Student Migration-Studying in Australia

Groups Look Forward To 2011 Student Visa Review

2011-01-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Australian Student Visa - One of the most important immigration information for Australia that people planning to move into the country need to know is all about its educational system.

Last year, the Australian student visa program was one of the most talked about among the numerous immigration programs being handled by the Department of immigration and Citizenship. Indeed, the changes that the department has made on the program had a significant effect in the foreign student community. Thus, many incoming students from other countries are hoping that this year would be a good one to enroll in Australia.

It should be noted that the DIAC actually began implementing the changes in the student visa program since late 2009. However, it was during last year when the more major ones started to take effect. One of these major changes was the reorganization of the courses that can be granted visas under the program. The reorganization was a result of the revamp made in the related skilled migration program.

As there are a lot of foreign students enrolled in many of the courses that were removed, they have no choice but to return home to their countries. This has resulted in a significant drop in the number of enrollments in many tertiary institutions. In particular, the Indian foreign student population dropped from more than 100,000 to just around 29,000, the biggest drop during that year.

Another cause for the drop in the number of foreign students was the new set of requirements implemented for the program. One of these requirements is an increased level of English proficiency but, as many of these students come from non-English speaking countries, this certainly has become quite a problem for them. There is also the issue of increased financial requirements for student visa applicants.

Aside from the students themselves, the education industry has also been concerned about the effects of these changes into their business. As it is, these educational institutions derive a large part of their income from foreign students. The significant drop in the number of enrollments last year has certainly had and effect on them.

Thus, both these groups were relieved to learn that the DIAC will be conducting a review of the changes that they implemented last year. The announcement actually came in the midst of clamor coming from these groups to reverse these changes.

According to department officials, they are conducting the review in order to not only address the concerns of both groups, but also to assess which of these changes have indeed worked as they had hoped for. The department also said that this would be an opportunity for them to determine what kind of changes can still be done in the program.

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Foreign Students Feel The Effect Of Visa Changes

2011-01-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

In Australia, student visa changes have caused quite a stir lately. Indeed, when the Department of Immigration and Citizenship announced early last year that they will be making changes to the student migration program, many predicted that it will have drastic effects. Now, it seems that all their worries are starting to come true.

It can be recalled the the DIAC started implementing the changes in an effort to align the student program with the new thrust of the Australian government for immigration. Here, the department decided to reorganize the list of courses that are eligible for visa application. In order to make way for more higher level courses, the DIAC removed around a hundred vocational courses from the list. The department also opted to impose a tougher set qualifications for those applying for a student visa

Upon the announcement of the new rules, many foreign students in the country protested, as they argue that these new rules are severely limiting their chance of entering the country. Many experts have also added that the new rules are likely to affect would be student visa applicants. And as it turns out, the number of applications has in fact started to decline, following the enactment of the new immigration setup.

In the last few months alone, the number of foreign students for the month of September has dropped by around 9 percent from the period last year. The drop is considered by many to be very significant, as the Australian foreign student industry has shown remarkable growth in the past decade.

And with that, it is not only the students who are getting worried about the way the foreign student program is going. The schools themselves are worried, mainly because they would be losing a major source of income. As it is,many of the tertiary education schools in the country count on foreign students for their main source of revenue.

To make matters worse, the foreign education sector has to deal with other problems. One of these is the competition posed by other countries in the foreign student market. In particular, both the United States and Britain are pushing hard to attract more foreign students into their fold.

Thus, many in the Australian foreign student sector are now clamoring for the government to remedy the situation. For their part, government officials have said that they are now trying to work closely with school heads in order to determine ways to attract more students. They have also said that they are considering a review of the current program to better assess what needs to be done more.

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Foreign Students Decry High Australian Fees

2011-01-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

If you are wondering why there are a lot of foreign students in Australia, it is mainly because the country has one of the best educational system in the world today. Aside from that, many find the affordability of it is another draw for a lot of people. However, with all that is happening in the Australian education, this has seemingly become harder.

It should be noted that one of the things that many students are concerned of are the changes made by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to the student migration program. Because of the drastic changes made in the program, many foreign students opted to drop out of their courses and either return to their home countries or try their luck in shifting to other course. While there are still a lot of international students lining up for enrollment, these changes did have a significant effect on the numbers.

However, there is actually a lot more aside from this that affect the number of foreign students enrolling in the country. One of these is the increasing cost of education in the country. It is interesting to note that Australia is indeed one of the developed countries with a fairly affordable rate of education. However, recent events have started to affect the cost of college education in the country.

In particular, the strengthening Australian economy actually contributes to the rising cost of tertiary education in the country. This might sound ironic, but as the country's economy grows, the value of the Australian dollar also increases. This, in turn, also increases the tuition fee rate in many colleges and universities. In fact, this is actually what is happening nowadays, as the Australian dollar posted a decade high growth in the last few months.

Another factor that has contributed to the current tuition fee rise in the country is the growing expenses of the schools themselves. As the schools continuously improve their facilities for both local and foreign students, they often have no choice but to increase their fees in order to accommodate these changes.

For their part, many foreign students have now started to reconsider their options in studying in the country. A large portion of them are now opting to instead move to other countries, as they said that it is much cheaper there. For instance, one student notes that fees in Australian universities are now around three times as high as that of British schools.

Because of the dwindling number of foreign students in the country, the Australian government has started a campaign to encourage more student entry. However, some observers say that it is unlikely to produce a significant result anytime soon.

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New Review Set For Australian Student Visa

2010-12-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

With all the new jobs in Australia now available, a lot of people are now wanting to move into the country. And one of the groups that are trying their luck are the countless of foreign students that are wishing to land a good job after they graduate. However, with all the new rules and regulations being implemented int the Australia student visa program, this has become quite more difficult.

As can be recalled, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship began implementing the changes in the student visa program since early last year. Here, some of the major ones were that were done focused on the qualifications needed to get a visa. In particular, English proficiency was given special attention for foreign student applicants.

According to immigration officials, these moves are necessary in order to give out visas to those students that truly deserve these and also to ensure that quality of the student visa program. However, as expected, many people in the foreign student community have voiced their opposition to the changes. According to them, these have unfairly limited their chances of being able to study in the country.

And as it turns out, it was not only the students themselves who are airing their concerns against the changes that w4ere being implemented by the DIAC. School officials have also said that they are also affected by the changes. They pointed out that, because of these changes, many students coming from abroad are now having second thoughts on whether they should continue studying in the country. This, in turn has caused foreign enrollments in the various tertiary education institutions to drop. Thus, these schools have joined the students in calling for a review of these new rules.

In response, the Federal government said that they will be conducting a review of the current student visa program rules. The announcement was made amidst clamors from the foreign student industry to address the current situation. Officials from the department said that they will conduct the review in order to determine the areas that needs to be improved and to also address the concerns aired by the foreign student population. Immigration officials also said that the move is to better focus the program.

Upon hearing about the announcement, the move was greatly welcomed by the foreign student community. According to students, this one was a long thing coming, but is nevertheless worth all the effort. They also added the review will hopefully be in their favor and will pave the way for increasing their chances of working in the country.

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Foreign Students Brace For Changes In The Points System

2010-12-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

With all the changes in Australia, education experts are now saying that these would have a big effect on the country's foreign student industry. Indeed, the initial changes that were implemented by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on the student migration last year have had a noticeable effect on the country's foreign student community.

Now, many international students are gearing up for the new changes that the department has announced. According to the department, these changes will take effect in in July of next year. One of the biggest of changes is the revision of the points system for the general skilled migration program. The points system is used to assess the qualification of an applicant for the visa.

Here, the department said that they have emphasized on English proficiency as a major part of the points assessment. Immigration officials noted that many of the passers of the previous assessments actually have below average English language skills. The department said that, since Australia is an English speaking country, this is crucial if they want to be able to easily find a job in the country.

With that, the DIAC said that they will be giving additional points for those showing remarkable proficiency in the language. For instance, those that will be able to get a rating of “superior” in the International English Language Test System exams will automatically be awarded 20 points in the assessment. On the other hand, points will also be given to those which possess higher educational credentials, such as bachelor's degrees or doctorates.

Meanwhile, the department said that it will not award points anymore based on the kind of work that the applicant is applying for. This, according to the department, is necessary in order to give all applicants equal opportunity. On the other hand, work experience will still be awarded points, depending on the amount.

The department have also said that they have now increased the pass mark for the assessment to 65 points.

As it is, many students will certainly not like the new points system. For one, those coming from non-English speaking countries will certainly find this new emphasis to be a hard one to follow. On the other hand, the increased focus on higher level qualifications, means that many students have no choice but to go for them if they want to work in Australia after they graduate. Nevertheless, Australian officials are confident that these moves are necessary for them to get the workers that the country needs.

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Schools Take Action Against Visa Changes

2010-12-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

With all the things happening in Australia, student visa applications have become quite harder to go through for many. And with a set of new changes being announced by the department, it will likely get even tougher. These have gotten a lot of groups to be worried.

It can be recalled that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship started to implement the changes in the student migration program since early last year. Many of these changes were intended to better focus the attention of the program into getting more highly skilled workers in the country. The DIAC also said that these were intended to find the best suited workers.

This is also the thrust of the recent changes that the department announced. In here, the points assessment system was also heavily revised in order to put more emphasis on on certain skills that the department has recognized to be very important. The qualifications were also made to be much tougher in order to better regulate the flow of immigrants.

However, from the get go, many foreign students have already voiced their opposition to the new changes. According to them, these new rules will limited their chances of being able to study in the country severely. Some students have also argued that the new rules are somewhat discriminating of them.

But it was not only the students who have voiced their arguments against the changes in student visa program. The schools themselves have also cried out against the new changes. What they are saying is that, because of the changes, many of their current foreign students have decided not to continue with their enrollment. And since a lot of these schools rely heavily on these international students for their income, their loss is definitely going to be huge.

Thus, they have joined international students groups in asking for the repeal of the changes. And one school has actually taken the plea further. Kelly College, an information technology school in Brisbane has announced that it was suing the Australian government over the changes in the student migration program. School officials said that the changes have had a drastic effect on their ability to generate income.

For its part, the Australian government has welcomed the suit. This, they say, will help a lot in clarifying all the issues with regards to the changes in the student migration program. However, immigration officials remained adamant that these are necessary and that they will continue to implement it.

How everything would be resolved is something a lot of people are waiting to find out.

DIAC Introduces Biometrics To Student Visa

2010-12-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

With all the changes in the australia student migration program, many overseas students in Australia are now worried that their chances of settling in the country will be greatly affected. Indeed, the student program was one of the hardest hit in the changes that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship implemented since last year. And it seems that there is yet more to come for foreign students in the country.

It can be recalled that the DIAC begun implementing changes in the student migration program since early last year. Here, one of the biggest changes was the reorganization of the list of courses that are eligible to get a visa. As part of the government's effort to get more professi8onals into the country, the department has decided to review the list and remove lower level positions in order to accommodate more higher level ones.

The department has also decided to revise the qualifications needed to secure a student visa. One of the areas that they have emphasized for this one is English proficiency. Immigration officials noted that many of the previous applicants who were granted student visas actually have less rhan average English communication skills. This, the officials said, will likely cause problems to them later on.

As expected, many of the foreign students in the country voiced their opposition to the rules. According to them, these will severely block their chance of studying in the country. Experts also said that the changes will have a detrimental effect on the foreign student industry, ass enrollment numbers are likely to drop on this one. However, the department is adamant that this is necessary in order to meet the country's needs.

Now, the DIAC has rolled out a set of new changes for the student program. One of the most hotly debated of these is the proposed inclusion of biometric scans for student visa application. It should be noted that including biometric data in visas being issued is not actually a new one, as it was first implemented early this year on select visa types. And since the initial implementation was a success, the department has decided to put it as standard in all visa types.

However, many student visa holders are still worried about the effects of this. One of their biggest concerns is that these might be used to secretly monitor their presence in the country. But the department assured the foreign student community that this will be used only for identification purposes. They also said that it will also give them added security.

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More Worries For International Students In Australia

2010-12-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

With all the changes that have been happening lately, foreign students in Australia are now concerned that their chances of moving into the country are getting slimmer. Indeed, the changes that that have been implemented by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on the student migration program. But as it turns out, there are still a lot of things that overseas students have to deal with.

Australia student visa - After graduation from high school, Australian students

have the option of either continuing their studies in order

to get a college degree, or going into vocational courses,

which involve more work related training.

It can be recalled that the DIAC started implementing these changes since early last year. The single biggest change here was the reorganization of the list of courses available for a visa. Here, the department decided to drop around a hundred vocational courses from the list to make way for more higher level ones, which the DIAC said is currently what the country needs. Though, many foreign students aired their opposition, the department remained adamant with their decision.

Aside from this, the DIAC have also changed the overall qualifications for getting a student visa. Again, the department has said that this move is necessary in order to discern which applicants are best suited for getting a visa. Here, immigration officials put emphasis on the importance of English proficiency in the student visa, with it getting a larger part in the points assessment. However along with this, the department have also increased the marks necessary to pass the English proficiency exams.

Just this month, the DIAC announced additional changes to be done in the program. One of this is the introduction of biometric scans for those wishing to get a student visa. Biometric scans, which gather details such as fingerprints and iris patterns, were first introduced by the department early this year in two visa types. This have since been expanded to include all of the visa types being issued by the DIAC. While there isn't really much effect coming out from this, except maybe a slightly higher visa fee, there are groups that are worried that it might send a negative message.

But it is not only visa application that foreign students are worrying about. Many of them are now concerned that the price of education in the country may be well beyond their reach. According to the latest figures, studying in some of Australia's top universities now cost around AU$ 30,000 on average. And the recent growing strength of the Australian dollar is actually adding more to the problem. Thus, many of them are now opting to move to cheaper schools in other countries.

But the Australian government said that they are working on improving the situation of foreign students. They have also launched a huge effort to attract more students into the country.

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Australian Government Unveils Plans To Help Foreign Students

2010-12-01T15:50:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest news that hit the Australian education scene in the last two years are the changes made in the country's student migration program. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship said that these changes are necessary in order to meet the country's needs. However, while the DIAC is confident about the outcome of the changes, many groups are still concerned about the negative effects of these changes.

It should be noted that the DIAC has started revising the student migration program since last year. Here, one of the biggest changes that the department has instituted was the reorganization of the courses that are valid for a student visa. The new listing focused more on higher level courses, which the department says is what the country currently needs.

However, from the get go, many groups have pointed out that this will likely created a lot of negative effects on Australia's foreign student industry. Indeed, upon the commencement of the new rules for the student migration program, the number of foreign student enrollments in the universities and colleges have shown a significant drop. The Monash University, for instance, projects that it is likely that the number of its foreign students will drop by almost 10 percent for next year's term. The drop is said to be due to a lot of foreign students opting to either head back home or move to other countries.

Because of the sudden drop of foreign student enrollments, many schools now fear that their incomes will also go down. Thus, they have clamored for the government to act on the matter. For its part, the Australian government has recently released a plan aimed at helping not only schools but also the foreign students themselves.

One of the main thrusts of the strategy is to promote better interaction between international students and the communities that they are currently staying. This way, officials hope it will bolster the welfare and protection of students. On the other hand, the government also plans to set up an International Student Consultative Committee by the first half of next year. The said committee will oversee the consultation with the foreign student community on policies.

However, some experts say that, while the strategy is indeed promising, it is still not enough. They said that there are still a lot of issues, such as security, that needs to be dealt with in order to regain the thrust of many foreign students. But the government assured them that they are now handling these matters.

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Declining Foreign Student Numbers Worry Australia

2010-11-25T23:24:00.000-08:00

In Australia, student visa applications are now starting the be on the decline. And many of the those in the foreign education sector worried that if the trend continues, it can have a negative effect on the industry. Thus, they are now urging the government to act on the situation.

One of the biggest reasons for the decrease in the number of foreign students enrolling in the country is said to the changes in the student migration program that was made by the Department of immigration and Citizenship. It should be noted that the DIAC started the implementation of these changes since early last year. The biggest of these changes is the reorganization of the skilled occupation list, which resulted in the removal of a lot of jobs in the list. This, in turn, has affected he number of educational courses that can be granted a visa.

On the other hand, the stricter qualifications that the Department requires of student immigrants is also considered as another thing that has contributed to the decrease in the number of foreign student applicants lately. The most notable of these new qualifications has been the increase in the amount of funds needed before one can be granted a student visa. The stricter requirement for English proficiency has also been a major problem for those students coming from non-English speaking countries, like India and China.

Because of these, many foreign students are asking the government to act in order to give them the chance to get into the country. According to current Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans, the downturn of foreign student numbers is indeed quite alarming. He noted that the foreign education sector is one of the biggest industries in the country today, totaling to more than $18 billion annually. He added that this has been one of the country's top priorities in recent years.

Thus, he emphasized that both the government and the private education sector must closely cooperate in order to attract more foreign students into the country. Evans made this statement while meeting with education representatives in Beijing last month. China still remains one of the country's biggest clients when it comes to foreign students, comprising 27 percent of the entire population. However, the number of Chinese enrollments have been declining in the last few months.

However, Evans also said that he will still stand by the changes made in student migration program. He said that these are essential to safeguard the quality of the country's education system. He also urged foreign students to increase their efforts in order to get in.

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Embark On A Great Career In The Australian Education Sector

2010-11-22T14:25:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for a job, then you might want to check out the universities in Australia. These educational centers are in fact some of the biggest employers of foreign staff in the country. And you will find that the field to be quite lucrative.

It should be noted that the land down under is often considered as one of the top educational centers in the world today. Indeed, all of its major universities have in fact are in the top positions in the world rankings in the last few years. This in turn makes them even more attractive to foreign students looking fro quality education.

there are many independent sectors in Australia that give out vocational training to students.

And this is where the universities' search for more staff comes in. as the number of both local and foreign student enrollments continue to grow in the last few years, the institutions need more personnel to handle them. And while Australian schools get the bulk of their staff from the local population, they are also always on the lookout for foreign personnel.

Teachers and professors are probably the biggest chunk of the workforce hired by schools from oversees. In particular, teachers specializing in foreign communication and language are the most popular ones being sought. Coming in a close second are technical teachers, including engineering experts and computer programmers. Here, both lower level lecturers and those focusing on advanced studies have equal chances of getting in.

Aside from teachers, researchers are also another group of education professionals routinely hired by universities and colleges. Their work are not only limited to teaching students, as they are also involved in the researches conducted by the universities. They are also regularly allowed by their parent institutions to work as research consultants for both private and public companies and organizations. This, in turn, adds greatly to their income.

Aside from those directly involved in the teaching profession, the various universities and colleges in the country also regularly hires people for staff duties. Rank and file positions are probably the most common ones being contracted. On the other hand, higher level positions, such as department heads, counselors and administration staff are also pooled.

In terms of income, working in the Australian education sector may not earn you big as compared to other sectors, but the wages here are more than adequate to meet your needs. This is aside from the wide variety of benefits that you will receive all throughout your career. So if you are still deciding, then you might want to give Australian universities a second look.

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Whales, Australia's Marine Treasures

2010-11-15T00:57:00.000-08:00

But professionals and amateur biologists know that there are a lot to study in Australia. Almost everybody know that the country's wildlife is very diverse. And this is one of the reasons why a lot of nature lovers head to the country yearly.

One of the most popular attractions for tourists in the country are the numerous whale species that inhabit the oceans that circle the continent. Since Australia lies in the major migration routes of these marine animals, they are actually a common sights in the waters off the country's coasts all year round. Also there are several whale populations that since made this region of the oceans their permanent home.

The western part of the country is one of the best spots to see these magnificent creatures. Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia is one of the most notable whale watching places in the area. On the other side of the continent, the state of Queensland is also another popular spot for whale watchers. Particular spots include the islands located on the Great Barrier Reef. There are also occasional whale sightings near the Sydney Harbor, so those in the city might as well try and catch a glimpse of them.

And of course, a lot of people would want to know what kinds of whales that one can expect to see hear. The list is actually quite extensive, however, there there are particular ones that you can expect to get a glimpse of. There are several species of sperm whales that cross Australia's waters regularly and if you want to see a big one, then the majestic blue whale (the largest animal in the world) also makes frequent visit to the continent. There are also several dolphin species that are frequent residents in the the country's waters.

However, many people are worried that these whales might not last long for watchers to see. As it is, there are many things that threaten the existence of these creatures in Australia. One of the biggest of these is the pollution that is occurring in some regions around the country. There are also incidents where humans encroach on the whales' activities.

Because of these concerns, the Australian government has sought to act and protect these magnificent creatures. The states have enacted several laws aimed at protecting these creatures. There are also several studies being conducted to determine what human activities affect the whale population the most and how these can be controlled. The government is confident that the whale watching public will help in the effort.

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Australia Riding High On The Jobs Boom

2010-11-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

If you talk about Australia, working visa holders would definitely be very excited. As it is, the country is very much in an economic boom lately, which means that there are a lot of job openings available. And according to experts, it is likely that the boom will continue for the next few years.

It is interesting to note that the Australian jobs market, along with that of other countries, fell significantly during the financial crisis that hit the world in 2007. However, as it was able to put up a comprehensive mitigation plan for the crisis, it was able take the full effect head on. And because of this, it was one of the first few countries that was able to quickly recover.

Australian Immigration Online Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you may be eligible to apply for immigration to Australia. The Online Assessment incorporates criteria set by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Along with this recovery was the need to get more workers. And this is where the current jobs boom comes in. As the companies start to regain their footing, they have also started to hire new workers to fill in their need. And as one has already known, Australia's population is not that sufficient to handle the jobs boom.

And this is why a lot of companies are clamoring for more immigrants to come in. in response to that, the Australian government, through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, have started to review the country's immigration regulations and implement changes. The changes were actually started last year, right at the time the country was still starting to recover from the crisis. These changes are aimed to pool the incoming immigrants to find the ones that are most suitable for the country's needs.

Another thing that the Australian government is pushing for is distributing more workers to the areas that need them the most. These include regions that are outside the major commercial centers and in the central provinces. However, one of the major dilemmas facing the government is encouraging people to move into these areas. With that in mind, they are now starting to consider giving incentives to those who wish to move in.

The companies themselves have already started on this one. Many are now offering lucrative deals to entice workers from other countries to head to Australia. Some of these include residential accommodations, as well as other benefits. On the other hand, large wages are still a primary attraction that many companies offer. And with the amount of immigrants coming into the country to work. It seems that all their efforts are indeed paying off.

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Australia Pushes To Safeguard Its Foreign Students

2010-11-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Many people have traveled a lot in order to get an education in Australia. This one is actually not that surprising, since the country has long been considered as one of the best in terms of education. And according to experts, it is likely that the number of foreign students enrolling in the country will continue to grow in the years to follow.

Here, one of the groups that has the largest population in the country are those coming from India. In fact, with more than a hundred thousand students enrolled in the various colleges and universities in the country, this means that they make up the bulk of Australia's current foreign student population . And with more people lining up in the embassies to get their student visas, it is likely that their numbers will grow in the months to come.

However, it has not been always easy sailing for Indian students in the country. In the past few months alone, there have been several incidents that have greatly affected the Indian student, as well as the whole foreign student, community. And this has greatly affected their trust in Australia.

Some of the biggest of these incidents were the several attacks against Indian students this year. It should be noted that similar such attacks also happened last year, prompting several widespread protests from the foreign student community. And while not all of the incidents were determined to be racially motivated, this has left many Indian students wondering if they are indeed being targeted for such reasons.

And to make matters worse, the new immigration rules that were implemented last year also affected many foreign students, including Indians. While the purpose of the new laws was to better organize the student migration program, many students felt that these are limiting their chances of getting into the country. Thus, they are clamoring for a loosening of these rules.

In response to all the questions, the Australian government have said that they are now putting up new measures to ensure the safety of the foreign student community. They have also said that they are now pursuing cases against those who are responsible for the attacks. With regards to the immigration laws, officials said that these are necessary in order to protect the country. However, they said that those who are indeed qualified to study in Australia are guaranteed to get in easily.

Government officials also reiterated the importance of foreign students to Australia. They said that, aside from the obvious economic benefits, foreign students also serve as a bridge for better understanding between Australia and their home countries.

Image Resource

http://www.studentvisas.net.au/images/students.jpg

Going Through The Student Visa Interview

2010-10-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

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.

A Look At The Australian Foreign Student Market

2010-09-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

When you talk about Australia, student visa holders would certainly be quite excited. After all, the land down under has long been considered as one of the best places to study in for a lot of foreign students and with the ton of opportunities available in the country, a lot more will likely be attracted.

But this lively picture is back then. Nowadays, it seems that it is looking bleak for the foreign student market in Australia. According to the latest figures, it seems that foreign student enrollment is slowly decreasing in the country' educational institutions. In fact, the figures went down by more than three percent in the past few months. And some observers believe that it is likely to go down even further in the coming months.

One of the biggest reasons that observers pointed out as causing the decline in foreign student numbers in the country is the recent tightening of the student immigration program. It can be recalled that the Australian government, through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, has begun to tighten up the program since last year. One of the biggest changes that were implemented here was the reorganization of the jobs list that are qualified for a visa. The move saw the removal of many vocational courses from the listings.

Since a lot of foreign students are taking these vocational courses, many of them were forced to cancel their enrollment upon learning that these are no longer on the list. Looking further back, one can see why a lot of students are taking such courses in the country. Previously, these allow easy entry into the country for residency purposes. However, this is also the thing that the Australian government is trying to solve, as they argued that the setup is not doing good for the country's attempt at attracting the right kind of people to meet its needs.

But it is only not this one seen as a major reason in the decline of Australia as a favorite student destination. Other countries are now starting to showcase what they have to offer to many foreign students. And this is slowly catching the attention of a large portion of the international student market. For instance, the United States, while traditionally been considered as the top foreign student destination, have since increased its efforts to get more foreign students.

In this regard, a lot of experts are now urging the Australian government to double their efforts if they would still want to get a significant portion of foreign students. Luckily, they are not the ones to take this lying down, as the Australian government have said that they are now on the process of putting out newer programs to attract foreign students.

Traveling Australia On A Shoestring

2010-09-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

If you are an Australian travel visa holder, then you would definitely love going around the country. However, though this one is indeed a great way to spend your vacation. There is a slight catch. As you might have already known, touring the Land Down Under is not going to be cheap.

But of course, that does not mean that you can't cut down on your expenses when on vacation. In fact, this one will be an enjoyable part of the whole trip, as you will be challenged to come up with new ways of saving up. And so, here are some useful tips and tricks that you can do on your nest trip.

Ditch the car rental

This might sound ridiculous, but you can actually save a big amount of money of you forgo renting a car during your stay. You see, car rentals can often run over a hundred dollars a day. And imagine how much you will have to spend on this one for a few days.

If you are worried on how to get around, you can always take the train or the bus. You see, Australia has a well developed public transportation system that will take you anywhere in the continent. And if you want to save more, you can always get yourself a multi-pass to avoid having to get several tickets when you go around. In case you prefer flying, there are also a bunch of low cost airlines available.

Food is all over you

If you are hungry, then you need not worry about having to look out for a fine dining restaurant. There are actually plenty of great eating places scattered around the cities. And these are reasonably priced too. You have a wide variety of options to choose from here, from fast food to fine cuisine that will suit your tastes.

If you are looking for some great tasting seafood dishes, the docks are a good place to visit. One good example is Port Jackson in Sydney. The place is actually teeming with a wide variety of seafood sold at market prices, since they are quite close to where these are harvested. Here, you will definitely get to enjoy fishes and crabs without the huge bills.

Get rid of all the extra services

If you really want to cut your hotel expenses, then you will have to let go of the room service. And this will not only cut down your costs, but it will also encourage you to go out and explore Australia more. But of course, that doesn't mean that you have to cut them off entirely. Request for something every now and then to treat yourself.

Sources:

Britz

http://www.britz.com.au/101-travel-tips-for-enjoying-australia-on-a-budget

Hostel Bookers

http://www.hostelbookers.com/article/travel-articles/australia-on-a-budget/

Image Source
http://www.britz.com.au/SiteCollectionImages/Generic/101TravelTips/main_image.jpg

Immigration Officials Confident About New Student Migration Rules

2010-08-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

In Australia, student visa applications are one of the most popular types of visas being applied for by a lot of people. Indeed, the Australian education system is considered one of the best in the world, that's a lot of students would want to get in. However, there is yet another side to masses of people wanting to get an Australian student visa.

As it turns out, many people use the student visa for yet another purpose, that of gaining permanent residency in the Lan

d Down Under. It can be noted that, under the old regulations, foreign students were able to immediately apply for permanent citizenship after graduation from their courses. Also, the previous regulations allow foreigners to take advantage of the option regardless of the course they are getting. Thus, a lot of foreign students opted to take vocational courses, as these are the easiest ones to complete and get residency with.

However, with the changes done by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to the country's migration program, this seemed to become a harder route to take. It can be recalled that the DIAC begun implementing these changes since early last year. Here, one of the biggest changes was the removal of the vocational positions from the Skilled Occupation List. Also, the regulations for securing permanent residency has become even stricter today. Students are now required proof that they are indeed currently employed before being granted a chance to apply for permanent residency.

The effect of the new immigration rules were immediate. A lot of foreign students taking up vocational courses were force to stop in their tracks since there is nothing left for them to do. On the other hand, the removal of the vocational positions from the list also meant the automatic cancellation of their visa applications, putting them in a rather awkward situation. Thus, left with no other choice, a lot of them returned to their home countries.

Nevertheless, a lot of people are still pretty much attracted to the idea of getting permanent residency through a student visa. Indeed, the option is actually still very much available. With that, a lot of foreign student hopefuls are now actually choosing to get these visas by getting higher level education. This one is actually welcomed by the Australian immigration department as it indicates that they are able to get more higher level professionals, as this was the intent of the changes.

However, there are still those who attempt to circumvent these new rules and get residency through fraudulent means. These are the ones being closely monitored by the government. Officials are hoping that with the new rules they will be able to clamp down on these individuals.

Image Source

http://www.visabureau.com/media/3991266/australian-student-visa-5.jpg

Foreign Students Leaving Australia

2010-08-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

Getting an Australian education is probably one of the most popular reasons why a lot of people want to go to the country. Indeed, the Australian educational system is considered as one of the best in the world today. That's why a lot of foreign students would certainly want to grab the opportunity once it comes along.

However, while the country is still enjoying a large influx of students in this area, it seems that the country's appeal is now slowly decreasing. Indeed, the country has seen a large decrease in the number of foreign students entering its soil in the last few months. And education experts fear that the trend is likely to continue in the next few years.

According to the statistics provided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), the number of students applying for a visa to the country dropped by as much as ten percent in the last few months. Experts project that the drop could actually go to as high as twenty percent by next year if the situation does not change.

One of the biggest factors that has contributed to the decrease in the number of foreign students enrolling in the country is the recent changes done by the DIAC to the student migration program. It can be recalled that the DIAC announced last year that they will be doing a revamp of the student program in accordance to the changes made in the skilled migration program. With the new occupations list for the Skilled migration taking effect last July 1, about a hundred of the courses eligible for student visa application were automatically canceled by the DIAC. Thus, a lot of the students were forced to either return home or stay in Australia and face an uncertain situation.

And it seems that this is not yet the end of it. According to school administrators, there is yet another factor that is contributing to the decrease in foreign student numbers in the country. They said that the increase in the price of education in the country also contribute greatly to the decline of foreign student numbers. This in turn, they attributed to the strengthening of the Australian dollar.

And as it turns out, with the situation Australia is in, its competitors in the international education market are now making their move to attract more foreign students. Both Britain and the US are now relaunching their student programs. Thus, school administrators are urging the Australian government to act and respond to the situation. However, with the way things are, it is unlikely that the government can give a solution anytime soon.

DIAC Revamps English Proficiency Exams

2010-07-28T20:31:00.001-07:00

With all the changes being done in the Australian immigration procedures lately, a lot of people are getting worried that their chances of getting a visa is becoming slimmer and slimmer. And it seems that there will be tons more for them to worry about, as the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) recently said that there are still a lot of changes lined up for the visa programs.

One of the biggest of these changes so far was the move by the DIAC to put more emphasis on English language proficiency as a requirement for the issuance of a visa. It should be noted that this is not really that new, as English proficiency has long been a key requirement in getting a visa. However, in previous years, along with a more relaxed immigration policy, English proficiency was counted only up to basic communications skills.

With the new thrust of the government to get more highly skilled professionals into the country to meet worker demand, the department determined that there is also a need to revamp the English language assessment scheme to suit this purpose. The DIAC noted that, due to the above mentioned earlier set up, many of those who have been granted working visa have English communication skills that are below the requirements for the job that they have gotten into. This, according to immigration officials, greatly hampers their ability to perform the tasks that are related to their work.

In order to remedy this one, the department has sought to put more emphasis on better English language skills for those getting a visa. To do this, immigration officials have decided to allocate more points to English proficiency in the Skills assessment being given to visa applicants.

The DIAC have also gone further with this one by revamping the exams that are to be used for determining English proficiency. This was done to ensure that those applicants who have greater command of the language would be the ones to get through. Emphasis was also given on the proper use of professional English in work related areas.

In order to better implement these new measures, the immigration department is now also thinking of changing to current tests. As of current, the exams are provided under the IELTS system. Immigration Minister Chris Evans sad that his department is now seriously considering shifting to TOEFL to meet their needs.

However, visa applicants need not to worry about these new moves. According to immigration officials, visa applicants who don't pass the test are still welcomed to get English courses in the country to better their chances the next time they apply.

Vocational Students Find It Harder To Get Into Australia

2010-07-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

For those studying in Australia, migration is often the next thing that comes into their minds. And this one is not surprising, what with all the opportunities that await them in the country. Thus, a lot of people would want to be given the chance to enroll in the schools here.

However, many of those aspiring students might soon find that chance as being harder and harder to get. As it is, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have begun to institute changes in the student migration program. And according to department officials, there are still a lot more changes that are planned for the program.

One of the biggest that the DIAC made has been the exclusion of more than a hundred vocational level courses, such as hairdressing and cooking, from the student migration program. This is in accordance with the release of the new Skilled Occupation List for the general skilled migration program last July 1, which had also removed these positions.

It should be noted that, under the old system, these vocational courses have allowed foreign students to easily gain permanent residency status after the completion of their studies. However, immigration official noted that this soon became a common backdoor used by a lot of foreign students to live in the country despite lacking proper work qualifications.

And with the former Rudd government's thrust of getting more highly skilled professionals into the country, the DIAC took attention of the matter and instituted the changes that are currently in the student immigration program. Along with the above mentioned removal of low level positions, the department also drafted higher requirements for student migration applicants, including greater English proficiency. The latter was done to ensure that all incoming workers will have sufficient communication skills for the workplace.

However, while these have been removed from the skilled migration list, department officials said that vocational students wishing to move into the country may still be able to do so. This is provided that there is a demand for their work and that they will be able to find a company that will sponsor their immigration. They have also added that those permanent residency application lodged up until April last year will be exempted and will be processed according to the old regulations.

On the other hand, DIAC officials also clarified the misconception that these changes cover all foreign vocational students. They explained that the rules apply only to students seeking permanent residency after graduation. Foreigners who are on the country only for study purposes are likewise exempted from these changes.

Government Action Asked For Foreign Student Issues

2010-07-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

For people getting an education in Australia, the country has long been considered as a haven for academic undertakings. Indeed, the country's standing as having one of the best educational systems in the world today has been one of the biggest factors that draw thousands of foreign students here yearly. But as it turns out, this one is actually far from an ideal picture.

As it is, there is actually a lot of pertinent issues that many foreign students have to deal with when studying in the country. And a lot of them believe that, unless these are resolved soon, they will greatly affect not only the students themselves, but also the institutions that they are currently enrolled in. Thus, they are clamoring for the government to quickly find a solution for these problems.

One of the biggest issues of concern for many foreign students here is with regards to immigration. As can be recalled, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has begun revamping the student migration program in response to the Rudd government's thrust of getting more higher skilled workers into the country. Here, one of the biggest changes the that DIAC has implemented was the removal of more than a hundred vocational and other lower level positions in the Skilled Occupation List.

As it turns out, a lot of foreign students are actually taking these courses, mainly due to the fact the these are the easiest ones to go with when getting permanent residency. However, since these courses have since been removed from the list, the move has put many of these students' fate in limbo. In most cases, the students' visa application were automatically revoked upon the removal of their courses from the list.

The changes have also put a lot of colleges offering these courses into a rather peculiar position. As many of them are catering to mostly foreign students, the withdrawal of enrollments due to the above cancellation of visa applications have forced several to close down, while the others that where not able to meet the more stringent school qualifications set by the new foreign student program also ended with the same fate.

However, foreign students have found allies in many Australians themselves concerning the matter. A lot of experts have said that the new student migration rules will greatly affect the number of students in the country. They also aired concerns about how these will affect the foreign student industry, which is a big one in Australia. The government has responded by saying that it will ensured that legitimate students will not be severely affect by the new measures.

The government has also begun considering setting aside a specific secretarial post to deal with foreign student matters. This one, according to proponents, will help greatly in resolving the issues concerning a lot of foreign students, as it would be a more focused position, as compared to the current ones holding student matters.

Changes In The Student Visa And Their Effects

2010-06-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

With the changes being made in the Australian student vis a program, many foreign are now wondering whether it is worth it to continue their plans to study here. Some, has in fact, already decided to drop the chance altogether. And these turn of events are now worrying not only school officials, but also many immigration officials.

It can be noted that the revamp of the student migration have actually begun early last year, when the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced that it will be revising the skilled occupation list to make way for more higher level professions. A lot of the positions that where removed were of the vocational kind.

And since many foreign students are taking up these vocational course, a lot of them were heavily affected by the move. It should be noted that the main reason behind these students taking up vocational courses is because these are the easiest ones with which to get a permanent residency visa in the old system. Many of those who were affected were left with no choice but to forgo their applications and return back to their home countries.

And it seems that this was not the only problem that would be going in the way of many foreign students. At the same time last year, the DIAC also announced that changes would be implemented to the foreign student program itself. Some of the biggest changes were made with regards to qualifications for the program. One of this was the increase in the needed funds that a student needed to present first before being granted a visa, which was upped from the previous amount of AU$ 12,000 to AU$ 18,000. Stricter rules were also implemented with regards to qualifications, now with a greater emphasis on English proficiency.

As it turns out, while these changes were intended to sort out the most qualified among foreigners to be granted a student visa, these also had the negative effect of shying many potential students from applying. A lot of them argued that the new rules are seriously limiting their chances of getting into the country. Thus, they have now begun to seek out alternative countries, like the US or Britain, to study in.

According to government officials, they were well aware of these likely consequences. But they said that these moves are necessary in order to get the right kind of people in the country. Thus, they said that they will remain firm with their decision. However, immigration officials assured foreign students that those who want to take up vocational courses are still very much welcomed into the country, provided that they meet the requirements.

image source:
http://www.australianmigrations.com/images/img_visa_student.png

Australia's Best Universities

2010-06-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

The great quality of education in Australia is often considered as one of the biggest reasons why a lot foreign students flock to the country yearly. Indeed, Australia has been ranked as one of the top destinations when it comes to education. Thus, a lot of people consider it a once in a lifetime chance to be able to study here.

And of all the educational institutions in the country, Australian universities occupy a high rank in terms of prestige. Thus, being given a chance to study in them is considered a great honor. And so for the hopefuls out there, here some of the top universities in the country where you can try your luck to get in.

Australian National University
Ranked the highest among Australia's universities, the ANU is one of the institutions that has the largest population of foreign students in the the country. The ANU was established in 1946 through an act by the Australian parliament, the only one in existence in the country.

The ANU maintains several colleges in its Canberra campus, including the prestigious College of Law. The university also maintains several research schools that are aimed to furthering technology development. One of the university's most notable alumni is current Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
University Of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is Australia's second oldest university, having been founded in 1853. the university is also the second largest research organization in the country after the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.(CSIRO). Thus, it is considered as one of the top schools when it comes to the fields of engineering and medicine.

Being one of the largest in the country, the University of Melbourne maintains several schools in its main campus in the Victorian capital. Aside from that, there are also several institutions around the state that are under the direct supervision of the university. And being a research center, UM also manages several departments that work with other research institutions on various projects.
Monash University
Monash is the largest university in Australia, with a current enrollment of around 39,000 undergraduates and about 16,000 students taking up post graduate studies. The university is the second oldest in the state after the above mentioned University of Melbourne. The university has eight campuses in total, six located within the state of Victoria and one each in Malaysia and South Africa. It also maintains a research center in Italy and a graduate research school in India.

Monash prides itself at being one of the leading research institution in the country. As such, it has continuously sought to get new technology for such a purpose. One of these is the Australian Synchrotron, the first one in the country, which began operation in 2007. The equipment allows researchers at Monash to study matter on a molecular level.

image source:
http://homemigration.com/Portals/0/Images/0759_outdoor11.jpg

Australian Immigration Changes Lead To Foreign Student Boom

2010-06-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest news that hit many australia student visa applicants last year was that of the new policies being implemented by the Australian immigration authorities. Many feared that the new rules will shut down their hopes of moving into the country. One group that was in total panic was the thousands of foreign students enrolled in the country's schools.

Today, a year later, the anticipation created by the new policies seemed to be slowly dying down. Indeed, visa applicants are now slowly accepting and complying with the new rules, as immigration numbers are slowly returning to normal after last year's scare. And to top it off, contrary to what some experts feared, foreign enrollment in Australian colleges and universities didn't go down that much, but instead, is now actually on a boom.

In case you might have forgotten, it was in early 2009 that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced major changes that will be made to the Skilled Migration program. One of these changes was the revision of the Skilled Occupation list that contained the positions that are allowed to be granted a working visa. The revision of the list involved the removal of more than a hundred position that have been considered as either low level or low in demand.

As many of these low level positions are vocational courses where a lot of foreign students were enrolled in, their removal caused a great deal of concern. Many were actually forced to withdraw their enrollment, because of the uncertain future in the country. This, in turn had lead to the closure of several colleges due to low enrollment rates.

However, the Australian government quickly assured foreign students that their status in the country will not be severely affected. They also immediately released more than AU$ 5 billion to serve as a refund and compensation for students whose enrollments got canceled after their schools closed.

The government also encouraged these foreign students to shift into higher level courses, as these will offer them a better chance of being able to secure a visa. Though some opted to simply return back to their home country, many actually followed this advice and enrolled in other courses. This one has allowed the number of foreign students in the country to remain fairly stable.

And as the changes have finally been set, this has actually encouraged more incoming foreign students to get higher level students. This in turn, proved to be beneficial not only for the students, but also for the country, as Australia is now able to fill in the shortage of highly skilled professionals that it needs. This have also led many foreign students to reconsider their initial thoughts about the changes.

Low Foreign Student Numbers Alarm Australian Schools

2010-06-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

Being able to study in Australia is one of the major reasons why so many foreigners come to the country yearly in fact, Australia's educational systems is considered by many as one of the best in the world. Thus, being able to study here is often described as a one in a lifetime opportunity.

However, according to the latest figures from the schools themselves, the actual number of foreign student enrollments have actually decline by a significant amount in the last few moths. As it turns out, this one didn't come as a surprised to many experts, who argue that this one is actually to be expected. They further blame the new immigration changes that were put into effect early these year as the one causing the decrease in foreign student numbers.

As can be recalled, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has started a major revamp of the various immigration programs that it currently offers. One of the biggest of these revisions is the one that was done on the general skilled migration program. The changes saw the removal of more than a hundred jobs that has been considered by the department as being of low priority. Many of these jobs are the vocational ones being offered in the various colleges in the country.

Since a lot of foreign students are taking vocational courses, mainly because they are the easiest ones to get permanent residency with, the move has put them in a rather precarious situation. Many opted to simply cancel their enrollment and return to their home countries. On the other hand, those who chose to remain in the country have to face an unsure prospect, as their visa applications have been canceled automatically with the revamp of the jobs list.

And to seemingly add more headache to these foreign students, the student migration program itself also underwent several changes. One of the biggest of these was the increased in the required minimum funds that a student must present, which will greatly restrict the number of students coming in. another one is the increased educational requirements.

Thus, many school officials have voiced their worries as to how these would greatly affect the enrollment numbers. Indeed, in the few months after the changes have been fully implemented, more done a dozen colleges mainly catering the foreign student market were forced to close down due to lack of enrollment. This had lead to several education experts to ask for the reversal of these policies.

However, it seemed that the government is firm with regards to the new immigration policies. They said that these changes are badly needed by the country in order to get the right kind of workers. Thus, it is unlikely that they will change it anytime soon.

New Immigration Rules Open Door To Post Graduate Students

2010-06-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Getting an education in Australia is actually one of the major reasons why so many foreigners travel to the country yearly. Indeed, Australia's educational system is considered one of the best in the world today, which is the reason behind so many students going here annually. However, the recent changes in immigration policies have many people in and out of the country fear that these numbers will go down.

As can be recalled, the changes in the skilled migration program was implemented late last year. These changes included the removal of a lot of the jobs that were considered to be low level by the immigration department. Since many of the foreign students here were taking vocational courses, which are some of the positions that were considered by the immigration department as low level, they ended up having to cancel out their enrollment. It should be noted that the main reason behind many foreign students taking vocational courses is because, under the older system, these are the ones with which it is easiest to get a permanent residency visa after graduation.

Since, as have been said, much of the foreign student population here are taking these low level courses, many education experts here feared that such moves will certainly decrease the number of students coming into the country. And it seemed that those fears were realized when the number of foreign enrollees suddenly dropped at the start of this school year. The situation was further aggravated by the closure of several colleges who are mainly catering to these foreign students.

However, the government is quick to allay these fears. They argue that these moves are necessary in order to get the right people into the country. As it is, according to the latest statistics, Australia is actually suffering from a shortage of highly skilled professionals, due to the fact that most are gunning for the lower level positions.

And it seemed that the immigration department was somewhat vindicated in their move. After the initial shock from both students and educators, and a dip in foreign student numbers, everything is now starting to return back to the same level again. However, this time around, there's a big difference. While previously, a lot of students are coming in to become cooks and waiters. More and more students are now enrolling in highly skilled courses, such as engineering and business administration. Post graduate enrollment also posted high numbers, as more and more students seek to get a better positi0n under the new immigration rules . Thus it seemed that all of these moves are working as intended.

DIAC Stands Firm On Student Migration Changes

2010-05-25T16:03:00.001-07:00

One of the biggest things that shook the student migration scene last year was the large scale changes made by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to the general skilled migration program. Many were surprised by the changes and found themselves scrambling to cope up with these. Others, on the other hand, tried to assert that these new changes will only prove detrimental to student immigrants.

However, it seems that these actions are going to be of no avail. The DIAC said that it will stand firm on its decision. It also said that these changes are very necessary in order to ensure the quality of not only the general skilled migration program, but also of the student migration program. Thus, it seems that foreign students indeed have nothing more to do about this one.

To better understand the whole matter, it would be a good idea to track back to where everything started. In early 2009 , the department announced that it would be making changes to the skilled migration program in order to align with the Rudd government's new thrust in getting more highly skilled professionals into the country. These changes resulted in the removal of a hundred or so positions that were deemed by the department to be low level or of low demand.

Though the changes initially affected those who are getting working visas, it soon became apparent that the foreign student migration will also be greatly affected by these. Since a large number of foreign students were taking vocational courses, they suddenly found themselves in a big problem when the department deemed these low level and removed them from the priority list. It should be noted that the main reason why many of these students to take up vocational courses is because, under the old system, it is the easiest way to get permanent residency.

And it seemed that everything is not over yet for foreign students, as the student immigration program itself received major changes. One of the biggest of these changes was the increase of the basic living cost for students to around $18,000 from just under $15,000 previously aside from this, the application process for the program has now become even tighter.

Naturally, foreign students vehemently showed their opposition for these host of changes. However, the department said that it will remain firm about these changes. They also added that these will also benefit foreign students in the long run. They also assured these students that they will do everything to ensure that the new rules will have as minimal an impact to them as possible.

Enrolling Your Kids

2010-05-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

One thing you must consider is the education in Australia of your children. And since there are a lot of schools in the country, this can often become even more complicated. And so, here are some useful tips that can help you in enrolling your kids.

Getting to know The Australian school calendar

The Australian school year usually begins from January to December for both primary and secondary
Each school year is composed of four separate terms, with breaks in between, the longest of which is the Christmas break often lasting for six weeks
in terms of enrollment, Australia has one of the largest rates in the world today.

Public and Private schools compared

Generally, there are no differences between them in terms of educational quality.
The national state governments provide sufficient subsidies, which means that they are practically for free, though you will still have to pay a few fees.
Though private schools do get fees, these are actually reasonably priced compared to the rates in other countries.

Looking for a school

Most schools allow online sign-ups, which would be a great help to incoming immigrants.
There are also online directories that provide comprehensive information on schools, which you can also use in selecting a school.
Almost all towns in the country have a nearby community school where you can easily enroll your kids in.

Getting your kids to school

It would be a good idea to let your kids visit the school before the term starts to familiarize themselves to the area.
You might want to enroll your kids to the nearest school for security and convenience reasons.
In case of a far school, you can get your kids a dedicated school service or fetch them yourself.

Last Reminders

Make sure you have your kids' complete records when enrolling them to avoid going through the hassle of getting them afterward.
Many schools require incoming students to have complete medical check-ups so be sure to promptly comply with this.

Australia Faces Tough Immigration Issues

2010-05-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

In Australia, migration issues are often important topics that have been discussed time and time again by policy makers. Being a country with a long history of immigration, this one is not really surprising. However, with the recent changes in immigration policies and its looming effect on the country, it has become an even more urgent matter to consider.

As one might have recalled, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) began implementing major changes in their policies. The biggest of these is the total revamp of the skilled migration program, which aims to get more highly skilled professionals into the country, of which it is currently in a shortage of. Afterward, the DIAC also announced that they will be implementing stricter regulations on the entry of immigrants, including issuing biometric passports to people coming from countries considered as high risk areas.

And this one is seemingly not over just yet, as officials announce plans to cut down the number of immigrants to be allowed into the country. This, according to proponents, is the ease up the growing population of the country, as well as to alleviate competition with local workers. This one actually came as a surprise a few weeks after Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that the country needs to increase immigration in order to sustain its development.

Indeed, as some experts have pointed out, Australia does need to get a lot of immigrants. The country has one of the largest economies in the world today, and is expected to still grow more in the future. However, its small population cannot provide enough labor force to sustain its development, which is why it needs to get a lot of immigrants.

However, there is a catch on this one. There is actually a limit on how many people the country can really take in, and observers fear that the current number is nearing that one. If indeed does go overboard, the consequences will definitely not be good for the country or the people living here.

And while the country is still in a bind and is trying to sort out its immigration issues, it is set to face yet another challenge. Competition coming from other countries seems to be bent on taking Australia out of the top spot for many immigrants' choice of a place to move into. Singapore, in particular has announced renewed efforts to attract more foreigners into its land. On the other hand, colleges and universities in the United States are also bent to get a bigger share of the international student market, something which Australia holds the biggest part of.

These new competitions will likely put pressure on Australia's immigration stance. However, the country is expected to come up with a sure solution soon.

Employment Opportunities For Australian Graduates

2009-11-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

One of the best offers that a student can get is being able to study in Australia. However, there is an even more enticing opportunity that you will surely find irresistible, that of getting an Australian employment right after graduation. And, luckily, there are many job opportunities waiting for you in the country, once you step out of the campus.

In fact, Australia is actively encouraging foreign students to work in the country after their graduation. This is actually the main reason why the Australian government has instituted changes that made acquiring residency much faster for students. They have also been actively welcoming fresh graduates in the country to come and work in Australia.

So what is there in stored for the fresh graduate in Australia? As have been said there are indeed plenty of jobs available. All you need to do is look and you will surely find the one that will suit you.

The medical field is, as of current, the biggest employer of fresh graduates, both locally and abroad. Nursing jobs account for the largest bulk of employment positions here. In fact, the demand is quite high, that Australia has opened the market to foreign graduates. Following closely behind these are caregiver jobs. These also have grown significantly in recent years that schools within Australia have started offering caregiver courses to would be foreign students, with jobs already waiting for them.

Aside from the above two, new doctors are also needed for Australian employment. In order to attract fresh graduates, some hospitals have even offered shouldering further studies of specializations to new doctors. The large pay is also an added attraction for would be applicants.

Aside from the medical field, Australia's information technology industry is also a hot spot for fresh graduates. Programmers and web specialists are among the top posts that many companies in the country are seeking. Software specialists are also very much sought after. End user positions, such as clerks and encoders, are also quite numerous.

Meanwhile, aside from computer personnel, the manufacturing industry is also hiring plenty of technical people yearly. Many positions are available for people of differing educational background, ranging from those with vocational certificates to those who have college degrees. The construction industry is, likewise, on a hunt for new graduates.

Another industry that has experienced a boom recently, and thus, is in search of new workers, is the tourism and hospitality industry. High level positions for new graduates include managers, supervisors and technical advisors. On the rank and file, on the other hand, applicants with degrees a nd specializations are highly favored. Again foreign students are very much welcomed to apply, either for a temporary or a permanent position.

Aside from these major industries, there are still a lot of Australian employment opportunities for fresh graduates. In fact, foreign students in the country might not need to even look out side of the campus for jobs, as the schools themselves are continuously hiring people from their ranks. And with a bit of luck, you will likely find a good job a few months after graduation.

Sources:

About Australia.com

http://www.about-australia.com/employment/

Graduate Careers Australia

http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/

If you are experienced, a professional, skilled or a graduate of an Australian university, you may apply for an Australian skilled visa to be able to work in the country. You may also search for an employer and apply for an employer sponsored visa.

International Student Graduation Rate in Australia

2009-11-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

Education in Australia is the third-largest export sector in Australia. It is one of the biggest earner and contributor in the economy. And this boost has pushed more people to study overseas. It is not only that gains from education, students enrolled in many education providers also get what they are looking for, their well-deserved quality academic learning.

The number of international Australian students makes up a big portion of the student population in the country, 26 percent of the total number. Most of them were from China, Hongkong, Korea and UK. And since there is a rise in student migration, the count of education institutions also increased, What most of this schools offer are English learning courses and vocational. And as compared to the number of native Australian students, the rate of international student that make it to graduation is higher.

The percentage of international students that finish schools is still high. It may have declined for the past years due to financial crisis, but the stat still shows a good number. There were additions to the dropout because of many financial loss happened. Some students were left with no choice but to stop schooling and work for the family instead. Yet, the number of students believing that education is the key to success is greater. And this line, and the crisis motivate them even better to pursue their courses.

There are different factors that affect an international student's campaign for education. Social and economic influences have big impacts on the graduation rate from the higher education in Australia. These two can dictate the outcome of determination among students. And if the scenario has a bad connotation, the graduation rate is more likely to sink.

Social factors includes the nature and setting of the education environment. If it's nice, then students will have more reasons to push for excellence. In an unlikeable surrounding, one will lose the desire to study. In Australia, the setting is upgraded and enhanced. They want to make students experience quality education at its best. That their decision to study down south is one of the right thing they did in their life.

Another factor is the economy. The financial supply is of course, the very first thing that is needed to get a higher education. Without it, you can't have an access of the so-called “key to success”. However, if you're short with money, there are scholarships being offered by the government to both international and Australian students. This is bestowed to those who are striving harder with their study.

Students that graduate in Australia can stay longer because there are available competitive jobs in Australia for them. The Australian government provides work for those who have finished studies in their universities. They can surely use what they worked for in number of years because they will be designated to fields that are related to their courses.

Visit PrincipalVisas at http://www.principalvisas.com to get assistance for your very own Australian student visa. Get the best education from Australia's top colleges and universities now.

Australia Colleges and Universities -The place to study

2009-10-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

One of the many questions that may go into a young's mind before entering college is what and where do I study? A lot of students are going for studying overseas or abroad as there are tons of high quality colleges and universities that offers top quality education and are recognized worldwide. But not all who dreams of studying abroad are able to do so because of travel restrictions (like student visa and passport issues) and because of living abroad (expenses, being far away from the family and strangeness of being in a foreign land).

Students chooses places like the United States for their best education but did you know that there are also great colleges and universities in Australia? Yes they have hundreds of colleges and universities that will ensure you a top quality education and a bright future. Getting to Australia is also not that hard as PrincipalVisas is here to help you get you your very own student visa and assist you in every way that you would need in living in Australia.

You wouldn't really have to matter for financial issues that much as you have an option of getting a scholarship or working for money at the same time. A lot of students are lucky enough, or should I say smart enough, to pass exams and qualification tests given for scholars (even through sports or other academic events) and a lot of them are very hard working and very flexible in balancing their studies and working at the same time.

If you are still unsure of studying abroad, you can always try it out for a semester or two. The different courses that are offered in other universities are also offered in Australia. Making the college credits that you have or that you will gain in Australia applicable to other universities or college at home or wherever you prefer to finish it up. If you enjoy the academics and living conditions in Australia, you may choose to stay or if not, you may go home or try other universities out after a semester.

Being able to graduate in the top colleges or universities in Australia can give you an advantage when you will be applying for work anywhere in the world later on as Australian universities are also known to produce great students and future business men, leaders and entrepreneurs of our society.

You can visit http://www.principalvisas.com to learn more about the colleges and universities of Australia and to be assessed for free if you qualify for a student visa in the country. Good luck and work hard.

Welcome to Student Migration-Studying in Australia

2009-10-20T20:48:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Student Migration-Studying in Australia blog. A blog that is meant to discuss issues, stories, comments, news and articles about studying in Australia. Get the best updated news about the schools and educational program of the country and get the best resources if you like to study in Australia.

Student Migration is common and every year, thousands of students enter Australia to finish a degree or get a diploma. Read stories about being a student in Australia for those who live locally and those who are international students-students who migrated or obtained student visas.

Feel free to join the discussion by commenting or send your own stories or article about Australia in the contact us Page.

Contact Us

2009-10-20T20:40:00.001-07:00

If you have any comments, suggestions, advice or any story that you would like to be posted or included in this blog, feel free to send an email to micaela@principalvisas.com and we will get back to you as fast as we can.

Those interested in link trades or banner exchanges are also welcome to email us at the same address.

Thanks
Webmaster

Resources and Partners

2009-10-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Get a list of the best resources for students who wants to study in Australia. From the best websites for your student visas to the resources to the best schools and academic news and issues in Australia.

For you convenience the list below is created.

Australia Travel Guide - Your ultimate guide to travel, tips and more about Australian culture.

Australian Wonders - Your guide to the wonders of Australia.

PrincipalVisas - get your own student visa easily and conveniently and learn more about living in Australia.
PrincipalVisas Blog

Working and Living in Australia - Provides articles and resources for your family or your partner to migrate, work, and live in Australia.

Work in Australia

Feel free to add your links by sending a mail in the contact us page.