THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process begins with the selection of 3-4 institutions to which you hope to gain admission. For most university, vocational, and school courses you should apply between May and October but certainly not later than the start of November (courses commence around early February and March). Many courses allow students to enroll in the middle of the year. Some private schools have long waiting lists, particularly for Year 7, so school students should make enquiries as early as possible. English language courses are offered throughout the year. When final results are not available enrolling institutions grant provisional acceptance on the basis of previous academic performance.
Despite differences between institutions in acceptance levels and entry requirements, there are certain standard admission requirements which a student must satisfy when applying to any institution. These include:
- Completed application form
- Records of academic work and exam results, sent preferably directly from the school or university to the enrolling institution in Australia. Authenticated copies are acceptable and originals may not be sent. Documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation where the original is in another language. These documents should be accompanied by a profile of institution indicating academic schedules, and any special attributes.
- A personal statement indicating choice of institution and intended study program is especially important for popular courses.
- Proof of English proficiency is required if the student's native language is not English. Where a student has passed international exams in English language proficiency, e.g., TOEFL or IELTS tests, the results should be sent with other academic records. Generally all institutions require non-native speakers of English to take a proficiency test on arrival in Australia, and hence they grant only provisional acceptance until English proficiency requirements have been satisfied. Indian students who have studied in English medium may furnish proof of English proficiency by giving their Board marks.
- Evidence of funds to cover all costs during the study period has to be given.
Students should ensure that they provide the most complete academic record, supported with all the documentary evidence available.
Once a student has been accepted on fulfilling all entry requirements, an acceptance advice (AA) Form is issued to the student by the enrolling institution. This AA form is a very important document and is demanded by Australian authorities before a visa is issued allowing the student entry into Australia.
Application forms for an Australian institution may be obtained from Australian Education Centres. You may also get assistance from:
- IDP Education Australia
International Trade Towers
Suite Nos. 20 & 21
S1 Ground Floor
Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110 019
- Australian Education Centre
Australian High Commission
1/50G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri ;New Delhi – 110021
Email: aec.india@dfat.gov.au
- Education Reference Centre
Australian Consulate-General’s Office
16th Floor, Maker Tower
Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005
Email: aief@bom2.vsnl.net.in
Tertiary admission centres
Most States have tertiary admission centres which manage the entry of students to the universities and some other institutions within that State. Where these centres exist, students should make their application by August or September of the year in which they pass class XI (except for `mature-age' students). Contact the appropriate admission centres to confirm their closing date for applications. Addresses of these centres are listed below:
New South Wales (NSW)
Universities Admissions Centre, Locked Bag 500, Lidcombe NSW 2141
Australian Capital Territory
Same as NSW University Admissions Centre or the institution in which you are interested.
Northern Territory
Contact the institution in which you are interested
Queensland
Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, PO Box 1331, Milton QLD 4064
South Australia
South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre, PO Box 2 Rundle Mall Adelaide SA 5000
Tasmania
Contact the institution in which you are interested.
Victoria
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre, Suite B, 40 Park Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Western Australia
Tertiary Institution Service Centre (Inc.), 39 Fairways, Nedlands WA 6009
CHOOSING THE RIGHT INSTITUTION
Australia offers a variety of opportunities in terms of higher education. The higher education institutions having developed over a period of time differ in infrastructure and popularity. It is a difficult task to select an institution.
Many students may prefer to select an institution on the basis of prestige and fame. These institutions are normally highly selective and competitive and entry is tough. It is suggested that Australia's newer institutions frequently offer equivalent programs which are academically rigorous and just as good. It is not necessarily a question of evaluating the reputation of an institution as a whole, rather it is advisable to clearly identify an intended course of study and then search for a suitable institution.
Cost is another consideration before deciding and selecting an institution or course of study. Tuition fees differ according to the institution and course of study. Science and medical degrees are more costly than humanities degrees. Institutions in the interior of Australia cost less than institutions in large cities. Similarly living expenses vary in cities and the interior.
The choice of institution may be related to the course. Rural universities are better in agricultural disciplines and earth sciences, whereas law and medicine would be offered at urban institutions. Hence before deciding where and what to study you must consider the following:
- What you want to do for a career?
- What has been your academic performance?
- How long do you wish to study?
- What are your financial resources?
