6 REASONS WHY AUSTRALIA REMAIN TO BE THE STRONG CHOICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY Student Visa Subclass 500 for Filipinos

COVID-19 halted and changed so many things around us.  With the travel bans, restrictions, and continuing threats of COVID, the repeated question we get from our clients is:

Is it wise to get a student visa to Australia?

Fortunately, we have the answer, the insights and the tips too!

Here we go…

The pandemic has undoubtedly affected a lot of people and industries globally. In the Philippines, education has shifted to online platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, Facebook, Youtube and other Learning Management Systems (LMS). While this may be convenient for some, others find online learning stressful. In Australia, a similar situation was generally experienced by many students, though with the restrictions slowly easing and leading to a ‘COVID normal’ society, educational institutions have also been going back to normal. With the current situation and the consequences of the new normal, is it still wise to get a student visa in Australia?

The short answer is, yes! But let’s discuss further why you should consider studying in Australia even with COVID still roaming around.

1) Australia’s educational system is one of the best in the world

With over 40 higher education institutions offering various programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, Australia will allow you to gain knowledge, skills and experience to succeed in your chosen field of study. Whether you intend to specialise in engineering, business, medical field, or even the arts and film, there is an opportunity to take your passion to the next level in Australia. Almost half of these Australian universities have proven their excellence being included in the QS World University Rankings top universities. Aside from excellence in instruction and services, research is also commendable in Australia, making it a truly innovative and ideal country to advance your skills and knowledge.

On the vocational side, Australian colleges are leading in the delivery of programs that are highly sought after by the global labour market. In many cases, international students find the vocational education as their pathway to earn credentials, credits, and skills to get an employment or to be admitted to an Australian university. In other cases, vocational studies are done alongside professional registrations or to bridge the gap between the overseas and Australian professional requirements to practice.  

Worried about COVID? Australia’s research and health institutions are working together to find solutions to this problem, which is a testament to the excellent educational and health services you can have here.

2) There is a close relationship between schools and industries

Not only can you access excellent higher education in Australia, but there is also an option to develop your skills through the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET)qualification. This qualification is given by the government and private institutions with the aim to provide hands-on training and skills development to prepare you into the workforce.  

If you plan to apply for a temporary or permanent work or residency visa in the future, many States prioritise those who have completed their studies either in higher education or VET when considering migration application approvals. That means, having completed study and training qualifications from an Australian educational institution may lead you to more work opportunities and secured future.

Did we mention that you could gain work experience while studying in Australia regardless of the degree you are taking?!

3) Digital learning is a priority of the Australian government

Australia’s curriculum at any level integrates technology in student learning as the government and educational institutions believe that technology is an essential part of society. With such commitment, to digital learning, students can take advantage of the technological advancements and rich ICT resources of the country. The Wi-Fi or internet signal in most places is strong enough to allow students to study at home or outdoors. Schools are also equipped with digital infrastructures that can be used to train and develop student learning and communication. So if you have been doing online study during the pandemic lately, doing an online study in Australia will just be a walk in the park for you.

4) Relatively easy visa application for students

Let’s start with the fact that applying for a student visa is conveniently done online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Gather all your documents, scan them and attach to the platform as needed. Easy peasy! Of course, there are requirements set forth by the immigration that you need to satisfy in order to get the visa (such as having received a Confirmation of Enrolment from your target school, health insurance, etc.), but all requirements and processes that you need to have and do are already indicated through the visa application website.

We have some good news for you, while some schools or courses require applicants to show evidence of sufficient financial capacity, many institutions do not oblige applicants to show this. Several universities also offer generous scholarships for international students! If you get one, good on you, you’ll have a higher chance of getting that student visa for sure.

5) Relaxing life outside study and work

Feeling stressed because of your studies and work? Worry not, because Australia has one of the best city life, outdoors, beaches, wildlife, and coffee culture. Whether you want to roam around the city for a Friday night out at Brunswick Street in Melbourne or go for a laidback Sunday morning sun tan on the Gold Coast, Australia offers the relaxation you deserve after a hard week’s worth of study or work. Social life is not bad either as you can meet other people of diverse cultures in many student and social events. Do not worry, we use the English language most of the time when talking to anyone here and having learned it in the Philippines since you were young, we are sure you’re all good.

6) A big Filipino community

Feeling homesick? Missed using the Filipino language or the local language of your province? Fear not. Australia is home to about 294,000 Philippines-born migrants. This figure does not even include Australian-born Filipinos who want to reconnect with their fellow Pinoys. Being the fifth largest source of migrants in Australia right now, you will definitely see many Filipinos around. If you get out of your comfort zone, you may even encounter some groups that organise gatherings and join their fellowships. Remember the food you so dearly miss, or that game you were playing when you were young, you can re-live them through your Filipino connections in Australia. So, aside from the student support services you can get from your school, the Filipino community will surely make you welcome and safe upon your entry in your new home.

With COVID still creeping around, is it sensible to get a student visa to Australia? Absolutely! Who does not want quality education, great work opportunities, excellent work-life balance, and caring migrant social support?

Tips:  

To help you decide about study and training in Australia, or to match your skills and desired job outcome, check Job Outlook .

If you are looking for a course to study, choose the one that will upgrade your skills and qualification – not those that will only downgrade your status

If you are looking at getting a permanent residency at the end of your study, choose a program that will lead you to an occupation that is on the list of occupation that Australia listed for skilled migration.

Do your due diligence and seek for the most appropriate advise.  If you want to come to Australia to study – an education agent can advise BUT if you are thinking of using the student visa pathway to achieve a temporary, provisional or permanent residency at the end of it – get an advice from registered migration agent or a lawyer.

What are you waiting for? Plan your migration or student visa journey today. Don’t worry about the current situation due to the pandemic because Australia still accepts student visa applications and allows you to enter the country as soon as the borders open.

Still not convinced? Book a consultation with us to know your options and how we may help you in getting that student visa.  Or visit AUSPAC VISA at Level 23, 127 Creek St., Brisbane near the Central Station to have discuss your student visa plans, we will be happy to serve you.