Do you want to study in Australia? If yes, then this is for you. When you study in a university or college, in your country or outside your country it is important to know the fee structure and total cost estimate. Let’s find out, Is College Free In Australia?
The government of Australia provides loans and financial assistance to its students. There are many financial support programs for Australian Citizens provided by the government such as Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and FEE-HELP. The average tuition fees for international students are AUD 15,000 to AUD 35,000 which is $10,755 to $25,096. The Australian government provides funding through Destination Australia Programme to provide scholarships up to $15,000 per year for students to study and live in Australia.
Scholarships and loans for domestic students
The Australian government provides many scholarships and loans for students with Australian citizenship or students who are permanently residing in Australia throughout the course or for citizens from New Zealand who are permanent residents in Australia.
- These students are eligible for the Commonwealth Support Place (CSP). It is a subsidy provided by the government for your course fees. But other expenses such as materials and accommodation are not included in this program.
- There are other schemes available for domestic students such as FEE-HELP. It pays off your full course fees. The HELP loan limit is $1,08,232 but it rises to $1,55,448 for medicine.
Scholarships and loans for international students
For international students, the total cost of studying in Australia increases as the cost of living and materials are covered by the student along with the course fees. But not to worry though. The Australian government provides support for international students making Australia the third most popular destination for international students after USA and UK.
- The scholarships provided for the international students include Australia Awards, Destination Australia Programme (DAP), etc.
- Australia Awards is eligible for students from specific countries who are participating in this program. This scholarship covers the full tuition fees, travel expenses, and part of monthly living costs.
- Destination Australia Programme (DAP) is financed by the Australian Government and covers tuition fees up to $15,000 per year.
- Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship program is provided financial support to high-achieving female researchers who belong to developing APEC economies to pursue their research opportunities in partnership with Australian education and research institutions.
APEC or the Asian Pacific Economic Corporation is an inter-governmental forum for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
How to prepare your budget for college?
Whether you are a domestic student or an international student looking forward to studying in Australia, then you need a proper budget plan to get you through college. Here is a slight guide on how to plan your budget.
If you are a domestic student then your cost estimates might be a bit lower than international students because the cost of living might be exempted. Scholarships and loans are given out by the government to Australian citizens, applying for these scholarships might help out in paying for the tuition fees. Other than tuition fees other expenses might include the cost of study materials, food, other amenities, and luxuries. The starting scholarship amount goes up to $1,08,232. The government provides a subsidy and not a loan and hence you need not pay it back. The government pays only part of the tuition fees, the other part, known as the student contribution amount needs to be paid by the student.
After selecting your course and college, apply for the scholarship and calculate the amount that you will have to pay as the student contribution amount, then carefully calculate your daily expenses including travel, food and stay, and any other expenses that you may incur and prepare your final budget for a year.
If you are an international student add additional costs, that is, the cost of living along with the above-mentioned prices. This would mean that your costs, apart from the tuition fees for which you can apply for a scholarship, would include food, accommodation, daily travel, airfare, other expenses, luxuries, etc. You must find and book a place to live and calculate that fee into your budget as well. Also, additional expenses should be included in the budget.
Steps to applying for college
For domestic students, the process is quite simple. They can directly select their course and university and apply. But for international students, it’s more complicated. For international students seeking immigration into Australia to study there, applying for student visas, learning about proper courses and universities suitable for them, knowing and calculating the cost estimates, and moving to another country, can be a hassle. But everything can be made easy if you follow the proper steps.
These are the five steps to do to enter a college or university.
Choose your course and education provider that is your favorite college or university.
Have a fixed career in your mind and carefully research a suitable course for that career. After deciding on the course, choose a college or university after considering factors like location, facilities, fees, courses provided, feedback from other students, and eligibility for admission.
Apply
Once you have decided on your course and college, check the eligibility criteria and English language entry requirements, and then apply. If your application does not meet the eligibility criteria, search for another college or consider another course or bridge courses, or foundation courses.
Application Processing
Once the education provider receives the application it is processed and you may have to wait for their feedback.
Acceptance of offer
If the application is accepted then a letter of offer and an acceptance form will be received. Read the letter of the offer carefully and check for any conditions to be met. You may also be required to pay the tuition fees before you receive the official Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Departure
Once you receive the Confirmation of Enrolment, you can start your learning experience and begin your journey. International students need to apply for their student visas and sort out their financials before departing for Australia.
International students will have some extra steps to complete before departing for Australia. Such as calculating the cost for the entire term of studies, preparing the whole budget before departing, searching for and booking a good place to stay, learning to spend your money carefully in a foreign country, and adjusting to a foreign culture, there are many things to be wary of.
Commonly asked questions
- What are the cons of studying in Australia?
Australia is a luxurious country. The living expenses in Australia are generally higher. But the quality education and high-class facilities make up for this fact making students study there no matter the cost.
- How much does the lowest flight from the USA to Australia cost?
The flight fare varies from place to place. From New York, it costs $1,167.34. From Los Angeles, $995.28, from Dallas, $1,561.66, and in Honolulu, $487.82.