comes to almost 400,000. Of this number, approximately 58,000 or 35% choose to live in Melbourne with New South Wales following. There is a robust online community, however, that more easily brings all Indians in Australia together. Events abound and there are many home bred Indian restaurants gaining popularity in all major cities.

Celebrate Good Times

Beyond Christmas, there is little common with Australia in terms of holidays. A great reason for this is that Hindus represent only 1.9% of the total population of Australia. As mentioned earlier, however, there are thriving communities of Indians in the Land Down Under. It’s within these communities that the major holidays back at home are celebrated albeit in smaller scale. These include Diwali, Dussera, Ganesha Chaturthi, Holi, and Navratri.

The influx of Indian students isn’t looking to stop and even Australia’s Education Ministry has acknowledged how encouraging this move is beneficial to both nations. There has never been a better time for you to explore your options and expand your career as an Indian in Australia than now.

Studying in Australia for Indonesian Students

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According to the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Australia has been the destination of choice for many Indonesians seeking studies abroad. In fact, there has been an increase of 8% in the number of students enrolling in higher educational institutions in the country and the number looks to be rising. One of the biggest reasons for this is the renowned quality of these institutions on the world stage with relatively more affordable prices to match. Here’s all you need to know to get there.

Meeting the Requirements

One of the first things that you need to do is to secure your entry into the Australian educational institute of your choice. This can be easily done online with the help of the Australian embassy. One this is done, you also need to get comprehensive health insurance coverage. This last bit is for your protection anyway. Apart from that, you just need to pay in IDR 6,000,000 fee for the visa which will last you for five years.

Getting There

Indonesia itself is one of the closest South Asian countries to Australia geographically. With a distance of just over 5,600 km, the travel time to Australia isn’t too bad. You can complete the journey in 7 hours if you opt for a non-stop flight via Garuda Indonesia. Because of this proximity, stopovers are not a common option. You can take an optional detour to Singapore but that’s something that will double your flight time.

The Cost of Your Stay

In general, everything cost much more in Australia than in Indonesia. This is particularly true when it comes to rent prices which can be as high as 300% more. A small one-bedroom apartment which costs IDR 3,500,000 in Indonesia will cost up to 17,500,000 in Australia. This price crunch is less felt in essential groceries where fruits, vegetables, and basic commodities are only IDR 10,000 higher in most cases.

Offset by Income Potential

Management courses are particularly popular with Indonesians according to a report by the Australian Embassy. In Indonesia, a general manager can expect to earn upwards of IDR 408,000,000 annually—which is comfortable enough for the nation. In Australia, that salary balloons to IDR 976,000,000—a growth factor of more than 100%. This makes it particularly lucrative to invest in a good education in Australia with the goal of finding gainful employment there.

Little Indonesias

As with many other Asian nationalities, there is a significant Indonesian presence permanently living in Australia. The greatest majority of these are found in Brisbane, Kingsford, and Botany—all of these having specific areas where Indonesians have settled in. These numbers are not as prolific as other Asian countries, however, as Indonesians generally prefer to go home due to the proximity of the two nations.

Multi-Cultural Celebrations

As a nation of mostly Muslims and Buddhists, there are little to no holidays in common with the Australian calendar. That being said, the culture of inclusion in the country has allowed Indonesians to celebrate the most important of holidays including the start and end of Ramadan, and up to three New Years—western, Chinese, and Hindu. In particular, the day of sacrifice—Eid al-Adha—often sees Australian institutions and office providing breaks for their Muslim students or employees.

Proximity, quality, and affordability make Australian education appealing to Indonesians. With the world-class education offered as well as the many income potentials to explore, it’s a smart move for budding Indonesian to join many who have successfully banked on Australia to help guide their future.