Study in Australia is possible for almost anyone, there is no age limits. The only requirement is to have a passport. I'm currently working in the marketing department, looking for students directly or cooperating with agents who bring us the students. If anyone would be interested in student visa possibilities in Scots English College and in Australasia International School, please let me answer your questions. I will explain the recruitment process on the basis of our colleges.

English Courses - you decide in which city you would like to study and for how long (number of weeks - from 4 to 50). Courses start every Monday and your class level will be determined by a preliminary test. You can learn General English or take a IELTS or Cambridge preparation course. Official price is $350 for the week, but we run promotions from time to time, so it is better to check for good deals.

A bit different are vocational courses (VET). Here, except the passport student also need to present completed at least 11 year of high school. English upper-intermediate level is also required - must have passed IELTS exam for minimum score 5.5 in the last three years (or equivalent of it in other international exams). In some cases potential students can do online test. In the worst case, you have to take language course before enter VET course.

The most popular courses are business and management, but we have as well Massage and beauty courses. Prices vary from 3,000 for management courses, to 5,000 AUD for Beauty one per semester (six months).

When you have decided on the right course and the city, it remains to choose the length of the study. Obtaining Advance Diploma qualifications usually takes two years, but it can be longer. Other option is to finish the course earlier, you’ll obtain other qualifications (certificate IV or diploma). My advice, however, is - get a visa for the entire duration of course, ie. for two years, even if you do not intend to stay here for so long. With a simple reason - if you change your mind after a year and would like to stay longer in Australia, you would have to apply for student visa again, and this is time-consuming and stressful process and also costs quite a lot of money.

Fees to be paid before leaving to Australia:
- Tuition fee for the first three months, ie from $1500
- Enrollment fee to the college $200
- Health insurance for whole intended course duration. For one year approx. $560
- Online visa application $580
- Return flight ticket approx. $1500

We must also provide the following documents:
- Fill out college enrollment application
- A scanned copy of your passport
- Secondary school or university certificate (no need for English courses)
- English official test passed (or completed our internal test)

If we accept the application, we issue Offer Letter. Students read and accept the conditions of the contract by signing the papers and then send them back to us. We look forward to receive the payment on college account and then we issue confirmation of enrollment (CoE), which you need for your visa purposes.

Online visa application is not too complicated, but time consumming. It would be safer if you prove that you have sufficient funds - officially required the bank statement (your or your family) with the minimum amount of around $20,000 plus college tuition fees for one year and return flight ticket. You need to as well logically explain to the officer why you need this kind of course for your future, how you could use the learned skills after returning to home country. It is important to have some ties in your country, like family, because students suspected of permanent migration will not be accepted. Fortunately most of European nations visa grant rate is around 95%.

As for the universities, the tuition fees are huge, generally up from 7000 AUD for 6 months and the shortest course takes at lasts three years.

I was studying myself at Academies Australasia College Group. The college is worth a try, although much depends on the course and the teacher. I studied over there together with my wife from 2002 till 2011 (with travel breaks), I obtained Advance Diploma in Travel & Tourism and certificate IV in Information Technology Multimedia. Ewelina also graduated Advance Diploma in Business Management. After completing those courses, I was employed by the travel agency and I was selling Australia’s tours, and I was able to create my own website.

The most important question we must ask ourselves: What is the college for us? There is no secret that the majority of students found out that student visa is just the possibility of legal residence in Australia. For me also the college was just an excuse to get here. The course program is dictated by Australian Government, so here there are not many differences between schools. If, however, we learn what we are interested in, such as travel in my case, attending the classes might be a pleasure. The level is not too high, I had no problems with passing the exams (of course it depends on your general knowledge and the teacher), but you can also learn a few interesting things. However, if you go with a focus on decent education, you may be disappointed.

My school is situated in the heart of Sydney CBD, and very useful feature of the English school is the possibilities to choose morning or evening classes, as it fits you better. Changing it doesn't cost you anything. This is of great importance of work flexibility. Another advantage is the easy access to computers, organized activities like country presentations by students, going out with the staff, costal walks, visiting museums etc. Another word: very pleasant atmosphere and helping the students. College is also an opportunity to interesting social meetings, usually expanding after-school contacts, allows knowing the personalities, traditions and culture of people from different parts of the world.

Quite interesting is also holiday system - the academic year is divided into four 10-week terms with 2-week brakes between them, and during the Christmas break last for nearly two months. This is important if someone wants to use the break to work without limits or explore the country.

The immigration requirement to students is a minimum of 50% passed exams in a semester and a maximum of 40 hours work limitation fortnightly, no restriction during the holidays. 80% attendance requirement is on English course only.

A good option for couples is “Dependent visa", where only one person has to undertake their studies, and both can work - it is much easier and cheaper. For this visa de facto couple status is available, you don’t have to be married.