Course Selection
Course & University Guidance for International Students:- If you’re keen to explore study and visa options in Australia, we’re keen to help
Course selection & application:- Australia is home to top-notch universities and colleges, many of which are ranked among the world’s best. With so many schools and universities to choose from, deciding where and what to study can be challenging. As experts in international student placements in Australia, our consultants can help you choose a course that’s right for you and make sure you have the best chance of having your application accepted.
Admissions & course change
Sometimes, when you arrive at your new city and institution, things just don’t seem right. The course might not be suitable for your dream career, you may be seeking an entirely new study path, or you may simply not enjoy the course anymore.
If you’ve started studying your course in Australia and don’t feel that it’s the right fit for you – that’s OK! International students in Australia have the option to change courses, but there are some things to keep in mind before making this decision. When changing to a new city, institution or course, you must ensure that your new plan meets your long-term goals better than the original one, whether these goals relate to future work, education or personal aspirations.
To help you, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about changing courses on a student visa.
Can I transfer institutions?
If you have completed six months or more of study and want to change to a same or higher-level AQF course, you will be able to change educational institutions. Generally, you will also be able to get course credit at your new institution for subjects already completed.
If you are thinking of transferring to a university in Adelaide, you can check eligibility for credit transfer at the institution you are interested in transferring to.
Can I change course?
Yes! As an international student in Australia on a Student visa (subclass 500), you may be able to change courses if you feel that what you’re currently studying isn’t the best option for you or your career goals.
However, there are a few variables to keep in mind when you’re making the decision to change courses or study programs:
I have been studying my original course for 6 months or more
If you have been studying your original course for six months or more and wish to change to a same or higher level Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) course at your current institution, then you don’t have to apply for a new student visa. Your education provider will update the Department of Home Affairs with any changes in your study situation – you won’t even need to update your ImmiAccount! You will only need to apply for a new student visa if your current one is due to expire.
I have been studying my original course for less than 6 months
If you have been studying your original course for less than six months, and want to change courses at your current education provider, the same rules apply as above.
Changing to a lower-level or non-AQF course
If you want to study a lower-level or non-AQF course, you will need to apply for a new student visa. Exceptions apply if you’re moving from an AQF level 10 course (Doctoral degree) to an AQF 9 course (Masters degree).
Note that if you are on a packaged course (such as Foundation studies and university studies packaged together), it might affect your ability to transfer due to the commencement of your principal course.
Can I study at two universities at once?
When applying for a subclass 500 visa, you only require Confirmation of Enrollment from one education provider. However, upon commencing your studies in Australia, should you want to study at another institution concurrently, you should contact your original institution directly, as it may impact your student visa.
Can I move interstate for university?
You might be looking for a city that offers a more balanced lifestyle. The good news is that you can move to any state for university in Australia. The process will more or less be the same as if you were changing institutions.
Professional Year
What is the Professional Year?
A Professional Year Program is a structured professional development program combining formal learning and workplace experience for international students who have graduated from a university in Australia in the following courses.
- IT Professional Year
- Accounting Professional Year
- Engineering Professional Year
Duration of professional year?
Professional Year Programs run for 12 months and includes 7 months of classes (1 day per week; with the weekend class option available) + 3 months guaranteed Internship placement.
What are the benefits of PY?
- A Professional Year Program helps to develop communicative skills, practical experience and knowledge of Australian workplace and culture.
- It also helps to gain 5 migration points towards an international student’s PR application.
- It adds value to your CV.
- Develops practical skills through a professional internship
- Helps to obtain a Professional Year certificate
- Aids to enhance the career prospects of International Students and broadens their opportunity in the field of IT, accounting and Engineering.
- It also facilitates networking with peers and other industry professionals.
Who can enrol in this program?
To qualify for the Professional Year programs you must have undertaken study in Australia and graduated from an undergraduate or post graduate degree program. In addition, you need to satisfy each of the requirements below.
Study & Qualifications
Applicants must have graduated from a course that appropriately matches the Professional Year program to which you want to apply; have completed a Higher Education program in Australia, in a course that provides two years credit points over a minimum of 18 months.
Skill Assessment
All applicants must have a successful skill assessment from their relevant assessing bodies (ACS, EEA, CPA, IPA and ICAA).
Visa
Applicants must hold, or have applied for, the subclass 485 Temporary Residence visa. They can be on a Bridging visa or Student visa, but must have applied for the 485 visa and provide evidence. 485 visa holders must have a valid visa for the duration of the Professional Year program. Engineering graduates with a positive skill assessment form Engineers Australia and holding a 476 visa (Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa) are also eligible for an Engineering Professional Year.
Language proficiency
Applicants must have a minimum overall IELTS test score of 6.0 and nothing less than 6 in each band to be eligible for a professional year.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Graduate Skilled Visa (subclass 485) provides international students with the ability to temporarily live and work in Australia after completion of their Australian studies.
Graduate Work stream
This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations Australia needs. It lets you live, study and work in Australia temporarily.
Stay: Usually up to 18 months.
Temporarily increased to 24 months for visas granted from 1 December 2021. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
Cost: From AUD1,895.00
Processing Time:
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
How long can you stay
This is a temporary visa. The length of your stay in Australia will depend on the level of your Australian study qualification and if you have a select degree..
- bachelor degree (including honours) – 2 years
- bachelor degree (including honours) in select degree – 4 years
- masters by research and masters by coursework – 3 years
- masters by research and masters by coursework in select degree – 5 years
- masters (extended) – 3 years
- masters (extended) in select degree – 5 years
- doctoral degree – 6 years
- Hong Kong and BNO passport holders who successfully complete a bachelor, masters or doctoral degree – 5 years.
Post-Study Work stream
This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. It lets you live, work and study in Australia, temporarily.
Stay: Usually between 2 and 4 years, depending on your qualifications.
Applicants with a select degree may be eligible for an extended 2 years on their visa. See eligibility on homeaffairs website
If you already hold a post-study work visa and are eligible for the additional 2 years with a select degree, lodge your application via ImmiAccount. Applicants with a select degree are only eligible to be granted the extended 2 years once and further applications for the extension will be made invalid.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
Cost From AUD1,895.00