What makes Australia a preferred study-abroad destination for Indian students?

In recent years, Australia has emerged as one of Indian students’ top choices for pursuing their education and, more specifically, for developing their professional abilities. With a total of 95,791 Indian students enrolled in Australia between January and April 2023, India remained the second-largest source country for foreign student enrolments.

In an exclusive interview with Sunil Dhawan of Financial Express Online, Piyush Kumar, Regional Director- South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education discusses why more and more Indian students are choosing Australia to study abroad and, more specifically, how to apply for admission in an Australian university.

What makes Australia a preferred destination for students?

Australia has always been one of the top choices as a destination. Based on the QS World University Rankings, this year’s list of top ten cities features Sydney and Melbourne, further enhancing Australia’s appeal. Additionally, a recent survey, The Emerging Futures 4, conducted by IDP, shows a two percent rise in students choosing Australia as their prime destination.

One of the primary rationales for students favouring Australia is its robust and high-quality education system. Australian universities are renowned for their top-notch education and present a vast array of courses for selection. Australian universities secure notable positions in global university rankings and are distinguished for their education with a focus on research.

Moreover, the Australian government allocates substantial resources to its educational system, guaranteeing that students acquire a globally acknowledged high-quality education. Australian universities also extend various scholarships and financial assistance alternatives to assist international students in handling their educational expenses. In addition to this, Australia also offers great employment opportunities for graduates.

The Australian government this year announced an extension of Post-Study Work Rights (PSWR) of up to two extra years for international students effective from July 1, 2023. This allows them to secure employment opportunities in their chosen fields.

What is the admission process in Australian universities?

The admission process to study in Australia follows a structured six-step approach aimed at guiding potential students in making informed decisions and effectively navigating the application procedure. Prospective students should begin by considering their chosen field of study, the educational institution (be it a school, college, or university) they plan to attend, and the city that best suits their lifestyle and budget.

Once ready, they should arrange an appointment with a counsellor who can offer professional advice and insights. The counsellor will meticulously address all the details to ensure the best alignment between the prospective student, their future university, and their chosen field of study. After settling on the course and educational institution, the counsellor can assist with the application, strictly adhering to legal and ethical guidelines.

Thereafter, students can take the IELTS to meet the Australian language requirements. Subsequently, when the application reaches the institution, it undergoes evaluation, and students receive notification of the outcome.

Students are advised to start their application process 4 to 6 months in advance. For a few programs, students are required to adhere to application deadlines and apply in advance. If the application is successful, students will receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form, which the counsellor will thoroughly review with them, including any associated conditions.

Upon securing admission, the next step involves applying for a student visa. The counsellor can supply the requisite information to facilitate this process, working in conjunction with the authorised migration departments.

How is IELTS enabling students to achieve their dream of studying in Australia?

To study in Australia, individuals must meet the minimum language proficiency requirement for everyday communication. Taking the IELTS test is a highly effective means of fulfilling the Australian language requirement. For international students seeking to study in Australia, a minimum total score of 5.5 is required to enroll in their chosen university and program. Hence, IELTS has become a great enabler for international students to study in Australia.

How is the new feature (One Skill Retake) IELTS going to impact/ be a game changer for Indian students?

Indian test takers preparing for IELTS to study or migrate to Australia now have the option to retake any one of the four skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking – if they do not achieve their desired score on the first attempt. This provision is currently accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency, and an increasing number of universities and institutions each month.

IDP, as a co-owner of the IELTS, has introduced a new offering in response to feedback from test participants. This new offering, called the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR), provides enhanced flexibility for test takers to align their test performance with their goals. It is available for both the Academic and General IELTS tests and can be accessed at all 47 IELTS Computer centres across the nation.

Also, the fee for OSR in IELTS is substantially lower than the cost of retaking the entire test, making it an economical choice for candidates seeking to attain their target score. This option allows candidates to concentrate solely on improving one skill, saving both time and reducing stress, ultimately enhancing their test performance.

IELTS OSR empowers test-takers to tailor their language skills improvement to their individual requirements, leading to a more efficient and effective preparation process. It is expected to benefit a wide range of students, including those pursuing higher education and those seeking professional opportunities abroad.