Practical tips

Travel well informed !

English

As a general rule, the standard test requested by the universities for international students is the IELTS (International English Language Training System).This is a face-to-face examination that seeks to evaluate all the skills of the candidate in English (written, oral, reading, listening). It is possible to take this test in France, as well as in Australia. Do not hesitate to ask us for more information.

Budget and Employment

The cost of living in Australia is not as high as in many other English-speaking countries (this refers mainly to England and the United States). Moreover, it is relatively easy to find a job if you look for one and if you have a decent command of English. With the student visa, it is possible to work 20 hours per week (and as many hours as you wish during the holidays), allowing you to cover many expenses. On average, the cost of living in Australia amounts to about €8,000 per year (about €670 per month).

Tuition Fees

As for tuition costs, it should be noted that students do pay tuition in Australia. The costs vary depending on the institution and the duration of studies. University education is somewhat more expensive than the TAFE College institutions. On average, one should consider about €10,000 to €15,000 per academic year at a university and about €5,000 to €8,000 at TAFE.

Accommodation

It is easy to find accommodation in Australia. First we advise students to spend one month with a family or in a student residence to better understand Australian culture in an Anglo-Saxon environment. In the meantime, you can search for a roommate. A roommate will allow you to lower housing costs and awards greater liberty as well as direct access to Australians or other international students. As a general rule, only a security deposit of 1 or 2 month’s rent is necessary along with a copy of your identity documents and a signed report on the condition of the property.

Transport

It is rather simple to travel around Australia. In the cities the public transportation systems, be it tramway or bus, are excellent and it is somewhat difficult to get lost. If you wish to travel into the bush or along the coasts, you can either buy or rent a van (small camping car) or a car, on your own or as a group. Moreover and thanks to the train network, the Greyhound bus and some airline companies (like Virgin Blue Airpass), it is inexpensive to cross and visit Australia. If you seek adventure, try the “Spaceships”, vehicles that seem to step out of the James Bond movies: single-cabin, refitted Toyotas, equipped with beds, fridge, water tank, double rechargeable battery, CD/DVD player… If you feel like a modern hippie, try the “Hippie Camper”. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Visa

Once you are admitted to a higher education institution in Australia, you can request your student visa. The process usually lasts around one month. Moreover, it is also possible to request your visa in Australia, as long as you indicate beforehand in which Australian city you plan to reside and retrieve your visa.