1. Study Planning
Find a course to suit your academic needs and career goals. Consider the education field, qualification level, course duration and where you want to study.
2. Course Selection
Search the Australian Government database of registered courses and institutions and select the ones that best match your study plan and preferred destination.
3. Admission Application
Apply for admission to the institution offering the course. You may be asked to provide evidence of your academic achievements and English proficiency.
4. Visa Application
To be granted a student visa you must complete an application form, pay the visa application charge and satisfy the student visa requirements. All students must have medical insurance before they apply for a student visa.
5. Pre-departure
In some countries you can attend a pre-departure seminar to familiarise yourself with studying and living in Australia.
6. Arrival and Reception
Your institution can arrange to meet you at the airport on your arrival in Australia and will provide an orientation program and ongoing support.
Using Education agents
Education agents can help you to find and enroll in a course of study. Agents are used to help international students to make applications and apply for visas. If you decide to work through an education agent, ensure that you understand what services the agent will provide and anything that you are expected to do yourself.
Most do not charge for their service, as they collect a commission from your education provider. However, some agents do charge small amounts or offer additional services for which they charge. Ensure that you discuss fees and charges with your education agent before entering into any agreements. If you enroll in a course or a package of courses through an education agent, you may also choose to discuss the structure of the course in detail with the agent so that you are sure that it is right for you.
Make sure that the agent provides you with a written agreement that you sign with the provider, which will detail the fees that you will pay along with other information (see the section above on “Agreements and Transfers”). Make sure you read any forms that you sign carefully, as these are legally binding contracts and also make sure you keep a copy of the receipt for payments made on your behalf.
Ensure that any education agent you approach is a legitimate operator with a good reputation. While most are honest in their dealings, there have been some instances of students being defrauded by unscrupulous operators. Find out if the agent is registered and if their business has a successful operating history. Ask friends and relatives with overseas study experience for advice. Education agents who have completed the Education Agent Training Course (EATC) provided by Pier Online are listed on their website at www.pieronline.org/eatc
Source: Study in Australia website
