Australia is renowned for its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and vibrant student life. Here are some compelling reasons why studying in Australia could be the right choice for you:

1. World-Class Education: Australia is home to several world-renowned universities and educational institutions. Institutions like the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and Australian National University consistently rank among the top universities globally, ensuring that you receive a high-quality education.
2. Innovative Teaching: Australian universities are known for their innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research facilities. You'll have access to state-of-the-art technology and resources, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in your field of study.
3. Cultural Diversity: Australia is a melting pot of cultures, offering a rich and diverse experience. You'll meet people from all over the world, which enhances your global perspective and prepares you for an international career.
4. Work Opportunities: International students in Australia can work part-time during their studies and full-time during breaks. This allows you to gain valuable work experience and earn extra income to support your education.
5. Beautiful Environment: From stunning beaches to vibrant cities and beautiful landscapes, Australia offers an attractive environment for students. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures or city life, Australia has something for everyone.
6. Safe and Welcoming: Australia is known for its high standard of living and safety. The welcoming nature of its people and the support services available for international students ensure a smooth and enjoyable study experience.

The Australian education system is well-structured and designed to offer a comprehensive learning experience. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

1. Higher Education Levels:
   • Undergraduate Degrees: Typically take 3-4 years to complete, leading to a Bachelor’s degree. Some courses may include honours programs.
   • Postgraduage Degrees:: Include Master’s programs (1-2 years) and Doctoral programs (3-4 years). These programs offer specialized knowledge and research opportunities.
2. Vocational Education and Trainings (VET): VET institutions provide practical training and qualifications in various fields. These programs are designed to enhance employability and offer diplomas and certificates.
3. Quality Assurance: The Australian Quality Framework (AQF) ensures that all educational institutions adhere to high standards. This framework guarantees that qualifications and courses meet international benchmarks.
4. Flexible Learning: Australian universities offer flexible study options, including online courses and part-time study, allowing you to balance your education with other commitments.
5. Support Services: Institutions provide a range of support services, including academic assistance, career counseling, and personal support to help you succeed both academically and personally.

Australia's student visa system has recently undergone significant changes with the introduction of the new GS (Genuine Student) System. This updated framework is designed to streamline the visa application process and ensure that applicants meet the criteria for genuine students. Here’s what you need to know about the new GS System:

The GS System focuses on assessing the genuineness of student visa applicants by evaluating their intentions and circumstances. The goal is to make the process more transparent, efficient, and aligned with Australia's commitment to high educational standards and security.

1. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: The GS System continues to emphasize the GTE requirement, which assesses whether the applicant genuinely intends to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose of study. Applicants must provide evidence of their intention to comply with visa conditions and return to their home country after completing their studies.
2. Simplified Assessment Process: The GS System aims to simplify the assessment process by introducing a more streamlined approach to evaluating applications. This includes clearer guidelines and more straightforward documentation requirements, reducing administrative burdens for both applicants and the Department of Home Affairs.
3. Enhanced Integrity Measures: The new system incorporates enhanced integrity measures to prevent fraudulent applications. This includes more rigorous checks and the use of advanced technology to verify the authenticity of documents and information provided by applicants.
4. Increased Transparency: The GS System is designed to be more transparent, providing applicants with clearer information about the requirements and processes involved in their visa application. This transparency helps applicants better understand what is expected of them and how to meet the criteria.
5. Focus on Genuine Students: Under the GS System, there is a stronger emphasis on ensuring that visa applicants are genuinely committed to their studies. This involves a thorough evaluation of the applicant’s academic history, financial stability, and overall intentions.
6. Support for Applicants: The system includes measures to support applicants throughout the visa process. This may involve access to additional resources, guidance on how to meet the requirements, and support for addressing any issues that arise during the application process.

There are options to prove you have enough money for your stay. These can include evidence of:

• deposits of money from a financial institution
• a government loan or loans from a financial institution
• scholarships or similar financial support.

Alternatively, you can provide evidence that your parents or your partner had a personal annual income of at least AUD87,856 in the 12 months immediately before you apply. If you bring family members, your parents’ or partner’s income must be at least AUD102,500 in the 12 months immediately before you apply.

If both your parents are working we can consider their combined income. Provide evidence of your parents’ or partner’s income in the form of official government documents such as tax assessments less than 12 months old. We won’t accept bank statements or direct evidence from an employer.

At a minimum, you must have enough money to pay for:

• your travel
• 12 months of your course fees (or pro rata fees, if your course is less than 12 months)
• 12 months of living costs for you and any family members who come with you to Australia (or pro rata fees, if you are staying less than 12 months)
• school fees for any school-age children who accompany you (or pro rata fees, if the child will be at school for less than 12 months).

Use the following information to work out how much money you need for the visa. To calculate pro rata costs, divide the annual cost by 365 and multiply the result by the number of days you intend to stay in Australia.

12-month living costs are for:

• students - AUD29,710
• partners coming with you - AUD10,394
• a child coming with you - AUD4,449.

Use the first 12 months of your course fees. If your course is 12 months or less, use the total cost. Deduct any costs you have already paid – you must provide evidence you have paid them, such as a receipt or Confirmation of Enrolment.

If you are in Australia and your course has already started, calculate the course fee for 12 months starting on the date you lodge your application.

• Example 1: your course fee is AUD50,000 for 3 years. The fee for 12 months is the total course cost divided by the number of years you will be studying. AUD50,000 divided by 3 years = AUD16,666, less any amount you have already paid if relevant.
• Example 2: your course fee is AUD15,000 for 10 months and you have already paid AUD5,000. Deduct the amount you have already paid from the total amount. AUD15,000 - AUD5,000 = AUD10,000.
• Example 3: your course fee is AUD20,000 for 18 months. The fee for 12 months is the total divided by the total number of months, then multiplied by 12. (AUD20,000/18) x 12 = AUD13,333. Deduct any costs you have already paid.

If you are including any school-age children in your application, add schooling costs of at least AUD13,502 per year for each child. Costs vary between states, territories and schools in Australia. You are responsible for finding out how much the child’s schooling will cost.

You don’t have to provide evidence of schooling costs if you:

• are a PhD student and have enrolled your child in an Australian government school where the fees have been waived, or
• have received an Australian Commonwealth Government scholarship, including Foreign Affairs and Defence sponsored students, and have enrolled your child in an Australian government school where the fees have been waived.

You must provide evidence the child is enrolled.

As a guide, when you calculate how much money you need, include:

• AUD2,500 for travel costs if you are applying from East or Southern Africa
• AUD3,000 for travel costs if you are applying from West Africa
• AUD2,000 for travel costs if you are applying from anywhere else outside Australia
• AUD1,000 for travel costs if you are applying in Australia. If you will be returning to Africa include AUD1,500.

Include the costs and expenses of the primary applicant. For family members also applying for the visa, include:

• 12 months living costs (or pro rata)
• any school fees
• travel expenses

Secondary exchange students can prove they have enough money for their stay by providing a completed Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) students can prove they have enough money for their stay by providing a letter of support from DFAT. They must also provide proof of the financial capacity of any family members travelling with them.

Department of Defence students can prove they have enough money for their stay by providing a letter of support from the Department of Defence. They must also provide proof of the financial capacity of any family members travelling with them.

Family members who apply to join you later must also, at a minimum, show us they have enough money to cover:

• the costs and expenses of the student visa holder, including any remaining portion of the 12 months school fees minus any amount already paid
• 12 months living costs of all secondary applicants, including school fees
• travel costs for all secondary applicants.

If we ask you to provide evidence of financial capacity you must also prove you have access to it.

If someone else is providing you funds, give us:

• evidence of your relationship with them
• their identity documents
• evidence of any financial support they have given you or another student visa holder in the past

If the financial support provided involves a business, show us proof the business is operating.

If you are providing evidence of deposits of money, explain their source.

Any education loan to cover your tuition or living costs should be paid out according to the agreement between you, the bank and the education provider. If you receive any payments before we make a decision on your application, give us evidence including the terms of the loan and the full amount you will be paid.

If you are relying on another kind of loan, provide:

• evidence of the security you used
• the terms of the loan
• evidence you can cover ongoing costs.

The best evidence you can provide of genuine access to funds if you are relying on a loan is evidence of disbursement

Let your provider know any conditions on your education loan. Some loans offer deferred repayment against your future earnings. These loans can be conditional on you studying only a specified course with a certain provider.