Frequently asked questions about studying in Australia

In this blog we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about how to study in Australia.

What requirements do I need to study in Australia?

To study in Australia, you need to be accepted into an accredited educational institution, get health insurance with an authorized insurer, and have sufficient funds to pay for study and accommodation while abroad. The requirements will vary according to your profile, objectives, program and educational institution chosen. Contact our staff to support you every step of the way.

I have an international health insurance that is good, will this be enough?

No, the insurance that the Australian government requires to take care of students who are in the country is special insurance and is mandatory to be able to issue a visa. In this way, the country ensures that any student can be properly cared for by the Australian health system in case of need.

What is the necessary health insurance?

It’s called OSHC - Overseas Student Health Cover. It is the only insurance accepted by the Australian government for international students and only a few insurers issue it. Keep in mind that this is health insurance, not travel insurance or life insurance. This insurance will cover you only in person in Australian territory, not outside of it, or during the trip. This insurance is purchased through your student agency. Contact us to find out how to choose it.

How are studies paid in Australia?

Whether it is English or university, it is usually necessary to pay for at least the first semester of study in order to apply for a student visa. Studies after this first semester can be paid in installments. If it is a technical or vocational study, or English studies, it is possible to pay every 3 months or even every month, depending on the program and the institution. University studies are usually paid every 6 months. To apply for the visa, all these payments must be made before the application.

How am I sure my money is in good hands when I choose to work with Oolloo Education?

• • Review recommendations on social media and find other students who have done the process with the chosen agency.
  • Once you choose the agency, you will be asked to pay a deposit. Make sure this deposit is part of the entire studio. It is required in order to ensure that the student is serious and formal and will not waste the agency’s time.
  • Do not hand over the money until you have a letter of offer from the chosen school, in which your name and information appear. This means that the school accepted you as a student through Oolloo Education.
  • Once you have paid for the course, make sure you also receive a confirmation letter from the school, health insurance from the insurer and a copy of the student visa application. And confirm that the values listed in these documents correspond to the values you paid for.

What is a LOO in terms of studies in Australia?

A LOO is equivalent to Letter of Offer, that is, the letter of offer issued by the school when it accepts your application to study with them. It contains all the details about the study, schedules, values, programs and terms and conditions of the offer. It is the equivalent of the contract between the school and the student, where both parties have obligations and rights. The student must review in full and sign as accepted. If anything about this offer letter is unclear, ask us to sign it only when you understand it and agree with all its content.

What is a COE in terms of studies in Australia?

The COE, or Confirmation of Enrolment, is the document issued by the Australian government when the school confirms that a student meets the requirements and has been formally accepted to study with them. A COE is only issued after full or partial payment of the study. The amount to be paid is decided by the school.

If I am already in Australia and I am thinking of extending my stay with a new visa, how are these studies paid? How much is a new visa worth if I’m already in Australia? How much is "extending" my visa worth? How much is "renewing" my visa worth?

• • If you’re going to study more English. For a new visa, you must budget the first term of English (equivalent to 12 weeks), plus materials and tuition. The value of health insurance for the entire study time you are requesting and the consular value of processing your visa. Contact us and we will confirm the updated price of all these values.
  • If you are going to study English plus a later course. In addition to the above, you should also budget the first term of the subsequent study. If it is a technical or vocational program, a term usually amounts to one term. If it is a university program, it is necessary to pay the first semester before applying for the visa.

Can you help me find accommodation?

Although we are not a hosting agency, we do our best to guide you on how to find yours and tell you what options exist. Oolloo offers accommodation assistance along with schools. We have agreements with student residences, shared apartments or host families to facilitate the search for accommodation for international students.

As a student, can I work in Australia?

Usually, your student visa allows you to work in Australia for up to 48 hours every fortnight. This will be specified in your visa conditions once it is issued. Ask your student agent to explain your conditions if you don’t understand them well. They are the most important point of your visa and you must not only know them but also understand them and fulfill them. Or an average of 24 hours per week. It is a great opportunity that the country offers you to practice your language skills, have a work experience not only in another country but in another language, interacting with different cultures and knowing the system from within. This opportunity, well taken, will add a lot to your personal life and your resume.

You guys help me find work?

Our knowledge and specialty are studies and everything related to it, including accompanying you throughout the life experience while you are a student. We are not an employment agency, but we can guide you in the development and focus of your resume, how to prepare better before leaving your country of origin, in tips that will help you find work, and where you can apply to jobs according to your profile. If you ever run into difficulties with your employer, contact us for guidance on how to enforce your rights. Even if you are a student in Australia, you will have the same rights as anyone else.

If I study English, what will be the intensity of my study?

You will have to attend at least 20 hours a week. Most schools distribute their classes 5 days a week, preferably in the morning, starting around 9 am and ending around 2 pm. Some schools offer study hours in the afternoon or evening.

If I study a technical or vocational program, what will my study schedule look like?

In a technical or vocational program, the study schedule is also at least 20 hours a week, including a small component of virtual hours and some tutorials. The schools coordinate these studies so that the student attends the school in person for 2 - 2 1/2 days a week.

Can I be a student with a virtual (online) program while in Australia?

If your intention is to study in the country, you have to study a face-to-face program. A virtual or online program does not allow you the benefit of a student visa. If your program lasts less than 12 weeks, you can study it with a visitor visa. Contact us to guide you on this case and guide you properly.

What is the process for obtaining a student visa?

1. 1. Choose a course and institution: Select a course and an accredited educational institution.
   2. Apply for admission: Complete the application form and send the required documents.
   3. Get the offer letter: Once accepted, you will receive a letter of offer and, after 100% of the payment, the COE of the institution.
   4. Gather the documents: Prepare the necessary documents, such as passport, proof of funds and medical insurance.
   5. Complete the visa form: Fill out the student visa application form.
   6. Pay the fee: Pay the visa application fee according to the instructions provided.
   7. Submit your request: File your application and documents at the embassy or consulate.
   8. Wait for the decision: Wait for the decision of the embassy or consulate, which may take several weeks.
   9. Receive your visa: If approved, you will receive your student visa to travel and study in the selected country.

How do I choose the right institution for me?

At Oolloo we do research on your academic and work profile, what you want to do in the future and what your budget is. We consider the location and employment opportunities to make this decision the most appropriate in each case. The agency will give you guidance and support at every step of the way.

How long does the application process take?

The times vary according to the type of application, the profile, the country of origin.

If you have had to pay before, do I lose all my money if my visa is not accepted or if my visa is rejected?

Generally, educational institutions in Australia have refund policies in case your student visa is refused. These policies may vary between institutions, so it is important to read the terms and conditions before making any payments. You will usually be refunded less an administrative fee, if applicable. Es recomendable consultar con la institución educativa y tu agente estudiantil sobre las políticas específicas de reembolso antes de realizar el pago, para estar completamente informado sobre tus opciones en caso de que tu visa sea rechazada.