According to Times Higher Education, Australia is a popular study destination due to its prestigious universities, strong academic reputation, and numerous job opportunities. Additionally, the fact that many top Australian universities directly recruit Vietnamese students also contributes to the interest in studying there. Here are 10 things Vietnamese international students should know before coming to the land down under:
Get familiar with the climate
Located in the southern hemisphere, Australia experiences opposite seasons from Europe and North America. This means that you can celebrate Christmas on the beach, but need to stay indoors during the summer. While the country is known for its sunny weather, some areas can be quite cold. Therefore, it’s important to research your intended study destination climate beforehand.
Financial management
Living in Australia can be quite expensive, with cities like Melbourne and Sydney often considered among the most expensive in the world. Tuition and living costs also vary between regions. For typical undergraduate courses, tuition fees can range from around AUD 30,000 (approximately VND 487 million) per year, while this figure can reach up to AUD 40,000 (approximately VND 649 million) for courses with more practical components.
On the other hand, living costs typically include transportation, accommodation, food, shopping for essentials, etc. These costs vary depending on the city in Australia. For instance, Sydney can be significantly more expensive than Hobart – an area where prices are around 25% cheaper than the rest of the country.
Students can offset costs by “hunting” for scholarships. Contact the university to find out about scholarship opportunities. Students can also combine various forms of financial support to cover their living expenses. Another option is to take out a student loan or work part-time.
Open a student bank account
When arriving in Australia, it is worth considering opening a local bank account. Banks in this country offer favorable exchange rates, allow students to open accounts up to 3 months before arriving in Australia, and facilitate easier withdrawals without conversion fees.
If you choose to work part-time while studying, your salary will be paid directly into your bank account. With four major banks, Australia offers many options that cater to the needs of students, whether it be savings or transaction accounts.
Apply for a student visa
All international students must apply for a student visa if they want to study in Australia, with the exception of postgraduate research students. The visa lasts for up to 5 years, depending on the length of the university program, and costs 630 AUD (approximately VND 10 million).
With a student visa, international students can travel in and out of Australia as many times as they wish while studying. To apply for a student visa, you need: a passport or personal identification document, an acceptance letter from your university, evidence of adequate health insurance, proof of your academic qualifications, and proof of financial capacity.
In addition to the above, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency and provide information about partners or dependents if traveling with others. All required documents can be confirmed using the checking tool on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
After completing your studies, your student visa will remain valid for a few months. You can then apply for a temporary or permanent visa, depending on your qualifications, experience, and employment status. The most common type of visa selected by postgraduate students is the temporary graduate visa, which allows you to stay in Australia for 18 months to 4 years, depending on the information you provide.
Health insurance
Before applying for a student visa, you must have overseas student health cover (OSHC). This insurance must be valid for at least one week before your semester starts and must be maintained throughout your stay in Australia.
You will need to remember the name of your insurance provider, the start and end dates of your contract, and your insurance contract number. Some countries are exempted from OSHC requirements.
Regulations for part-time work
To cover living expenses in Australia, international students with a student visa are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the semester. During breaks, students can work as much as they wish.
Students can work as tutors or assistants within universities, or participate in jobs in the retail and tourism industries. Australia has a high minimum wage compared to other countries, currently around 20.33 AUD per hour.
Once you have completed your studies and arranged the appropriate visa, you can consider working full-time in Australia. Universities will support their graduating students in the final stage of their program to determine their next steps.
Grading in universities
Australian universities use a percentage system to grade assignments. However, the letter grades are evaluated differently than in the US and Europe Specifically, HD (high distinction- extremely excellent) is equivalent to A+, D (distinction-excellent) is equivalent to A, C (credit-good) is equivalent to B, P (pass- satisfactory) is equivalent to C, and F (fail) is equivalent to not passing.
Tourism
During your study period in Australia, you have many opportunities to experience tourism in this vast country. There are some tips to remember when traveling in Australia. Prices will be cheaper if you travel lightly because airlines often charge excess baggage fees. Public transportation is available everywhere, and it is best to plan ahead for your trip.
Culture
There are many phrases or “Aussie slang” you can learn before arriving in this southern land. People often greet each other by saying “G’day,” as well as abbreviate words and add “o” or “y” to the end, such as “defo” meaning “definitely.”
Residents from many different countries live in Australia, so you will have access to diverse cuisines and cultures from all over the world during your study abroad experience.
What is noteworthy about Australia’s geography?
Australia is vast, covering 7.692 million square kilometers, and has many different environments, making it a great place to explore. Australia has rural, urban, tropical, desert, and even “outback” regions…
International students can choose a location in Australia that is suitable for the field of study they wish to pursue. For example, Queensland is close to the Great Barrier Reef, making it an excellent choice for students in marine-related fields, while the bustling streets of Sydney are an ideal location for business students.
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- Bluewise Group | Bluewise Business Advisory | Bluewise Migration Advisory
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- Email: bw@bluewisegroup.com.au