Blog

Curious about the do’s and don’ts of Australian etiquette? While Australia is known for its laid-back approach to customs and social norms, there are still a few key behaviours to keep in mind to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

Let’s go through some essential etiquette tips to help you make a great impression down under.

To the left, to the left…

Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road, and this convention carries over to other parts of Australian streets as well.

When stopping on an escalator, or walking up stairs, always stick to the left and don’t block other people from passing you by resting your hand on the right-side railing. Equally, when walking on the sidewalk, try to stick to the left where possible.

Pay special attention when walking on bike paths. Here, it’s not just a matter of politeness, but also one of safety to stick to the left side.

Personal space

Australia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. This could be why, even in busy cities, people like to have a fairly large circle of personal space.

It’s considered rude to brush up against someone unless it’s absolutely necessary (like on crowded public transport). When there is space available, try to stay an arm’s length away from people. If you have to invade that space for some reason, an ‘excuse me’ or ‘sorry’ is appropriate.

Unless there’s assigned seating or a movie theatre is completely full, give strangers a couple of chair spaces between you and them.

Tipping

While tipping wait staff, hotel staff and cab drivers is necessary in the US and some other places, it’s not required in Australia. It is slightly more common to tip in upscale restaurants, but you always have the option of tipping and won’t be frowned upon if you don’t.

Elevators

Australians call them both elevators and lifts (just to mix it up) but the rules are simple.

It’s polite to hold elevator doors for people who are approaching the elevator. It’s also polite to ask them which floor they are going to if you are standing closest to the buttons – especially if it’s crowded and they are finding it hard to reach over.

Saying hello

Don’t feel as though you should say ‘G’day’ or use the word ‘mate’ a lot. Australians are aware of this stereotype and it can feel a little patronising coming from a visitor. Just saying ‘hello’ and making good eye contact is fine. A handshake may be appropriate if you’re meeting someone with whom you expect to have an ongoing relationship, like a new work colleague.

Even in formal situations, Australians tend to prefer first names. Calling someone (even your boss) ‘Mister’ or ‘Miss’, ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’ can sound a bit serious.

Boarding trains

If you’re waiting to board public transport, be sure to wait for everyone exiting to get out before you try to get on. Not waiting for people to exit first is something that will definitely irritate other travellers – especially early on a Monday morning.

In Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and a few other capital cities, peak-hour traffic on public transport is under strain, and it’s not exactly difficult to get on other people’s nerves. Check out our Guide to Public Transport Etiquette to find out more.

In business

In Australian business settings, punctuality, friendliness and straightforwardness are valued. A handshake is a common and appropriate greeting for both men and women.

While traditional corporate environments often favour conservative attire with darker colours, many creative and tech industries embrace a more casual dress code. No matter where you work, keeping it neat and presentable is key. If you’re not sure, it’s perfectly okay to ask about the dress code during your interview. It shows you’re keen to fit right in and helps you nail that first impression.

As digital tools become more prevalent, the exchange of business cards is less common. Don’t be concerned if someone doesn’t offer a business card; many professionals now prefer to connect via digital platforms such as LinkedIn, which allows for immediate follow-up and interaction.

Be sure to respect Australia’s 9am to 5pm business hours (this includes emails and messages, unless it’s a matter of urgency).

Doors

If someone is within five steps of a door when you’re walking through it, don’t let it slam in their faces. Instead, hold it open for them. This simple act of kindness applies to everyone, regardless of gender. If you see someone carrying items or needing extra help, consider holding the door a bit longer to assist them. Use your best judgment based on the situation, and always aim to be considerate.

Queues

In some cultures, queuing is optional or not that common. In Australia the queue is sacred. ‘Pushing-in’ in any situation – at a bar, a service desk or a cashier – is considered rude. Most of the time, it’s pretty obvious where a queue begins and ends, but if you’re in doubt, simply ask, “Excuse me, is this the end of the line?”

If you’re in a crowded place, like a nightclub, pay special attention to who was waiting at the bar to be served before you. If a bar attendant approaches you instead of someone who was there before you, it’s polite to signal that the other person was there first.

Coughing, sneezing and all the rest

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council spells out the rules nicely: if you’re coughing or sneezing, use a disposable tissue, and if there’s none available, ‘cough or sneeze into the inner elbow rather than the hand’. Why the inner elbow? It’s all science-based! 

pitting in public places is a big no-no and public urination is considered an offence everywhere in Australia. Best not to do it.

Littering

In 1979, when NASA’s Skylab space station came crashing down in Western Australia, the sleepy town of Esperance issued NASA a $400 fine for littering.

Australians take a lot of pride in the state of their environment. While the streets aren’t as clean as in Singapore, littering is not just an affront, but is illegal. A concerted ‘anti-litter’ movement began in the late 1960s and most Australians have grown up with the slogan, ‘Do the right thing – put it in the bin.’

The taboo extends to indoors as well as outdoors. When eating in a food hall, or anywhere where tables and chairs are shared, take rubbish to the bin when you’re finished. In fact, if you can see bins, it’s a sign that you’re expected to use them.

Even in places like cinemas, where people are paid to clean up after you, it’s polite to drop your empty popcorn boxes in the bin on the way out.

Never, ever drop litter or cigarette butts outside! Rubbish dropped on the street eventually ends up in Australia’s waterways, causing pollution and poisoning fish, birds and animals.

Interacting with service staff

Australia has a strong culture of egalitarianism that it doesn’t like to see violated. No matter their job, treat people with equal respect and use ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘excuse me’ with everyone. Never snap your fingers, whistle or yell at service staff to get their attention. As well as being considered rude, the standard of service you receive may drop a little…

At the table

Table manners in Australia are Continental, meaning that the fork goes in the left hand and the knife goes in the right. This is the norm in many parts of Europe too, so you might already be familiar with it.

It’s considered polite to finish everything on your plate as it shows you enjoyed the meal, but if you’re full, it’s perfectly fine to leave some behind—just remember to thank your host or the chef. If you’re done eating, signal to your host or server by placing your knife and fork together in the centre of your plate, handles to the right.

Time

Different cultures have different relationships with time.

Common concepts of time include: linear, multi-active or cyclical. Like many Anglo-Saxon cultures, Australians have a linear relationship with time.

That simply means that time is measured by the clock, not by what someone achieves within a certain amount of time. It is important to arrive at appointments at the actual time specified (and even be a few minutes early), especially in business situations.

But when you’re heading to a social gathering at someone’s house, it’s actually polite to arrive slightly later than the time you were invited. This gives your host a final few moments to get everything ready without any rush.

Making conversation

There aren’t many taboo subjects in Australia, although if you’ve just met someone, it’s best to avoid sensitive topics like race, religion, politics, and sex when you first meet someone. Once you’re more familiar, you might find the right moment to touch on these deeper topics.

Chatting about the weather or sports (Aussies love their AFL!) is always a safe bet. You could also bring up local events or ask about favourite spots to grab a bite. Everyone has hobbies, so asking about what they do in their free time can lead to some great conversations. And who doesn’t like talking about the latest book they’ve read or a movie they’ve enjoyed? These are all easy ways to break the ice and get a good chat going.

Making the transition from being an agent to becoming a part of the admissions team has been a profound and eye-opening experience for me. It has given me a fresh perspective on the student recruitment process and underscored the vital importance of collaboration between agents and admissions teams. Through this journey, I’ve come to appreciate how each role plays a pivotal part in shaping the futures of students and supporting the goals of universities. With these insights, I’d like to share some thoughts and suggestions based on my experiences in both roles.

The Role of an Agent 

As an agent, my primary responsibility was to guide students through the application process, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed decisions. This role required a broad understanding of the requirements of various universities, allowing me to assist students from diverse backgrounds in selecting the most suitable institutions for their specific needs.

However, due to the wide range of institutions they deal with, agents may not always have an in-depth understanding of the specific details and nuances of each university's admission criteria. Additionally, given the large volume of student applications agents handle, I must acknowledge that it is not always possible to be intimately across every student’s application.

Unfortunately, there have been occasions where a student's application was not communicated in time, or deadlines for accepting offers and scholarships were missed. This is why your active involvement as a student in the application process is so important. While an agent can provide invaluable guidance, your close attention to your application is crucial to ensure that nothing important is overlooked. It is, after all, YOUR application and you cannot completely divorce yourself from the process and absolve yourself of all responsibility. An agent is only able to do so much – the rest is up to you.

The Role of the Admissions Team 

My current role on the admissions team involves a thorough and comprehensive understanding of our university's specific requirements and standards. The admissions team is responsible for assessing applications with precision, ensuring that each candidate meets the university's requirement. This role requires detailed knowledge of academic and English requirements, admission policies, and the ability to provide precise guidance to prospective students. 

Meanwhile, our team is well-versed in the Genuine Student Requirement (GSR) and current immigration policies, which are crucial for international students seeking to study in Australia. We meticulously stay updated on changes in visa regulations and GSR criteria to ensure that our applicants receive accurate and timely information. Our deep understanding of these requirements enables us to assist students effectively through the complexities of visa applications. Under the admissions team's guidance, many students have successfully met GSR and obtained their visas, allowing them to start their educational journey in Australia with confidence. This comprehensive support not only helps maintain the integrity and excellence of the university but also ensures a smooth transition for students as they embark on their studies abroad. 

Some thoughts and suggestions

Based on my experience in these two roles, I'd like to share a few thoughts and suggestions regarding how you can achieve a better result in your application:

1. Know Your Situation Thoroughly: Remember, you are the person who knows your own circumstances best. Take the time to fully understand your background, strengths, financial status and any potential challenges. This will help you make informed decisions and communicate effectively with both your agent and the university. Your agent and the admissions team can only be as successful in helping you as you allow them to be.

2. Always Provide Genuine and Accurate Information: Whether you are applying to a university or applying for a visa, it is crucial to present your genuine situation and strictly avoid using fraudulent documents. Steer clear of generic or template responses and avoid making up stories, as authenticity is key. Submitting fraudulent documents or misleading information can lead to very serious consequences. By providing accurate and genuine details, you help ensure that your application is processed smoothly and successfully, maintaining your credibility and future prospects.

3. Stay Engaged in Your Application Process: Even if you have an agent assisting you, it’s important to stay actively involved in your application. Regularly check the progress and status of your applications and follow up with your agent or admissions team frequently to ensure everything is on track. We like an engaged student!

4. Understanding the Conditions and Deadlines on Your Offer: It’s essential to carefully review the conditions and deadlines in your offer letter. You are responsible for meeting all the requirements, submitting necessary documents, and making payments on time. Missing any of these could put your offer at risk. Stay organized, set reminders, and seek clarification if needed to ensure a smooth transition into your studies in Australia. Remember – having an agent assisting you does not mean that you don’t share the responsibility for your application!

5. Seek Help from the University Admissions Team: When you encounter challenges or have specific questions, reaching out to the university’s admissions team is often the most effective approach. They can provide tailored advice to help resolve your issues. For example, platforms like SCUnited offer valuable resources, and you’re always welcome to contact our admissions team through SCUnited for personalized support. 

6. Collaboration is Key: Success in any application process relies on the cooperation of all parties involved—students, agents and university admissions teams. Each plays a critical role, and working together ensures the best possible outcome for your application. 

Conclusion:

A successful application is the result of effective collaboration. The student, the agent, and the university admissions team, each plays a vital role in the process. By staying actively engaged, being well-informed, and ensuring all necessary documents and information are provided on time, you can significantly enhance the chances of a smooth and successful application. This proactive involvement not only helps in avoiding potential pitfalls but also sets the foundation for a fulfilling academic journey in Australia.

Congratulations on receiving a provisional offer! The next step is to pass your Genuine Student Requirement Interview (GSR) Interview

As you prepare for your upcoming interview, it's crucial to use all available resources to ensure your success. One of the most effective tools at your disposal is this video training.

https://scu1.ning.com/videos/the-genuine-student-test-how-to-prepare-for-an-interview

Incorporating the GSR video training into your preparation is key to not just passing, but to excelling in your interview. Additionally, it serves as a fundamental source for preparing for your visa application.

1. Questions and Explanation: The video training provides you with clear explanations of our GSR requirements, helping you understand what to expect and how to navigate different types of questions. This practical insight is invaluable in reducing anxiety and increasing your confidence, ensuring you have all the recommendations needed to succeed in the interview.
2. Comprehensive Understanding: The Video walks you through the entire interview process, from general requirements to detailed explanations of each question. This comprehensive overview ensures you are well-prepared for every step, leaving no room for surprises.
3. Expert Insights: Our training video features insights from our Vice President Global Admissions, John Crowder, who has many years of experience in the education industry. His ambition is clear: to help you succeed. His explanations and advice offer you a competitive edge, providing you with strategies and techniques that might not be available in written guides.
4. Practice Opportunities: By watching the interviews in this video, you can practice your responses and improve your delivery. This repetitive practice helps you become more comfortable and fluent, making you more impressive

In conclusion, video training is a comprehensive and effective tool for improving your interview skills and increasing your chances of success. Make the most of these resources to boost your confidence and ensure you are fully prepared to impress your interviewers.

Best of luck with your preparations!

Traveling to a foreign country is a lot to take in. A new country, a new culture, people and environment. Most students have to deal with this all alone and independently – sometimes for the first time ever. Things like cooking, Banking, managing accommodation and so on, are all things you will need to learn to do on your own. To help make your life a little bit easier, you can follow these few tips to help you prepare for the adventurous journey of your foreign studies.

What to pack for your study destination: It is important to pack smart and sufficient while traveling for studying abroad. Packing unnecessary stuff or packing insufficient things could end in a difficult situation for you as you will have a limited weight allowance for the flight. It is better to pack for at least 6 months of clothing, accessories, shoes, medicines and first aid, toiletries, electronic items (like adaptor, phone, laptop, portable drive, power banks and headphone), important documents both soft copy and hard copies, stationary, and local currency. Packing smartly means packing the essentials so that you can avoid initial excess expenses while arriving at your destination

Research and prepare before you arrive: Before you depart for Australia, take some time to study your destination and make acquainted yourself with its culture, customs, and lifestyle. Learn about the education system and academic expectations. This will ease you to enhance adaptability to your new location once you arrive.

Plan your finances: Studying in Australia can be expensive, so it’s important to plan your finances carefully. Research the costs of living in your chosen city, including accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses. Tips: check the banking system and how to open an account and accommodation options in your location in websites before arriving.

Be aware of visa obligations: International students will need a valid student visa to study in Australia. Make sure you apply for your visa well in advance (Australian Immigration allows you to apply for your student visa up to 3 months prior to your course commencement date) and ensure that you meet all the requirements. Always keep a copy of your visa documents with you, in case you are asked to produce them.

Get health insurance: Foreign students are required to have Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in Australia. The University will mention the amount and relevant details when you accept an offer. Make sure you understand the terms and coverage of your policy.

Take advantage of support services: All education providers offer a range of support services for international students, such as orientation programs and academic support. Take advantage of these services to help you adjust to your new environment and succeed in your studies.

Build a support network: It’s important to build a support network while studying abroad. This can include fellow students, college staff, and members of the local community. Becoming active on SCUnited is a great way to start. You can make friends with people before even arriving in Australia. This gives you a great head-start. Join clubs, groups and societies, attend social and career events, and get involved in the local community to meet new people and make connections. Volunteer work is also a better way to weigh your resume and build networks. It opens a window towards good internship opportunities and recommendations.

Understand cultural variances: Australia has a diverse population, and you may encounter cultural differences that you are not familiar with. Take the time to learn about Australian culture, unwritten norms and customs and be respectful of others’ beliefs and values. As an international student you will get to know multicultural people from all around the world. Get to learn their culture to make yourself accustomed while making friends.

Travel and Discover: Australia is a beautiful and diverse country, with plenty to see and do. Take advantage of your time in Australia to explore the country and experience its natural beauty, culture, and history. Not only it will upgrade your knowledge but also will be a great way out to refreshen yourself.

Know your chosen city and local area: To be able to operate hassle free, get to know the facilities near your residence or campus, such as banks, police stations and hospitals. For day-to-day operation, public transport options (including ticketing systems and the location of pick-up and drop-off stops and stations), living costs, the local climate, Location for affordable shopping centers, grocery stores. You can easily look in google maps or seek help from your initial group at the university.

Organize your accommodation: The first and foremost thing is to ensure that you are aware of your accommodation options. There are different types of accommodation available depending on your needs and budget. Homestay, Hostels & guesthousesandprivate rentals.

Take note of key dates for orientation activities: Here we run several events at the start of each intake to help students ease into their studies, such as an orientation week (commonly known as ‘O-Week’) and sessions that help you enroll in your units. These events provide a great opportunity to ask questions and sort out administrative matters, as well as a chance to meet some of your future classmates. It should be noted that Orientation is mandatory for all commencing international students and you are expected to attend.

Have all your important documents packed: Before you leave, you’ll need to make sure you have all the required documents for your stay. This will include: your passport, airline tickets, visa document, your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), up-to-date academic transcripts (if required by your institution), medical records, personal references, enough passport size photographs (you will require for formal applications such as opening a bank account or getting a contact number), birth certificate, driving license and etc. You should also exchange enough money to cover initial expenses in the first few days.

Make sure you understand Australian quarantine laws: Australia has strict quarantine laws to protect the agricultural industry and ecosystem, so it is very important that you know what you can and can’t bring into the country. There are also some items that need to be declared if you are bringing them into Australia. This rule also applies if you are bringing cash into Australia, with amounts above AUD$10,000 needing to be declared. You may be fined if you do not follow quarantine laws or fail to declare certain items.

Apart from all these, some important things to do on arrival are opening a bank account and getting a mobile phone as soon as possible. On campus, try making friends from not only your culture but also to get to know and acquainted with individuals from different cultures. Finally, always remember to contact university support services if you are facing any adjustment issues or concerns. As an international student studying in Australia, you may find that the education system, cultural norms, and lifestyle are quite different from what you are used to. However, with a little preparation and some helpful tips, you can adapt to your new environment and make the most of your study abroad experience.

Preparing for a Genuine Student Requirement Interview (GSRI) requires thorough preparation and a clear understanding of what assessors are looking for. Here’s some advice on how to avoid common mistakes, based on an Assessor’s viewpoint:

1. Be Confident in Your Course, and also Your choice of Major or Specialization

You may know the course name but have no idea of which major or specializations you have applied for. Assessors would like to see that you are committed to your chosen course of study, and this includes having a complete understanding of the course you have applied for. We suggest the following:

Research Your Course: Before the interview, thoroughly research your course details, including the units you will study, specializations, and career prospects.

Explain Your Interest: Clearly articulate why you would like to choose this particular course and particular major or specialization how it aligns with your academic and future career goals.

2. Have a Clear and Defined Future Plan

You may discuss several job positons when asked about your future employment intentions. Assessors are interested in understanding your specific plan and how your studies fit into them. You should be prepared to discuss:

Career Goals: Clearly outline your career aspirations and the specific job role you aim to pursue after graduation.

Job market Research: Show that you have researched the job market in your home country and how your Australian education will help you secure your desired position.

3. Consider the Total Cost of Your Education and Demonstrate Clear Financial Planning

You may know annual tuition fee and living cost very well, but may not be aware of the total cost for the entire course duration. It is important that you listen to the question carefully and provide us with the TOTAL cost for the duration of your course. Assessors expect you to have a realistic understanding of the financial implications of studying abroad. You should:

Calculate Total Costs: Research and understand the total expenses involved, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of your study.

Financial Planning: Demonstrate that you have planned for these expenses and have the means to support yourself throughout your studies. This will enable you to understand and comment on your return on investment. 

4. Provide Specific Reasons for Choosing Southern Cross University

You may think that your answer sounds good, but many students fail to think outside the box and provide unique responses. We often see very generic answers to this question, which could be applicable to any Universities in Australia.  Assessors would like to know why you specifically choose Southern Cross University. You must be able to:

Research the University: Understand what makes the Southern Cross University unique, such as its programs, the SCU model, faculty, campus facilities, or location.

Personalize Your Answer: Provide specific reasons that demonstrate your genuine interest in and reasons for studying at this particular institution.

5. Address Visa Issues and Refusals Honestly

You may have a negative visa history in the past and try to hide the outcome from us. However, a visa refusal is not necessarily the end of the world!  We need you to explain the situation so we can help you through the process. Assessors need to be assured of your visa compliance and history, so you must:

Disclose Previous Visa Issues: If you have had visa refusals or issues in the past, be transparent about them and explain what you have done to resolve any concerns.

Assure Compliance: Emphasize your commitment to complying with visa conditions and demonstrate that you understand and respect Australian immigration laws.

6. Provide Strong Incentives for Returning Home Country beyond just your Family ties

Many students only mention about their family ties as a reason for returning home after completing their degree, but nothing else. This will not score you maximum points. Assessors would like to see that you have compelling reasons to return home, so be prepared to discuss:

Career and Professional Plans: Highlight how your education in Australia will enable you to contribute to your home country’s industry or community.

Local Opportunities and Cultural Connection: Mention specific opportunities in your home country, such as job offers, business plans, or community projects that you plan to engage with after graduation. Also, your unique cultural connection would be another strong bond for your return. 

7. Understand Currency Conversion and Financial Management

You may know your local currency well when being asked about your sponsor’s income or expectation of salary, but have no idea about them in Australia dollars. Assessors expect you to understand the financial aspects of studying in Australia with updated knowledge of the exchange rate between Australia and your home country, and consistent research. It is important that you:

Currency Conversion: Be aware of currency conversion rates and how they affect your financial planning.

Financial Management: Demonstrate that you have considered currency fluctuations and have a plan to manage your finances effectively while studying abroad. 

Conclusion

Preparing for your GSRI from the Assessor’s viewpoint involves thorough research, clear communication, and honesty about your intentions and plans. By avoiding these common mistakes and addressing the Assessors’ expectations, you can present yourself as a genuine and well-prepared applicant. Remember to showcase your commitment to your chosen course and university, demonstrate your understanding of visa requirements, and prepare to discuss your financial planning and future aspirations confidently.

Good luck with your interview!

The Genuine Student Test (GST) is a new integrity measure that has been introduced by the Australian Government to ensure the sustainable quality of the international education industry. The GST will replace the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test from 2024. Immigration has already commenced assessing visas against the new GST.

Whilst many facets of the GST are similar to the GTE, the major difference is the focus. Whereas the GTE focuses on an applicant's intention to return to their home country upon completion of their degree, the GST focuses on proving your genuine intention as a student. It no longer focuses on your incentives to return to your home country, but rather, focuses on the benefits your course in Australia will provide you in future. In this way, you must consider whether your chosen course will add value if you return to your home country.

We outline some of the key components of the GST below.

Understanding the Genuine Student Test:

The Genuine Student Test is designed to evaluate the authenticity of a student's intention to study in Australia. It ensures that applicants are genuinely interested in pursuing an education rather than using the student visa as a means to enter the country for other reasons.

Key Factors Considered in the Genuine Student Test:

1. Academic Intentions:

   • Clearly outline your academic goals and explain how the chosen course aligns with your career objectives.
   • Demonstrate a link between your previous study and your intended study.
   • Provide details on why you selected Australia as your preferred destination for education.
   • Explain in detail how this course will help you find employment and a strong return on investment in your home country (or elsewhere). 

2. Financial Capacity:

   • Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs for the duration of your stay.
   • Include evidence such as bank statements, financial sponsorship, or scholarship information.
   • You will need to provide evidence that you have genuine access to funds, so the documents you provide MUST be official documents such as official bank statement and tax document.

3. English Proficiency:

   • Submit proof of English language proficiency through recognized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson PTE.
   • Highlight any additional English language courses you have undertaken to improve your language skills.
   • You will be required to undergo a GST interview with the Admissions Team which will prepare you for a GST interview with Immigration. Not all students will be interviewed by Immigration, but many will be.

4. Ties to Home Country:

   • Illustrate strong ties to your home country, such as family connections, employment opportunities, or property ownership.
   • Explain how your Australian education will contribute to your future plans in your home country.

Tips for Success:

1. Thorough Documentation:

   • Ensure that all required documents, including a well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP) on the approved template and financial statements, are accurately prepared and submitted.

2. Clarity in Communication:

   • Clearly articulate your intentions in your SOP, addressing your passion for the chosen field of study and the relevance of the course to your career goals. Be specific to you. Don't copy someone else's statement - speak clearly and openly about YOUR goals.

3. Prompt Application Submission:

   • Submit your student visa application well in advance to allow ample time for processing and quickly provide any additional information that may be requested by Immigration.

Conclusion:

While the GST may seem like a daunting aspect of the Australian student visa application process, thorough preparation and adherence to the guidelines can significantly increase your chances of success. By demonstrating genuine intentions, academic commitment, and a clear plan for your future, you'll be well on your way to embarking on a rewarding educational journey in Australia.

We will provide further detail about the GST as soon as more information becomes available.

Good morning to everyone, my friends, professors and everyone who are part of Southern Cross University. I hope you are all well and safe during these challenging periods. I have been writing few blogs between the weeks, today I have come up with the another one. Today we will go towards the country which is well renowned as the country of Mountains and Himalayas.

Have you guessed?

Yes, it’s my own country where I came from, Nepal. Today I will be writing about one of the genius people from Nepal who holds the Guinness Book Record from one of the prestigious country. His name is Arpan Sharma Kattel. He holds the record for his exceptional Memory Power, he comes from the small part of the city named as Jhapa which lies in the eastern part of Nepal.

The genius was born at Jhapa Nepal in 1990 Feb 05. He completed his higher secondary school from Emerald Academy and then finished his bachelor’s degree from Mechi Multiple Campus which is located at Bhadrapur Nepal. The genius represented and proved himself correct on 26th of September 2015 by memorizing the “Longest Sequence of Objects in One Minute”. This feat was achieved in front of the Guinness World Record Team as well with the various representatives from Nepal on that particular day. The achievement was then recorded by the Guinness World Record Book, since then he has been contributing to various aspects in the community inside  Nepal as well as overseas.

Mr. Sharma always seems to be quite busy in his “Meditation and Memory Power” seminars where he teaches his effective techniques on memory power, brain power and meditation. He claims to have trained more than 150,000 participants directly till now and has touched millions of lives through his social media platforms. With an ocean of praises and positive feedbacks from a huge number of participants for his quality techniques, people from various parts of the country and outside the country are attracted to his classes to reap the benefits. Apart from a trainer, he is an advanced level meditator too. He claims he has received a great sense of integrity, creativity and intelligence through his daily meditation practices which range from 3 hours to 6 hours daily.

He hopes to share his peaceful meditation techniques with all the youths in his country and has been successful till now in changing lives of people who practice his techniques daily with devotion and determination. Attracting everyone through his perfect dual male-female singing and his ever-smiling personality, he knows to engage the participants well. Participants ranging from various sectors and age groups ask questions on a variety of topics and he is able to answer them instantaneously with grace and common sense. Having received more than 100 awards and recognitions, Mr. Sharma remains modest about everything that he has achieved in his short journey. The Government of Nepal has awarded him with the “National Youth Award” in 2015 for his exceptional talent. Mr. Sharma has been preparing to break two more Guinness World Records this year to make his country more proud.

I am very much glad to share this story on this blog, I would like to share few more in coming days features the greats of our country Nepal who are making our country and us very proud.

Hello Good morning everyone, 

I hope you all are well. The news back home Nepal and especially India does not sound promising. I hope we recover very soon from this pendamic. 

Its been an amazing experience so far at SCU. I feel really overwhelmed by the support that I have received from this university in many factors such as fee installements and many more. This platform where I am sharing my article SCUnited, has been a amazing medium to share the insights and care to SCU family.

I uploaded a music video file back a month earlier, which was not that good, but the support was always there, everyone with positive and motivating comments over there. Furthermore, I just shared the article few days earlier on my journey to Australia, and then the feeback was also similar to earlier one.

I feel great to part of this family. The confidence that you guys have provided has given me motivation to do more better. Thank you everyone, we will rise together and beat this pendamic. 

Stay Safe,

Cheers

Prabin Baral 

The Morrison Government is making a number of changes to student visa arrangements to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for international students as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

International students are extremely important to Australia and our economy, contributing $40 billion annually and supporting 250,000 jobs. Many also go on to become great Australian citizens.

While the closure of our international borders has been critical to our success in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, and Australia has been a leader in this regard, it has presented challenges to the education sector and students, both here and offshore.

These five visa changes will ensure international students are not worse off due to the coronavirus pandemic and that Australia remains competitive with other countries. 

The changes include:

• The Government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodgedoutside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make arrangements to travel.
• International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.
• Student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa. 
• Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.
• Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.

The Government has previously relaxed work restrictions for international students working in the health, aged and disability care sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also been flexible in cases where the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented international students meeting their visa conditions, such as not being able attend classes in person. 

Click here for the original article.