Australia, the land of kangaroos, is also home to some of the world’s top educational institutions. It is increasingly becoming one of the most popular choices for students to pursue undergraduate or post-graduate courses. With over 43 universities, Australia welcomes approximately 400,000 international students for higher education every year. However, securing admission to your dream university can be a cumbersome process without proper guidance. So here, we, at Storm Overseas, one of the best Australian education consultants in Hyderabad, have brought forth for you a six-step guide to help you make your application process hassle-free. Read on.

Step 1 – Select the course and university of your choice

The very first step towards your higher study planning should be selecting the right course and the right university offering that course. A simple google search might help in this case. You can visit the universities’ websites and look for your preferred courses. Usually, the websites will have a separate section for the admission procedure. While selecting the universities, you should consider the rank, campus location, cost, as well as facilities provided like hostels, scholarships, and placements.

Step 2 – Ensure you meet the minimum requirements

The requirements will vary with the choice of course and university. To pursue an undergraduate course, you need the equivalent qualification of the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. To apply for post-graduation, you will need a qualification equivalent to an undergraduate level degree in Australia. In case you don’t meet the entry requirements right away, you can also opt for the year-long foundation courses offered by most Australian universities. It will help you meet the academic qualification requirements.

Moreover, since all the courses are taught in English, you will need to qualify any one of the English language proficiency tests accepted by the universities in Australia. Luckily, there are many options like IELTS, TOEFL, CAE: Advanced, PTE Academic, and OET. The minimum score requirements will again vary from one university to another. You may also require to qualify other tests like GRE or GMAT, depending on your course. Make a note of the deadlines and make sure to meet them.

Step 3 – Start your application process

After you have ensured that you meet all the necessary academic requirements and qualified at least one English language proficiency test, you are ready for the application process. You can apply to the universities directly by either online or offline mode. For offline mode, you need to send your complete application form to the university by post. Reach out to the universities directly via email or through application helplines in case you face any difficulties.

Make sure you keep the following documents ready before applying:

1. Official academic transcripts
2. Test scores
3. Scholarship/funding details
4. Statement of purpose
5. Letters of recommendation
6. Summary of previous employment experience (if any)
7. Application fee

If your documents are not in English, you should provide certified translations. Most universities in Australia follow a two-semester a year pattern admitting international students twice a year. A few of them also follow a trimester pattern. You should apply by mid-December for February intake and by May for July intake. The application fee is non-refundable in most cases, but yes, you can definitely ask for a fee waiver from your university.

Step 4 – Arrange for scholarships and funding

Studying abroad can be quite expensive and requires proper financial planning. This is why we, at Storm Overseas, always advise the students to keep looking for various scholarship options available for international students in Australia while waiting for the acceptance letter. You can also arrange for education loans if need be. Here, a piece of advice from us would be to plan your expenses well in advance to avoid any unnecessary complications later on. And in case you need any financial assistance, always remember, we, at Storm Overseas, renowned Australian education consultants in Punjab, are just a phone call away!

Step 5 – Apply for a student visa

If you have received your letter of acceptance, congratulations! Now, read all the terms and conditions carefully and respond within 10 days confirming your admission.

Next comes the most dreaded step: visa application! Don’t worry, it is not that difficult. You will be required to apply for the student visa subclass 500. Make sure you have arranged for your expenses and have a qualifying score on any of the English proficiency tests. You will also require the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your medical expenses since foreign students are not eligible for the official Australian health insurance.

Step 6 - Prepare for your departure

Make sure you go through the admission package sent by your university post-confirmation. Look for proper accommodation and get the location details. Buy a ticket as early as possible to avoid the exorbitant price. Now, relax and pat yourself on the back!

Australia can be a marvelous place to stay with its distinct fauna and cultural diversity. Australian universities provide world-class education with state-of-the-art infrastructure. It is also a popular tourist attraction. Make sure to enjoy and make the most of your days in Australia!

So, if you, too, are contemplating and eying on attaining your higher education in Australia, let us, at Storm Overseas, guide you in the process of application. We are one of the leading Australian education consultants in Punjab and have helped thousands of students fulfill their study abroad dreams within the last two decades of our working. So just reach out to us with your study abroad aspirations, and we will help ensure that you don’t get stuck anywhere in the process!