News that Affects you
Australia Home to 1.3 million Britons
It was estimated that one in ten Britons live abroad, more than 5.5 million people. The population is spread throughout the world but the most popular destinations are English speaking, including USA, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
Australia has the largest population of British Ex-Patriots, with 1.3 million spread throughout the Island continent. This could be due to the strong ties between the countries, economically and emotionally. It could also be due to the slower paced, relaxed lifestyle, warmer climate and lower cost of living.
Migration changes in favour of International students
International students who complete their degree in Australia will now have the chance of obtaining an Independent Overseas Student visa if they would like to work in Australia once they have finished their course.
The newly created visa is intended to allow students who wish to apply for permanent residency in Australia to build on their work experience to assist them in their application.
The visa will allow students to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis, study in Australia and be eligible for Australian citizenship. To qualify for the visa the student must be under 45 years of age, completed an eligible qualification as a result of two years study in Australia, and have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. Their nominated occupation must be classified as 60 point occupation or 50 point occupation if the student has completed a PhD.
Australia even more enticing after Top-Up fees set to double
Studying your degree in England is expected to become even more expensive than ever before, with Top-Up fees set to rise 100% in one year from £3,000 per year to £6,000 per year. Some courses like science could rise as far as £10,000 per year. The rise is to cover teaching costs on campuses and is forcing students into masses of debt before they start full-time work.
This is a great time to think about studying in Australia. Tuition fees start at £3,500 and you get the benefits of a gap year and a degree in one. You can also work part-time during semester and full-time during the holidays.