International students are mostly of the opinion that Australia is not so different from their home country. They expect that it will be easy to study there and there’s no need to prepare much.
This may be true to a certain extent. Australia may not pose as many challenges as studying abroad in a developing country where natives communicate in different languages and checking out the basic amenities also may be a problem, but that doesn’t mean everything is pretty easy in Australia. If you want to be more comfortable or to get adjusted to things easily it’s better, you do a thorough research beforehand. And here we are to help you with some relevant information you should know about Australia. In this article we will be discussing the essential information to Study in Australia for International Students.

1. Student Visa Requirements
Other than the regular documents there are certain specific requirements to attain a student visa to study in Australia.
• The GTE requirement
You have to be a genuine temporary entrant(GTE) for a student visa to be granted. The requirement is to ensure that the student visa is not misused by international students to continue the ongoing residency in Australia.
• English language requirements
You have to meet the English language requirements to be eligible for a student visa. At times you may need to provide the results of the English language test with your visa application.
• Health insurance for students
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the health insurance essential to provide medical and hospital insurance for international students.

2. Work Rights for International Students
As an international student your student visa allows you to work for up to 20 hours per week while studying, and unlimited hours during planned course breaks. To avoid any hassles, ensure that your visa allows you to work before you undertake any paid work.
Basic Rights at Work
• WHS or OHS
As per the law called work health and safety (WHS) or occupational health and safety (OHS), every employer healthy working environments and make sure that the job does not hurt you or make the employee sick.
• Workers’ Compensation
According to this law your employer must have insurance for you, which is called workers’ compensation in case you are hurt at work or get sick at work. This insurance may pay your medical bills and your wages till you re-join the work.
• A Tax File Number
A tax file number which is your personal reference number in Australian Tax System is required to work in Australia.
Apply for a TFN online
• Once you get your work visa and arrive in Australia
• Before or soon after you start work
3. Overseas Students Ombudsman (OSO)
In case of any issues with the private institutions you can approach the OSO which investigates the complaints of overseas students in Australia. The services are free, independent and impartial.
4. Weather in Australia
To check out for the climate in Australia, let me tell you that it varies to a great extent across the eight states and territories; most of the country has four seasons and the tropical north has a wet and dry season.
The seasons are at opposite times as compared to those in the northern hemisphere.
• Summer - December to February
• Autumn - March to May
• Winter - June to August
• Spring - September to November

5. Australian Slang
'Strine' is the term used for Australian slang. Australians have a habit of speaking quickly and pronounce words in an unusual way. Get a hang of the Australian Slang to feel at home.
6. Accommodation
The cost of accommodation will vary depending on the state, city, and type of accommodation you choose.
Rental - Rent or 'lease' a property
On Campus- Staying in University Campus
Homestay- Staying with a family

Legal protection
In case of problems with your accommodation, talk to
• Your agent or landlord (if renting)
• Your international student support staff (on-campus living)
• The homestay service providers (for homestay)
Certain organisations such as tenant unions and consumer advocates also provide assistance.
So you see you have to do a lot of research if you want to study abroad. Knowing the country, culture, climate, cost, people and the rights as well as restraints applicable for international students is a must to have a great study abroad experience.