You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities, and emergencies. When living in a foreign country as a student, it is better to keep track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend. According to the Australian Government, general living expenses amount to $21,041 per year. An international student spends between $20,000 and $27,000 per year (given your living arrangements and personal choices). You should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:

Most universities in Australia offer on-campus residence facilities to international students. You can also opt for off-campus accommodation wherein you can share apartments with other students from India or stay with a local Australian family. The rent is usually paid every two weeks in advance. Remember, the rentals vary from city to city.

Nigerian students in Australia cannot work without acquiring their Tax File Number (TFN). With this, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you choose to work along with your studies, your earned income will be taxable.

Remember, the exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. We suggest you also look for a part-time job while you are studying in Australia or seek scholarships in the universities you apply to. This can help lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent.

Coming into effect since July 1, 2016, a student subclass 500 visa lets you stay in Australia for the duration of your study program, which is mostly up to five years and in line with your enrolment date. For a smooth stay, you need to ensure that your visa remains valid and you abide by the conditions mentioned on your student visa. You can read up in detail about this kind of visa on the Australian Government.

• You can participate in your desired study program
• You can be accompanied by your family members to Australia
•  You can apply in or outside Australia through online portal

• You should be enrolled in your desired study program in Australia
• You should hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or either fall in any of the exemption categories
• You must be equal to or more than 6 years
• You need to prove that you have a welfare arrangement (in case you are less than 18 years of age)

When applying for your student visa for Australia, you will generally need:

• Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment)
• A valid passport
• Your visa application fee
• Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
• Academic and work experience documents
• Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores)
• Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)
• Details of your health insurance policy
• Statement of purpose
• Passport-sized photographs

Please Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.

You will need to create an account using DIBP’s online application system to complete and submit your student visa application. You can also track the status of your visa through your Immi Account once you have submitted it. You should submit your application no later than six weeks before your course starts, and no earlier than 12 weeks.

If you’re with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in Australia, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.

Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest applications forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we also help to certify, translate and courier your documents.

It’s a great opportunity to stay back and work in Australia for a longer duration! This new post-study work stream visa, offered by the Australian Government enables you to study, live, and work in the designated regional areas of the country, for up to four years.

This is a great update as now you can plan for your career in a better manner, having a wider range of areas accessible to study and work, besides a longer duration of post-study work visa validity.

As an international student, if you wish to work in Australia upon the completion of your studies for a longer duration (up to four years), then this is for you. The good news is that this visa allows you complete study and work rights, besides allowing the freedom to travel to and from Australia as long as it is valid.

• Your field of specialization will not be a determining factor as this post-study work visa doesn’t have an occupations list. But ensure you are studying at the right levels
• You should have a degree from a CRICOS-registered course
• Skills assessment isn’t requisite to apply for this visa
• You need to fulfil the English language proficiency requirements

The post-study work stream visa can open doors to an exciting career in Australia. This means, more options, more exposure, and yes, more employability. Australia’s regional cities are a great place to study, work and live – offering a highly attractive combination of a world-class university education and a great lifestyle. While Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney are already popular, the equally important cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra now become more attractive to international students. This may be creating a sustainable balance and more opportunities for everyone and also that education and employment opportunities that are available across Australia are taken up by students rather than competing in a concentrated space. There are economic opportunities that are all around the country and the new policy will advantage the international students in many ways.