Studying in Australia offers a fantastic chance for international students to get a top-notch education in a welcoming and lively setting. Unfortunately, some myths can scare away potential students, making them anxious or misinformed about what to expect. This article aims to clear up five common misconceptions about studying in Australia, giving you a better understanding of the rewarding and supportive experience that awaits you in this beautiful country.
Myth 1: Australian education is too expensive
A big worry for many students is the costs of studying abroad, including flights, tuition, and living expenses. While it can be expensive, there are some ways in which you can try to lower the costs.
Australian institutions offer a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid tailored for international students, so be sure to find out how much you are eligible for when you are applying. At AXIS Institution, we provide flexible payment options, allowing students to pay in convenient instalments weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or per semester.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to work part-time during their studies. With careful planning and budgeting, studying in Australia can be financially manageable.
*Please check your visa for your work conditions.
Myth 2: Language barriers make studying difficult
International students often worry that their non-native English skills will make it difficult to excel in their studies. While English is indeed the primary language of instruction in Australian institutions, most colleges and universities understand the varying levels of proficiency among international students.
As an international student, you don’t need to worry because most Australian colleges and universities offer language support services to assist international students in adjusting to both study and life in Australia, including English language and study assistance programs.
And, it’s totally OK if you sometimes don’t understand phrases or words. You can always ask for help and you’ll find that your English will improve in no time.
Myth 3: Difficulty making friends
Moving to a new country can make anyone nervous about making friends, and international students often feel this even more due to cultural differences.
But, there’s no need to stress, Australia is known for its friendly, welcoming culture and multicultural society. Colleges and universities in Australia go to great lengths to support international students, offering a variety of programs and events designed to help them connect, build strong social networks and feel at home.
At AXIS Institute, we have students coming from different backgrounds, hence, we constantly aim to provide numerous social events to help students integrate and build friendships. Celebrations include an egg toss competition and a fun Easter egg hunt. We also celebrated Harmony Week, recognising diversity and bringing together students from various backgrounds to learn about each other’s culture. From Diwali to the Melbourne Cup to Christmas, we celebrate all the holidays and make the season special for students who have to live far away from home.
Myth 4: You can’t work while you study
In many countries, international students are not permitted to work, even for a part-time job, while studying in their host country. Many people also think that working in Australia while studying is impossible, or that those allowed to do it are limited.
However, this is not the case, and although working while studying was more difficult in the past, it is not the case now. In fact, most international students now are allowed to work up to 48 hours every two weeks (except during holiday breaks), unless they are under a scholarship program that will not allow them to work.
Moreover, international students are protected by Australia’s law, thus, they have the same rights as Australian workers, such as getting the same minimum rate per hour and government assistance in case of a problem at work.
Myth 5: VET Education in Australia is not valuable for international students
Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia is highly valuable for international students, offering practical skills and hands-on experience that are in high demand in the job market. VET qualifications are recognised both nationally and globally, providing students with excellent career opportunities worldwide.
Here, at AXIS Institute, we’re proud to say we’re a Nationally Accredited Training Organisation approved by Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) which means that all our courses provided meet stringent national quality assurance requirements in terms of both competency outcomes and assessment validity. We provide qualifications in a wide variety of fields and areas of study, including Management, Aged Care, Childcare, Hospitality and Construction.
All our campuses have state-of-art training facilities like our own Commercial Training Kitchen for courses like Hospitality and Kitchen Management. Similarly, we have modern facilities and practice and assessment lab for Aged Care. Our mission is to make you job ready once you complete your training.
If you’re thinking about studying in Australia but aren’t sure where to go, consider making AXIS Institute your first choice!