Choosing the Right Course for Your Student Visa Australia Application

/ / Published in Australia, Education Blog, Visa & Migration
Choosing the Right Course for Your Student Visa Australia Application

Are you considering applying for a student visa in Australia? If so, you may be wondering how to select the right course for your student visa application. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best fit for you. In this blog, we will explore the different factors to consider when choosing a course for your student visa application in Australia to help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful outcome. Read on to learn more!

Types of Courses Available for International Students in Australia

In Australia, you study all types of courses at all levels. From engineering to agriculture to business or even design! However, you need to select a course that is approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This is the mandatory requirement that international students need to fulfil in order to be eligible for Australian Student Visa (subclass 500). There are three courses that an international student can choose from:

  1. University Courses

You can choose to continue your studies to obtain a Bachelor, a Master or even an MBA. These types of courses are more on the expensive side. However, these degrees are recognized worldwide and are also valued by recruiters around the world.

  1. Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses (Also Called Short Courses)

VET Courses have a more operational focus on the job you have chosen for yourself. These courses help you become ready for the work more quickly and efficiently. These courses are cheaper than university courses. However, they are the perfect way to make your dream of studying in Australia a reality while improving your current skills or getting new ones. There are 3 different levels of VET courses:

  • Certificate
  • Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma

  1. English Language Courses

English language courses or also known as ELICOS can help you improve your English or to prepare you for international English exams such as IELTS, TOEFL and others. The duration for ELICOS varies and can take up to 2 weeks to get you started to 1 year to perfect your grasp of the language.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Course for Your Student Visa Application

Some of the things that you should consider before choosing the right course for your student visa application are as follow:

Choosing the Right Course

  1. Academic Requirements

The first thing you need to consider before making a decision is if you have the minimum academic requirement to qualify for whatever course you are aiming for. 

  • Undergraduate courses: An equivalent of the Year 12 or the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Some undergraduate courses may have a specific prerequisite subject as well.
  • Postgraduate courses: An undergraduate degree and education providers may also consider your research ability and work experience.
  • VET courses: In order to get into the first level of a VET course, the minimum requirement is to have attended and completed at least the third year of high school in your home country. mostly there are no entrance exams for VET institutions. However, in some cases, you may require to have studied specific subjects or have work experience.
  • English Language courses: The requirement is not just limited to English language skills but is also course specific.

The above-mentioned requirements are very basic and general. therefore, it is necessary to do a thorough research of the requirements before applying to the university. Additionally, for university courses, you may need to submit your standardised test such as GRE, GMAT, etc. 

  1. English Language Proficiency 

Every course in Australia is taught in English, so it is no wonder that you will need to qualify with the minimum proficiency levels in English. In most cases, you will need to submit an English test score such as IELTS or TOEFL.

  • For a vocational course, you will be required to have at least 5.0 in IELTS and its equivalents such as PTE or TOEFL
  • For an undergraduate program, you will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL score of at least 79 – 87
  • For a postgraduate program, you will require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 – 6.5 and a TOEFL score of at least 79 – 87

The scores that we have provided above are just to give you an idea and are just a general guideline, the score requirements for individual programs may vary.

Assessment Task 2 (AT2): Develop and Implement Improved Learning Practice Part 2.1: Develop Improved Learning Practices Following your analysis of the existing learning practices, instructional design and assessment strategy and your discussion with management, complete the following to make improvements to the unit BSBLDR812 Develop and Cultivate Collaborative Partnerships and Relationships. 1. You must complete and submit the following documents clearly showing your improvements to learning strategies, teaching strategies and assessment methods appropriate to the learner characteristics you defined in assessment task 1. A revised 10-week plan with improved learning practices highlight updated content / activities / tasks based on instructional design principles A revised Assessment Summary including all changes in the training and assessment strategy for the unit. Part 2.2 Advocacy for Improved Learning Practices You are required to present your improvements and feasibility of the proposal for your improved learning practices by writing an email to your manager (trainer). Use the space below a) Introduce your plans for improved learning practices of the unit BSBLDR812, include the highlights of your recommendations. b) Actively Seek feedback on your recommendations on the improvements you have suggested and propose your plan to further research improved learning practice. c) Provide a plan for preparing and mentoring trainers in the implementation of improved learning practices and training techniques that enhance learning and when it would be appropriate to use them. You must include reference to all of the following. instruction and explanation questioning practice written information group, pair and team activities individual activities demonstration Part 2.3: Designing and Testing Improved Learning Practices After having designed, developed and advocated for the improved learning practices for the unit BSBLDR812, you are now to test your learning practice in the real-world environment The purpose of this task is to provide mentoring to other trainers, by providing them with guidance on the improved learning practice and to test the improvements you have recommended. You will be required to prepare a brief Mentoring Plan and a sample Session Plan before meeting with the trainer. 1. Prepare a Learning Practice Trainer Mentoring plan for the session with the trainer. In the mentoring plan you must include: Goals of session Rules Guidance Active listening strategy Providing feedback strategy Assess progress 2. Prepare a Sample Session Plan; Select one of the areas in the unit to prepare a sample session from the unit BSBLDR812 Develop and cultivate collaborative partnerships and relationships (10-15 mins) employing the improved learning practices that you have suggested. You must include the following in your session plan Class - Learner profiles (assessment task 1) Objectives of the session Resources required for this session and include sources of learning materials (books, audio, video, online internet content, libraries, learning software) and the availability of the learning material (how easily can it be accessed by a student) At least one learning resource (this may include an Assessment / activity / quiz to the class based on the lesson) Learner Evaluation strategy to determine if the objectives of the session were achieved. Trainer Evaluation strategy to identify what went well, and any changes Lesson strategies Outline timing and content and sequence of activities and activity objectives, describe introductory and concluding practice activities, assessments and responsibilities of trainer. The Lesson Plan & Objective Template (see below) which includes at least ONE form of learning material e.g. trainer slides, assessment/quiz, activity sheet Part 2.3 OBC 2 (AT2) Test improved learning practices In the role of the instructional designer, you will present your session to the current trainers of the unit (your assessor will take this role) to test and provide guidance from a mentor perspective to them on your improved learning practice suggestions. You must Introduce the purpose of the mentoring session Discuss the goals and rules of the session Go through your sample lesson plan with the trainer (remember to ask open ended questions to elicit feedback) Ask for feedback from the trainer on your improvements. Make notes of any discussions on the notes section at the end of your Lesson plan and objectives template. Please log into canvas to access the observation checklist Read the instructions provided Once you have read and understood the instructions, please write " I understand and I am ready for assessment" The assessor will then set up a time to complete this observation and complete the checklist on Canvas During your presentation you will be observed on your ability to interact and communicate with others. Please review the observation criteria below, including the specific observations. Oral communication and interaction with others. 1. Verbal and Non-verbal communication Speaking clearly and concisely using language relevant to the audience which may include: semi-formal professional clearly spoken no mumbling No favoured words Using non-verbal communication to assist with understanding 2. Using active listening techniques to confirm understanding which may include: Maintaining eye contact Repeating what the speaker has said to confirm understanding Asking questions to identify the required information Responding to questions as required 3. Use of questioning skills to elicit information use of open questions to obtain information and seek feedback use of closed questions to confirm use of clarifying questions Take notes on the feedback that you receive. 4. Use of persuasive communication skills which may include; Establishing credibility Tailoring the message to the audience Identifying benefits of concepts Use of positive body language (projected authority, confidence) 5. Specific Task Observations a) Advocated for the implementation of the improved learning practice by presenting their plans to improve the learning practice with information that supports their argument. Remained focused on the topic Kept records of suggestions Overall Use of appropriate communication skills The information provided in the meeting on learning practices and training techniques was accurate and appropriate b) Provided information through mentoring and providing guidance to the trainer c) Session plan, content, learning resource and improvements supported improved learning practice.

  1. Cost of Education

Australia is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations among international students, hosting over 594,027 international students between January to October 2022. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive, with students needing at least AU$ 21,041 each year for the cost of living alone according to the country’s visa requirements. Meanwhile, Australian universities’ tuition fees vary considerably depending on what you study and the level you will be studying it.

We will break down these costs for you below:

Tuition Fees for University Courses 

  • For undergraduate course – AU$ 20,000
  • For postgraduate course – AU$ 22,000

These figures don’t include the tuition fees of high-value courses such as medical degrees, which usually cost significantly more.

Tuition Fees for Vocational Courses

Just like any university course, the costs of vocational courses in Australia vary widely depending on the course you want to study, in which city and the type of school you will choose. Tuition fees range from AU$4,000 to AU$22,000 per year (inclusive of training material)

So, these were just a few things that you need to consider before the course selection process. Studying abroad is a life-changing experience and therefore it is imperative that you make a well-informed decision. If you are unsure of the type of course you would like to study, feel free to get in touch with Edvise Hub. We will be more than happy to help you with any query you may have.

Good Luck!

Fahad Shamim is an experienced Australian education and migration consultant at Edvise Hub, helping international students and migrants achieve their study and settlement goals in Australia. He is a MARA Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619225) and a Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC – G12906), providing accurate, ethical, and compliant advice on Australian visas and education pathways. With strong expertise in student visas, post-study work options, skilled migration, and partner visas, Fahad shares practical insights and guidance to help applicants make confident, informed decisions.

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