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FAQ

 

What is so good about studying in Perth?

Perth is an internationally recognised home of high quality education as well as research excellence. Our universities, schools, English language, pathway, and vocational education and training colleges and courses are world-class.
Australian Government legislation requires quality assurance agencies and codes of conduct to be in place so that international students in Australia and their parents enjoy a level of service and financial protection that is unrivalled.
Multicultural Perth has a high standard of living and is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious city in which students can learn, travel and interact. Perth educational institutions also offer excellent value for money.

Are Australian qualifications recognised in my home country?

Australian qualifications are respected internationally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which is a national system of course names of study and learning pathways recognised throughout Australia and by other countries.

How many students from (insert country eg. Japan) are there studying in Perth?

More than 36,000 international students study in Perth each year. Currently, there are some 2000 Japanese students studying in Perth, most of them within the English language-training sector. There are also Japanese students at universities, schools and the vocational education training (VTE) sectors 

How do I apply to study in Perth and enrol in a course?

There are six easy steps to follow:

What level of qualification am I best suited for?

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national structure covering 13 different qualifications linking the four education sectors and providing learning pathways and recognition for previous study. Once the status of your existing qualifications is established the AQF will help you to choose the appropriate course within Australia. Many institutions offer preparatory studies, also known as bridging or foundation courses, to help meet the academic entry requirements of Australian institutions. There are also many English language courses with starting dates throughout the year to prepare you for further study in Australia. 

How do I find out what institution I am interested in?

On this website you can search for information on all registered PEC institutions and courses available to international students in Western Australia. We have also provided direct links to WA providers offering courses to international students

How much money will I need?

An important part of study planning is the financing of your studies. The majority of international students in Australia are full-fee paying students and only a few are awarded scholarships. Student loans are not available for international students in Australia.

You will need to consider whether you can afford to study at a particular institution. Fees vary according to the institution and discipline selected. For example, science and medical courses that require a large amount of laboratory and fieldwork are more costly than arts courses. To be granted a student visa and depending from which country you are applying, you may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to pay part or all of your tuition fees and living expenses.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Scholarships are available for international students however most are offered for postgraduate study in universities. The majority of international students in Australia are full-fee paying students and are not awarded scholarships.

How do I know if I meet the entry requirements for the selected course?

Students must meet minimum academic requirements to be accepted into specific courses. Each institution sets its own entry requirements so they may vary from one institution to another, and from one course or faculty to another. Some courses also require relevant work experience and this may be particularly important in relation to MBA and other postgraduate studies. 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your academic achievements and English language proficiency to assess whether you meet the entry requirements for your proposed course of study. Institutions will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for further study you may be able to enrol in a secondary school or college pathway courses. If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enrol in Foundation Studies which prepares you for further study in WA and reserves a provisional place in your proposed course via a “packaged visa”. Bridging courses are also offered. It is recommended that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses.

What level of English will I need?

Evidence of English language proficiency is required when applying for a student visa. Depending on your proposed course you will need to have a minimum score in the IELTS English language proficiency test and/or have completed a period of English language tuition at an institution in Australia.
Most university, pathway and vocational education and training courses require students to have a sufficient level of English language proficiency. You should check with each institution what English language proficiency tests are recognised by that institution and what the minimum scores are for each course. There are many English language courses with starting dates throughout the year.

What is Vocational and Technical Educational training (VTE)?

Australia's Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) system delivers training that is both practical and career-oriented and includes courses in computing, business studies, marketing, tourism and hospitality. VTE is also available in Australian schools.

Can international students attend schools in Australia?

Yes. Some government and non-government schools accept international students and must meet special requirements under Australian Government legislation.

How do I get an Australian Student Visa?

Once you have selected a course and institution, you need to make an application. You can obtain an application form from either a local Australian education agent or the institution’s nominated contact officer. The Australian Education Centre or Australian Embassy in your country can provide a list of local Australian education agents or details of the institution's nominated contact officer.

International students must have a valid student visa for the duration of their studies in Australia. You should check with the Australian Embassy in your country to see if you are eligible to apply for a student visa before obtaining official confirmation of your enrolment and paying tuition fees. You will only be issued with a student visa for study in Australia if you seek to undertake a full-time course that is accredited and registered by the Australian Government. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship(DIMA) also has offices in many countries, check their website for locations.

Do I need a medical examination before getting a student visa?

Yes, you will be asked to have a medical examination as part of the visa process. You will be given a list of approved doctors who operate in your country and special forms for the doctor to complete.

All students must show evidence that they have health insurance cover before a visa can be issued. Australia has a very cost competitive medical insurance system. In many cases you can pay the compulsory medical insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover, or OSHC for short) premium to the education institution which will pay the health insurer on your behalf. If you are a student sponsored by AusAID you will not need to pay the OSHC yourself but you will need to provide proof that AusAID supports your application.

Does my student visa allow me to travel in and out of Australia?

Yes, if your application is successful you will be issued with a Multiple Entry Visa, allowing you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which the visa has been granted.

Will I automatically receive a student visa if I apply?

No. If your application is not successful you will be told the reasons in writing. The decision not to grant you a student visa cannot be reviewed if you applied from outside Australia. Before re-applying for a student visa, you should carefully consider what evidence you can provide to satisfy the decision maker that you meet all the requirements for a student visa. 

What happens if I am accepted into a school in Perth?

The institution in which you have enrolled will send you a confirmation of enrolment and an information package. This package is very important because it contains information on your selected course, your accommodation options and important events that you should attend during the first weeks of study. It may include information about Perth, its climate, your likely clothing requirements, information about local customs, shopping facilities, accommodation, transport, banking, mail and telephone services, the estimated cost of living and the amount of money you should bring with you when you first arrive, arrangements for your welcome and settling-in period and the date by which you are expected to arrive. Be sure to contact your institution if you don't receive this material before leaving your country.

Who organises my accommodation?

You should make sure you have a place to stay when you arrive in Australia so it is a good idea to ask the institution to arrange a homestay or other accommodation for the first 2-4 weeks. During this time you can find your permanent accommodation. If you have not asked the institution to arrange accommodation you will need to book your own accommodation. The international office of your institution may be able to help you find suitable accommodation, either on-campus or off-campus, once you arrive in Australia. 

What if I have not arranged accommodation before arrival in Perth?

If you haven't arranged your accommodation before you depart, the institution may be able to help you to find suitable rental accommodation or a Homestay family. You could also check campus noticeboards for other students looking for people to share units or houses. Local newspapers run ads for accommodation vacant, particularly in Saturday and mid-week editions. There are special rules governing the enrolment of U18-year old students in WA. All students under 18 years of age must have their accommodation approved by their institution.

Are institutions in WA required to take extra responsibility for those under 18?

Education providers approving care arrangements for students less than 18-years-old must:

give the institution a signed statement confirming that appropriate arrangements have been made for the student’s accommodation, support and general welfare during their stay in Australia until they turn 18, and

notify the institution in writing of any changes to the care arrangements. Additionally, students are required to obtain their education provider's approval to change these arrangements if they wish to do so after their arrival in Australia.

Education providers in Western Australia are also strongly committed to carefully scrutinizing prospective guardians for students under the age of 18.

What are Australian quarantine requirements?

These are very strict. Visitors from many parts of the world are attracted by Australia's spectacular natural environment. Australia has many native plants and animals which are unique to this planet. Australian quarantine is needed to keep out exotic pests and diseases that could affect native flora and fauna, human health, agricultural industries and our environment. This role is undertaken by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Visit the AQIS website for information in a range of foreign languages on what you cannot bring into Australia and what your family and friends at home cannot send to you through the mail.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

If you have made prior arrangements, the institution where you have enrolled will send someone to meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. It is wise to make this arrangement with your institution, as you may be unfamiliar with transport and Australian money when you first arrive. You will be told how to get to the institution on the day of your orientation.

Will I receive a formal orientation to Perth and my institution?

Yes, you will receive orientation at your institution. They will introduce you to the institution's rules and regulations and timetable.

What official obligations do I have as an International student on a student visa?

You have several. It is an Australian Government requirement that students notify their education institution of their address in Australia within seven days of arrival, and notify their education institution of any change of address within seven days. You will also need to attend your institution and make academic progress in your course.

You must stay with the enrolling institution for 12 months (or for the duration of the course if it is for less than 12 months). You can change your course but before you do so, you must apply to DIMA to change education provider. There is an application charge except when a student changes courses because the institution is unable to continue providing the course.

It is important to comply with Australian student visa conditions for the duration of your stay. Under Government legislation, students who break their visa conditions will face mandatory visa cancellation.

During your studies, you can leave Australia and re-enter if you hold a valid visa. Otherwise you will need to reapply, pay the charge and meet the current visa requirements.

Can I stay permanently in Australia?

No. Your student visa is not valid for permanent residence in Australia or for residence after you have completed your studies. You are obliged to leave Australia at the end of your studies.

What visa do I need if I wish to study a second course in Perth?

If after completing your first course, you wish to enrol in a new course you will need to apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires. If your current student visa has a 'no further stay' condition you may not be granted a new student visa while you are in Australia.

Could I be accepted as an Australian migrant after my studies in Perth?

The Australian Government skilled migration program targets young people who have skills, an education and outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. Changes were made to the skilled migration program in July 2003. For information on these changes check the DIAC website. Eligible students can apply onshore for certain permanent and temporary visas. If you wish to migrate to Australia you should contact DIAC to find out the migration requirements.

How are educational institutions in Perth ranked?

All of Perth’s education and training institutions offer high quality, internationally relevant courses to international students. Australian Government legislation requires them to be registered and meet quality assurance measures. Excellence in teaching, research, facilities and support services is found across a diversified education and training system. Prospective students should focus on finding institutions that offer the course most suited to their particular needs and aspirations.

Are there any special support services for international students?

Yes. Australia is an international leader in safeguards and support services for international students. 

What can I do in my spare time?

Plenty. Institutions offer access to a vast range of extra curricula activities, both on campus and within the community. These activities include music, concerts, drama, sports and outdoor activities. Many different social activities are also organised by each institution. During semester breaks you can travel further afield to experience more of Western Australia’s renowned and spectacular natural beauty. 

What about bringing Australian cash with me?

You should exchange some money for Australian Dollars. Traveller cheques are accepted in most major cities and there are automatic bank facilities that accept major credit cards.

Can I use my drivers licence in WA?

No. You can use your driver’s licence to apply for an Australian driver’s licence. Conversely, you may apply for a one-year international driver’s licence in your country of origin.

Can my part-time work pay for my fees?

If you intend to get a job while studying then the money you earn from working in Australia should only supplement your income and not be your primary source of income. You can only apply for a new student visa with work rights after you arrive in Australia and have begun studying. You will only be permitted to work a limited number of hours. Therefore you should not expect your earnings to cover your living costs or tuition fees.

How much will I earn by working part-time?

Hourly rates of remuneration vary according to your age, the type of job you do and will vary between $8 and $22 per hour