The present article is intended to give you an overview of few critical insights a Student should have before leaving to study in Australia to pursue an international degree. Despite being an expensive study abroad destination, Australia still offers the dual combination of lifestyle and world-class learning.

• For higher studies, one should apply for only one Australian study visa sub-class 500 regardless of the course and place of study.

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for foreign students, as a protective measure during any medical emergencies.

• International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week while studying in Australia with a minimum estimated national wage of $17.70 per hour.

• Documents must have the passport, e-visa, driver’s licence, academic transcripts, health records, birth certificates, confirmation of enrolment (COE) and airport pickup confirmation e-mail.

• Most of Australia universities and colleges are accredited by leading international accrediting bodies like AACSB, Equis, Washington Accord, Sydney Accord, and Dublin Accord virtually guaranteeing the best of the best education platforms, learning, and career support.

• The Australian Tech results through cutting-edge research.

• Australian academic year has 3 intakes viz. February, July, and November.

• OECD predicted the growth of international students in Australia to 7, 60,000 by the 2020.

• The three primary academic functions of the university are research and discovery, teaching and learning, and outreach and engagement prescribed under the Dawkins revolution, which involved the merger of institutions of the 19 original universities with nearly 100 other higher education institutions and campuses to create 37 world-class public universities.

• Australian universities and affiliated research organisations currently spend around AU$10 billion annually on research, a threefold increase in the last 20 years.

• The critical issues facing the research agenda and its future developments, include greater attention to the grand societal challenges and high priority public needs; emphasis on interdisciplinary translational research; expansion of big data/computer infrastructure with cost-sharing between universities and other partners including the government and industry; greater collaboration with international partners; increasing high-cost start-up packages for STEM programs, new mediums for disseminating research results (open access journals, web-based conferencing, etc.); and increased protection of intellectual property (trade secrets, patents, licensing).

• The post-study work permit is also available to graduates for working in Australia for 2 – 4 years depending on the duration of the course program.

• Average annual tuition expense for undergraduate programs ranges between AU$15000 and AU$30000 and post-graduate programs the figure ranges between AU$20000 and AU$38000.

• Weekly accommodation may cost around AU$90 to as high as AU$400 depending upon the type of housing facility. Similarly, the utility costs including groceries, gas & electricity, internet, and public transport may cost in the range of AU$150 and AU$500.