Why Study in Australia?
Australia has the third largest number of international students in the English-speaking world behind the USA and UK. Australian qualifications and institutions are recognized worldwide for their high quality and excellence. Graduates from Australia are very

successful in finding jobs and hold lead positions worldwide. Also, they are readily accepted for postgraduate study at leading international universities. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and the USA.

Around 85% of the Indian students studying in Australia are undertaking higher education in the fields of Information Technology, Engineering, Management, Accounting, Applied Science and Hospitality. However, new fields of study such as Biotechnology, Communication Studies and Art & Design are emerging.

Recognition of Australian qualifications :
Australian qualifications are respected globally 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 learning pathways recognized throughout Australia and the world.

Entry Requirements :
Students need a sufficient level of English language proficiency and must meet minimum academic requirements to study in Australia. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.

If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enroll in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course. Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. There are also many English language courses with starting dates throughout the year to equip you for further study in Australia. It is suggested that you seek advice from the institution about meeting their entry requirements before applying for admission into your selected courses.

English language proficiency :
English language proficiency is now a requirement when applying for a student visa. The IELTS is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for student visa purposes. Australian education institutions can only accept students with an appropriate level of English proficiency. Institutions set their own English language requirements and may have different IELTS entry levels for the proposed level of course than those required for a student visa. IELTS test must have been conducted not more than 24 months prior to the day on which the application was made.

* Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) courses require the overseas equivalent of Australian high school matriculation, such as three passes at GCE A Levels in appropriate subjects. Some courses may also have certain pre-requisite subjects.
* Entry to postgraduate (Master’s and Doctoral) courses requires satisfactory completion of a first degree at undergraduate level. Proven research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.
* Usually there are no other entrance exams to Vocational education and training institutions. But some courses may have certain pre-requisite subjects or demonstrated work experience.
* GMAT: For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).

If you do not meet the entry requirements :
If your English language proficiency score is not high enough, there are many English language courses with starting dates all through the year to prepare you for further study in Australia. All Australian universities have their own English language center or have links with English language colleges. and reserve a provisional place in your proposed course. Bridging courses, such as a Master Qualifying program, are also offered. If you do not meet undergraduate course entry requirements you may be able to enroll in Foundation Studies which prepare you for further study in Australia.

Scholarships :
* The Australian Government and education institutions offer scholarships for international students however most of these are offered in universities and for postgraduate study mainly. There are a number of other organizations giving scholarships for international study.
* The majority of international students in Australia are full-fee paying students. With only a limited number of scholarships available for international students, there is intense competition for these awards. Scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training in Australia.

Australian university scholarships :
Australian universities offer a range of postgraduate scholarships to international students predominantly targeting Ph.D. and Masters Degrees by research. The course of study and financial support is determined by the university.

Other funding sources :
International and charitable organizations offer scholarships for international study. Applications for these scholarships must be made to the representatives of these agencies in India. The Association of Commonwealth Universities website provides a scholarships guide for Commonwealth postgraduate students offered by Governments, Rotary International, World Bank, World Health Organization, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, Rockefeller Foundation and other organizations.