Xkoba:
What about KLM via Abu Dhabi?

For flights into Australia coming from Nigeria, your best bet (based on cost & current schedules) is Qatar airways, then Emirates, followed by Etihad. Qatar is usually cheapest of the three.

KLM (if they are actually flying) will probably partner with Etihad on that Abu Dhabi route.

Frankly, just book Qatar yourself via their website - as long as your destination isn't Perth, you should be good.

RANSUM:
Hello All.

Many thanks to all the Gurus tirelessly answering all the questions thrown in this platform. I indeed have benefited alot.

I have two questions!

1. When submitting transcript to engineering Australia for immigration purpose, can it be done by the applicant or must it be sent by the school.

2. Is it a must that one must send a bachelor's certificate as well, getting the certificate from my Uni is combersome.

Many thanks.

You can upload your transcript by yourself when applying and, per the MSA booklet, you need to also include your degree certificate; yet to know/hear of anyone who got assessed successfully without the latter. Best to figure out a way to get it from your university.

Priceless25:
@max99.. No hope of entering Australia this year, next year's entry has even lesser probability of opening up. Scott Morrison's govt is botching up it's vaccination campaign, defer to next year's intake and hope for the best. If things don't look up by year's end, I'll look towards Canada.

Even better to start looking at schools in Canada right away; if the admission & visa are gotten before Australia opens, then onwards is the movement.

This Australian govt don't seem to have a plan for reopening - they just keep kicking the can down the road, happy to close themselves in and postpone the economic impact (which is definitely inevitable) into the future . Going by the massive contribution of international students to the economy, one would think there would be some plan being developed. Newsflash, it doesn't seem so.

For anyone able to gain admission in Canada, go for it. And whenever the Australian border eventually opens, one can decide to either maintain in Canada or switch hemispheres.

Gokoyer0:
I am looking for private actually. I think NCDC will take longer time for the test to be concluded.

There are about 7 private labs accredited by Lagos State govt:

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/400305-lagos-govt-approves-seven-private-laboratories-for-covid-19-testing.html

Details of the labs are in this link - you can find one closest to you. Cost is 50,400 (as stipulated by the govt)

AustinT575:

Can someone do medical in any government hospital in Nigeria? Hope it’s accepted

No. There are a few hospitals designated for Australian visa medicals.
In Lagos, you have IOM, Ikeja and Fatayi Williams Clinic, Lagos Island; and IOM in Abuja too, I think.

Ikjosh04:
Thank you so much for your detailed feedback, I've started sending expression of interest to prospective supervisors and i hope i get a favourable feedback from most of them.
@the bolded, it's not clear. What are the things i can do that can lead to a solid plan for me getting a PR, I'm sorry if the question sounds absurd. I want to fully understand what I'm trying to get myself into(MRes)

That just means be proactive in executing whatever steps required per the PR process; know the correct info, write your test(s) on time, gather your required documents on time etc while staying abreast of the immigration trend, news et al.

So you're not panicking 2.5 years after the masters when your postgrad visa is almost up but you are still trying to obtain a 20-point score from English test.

Ikjosh04:
Hi everyone, Good evening elder's (Nigeria time). Please sir's/ma's. I'll like to be informed, on undergoing a Msc (research work) in Australia. Excluding the enormous huge funding(scholarship) that's given to income student is there any other reason why someone should go for an Msc(research work) instead of Msc (course work)? Most especially when the person is not looking to be in the academia field. Does (Msc research work) also give 2yrs post study visa en route to PR and is there any hindrance/difficulty in getting a PR with a Msc(research work).
Also given this scenario Mr A did a Msc (research work) and Mr B did a Msc (course work) and both are applying for PR at the same time, who is more likely to get it?
In a single sentence my question is : what are the pros and cons of Msc (research work) in an engineering degree and what are the pros and cons of Msc(course work) in an engineering degree in Australia?.

Warm Regards

A Masters by Research means you'll conduct research (via lab experiments or numerical modelling) and at the end of it, produce your thesis.
During your study period, depending on the supervisor who agrees to take you on, you might be pushed hard to produce publications or not. Some supervisors really harp on this, while some don't- as every paper you publish during that period will supposedly have your supervisor's name as a co-author which adds points to his/her profile. For people aiming to continue in academia, the more papers the better.

Most research courses have minimal to no coursework component but you'll still be the one to slug it out in the lab or on your simulations, reading numerous papers to make your own paragraphs etc. Finding a supervisor who has similar interests to yours and you both agreeing on a topic that you really flow with can make the journey a lot more satisfying.

Scholarship is not automatic for international students. Some universities automatically consider you for a scholarship in your admission application while for others, you have to throw in a separate scholarship application. Also, some lecturers get well funded depending on their areas of research and can offer scholarships to incoming students, as well- and some would rather you have a scholarship before accepting to take you on if they can't offer you one.

One can work and make up the school fees but when you think about the long and hard hours done to gather 30k plus, only to go drop into the grinning pockets of some uni while still being the one to go perform all the research work, you might hesitate to click the 'Make payment' button when the time is due. However, people have done it and it is very doable. Just make it count and ensure there's a solid plan to quickly obtain PR after the masters degree is completed- before the subsequent postgrad work permit period elapses also, which for a 2-year study period is 2 years post Masters by Coursework and 3 after completion of a Masters by Research.

On the flip side, there are usually no exams to write for a MRes or MPhil while a masters by coursework has exams and regular assignments keeping you extra busy- this doesn't mean research is a stroll in the park either. As for PR application, a masters by research will add an extra 10 points under 'Specialist education qualification' with most engineering degrees covered.

mobiss:



Thanks, I got it now. Standard Competency Demonstration Report should be the one for applicants with zero work experience with a background in engineering qualifications?

Lastly, what's the difference between Excl. GST and Inc. GST?

Standard CDR is for those who want to assess only their engineering degree without assessing the work experience (even if they have); which, is enough for you. No need to spend the extra for work experience assessment from EA

GST applies to people paying while within Australia (onshore); excluding GST will apply in your case- since you're paying from outside Australia

funshynathan:
I don't think it's in her place to annoint for God's work, she probably felt outraged about such request being made to a mere mortal like her. Princess Belemzy is a reputable US based Evangelist that travels round the worLd for the gospel

Thanks for letting one know the 'evangelist's' name.

Just looking at her page, I really wonder why her paypal is displayed there
Little wonder people are increasingly abandoning the faith...cos what most pastors et al are after now is your money.

Benrichard:




Thanks for ur prompt reply, I'm a higher technical officer (HTO civil) because of my HND. I supervise, design n draw plans, prepare estimate n carry out the building of primary schools, markets, health centres, rehabilitate roads, basically all civil engineering works.

Check your occupation and ensure your job description in your reference letter aligns strongly with the expected tasks as stated under your relevant Anzsco code: https://www.anzscosearch.com/312212 (for Civil Engr Tech, that is)

For your role, shouldn't be difficult; however, I'm not sure what other documents VETASSESS strongly harps on to reach their decision. Look through the VETASSESS website first and also this thread for what people had to submit to back their assessment applications.

Also, you shouldn't settle for 10points from English in these present days; I'll suggest you register for PTE and aim for 20points- even if you have to do it more than once.

Cottyekundayo:
Hi fellaz,
Is there anyone studying at James Cook University Townsville QLD

I've got a friend there- in case you're still seeking anyone there, let me know .

.

49'' LG LED TV in very good condition for sale @ NGN 105,000

Full HD
Noticeable white dot close to bottom left corner of screen.

Details of product specification available at: https://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-49LF5400-led-tv

TV not in use, hence the sale. Box available too.

Pickup at Victoria Island.

Pictures are in the quoted post.

Anfieldboss:
Gurus in the house,

Which option will you advise me to travel to Australia with? I'm considering the Skilled Migration and PhD route.

For the skilled migration, what are my chances of getting an engineering job over there with my Nigerian qualifications( BEng and MEng)...I'm quite skeptical about this which is why I'm looking at going via PhD. In the course of studying for my PhD, I believe I can develop requisite skills that will help me fit in over there.

Guys please advise a brother

People get engineering jobs with their Nigerian degrees here; initial barrier might be getting the first- but once you do, the rest fall in line, easier.

Suggest you apply for the skilled migration with as many points as you can garner...while still searching for a PhD, cos the PR process takes longer now.

By the way, PhD won't teach you any skills to fit in; it's a self-steering journey with some guidance. Only a few jobs consider it as an advantage- mostly academic or research related roles.

GoodMemory:


Be firm and assertive

(Quoting just a line to avoid clogging)

Well put. As I started reading, it seemed you were toeing the line of 'racism is minimal', but then I read further and couldn't agree more with - ''This is not an attempt to downplay racism in Australia''.

"Supremacy mentality'' is the apt description. Once some of them see black, they easily assume this person can't possibly know much; omo! the onus is on you to 'clear their doubts' straightaway- and I mean straight away, don't wait till another time. If you let it go the first time, it's harder to recover it. Clear any doubts the first time and when anyone approaches you again, they know how to - with the respect your role demands.

Speak up, clearly and pass your message- even to a superior colleague. No 'oga oga' mentality here. Also, know your job, so you say what you're confident of; and if you aren't certain, still speak confidently. I mean, there are times in life where you're not sure if it's socks first before shoes or shoes before socks. Just pick one and later you can send an email to everyone to 'reconfirm' and say it is "Socks before shoes oo. Regards."
Even in normal conversations, be assertive. Initial days here, I used to wonder 'Why is the guy speaking so loudly? I dey right in front of you here, less than 1m between us'...now I don join, haha

Something too is our Nigerian names and pronunciation. The one time I wish I had an English name was when I was submitting resumes allover trying to get the first job, haha. Now, say my Nigerian name and say it right is the order of the day.
I'm sure the world over knows and can pronounce 'Arnold Schwarzenegger', so why can't they pronounce your name?
Some won't even try- they can be that lazy (and bad at spelling too, which they proudly accept and say). If I can pronounce Morrison or Elizabeth or Shane, then you should be able to say my name properly. I'll say it and have them repeat it after me- otherwise, I won't 'comprehend' what you intend to say. After maybe the fourth attempt, we call it a day; next class is when you have something to say to me

Some say 'Your English is so good, how come?'; my reply: "Well, my country was colonised by the British, what else would you expect?!"


The Asians 'conglomerate' themselves and keep taking over industries, businesses and suburbs too; visit any GP clinic and it's usually a mix of Indian, Chinese and Nigerian doctors. We dey try but chance still dey to corner one industry although our population here is nowhere close to theirs.

After all said and done, the country is still good to live in, Nigerians here haven't carved out a bad reputation for us unlike in other countries, so it's not like the hairs on people's backs stand up when you say you're Nigerian- although some jokingly ask if you're the African prince and when do they get their $42 million dollars; I say ''Nah, that's my cousin but here, pay $5,750 only into this account for logistics and admin fees to bring the money over'' whereas some still don't know what we've 'built our reputation into' elsewhere.

And yes, we need more synergy here; often people try to stay aloof and not mix with other Nigerians; sure you are free to, but if a fellow Nigerian comes to you, why the cold shoulder? I mean, life is not as harsh as Naija has taught us. And there's still space for more people- no need for all those 'I better pass my neighbour' or 'I get haters' mentality here; leave all that and our Naija gragra behind with the body search people at Murtala Mohd check-in wey dey always say "Bros, anything for your sister?"

Flooded battery needed

Meanwhile, if you like beer, you'll definitely be spoilt for choice; there's a zillion brands to pick from.
Also, a visit to any brewery (which are quite commonplace) and you can order a tasting paddle/tray to sample all the beers the particular brewery makes. Pic 1 is just a random pub with beer 'on tap' (always mortuary standard ), while pic 2 shows the choice of beers within my view at a liquor store. Pic 3 is a paddle I sampled, although the brewery made more than 10 beers.

So far, the only snakes I have seen here have been behind glass (in zoos etc); neither am I keen on seeing one anywhere else, haha
These are two different pythons:

This roo came for a close up shot; left when it realised I had no feed

All the dangerous, poisononous, venomous, and any other '........ous' wildliife (which we have all read of and which some people still base their migration decision on ) sure exist in Australia; however, if you don't live too close to bushlands or reserves or in the countryside, chances are you might never come across any of them in decades of living here.

I've only seen live roos along the roadside maybe once or twice, and that was driving at dawn in some regional towns- other times have only been roadkills.

To fulfill your 'citizenship requirements', just visit a wildlife park and touch a roo The ones there are just lounging and won't punch you, haha.

Albany, WA. Small town with roughly 35,000 people only . Space just dey everywhere.

Boats for whale watching tours are there too, and not to expensive- per Australian costs, lol. Don't convert to naira.

Tesla Charging Station seen in Eaton, WA- which by the way, is classed as a regional area in Western Australia.

TheBeat:
Mechanical engineering. 31. Single. Six years experience. IELTS R8.5 W7 L6 S8

kindly advise me on the fastest route to follow and the visa class. Really do not want to retake this IELTS. I have taken it twice but no improvement on the listening band

Take PTE-A then. Claiming 20 points from English sure goes a long way- especially in this era of 'higher points required for ITA'.

Best bet is 189 visa- not necessarily the fastest though.

Jayooh, Alphadoor,
Congratulations on your grants! Sweet news! (Never too late to congratulate )

Phlunter01:
My dear e-family,

...
We commenced the process since October 12, 2016 and after plenty "Orisirisi drama capped with miracles and testimonies" we landed ITA on September 6, 2017, lodged visa application (189) - September 22, 2017.

We received the immi assessment commencement email - November 6, 2017 and since then, DoHA have been owing us our visas oh.
...

Since the second half of 2017, it's taken longer (on average) for grants to get received- even with all the frontloading, high points etc etc.

To give you hope though, I know someone who started the process in Oct '17 and got the grant in April '18- moved down already too. Just "keep the faith'' and ensure your employment experience places/contact are on point if DIBP decides to verify all; a few cases of HR calls going south have been heard.

konja44:
Any idea about how to secure PhD positions in Australia?

You should (i) Search for universities in Australia offering the degree you are after
(ii) Search and contact the supervisor(s) researching your area of interest for the PhD; usually you send an abstract which should be appealing to the supervisor; find out, as much as you can, about the lecturer, particular area(s) of interest, his/her papers, publications et al- to guide your abstract preparation
(iii) And, search for PhD scholarships as well; in some universities, an application for admission automatically qualifies you for scholarship consideration, while in some you have to make a separate application.

Don't underestimate the National Industrial Court.
Take your case there and you should get a positive outcome- and on time too.

"Nigeria is not working, Nigeria is not working", doesn't relate to NICN.

Forget sentiments and go legal.

P.S. Avoid the social media name & shame for now- until your case is concluded.

Strawberries are cheap, and shaki has an english name T-R-I-P-E

Found in Perth too

Parts of Perth CBD- notice the few people there:

Yeeshas:
So I hope I don't get insulted for this question oo. lol. So just off the top of my head, was wondering if a person had an Australian Permanent Resident Visa and is already residing there but decide to have their baby in the US, do they need to apply for a PR visa for this child before bringing he or she back to Australia to leave with the family? cc Bellong

Thank you Sir!

Now why would that person leave Oz to go birth in the USA?! (Off the top of my head too )

'That person' sure would need a visa to get the baby to enter Oz- probably spend a few months waiting too.

FCCA2012:
cc belong, mamajaz and other gurus in the house please I need clarification on the points for age in skills assessment.

I will be 32years this November, does it mean I will automatically loose 5 points on my birthday this month OR the point will drop once I turn 33years next year ?

Once you clock 33 next year, you lose 5 points.