Going Through The Student Visa Interview

One of the hardest things when applying for an Australian student visa is going through the interview with the consul. And with the changes being made by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to the country's student migration program, this one is likely to get even harder. Thus, it would be a good idea for you to be well prepared for the interview.

One of the things that you need to prepare for here would be the questions that will likely be asked during the interview. Take note that since this is the Australian consul that will be interviewing you, then all the questions will likely be in English. Here, you can always ask for an interpreter in case you are not sure about your English speaking skills.

However, you might also want to reconsider training more in speaking in English. As it turns out, one of the changes made by the DIAC to the student program was more emphasis on English communication capabilities. Thus, it is likely that the consul will take your responses during the interview into consideration for the assessment of your visa application.

It is likely that you will also be inquired further about your choice of course to take up in Australia. Here, one of the most common questions that will be asked of you is why you are taking that specific course in the first place and why in Australia. The key in getting through this one is to stay truthful and honest in your answers. For instance, if you are intending to use the study period as an opportunity to gain permanent residency in Australia, then say so. This will assure the consul that you are not just another applicant wishing to get easy entry into the country.

It is also likely that you will be questioned about the funds that you have for the entire duration of the course that you are going to take. Note that this have also been changed from AU$ 12,000 to AU$ 18,000 average, so you might want to review that before proceeding. Also, even though you have submitted the pertinent documents already, some consuls will likely ask for a copy of these, so make sure that you have them during the interview.

Lastly, you will be asked about your ties to Australia. In case you are going under a scholarship, then you also need to provide the pertinent letters of recommendation coming from the educational institution you are heading to. On the other hand, if you are simply a foreign student, then you might also want to present your list of contacts in the country.

Education Sector Warns Of Impending Devaluation

For several years now in Australia, student visa holders have arrived here by the plane loads. This one is not that surprising considering that Australia has long since known as one of the best countries to study in. however, a lot of groups are worried that this might have a negative effect on the country's education system.

According to some concerned groups from the education sector, such a large influx of students into the country can actually lower the value of Australia's education. As it is, a large section of the the number of foreign students arriving in the country are actually taking up vocational courses instead of the higher degree ones.

Most often, as many immigration officials have pointed out, many of those getting vocational courses are doing so not for educational purposes, but for it to be a means of easy entry in the country. This is because even those graduating from low level courses are given a chance by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to apply for permanent residency.

But as it turns out, this does have a negative effect. As it is, the large number of those taking vocational courses can shift the focus of the government into them. This, in turn, would likely draw away students from the universities and devalue them in the long run. They have also feared that such a case would likely to cause universities to be seen as nothing more than skills factories for foreign students.

In fact, the latter view was expressed by many university officials after the title of education was dropped from the Ministry of Jobs, Skills, and Work headed by Senator Chris Evans. According to them, such a drop might be indicative of the likely trend. However, the Gillard government was quick to clear out that the removal of the title was a mistake on their part and promptly corrected the matter.

However, this is just a small part of the matter regarding the current value of education. As it is, there have been several proposals in both houses of the parliament to grant Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions the power to hand out bachelor's and other higher education degrees. Observers said that such a move will put them at par with universities. But university officials have countered the move, saying that this will cause a significant decrease in the quality of tertiary education in the country.

As it, the government has yet to come up with the final verdict on the proposals. However, people from the education sector are clamoring them to quickly settle the matter in order for the education industry to proceed with its development.

Things A Foreign Student Must Take Into Consideration

The Australian student visa is probably one of the most popular visa types being applied for by a lot of people nowadays. Indeed, with the country having the reputation of being one of the premiere educational centers in the world today, it is not surprising why a lot of people would want to study here.

However, applying for a student visa is no easy task. The process can be quite complicated and tedious at times, with so many things to go through. In fact, some people consider getting this one as hard as applying for a work visa. And so, here are some quick tips for foreign students wishing to enter and study in the country.

One of the first things that you need to take note of is the course that you will be studying. Those students that only plan to complete their courses and then leave the country have no problems with regards to this one. However, for those intending to work in Australia after graduation, then there are quite a few things that you need to sort out.

Here, you might want to take note of the recent changes in the student visa program. Since the whole program has be reorganized, there are quite a handful of positions that have been made ineligible for student migration visas (these are still available for temporary student visa applicants though). Note that since the new rules have already been in effect since July 1 of these year, then there will be no more exemptions.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind are the funds that you need for your study. As with the other rules in the student migration programs the ones concerning this has also been changed greatly. For instance, from an amount of AU$ 12,000 you are now required to have at least AU$ 18,000 in your account in order to qualify for a student visa (this amount is for those getting full courses). In case you find that your funds are insufficient, then you are entitled to apply for a part time job during your study.

Lastly, you might also want to take note of the stricter implementation of English requirements for the granting of a visa. This has been done in order for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to be sure that student visa holders have adequate communication skills. If you are intending to enroll in a higher degree course, then this one is not much of a problem. However, those going for lower level courses must at lease have basic English communication skills.