10 Things to Know Before You Study in Australia

If you are thinking to study in Australia, there are several things you must be aware of. The nation is much more than wildlife, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. It’d be great if you would know about Australia’s food, social norms, history, and culture beforehand. This is why we have curated a list of 10 things that you must know before you leave for studying abroad in Australia. Let’s get started. 

1. Different Grading System

In case you were not already expecting this, the grading system in Australia is different from other systems. You’d be surprised to know that a “D” is an excellent grade, unlike other systems, where it is close to failing. Given below is a list of grades regarding education in Australia so you can comprehend better.

• HD: High Distinction
• D: Distinction
• C: Credit
• P: Pass
• F: Fail

2. Flipped Seasons

During the northern hemisphere’s summer, Australia is cold, which means it is the winter season there. And while you may have sandy beaches and sunshine on your mind, southern cities get extremely cold. So if you are at Torrens University Sydney, besides your swimsuit, do not forget to pack warm clothes. 

3. Watch Out for Your Budget

Melbourne and Sydney are among the 10 most expensive cities in the entire world. From groceries to accommodation, prepare yourself to experience a great amount of expenditure. Ideally, you should prepare a budget before you head to the country and try to stick to it as much as possible. You can always purchase second-hand textbooks or get a library membership in order to save up some for weekend outings. 

4. Suit Yourself Up for a Jet Lag

The difference in time between America and Australia is intense. So if your arrival is in the morning, make sure you stay up so you don’t have to worry about sleeping at night. You can consider exploring the city, eating out, and enjoying yourself during the daytime. In case your arrival is at night, it’s best to force yourself to sleep. 

Jet lag is just a problem in the beginning. The actual one will begin when you can’t match your time zone with family and friends back home. And remember to tell them which time zone you are talking about while deciding. 

5. Consider Your Choice of Place Carefully

There are a number of places in Australia where you can study. Ask yourself if you would like to live in a rural area or a city. And do you wish to spend a lot of time by the shore? These will help you decide the place where you wish to study. It is always best to consider all factors before planning to live for more than a couple of years in one place. 

6. Opt for Health Insurance

Australia international students must opt for health insurance. Basically, there are chances it will already be included in the program but in case it is not, you must get health insurance by yourself. 

In particular, the government of Australia requires all global students to obtain OSHC or Overseas Student Health Cover. Get yourself a plan that fits your needs the best. Do not forget to ask what is and what is not covered in the plan. 

7. Visa Requirement 

Australia study visa is a necessity when it comes to studying in the country for over three months. The process can be performed online and the visa is virtually connected to the passport. This reduces the requirement for visiting embassies. Nonetheless, the visa fee is quite expensive. In case you are going to study for less than a quarter year, it is best to opt for a visitor visa. 

8. Perfect for Exploration

If you love traveling or exploring new things, Australia is the perfect place for you to study. You can visit the Sydney Opera House, Uluru and the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and many more places. Try saving up during weekdays and spend this money to travel and look around on weekends. This way, you will not be hampering your budget and will also get to experience Australian culture and history. 

9. Stay Informed

We recommend reading a bit about the country before stepping foot here. For instance, you should know what the country’s capital is and what kind of festivals are commonly celebrated. If you can put in more effort, try reading the news as well so you can know what is going on in the nation and what kind of crimes you can expect here. 

10. Work While Studying

The usual Australia education visa will permit a student to work for a specific number of hours per week. Taking into consideration the minimum wage in the country, which is very high, it will be worth the effort. After all, you will also get to eat out or travel more often based on these earnings!

To know more attend SIEC's Australia Education Fair in your city