Australia
By law, Australia is a multi cultural, liberal, democracy. Its citizens
and guests enjoy personal freedom with a view, to mutual respect for
each other and the environment. In the past decade it has become a
sought after education destination for young students from around the
world, in particular from Asia. Students have the same rights and
responsibilities as local citizens.
Students VISA conditions
There are a number of conditions that all international students are required to comply in order to maintain their Student visa.
These include
Students are required to undertake a fulltime study program of at least
20 hours per week for a minimum period of 36 weeks per year.
At any given time students are to maintain a minimum of 80% attendance
in classes and/or organised training activities and as well as course
progression criteria acceptable to the education provider. Late arrival
to class or not having the required study material or personal
protective equipment could result in recording absent for the session.
Students are required to pay their fees 90 days before start of their each semester.
Health insurance is mandatory and organised through the Overseas
Students Health Care (OSHC) scheme. This can be arranged through your
education provider. If you choose to organise this yourself you need to
provide a copy of your current insurance cover to the education provider
prior to the commencement of your studies. The provider has a right to
organise cover if students fail to notify the provider of their current
insurance policy.
Even though students are allowed to work maximum of 20 hours per week
while they are studying and fulltime while they are on holidays, they
are not allowed to undertake any business activities except contract
work with clear work hours documented or entered into a log book.
Students must apply for a Tax file number with the Australian Tax Office
on line or by post and provide the Tax file number to every
employer/Contractor for taxation purposes.
A breach in any of these conditions could warrant the cancellation of
the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) by your education provider or
report to Immigration authorities on a student's questionable financial
situation and or questionable intention of to stay in Australia.
Safe and Sustainable Way of Living
Australian way of life is much more structured compare to some of the
other vibrant and care free society. It is advisable to watch your
movements and actions based upon your surroundings. Most of the
situations in core hours, in busy locations, safety is not a problem.
But in late or lean hours, in lonely situations, it is advisable to stay
with in designated areas where people travel in groups or walk together
in groups. Most cultures and people accept and enjoy others culture and
their way of life as they are in terms of dressing pattern, food
pattern and spoken language, but exceptions do apply and be aware of
your surroundings and moderate your way of conduct. If you are visiting
locations that you never have been, it is advisable to talk to your
student support service and gather as much information as possible.
Things that you need to be aware of:
Do not carry cash in person or leave it at home unattended. Use debit or
credit cards, translink passes and other means of payment methods
which is safe and credible.
Do not accept jobs that can endanger your wellbeing. Accept jobs with
TFN, where your safety is protected through work cover and your money is
guaranteed through fair work office.
Do not stay in a overcrowded accommodations as it can endanger lives.
Conduct yourself in public places as it can create unpleasant atmosphere.
Do not lend money to unknown people as it can create unwanted problems.
Seek help from family, friends or from your education provider, if you
are not sure of anything or something that may be bothering you.
If you experience any situation that is not normal, please report to your student support services ASAP.
Do not be part of any activities, either individually or in a group, that can endanger others life.
Please be aware of others tolerance level and be sensitive to one another's feelings.
