5STAR Student Services

Australia is fast becoming a preferred destination in terms of education among Indian students. Currently, this “land of kangaroos” attracts the third largest number of international students in the English-speaking world after the US and the UK. In some countries Australia is the first choice of study destination.

Australia offers an educational experience that makes a real difference. It provides a unique kind of education and a learning style that encourages one to be innovative, creative and think independently. Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold prominent positions worldwide. Additionally, they are readily accepted for postgraduate study at leading international universities

Why Australia?
Australia is a dynamic, vibrant country with energetic, friendly people. Multicultural Australia is English-speaking and a safe and friendly society in which students can learn and travel freely.

Australia also offers excellent value for money and a standard of living that is among the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA. The other advantages for this country in the Asia Pacific Rim include paid internships while studying.

Let us explore why Australia now has around 550,000 international students from over 200 countries in disciplines at every level of education, including short-term English language courses, Bachelor and Masters Degrees right through to Doctoral Degrees.

A Joint Peak Body Statement regarding the ELICOS National Standards set to commence in 2018 has clarified the situation regarding testing of English Language proficiency.

Contrary to some media reports over the past day, a new test is NOT being imposed to assess English-language proficiency among international students in Australia.  Australian education institutions already have some of the strongest standards in the world to ensure that international students can get the most benefit from studying and living here.

The Australian Government recently released updated national standards for ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), which will apply from 2018.   Some media reports mistakenly suggested a new test is required as part of these new standards.

To be clear, there is no requirement for further standardised testing under the ELICOS National Standards 2018. Testing is only one form of assessment that may be considered and education providers will still set their own English language requirements for entry to their courses.

Crucially, also, the revised standards do not change the existing visa requirements to study in Australia – nor the pathways to further study.

It is important that potential students understand this will not make it harder to study in Australia. The ELICOS National Standards 2018 make minor amendments to existing standards to ensure quality is upheld in the future.

The main change amends the definition of an ELICOS course to bring all registered intensive English language courses within the scope of the ELICOS standards.  

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