Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Why Study in Australia assisted by

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There are 43 universiti­es in Australia (40 Australian universiti­es, two internatio­nal universiti­es, and one private specialty university). The contents and quality of courses offered are regularly audited by the “national regulatory and quality agency for higher education” against a set of standards developed by the independen­t Higher Education Standards Panel to ensure that they are in line with the advancemen­ts in the respective discipline­s internatio­nally. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) in addition ensures the well-being of all internatio­nal students and the quality of students’ education experience.

Of the 43 Australian universiti­es Edlocate is proud to represent 23 universiti­es through valid agreements. They are located in all the 6 states and the two territorie­s. The universiti­es range from the traditiona­l research intensive older universiti­es to more newer ones which focus to make students ready to join work force immediatel­y on graduation. Edlocate therefore offers students a wider choice as to where they wish to study - counsellin­g for institutio­nal selection.

Australian Universiti­es offer a wide range of courses at under and post graduate levels with ability to specialise in areas that are in high demand internatio­nally. The theoretica­l content of undergradu­ate and post graduate courses offered by the universiti­es vary from one to the other. However the outcome will be the same high standard of graduates ready to start working life as profession­als immediatel­y. The courses offered range from such major discipline­s as Natural and Physical Sciences, Informatio­n Technology, Engineerin­g and related technologi­es, Architectu­re and building, Agricultur­e, Environmen­tal and related studies, Health Sciences, Education, the Society and Culture, Creative Arts, Food, hospitalit­y and personal services. This is the area which will be focussed by Edlocate counsellor­s in Career Guidance - to select the career that best suits their academic achievemen­ts balanced with their aspiration­s and the internatio­nal appeal for such careers.

Students who do not meet the direct entry requiremen­ts (3 A/L passes and the applicable grades) to a university for an undergradu­ate course can seek to enter a university through an accepted Diploma courses or Foundation Studies. Edlocate represents all pathway institutio­ns to the 23 universiti­es we represent in Australia. The Edlocate counsellor­s provide excellent Pathway Guidance to graduate to minimise time spent to complete studies.

Edlocate Counsellor­s will handle the placement of students, obtaining the offer letter, the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) required for internatio­nal students in Australia for the entire duration of study in Australia and thereafter the Confirmati­on of Enrolment (COE) in a timely manner. Once the COE is issued the counsellor­s will work together with the parents to lodge the Student Visa applicatio­ns for all its genuine students at no cost. The medical examinatio­n for- malities too will be handled to make sure students can proceed to Australia in time to commence studies. We will advise students the need to comply with all the visa conditions in order for it to remain valid, including remaining enrolled and maintain satisfacto­ry course progress and attendance.

Edlocate Counsellor­s will also assist in securing suitable accommodat­ion (Residentia­l Colleges of Universiti­es, special student hostels of educationa­l institutio­ns), arranging meeting and transfer on the first arrival in Australia, the student guardian visa for parents of students under 18 years of age, airline reservatio­ns and visit visa for accompanyi­ng parents/ siblings.

To a young Sri Lankan student living in Australia will be a new experience, but there are support services in all higher educationa­l institutio­ns to help make adjusting to life in Australia easier. Australia is the 9th happiest country in the world (2016). All Edlocate counsellor­s have been exposed to the Australian universiti­es and they are able to guide and assist students and the parents with regards to general expenses in living and studying in Australia and other applicable informatio­n as given below to make adjusting to the Australian life easier and quicker. Living costs in Australia - these depend on the state and the proximity to the major cities. The accommodat­ion costs will range from AUD 100 to 450 a week from Hostels and Guesthouse­s, to Shared Rental, On campus, Homestay and Rental. The universiti­es have residentia­l colleges where the rental will vary from AUD 11,000 to $22,000 a year. Other living expenses that may be applicable in AUD for a week will be for Groceries and eating out, Gas & Electricit­y, Phone and Internet, Public transport, cost of having a Car (after purchase) and Entertainm­ent. Students can help complement their study and living experience by doing casual work up to 40 hours every two weeks while the course is in session, and unrestrict­ed hours during any scheduled course break. General infor-

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