Australia
Country Information
- Population: 26.4 million
- Languages: English
- Economy: Advanced. Open-market
- Currency: Australian dollar
About Australia
Australia is a vast, diverse country in the Southern Hemisphere, covering the continent of Australia and many smaller islands, including Tasmania. It is bordered by the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is known for its unique landscapes, including deserts, mountains, rainforests, and beaches, as well as its rich biodiversity.
With a low population density, Australia is renowned for its wilderness, including landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, and places a strong emphasis on conservation.
A high-income nation and OECD member, Australia has a developed, open economy focused on free trade. The service sector dominates, employing 70% of the workforce, with tourism, finance, healthcare, and education playing key roles. Agriculture, mining, and renewable energy are also vital, with Australia being a major exporter of beef, wool, coal, and iron ore.
The country’s technology sector is growing rapidly, particularly in biotechnology, software, and advanced manufacturing. Australia offers a high standard of living with a stable political system, strong healthcare, and education systems, making it an attractive destination for people seeking to live and work in a prosperous, multicultural society.
Why International Students Choose Australia
Australia is recognized for its high-quality education system, particularly in areas such as Environmental Science, Engineering, and Medicine. The country offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its world-class universities. Australia’s strong focus on research, combined with a welcoming multicultural environment and high quality of life, makes it an appealing destination. The country is also known for its strong post-graduation work opportunities.
Undergraduate Programs
Degree Duration: A bachelor’s degree in Australia typically takes 3 years, although some programs such as Engineering and Architecture take 4 years.
Programs Offered: Programs are available in Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Arts, and more.
Entrance Requirements
Sri Lankan A-Levels: Sri Lankan A-Level students are generally required to have three A-Levels.
British A-Levels: British A-Level students are eligible with three A-Levels.
International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB Diploma is accepted, with typical entry requirements of 24-28 points.
Graduate Programs
Degree Duration: Master’s programs generally take 1 to 2 years to complete, while doctoral programs can last 3 to 4 years.
Programs Offered: Graduate programs include MBA, Engineering, Information Technology, and Social Sciences.
Entrance Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree is required, with some programs requiring GMAT/GRE scores.
Scholarships In Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships: Provides funding for students from eligible countries to study undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme: For international students who wish to undertake postgraduate study or research in Australia.
Research Training Program (RTP): Offers scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate research.
Working as a International Student in Australia
Eligible students are allowed to work up to 48 hours a fortnight when their course of study or training is in session and more than this if their course or training is not in session. Some students may be able to work more than 48 hours a fortnight if they meet specific required conditions.
Post Study Work Visa (PSWV)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows recent international graduates in Australia to live, study, and work temporarily. It has two streams: the Post-Study Work Stream for higher education graduates, valid for two years, which may be extended for a further two years based on eligibility, and the Graduate Work Stream for skills-based qualification holders, also valid for up to 18 months.
Pathways to Permanent Residence in Australia
Australia offers several pathways to permanent residence for international students.
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- Allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency without needing employer sponsorship or state nomination.
- Applicants must pass a points test based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
- Requires state or territory nomination and is for skilled workers whose occupation is on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
- Applicants must meet the points test and may be required to live and work in the nominating state or territory for a specified period.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
- Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to four years in occupations on the Short-Term or Medium-Long Term Strategic Skills List.
- Can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after a certain period of employment.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)
- Allows skilled workers to gain permanent residency if nominated by an Australian employer in a skilled occupation.
- Applicants must meet health, character, and skills requirements, and the visa can be applied for under the Temporary Residence Transition stream after holding a subclass 482 visa.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
- Allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years.
- Can lead to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 191) if certain income and work conditions are met.
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