Overseas Universities Application – Students’ Handbook



4507623115310Catholic Junior College Overseas University ApplicationStudents’ Handbook 2015-201600Catholic Junior College Overseas University ApplicationStudents’ Handbook 2015-2016Table of ContentsChapterContentPage1US UNIVERSITY21.1Factors to consider when choosing US universities31.2Resources to choose a US University31.3Early Decisions51.4SATs51.5US visa application61.6Timeline for US Universities82UK UNIVERSITY92.1Factors to consider when choosing UK Universities92.2Resources to choose a UK University92.3Application process102.4Personal Statement112.5Additional information on application112.6UK Visa Application Process112.7Timeline for UK Universities153AUSTRALIA UNIVERSITY173.1Why Study in Australia?173.2What are the weekly expenses like in Australia? How much funds should I prepare?173.3Which is the best University in Australia and which are the most popular?183.4What are the estimated tuition fees?183.5What are the estimated grades required for entry?193.6Are there scholarships available?203.7What is the academic year like?203.8What is the format for classes at Australian Universities?203.9Will my qualification be recognized in Singapore?203.10How do I apply for a course?213.11Do I need a visa to study in Australia? 213.12Will I be able to work with this visa while study?223.13What is the IELTS and do I need it?223.14Do I need to go for a health checkup?223.15What is the overseas student health cover? Is it compulsory?223.16Should I use the help of an education agent?23Annex ATEACHER REFERENCES241US UNIVERSITIESApplication to the US, unlike the UK which has the UCAS system, is individualized to each school. Separate applications have to be submitted to each school you apply for. There are exceptions to this, like the “Common Application” system (Common App).The Common App is a central application portal which sends out your application to your choice of over 400 US Universities. Each school may, however, require additional documents specific to that college (for example an additional essay). Most schools accept the Common App, which has a standard format for personal essays. But you must always check the requirements of each specific US school you wish to apply to, so that you know what documents to include in addition to the Common App.Take note of this information which will be presented to you during your application process. There is no limit to the number of schools you can send the application to; however, you may want to be aware of the individual application fee each application carries. You can see the list of schools that accept the Common App here: - to find the complete list simply click the “search” button but leave the search field blank. This will provide an alphabetical list of all universities and colleges using the Common Application.Most schools require, on top of your A-level scores, the ‘SAT’ and ‘SAT subject’ test scores. ‘SAT Subject’ scores are often not required for subjects that you are studying at A level. Check the requirements for each college very carefully. TOEFL is not a requirement for students who have been studying in Singapore. Ample preparation time of about 5 months before the application deadline should be given to take the relevant tests and prepare all relevant documents. You are advised to apply to between 5 and 6 universities: 1 or 2 highly competitive schools; 1 or 2 universities you are confident of getting into; and 1 or 2 “safety” universities. Most US Universities have 2 semesters annually and the main intake is in Fall (late August and early September). However, it is possible to enter a University at the start of any semester. Some schools follow a quarterly system or trimesters instead. Research details on individual University websites for every school you wish to apply to.For males serving national service, some Universities do not accept deferment; meaning to say you can only apply to the Universities on the second year of NS. Do check with the individual Universities for details.1.1Factors to consider when choosing US universitiesLocationDo you prefer to be in a large metropolitan city or a quieter university town?Most schools fall into three regions in the US: the East Coast; the West Coast; and the Midwest. The East Coast and the Midwest have harsher winter conditions, as opposed to milder weather on the West Coast. Southern states like Florida and Texas similarly have milder weather. How tolerant are you to extreme weather? Will the weather (or the environment in general) be conducive to your preferred hobby/outdoor sport?Public or PrivateDo you prefer a public university or a private university? Public universities are generally cheaper and have a larger enrolment. Private universities cost more and are usually of a smaller enrolment, although many private universities have Financial Aid programs.Courses offeredDo you prefer a liberal arts college with a highly flexible curriculum or one with a more rigid curriculum? Research graduation requirements and available courses on university websites.University specificsHow recognized (in your home country/Singapore) is the course conducted by the university you are interested in?How much research funding does the university receive?How extensive are the exchange programs in the universities?How diverse is the community at the university?What co-curricular activities does the university offer?1.2Resources to choose a US UniversitySee table below for popular schools in the US. Visit individual school websites subsequently.Ivy League: Located in the north-eastern part of the US.BrownCornellColumbiaHarvardDartmouthPrincetonPennsylvania YaleNon Ivy League: Top non Ivy private UniversitiesBoston College (Catholic)Carnegie MellonCalifornia Institute of TechnologyDukeGeorgetown (Catholic)John HopkinsMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyStanfordUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Notre Dame (Catholic)Elite Liberal Arts Colleges: Small and selective collegesWilliams CollegeAmherst CollegeSwarthmore CollegeWellesley CollegeMiddlebury CollegeBowdoin CollegeHaverford CollegePomona CollegeCarleton CollegeClaremont McKenna CollegeBig Ten: Top schools in the Mid-westIndiana UniversityMichigan State UniversityNorthwestern UniversityOhio State UniversityPennsylvania State UniversityPurdue UniversityUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of IowaUniversity of Michigan Ann ArborUniversity of MinnesotaUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnUniversity of WisconsinOther top Public schools:Georgia Institute of TechnologyUniversity of California at BerkeleyUniversity of California at Los AngelesUniversity of PennsylvaniaVarious types of University Ranking information can be found online. However, each ranking takes into consideration different factors and thus each has different ranking results. The rankings should only be used as a guide to your selection of schools. Below is the link for the US News ranking 2015: States Education Information Center – an agency which assists Singaporeans with US University related issues and queries. It is a for-profit organization and charges fees for consultationsPrinceton Review – a comprehensive guide book on US universities, covering average SAT scores, reviews of students, community make up etc.Found in National LibraryCan be found in major bookstores1.3Early DecisionsEarly Decision – Early Decision is an admissions program offered by most universities. Application results in this program will be released earlier, and also offer students a better chance of admission. However, students can only apply to one school via this program as the decision is binding; students are obliged to attend the university if the application is accepted.Early Action – Early Action is similar to the Early Decision program but is not binding. Students are not obliged to attend the school if the application is successful. This program is only offered by selected schools.1.4SATsSAT is the abbreviation for Scholastic Assessment Test. It is a standardized test all students must take for application to US Universities. The SAT is a generalized test lasting 3 hours, measuring skills in verbal and mathematical reasoning. The SAT subject tests refer to tests specific to individual subjects (Literature, Math, History, etc.). Several Universities require you sit for at least 2 subject tests for SAT ll, each lasting an hour. The SAT tests can be repeated as many times as you like, time permitting. A score of at least 2000 for SAT l is usually needed to give you a competitive application for top US Universities. SAT tests are usually held in the middle and at the end of the year. See for the latest schedule. Note that the current SAT format is valid until Jan 2016. A new test format will be implemented Mar 2016. 1.5US Visa applicationThere are 3 types of visa for studying in the US: F1, M1 and J1. You only need to be concerned with F1 or J1.F1, or non-immigrant student visa: This visa is for international students who want to study at an accredited US college or university.J1, or exchange visitor: This visa is for people who will be participating in a foreign exchange program in the US. Study in the US under the J-1 visa is usually for a short period of time of only one or two semesters.1.5.1The visa application process in briefGo to for all visa information. First, fill out the online application (DS160)You need to make payment at a Standard Chartered bank. Proceed to any Standard Chartered bank and inform them you wish to pay for a student F1/J1 visa. Prices of visas are listed online. Keep the receipt carefully as you need it to make an appointment.Make an appointment to visit the U.S. Embassy located at 27 Napier RoadSingapore 258508You will need your receipt number to make the appointment online. Note: When keying in the receipt number, ignore your IC number and begin with the latter PRINTED numbers.There will be a short interview to verify your objective of going to the U.S. during your visit to the embassy.Once approved, your passport will be sent via mail to your house. Alternatively, you may choose to pick it up at designated offices (not at the embassy).1.5.2Prepare and bring the following to the U.S. EmbassyI20 form from schoolDS160 confirmation page (contains some biographical information and a bar code confirmation number)Receipt of visa paymentAppointment letter (emailed to you once you confirm your appointment online)Proof of financial support (bank account statement, scholarship financial support letter)Photos of the right dimensions, which can be checked here: PassportAppointment confirmation slipSchool acceptance letter1.5.3Note on evidence of fundsIf you are on scholarship, produce a sponsorship letter stating that the organisation will sponsor the full course and your living expenses. Make sure the letter is a genuine copy (i.e. not scanned and printed or photocopied) and that there is a stamp from the organization on it with a signature If you are self-funded, produce bank statements OR your bank book showing the minimum required funds in it. Minimum sum = Course fees for the first year + living expenses. You are not required to create a foreign currency account just to fulfill this purpose. The exchange rate on the date of the closing balance of that particular account will be used to check the amount in sterling. Funds can be in your own name - in a joint account where you are one of the account holders and your parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is the other. If the funds are in your parent’s name, you must submit the following: Your birth certificate confirming your relationship with your parents. A signed letter from your parents agreeing to fund your studies and confirming your relationship. Parent’s bank statements.If the funds are in your legal guardian’s name, you must submit the following:Your legal guardianship documents Signed letter from your guardians agreeing to fund your studies and confirming your relationship. Guardian’s bank statement.Take note that this evidence of funds must have been held for a minimum period of 28 consecutive days finishing on the date of closing balance shown on your bank statement. The end of the 28-day period must not be one month before the date of your application. 1.6Timeline for US UniversitiesTimeActivityMarch-July before year of studyResearch on American UniversitiesTake standardized test (SAT l, and relevant SAT ll tests)AugustHave a list of ~6 Universities you wish to apply toFind out about the University’s admission programs: deadlines, standardized tests, required documents, etc.September – OctoberRequest letters of recommendation from your teachers. See Annex A1-15 NovemberEarly Decision deadline for most universities1-30 NovemberApplication window for most University of California schoolsDecemberObtain transcripts and letters of recommendationsJanuary year of studyDeadline for regular decision applicationsMake copies and keep records of completed application, including any essays.FebruaryApply for financial aid if necessaryMarchA–Level results released. Fax them immediately to Universities and send certified true copy via post concurrently. Boys in national service should not have to worry about this stepAprilResults of applications will be released1 MayDeadline for reply to accept/reject successful applicationsMay-AugustOrganise financesArrange for accommodationLink up with Singapore Student Association and look out for pre-departure briefingsApply for US Visa as soon as your I-20 arrives. It takes about 1 month to receive your VisaMake travel arrangements*Please take note although the above timeline does not vary much from year to year, it is still an estimate and you should regularly take note of news and information from University websites, Education Fairs, noticeboards, etc. For additional advise, you may contact:Mr Rupert Glascow (CJC Teacher)rupert_glascow@moe.edu.sg2UK UNIVERSITIESApplication to the UK is fairly straightforward. The University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) allows for a one time application form, which will be sent to multiple colleges of your choice, up to five courses. 2.1Factors to consider when choosing UK UniversitiesCourse choice. As the UK generally has a more rigid program than the USA, choosing the right course at the beginning is important. Look up the course prospectus in University websites and decide if the core courses and elective courses appeal to you, as well as the possibility of minors if you are interested.Do not judge universities simply by their overall ranking or even their department ranking; do get a sense of the areas of focus/specialty based on the prospectus and admissions information. LocationLiving in the heart of London rakes up a higher cost of living than Universities outside London. Living cost and space is more limited in the city. On the other side of the coin, a metropolitan lifestyle may be more suited to some individuals. Research the location of your potential university carefully. Cost of living can be calculated using online tools such as .uk University specifics: some possible questionsHow recognised is the course by the university you are interested in?How much research funding does the university receive?How diverse is the community at the university?What co-curricular activities does the university offer?What opportunities for post-graduate research exist?2.2Resources to choose a UK UniversityUniversity websites – never underestimate how much you can discover about a university and course of study through close attention to university websitesQuacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings – you can also sort your search by faculty. Some highly ranked universities in 2015, in no particular order:University of OxfordUniversity of CambridgeImperial College LondonUniversity College LondonKing’s College LondonUniversity of EdinburghUniversity of BristolUniversity of ManchesterUniversity of GlasgowUniversity of WarwickUniversity of BirminghamUniversity of SheffieldUniversity of NottinghamLondon School of Economics and Political ScienceBritish Council British Council organizes information sessions on UK education. See for updatesThere are several education fairs held between March and July annually. Look out for announcements in CJC.s2.3Application processLog onto UCAS website.You apply for up to five courses. Two different courses in the same University count as 2 choices.Outcomes possible are:Unconditional offer – You may begin the course at the start of the next academic year.Conditional offer – You are conditionally accepted pending A level grades. Rejected – Your application was not successful.Only respond to offers when asked to by UCAS. Your options are:Firm acceptance – if you respond with this to an unconditional offer, the place is yours. If this is a response to a conditional offer, the place is yours if your A level grades meet the requirements set.Insurance acceptance – the back-up choice (only one choice can be listed as insurance). Decline – self-explanatory.Note: you cannot choose between your firm and insurance choices when you get your results; your firm choice will be your default, and your insurance choice given to you only if you do not meet the conditions for your firm choice (assuming, of course, that you qualify for your insurance choice). Submit A Level results to Universities promptly when they are released.2.4Personal StatementYou may refer to the following links to see how to write your personal statement. information on applicationCheck minimum grade requirement for Universities you are interested in.On occasion, an interview may be required. This may be done over the phone or over a video call, or in person where you either meet a representative in Singapore or have to fly to the UK. Clearing – Clearing falls under the UCAS service which helps students without a University offer, or who have not met the minimum A Level grades, after applying through UCAS.It is conducted from July to September. You may apply to any course which still has vacancies.More information can be found on UCAS website The deadline for the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge is much earlier, and you can only apply for Oxford or Cambridge but not both. See more details at relevant University websites.2.6UK Visa Application ProcessYou will be applying under the Tier 4 (General) Adult Students category, not “Child Students” category. Your application is considered under a points-based system which means that you will have to accumulate a certain number of points for fulfilling a variety of criteria in order for your visa to be approved. The under-mentioned details specify the criteria. As a Tier 4 (General) student, you must have 40 points in the points assessment system. 30 points for having a valid Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) for studies. 10 points for evidence of sufficient maintenance funds to cover your course fees and living costsSTEP 1 Fill in the application form on . You may save your online application along the way, so fret not if you are unable to complete the application form on the spot. Once you are done with your online application, submit it and print it. STEP 2 Print and fill in the points-based system appendix 8 STEP 3 You will need to schedule an appointment at the visa application centre online. To play safe, print out the appointment letter. Take note that you can only approach the visa application office three months prior to your intended departure. Assuming your departure date is the 30th of September, you are advised to fill up all the forms and prepare all the necessary documents before scheduling an appointment for a date around mid-July. Your visa takes an estimated of 6-10 working days to be processed. STEP 4 Go for your appointment when the time comes. Bring all the necessary documents along. The address for the application centre is: 138 Robinson Road 07-01/02The Corporate OfficeSingapore 068906Nearest MRT: Tanjong PagarDocuments to bringVisa application form VAF9 You will find this form on the visa site. You must submit the form online and bring a hard-copy of the document to the application office. Completed Appendix 8 As mentioned in Step 2. Worry not if you cannot fill in everything perfectly at first; writing on the form is accepted even at the counter. Your Passport Passport-sized colour photograph (45mm x 35mm) with a white background. Please take this seriously and take a recent, proper, and serious photograph of yourself. There are many people whose visas have been rejected because of photographs regarded as inappropriate. The photograph should be:Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or a head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons. The subject should have their mouth closed (no grinning, frowning, or raised eyebrows) and the applicant should be facing forwarding, looking straight ahead.Bring at least 2 of these coloured and unframed photos of yourself. Bring your old passports: the high commission may wish to check your past travel history. Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) number Your CAS document now comes in the form of a long serial number. This CAS will be provided by your university or “sponsor”. Note that there will be times when you come across the term “sponsor”, like for instance, requesting for the name of your sponsor. They are referring to your visa sponsor, not the financial sponsor like your scholarship board or your parents. This CAS number will be given to you by your College via your student e-service account after you have officially accepted your unconditional offer. Educational Certificates Bring along the ORIGINAL ‘A’ Level certificates as well as other educational documents mentioned in the CAS in your student e-service account under the passport/visa section. Evidence of funds If you are on a scholarship, produce a sponsorship letter stating that the organisation will sponsor the full course and your living expenses. Make sure the letter is a genuine copy (i.e. not scanned and printed or photocopied) and that there is a stamp from the organization on it with a signature If you are self-funding, produce bank statements or simply your bank book showing the minimum required funds in it. Minimum sum = course fees for the first year + living expenses. You are not required to create a foreign currency account just to fulfil this purpose. The exchange rate on the date of the closing balance of that particular account will be used to check the amount in sterling. Funds can be in your own name or in a joint account where you are one of the account holders and your parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is the other. If the funds are in your parent’s name, you must submit the following: Your birth certificate confirming your relationship with your parents. A signed letter from your parents agreeing to fund your studies and confirming your relationship. If the funds are in your legal guardian’s name, you must submit the following:Your legal guardianship documents Signed letter from your guardians agreeing to fund your studies and confirming your relationship. Take note that this evidence of funds must have been held for a minimum period of 28 consecutive days finishing on the date of closing balance shown on your bank statement. The end of the 28-day period must not be one month before the date of your application. If you have already paid for your tuition fees, this should be mentioned on your CAS (official receipt of the payment is not required and will take time to obtain) and a bank book displaying the living expenses for 9 months (e.g. an estimate of ?7200). A photocopy of your IC and the original Photocopies of EVERYTHING Please be reminded to bring at least 1 photocopy of everything as well as their originals. Cash to pay for your VISA fees. Check the fee here: 5 Track your visa application at Things to Note If your passport will be expiring soon, get a new passport before applying for the visa, as the visa is a sticker on your passport. It will be troublesome and expensive to transfer the visa to another passport. Remember to upload a scanned copy of the new passport to the e-service and you may need a new CAS number as it is tied to the passport number. Hence, do change your passport early if necessary. Should your passport be taken from you for administrative processing, do not travel during the period without your passport.If you are unsure of any aspect of your application, do not hesitate to ask the staff at the counter or you will have to pay again for a second application. 2.7Timeline for UK UniversitiesNote that the UCAS coordinator will communicate more specific deadlines pertaining to your UCAS application once you have registered a UCAS account. MEET THESE DEADLINES unless you wish to have your application sent with no feedback or double checking by the coordinator. DateItemAction byJune-Mid September 1. Research potential Universities2. Familiarise yourself with the application process and prepare all necessary documents early.ApplicantsJuly UK/UCAS briefingTwo part focus: 1. Experiential: why choose UK universities?2. Administrative: important deadlines, documentation, application processApplicants who wish to apply for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge (hereafter labelled “Group A”; “Group B” will refer to all other applicants) need to make themselves known to the UCAS Coordinator. UCAS CoordinatorSep Group A: Confirm teacher refereeInform the UCAS coordinator who their referees are, by this date.Only one referee is neededGroup AOct Internal deadline for all Group A applications (applies to applicants and referees)Group A and refereesOct Review and forward applicationsUCAS CoordinatorOct UCAS Deadline for Group ANA*(usually) 30 Oct Group B: Confirm teacher refereeInform the UCAS coordinator who their referees are, by this dateOnly one referee is neededGroup BDecember Teachers’ Protected TimeInterviews for Oxford and Cambridge, held in Singapore; written tests for Oxford and Cambridge (check course-specific instructions).NAApplicantsJan of following yearInternal deadline for all Group A applications (applies to applicants and referees)Group B and refereesJan Review and forward applicationsUCAS Coordinator*(Usually)15 Jan UCAS Deadline for Group BNAMarch Results released around this pointApplicants*These dates can be used as reference 2016. However, do check the official deadlines on For additional advice, you may contact:Mr. Damien Joash Poon (damien_joash_poon@moe.edu.sg)3AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES3.1Why Study in Australia? International Reputation for ExcellenceSafe, Friendly, Multicultural SocietyCost effective Quality educationWell-regarded skills and qualificationsFreedom to work part-time during studyBeautiful natural environment, cosmopolitan cities and a high standard of living3.2What are the weekly expenses like in Australia? How much funds should I prepare?This is a chart of the estimated weekly expenses in Australia. It will depend very much on requirements, budget and location and does not include costs of textbooks, entertainment expenses, etc. AccommodationA$90-A$270Groceries and Eating outA$80-A$200Gas/ ElectricityA$60-A$100Transport (Student concession rates)A$20-A$50Telephone/ InternetA$20-A$50As a general guide, the average international student in Australia spends about AU $1,550 per month (approximately AU $390 per week) on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone, and incidental costs (AU $18,610 per year).What are my accommodation options?The main options are University-managed accommodation, fully-catered residential colleges and private shared rental accommodation. This is a table of information about the various accommodation options:?Rent (fully catered halls)Rent(self-catered university accomm)Rent (private accomm)PowerFoodLocal travelUni of Queensland(Brisbane)AU$500 per weekN/AAround AU$220 per weekAU$25 per weekAU$120 per weekAU$20 per weekUni of Western Australia(Perth)AU$375 per weekN/AAround AU$200 per weekAU$35AU$175AU$30Uni of Sydney(Sydney)AU$350-$480 per weekAU$170-$220 per weekAround AU$200-$300 per weekAU$35AU$80-$150AU$35Uni of Melbourne(Melbourne)AU$560-$710 per weekAU$215-$370 per weekAU$190-$230 per weekAU$34-$45 per weekAU$100 per weekAU$30 per weekUni of Tasmania (Hobart, Tasmania)AU$340 per weekAU$145-$245 per weekAU$100-$150 per weekAU$12-$20 per weekAU$50-$110 per weekAU$10-$20 per week3.3Which is the best University in Australia and which are the most popular?The Australian government does not rank its Universities. Different Universities excel in different specializations. State Universities tend be popular options among Singaporean students though. 3.4What are the estimated tuition fees? Tuition fees will depend on your choice of University, type of degree (e.g. Engineering or Business), and the number and type of units of credit you eventually undertake. For example, a Business student may decide to complete 2 units from the History department during his or her degree and this will vary the overall course fees. Here are some examples of estimated annual tuition fees in Australian dollars for 2015:University of AdelaideBachelor of Commerce- $31500Bachelor of Computer Science- $30000Bachelor of Engineering- Chemical (honours)- $31500Bachelor of Medicine- $63000Bachelor of Arts- $26000Bachelor of Dental Surgery- $71000University of MelbourneBachelor of Commerce- $33760-$33152Bachelor of Biomedicine-$33688-$35992Bachelor of Arts- $26976-$30704Bachelor of Music- $25296-$27824Bachelor of Science-$32888-$36512Please take note that like some Universities e.g. University of Melbourne do not offer certain degrees (e.g. Medicine and Law) at undergraduate level. 3.5What are the estimated grades required for entry?The grades required depend on the choice of University as well as the type of degree you have applied for. A-Level results are calculated on the aggregate score from 3 A-Level subjects-H2 (or 2 A Level subjects and 2 AS Levels –H1 subjects) where A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 for A (H2) Level subjects, and A=2.5, B=2.0, C=1.5, D=1.0, E=0.5 for AS (H1) Level subjects. Score from General Paper or language subject in the applicant’s first language are excluded from the calculation. A subject can only be counted once at either A Level or AS Level.University of MelbourneBachelor of Commerce- ABC (12pts) with Maths as a prerequisite.Bachelor of Arts- BCC (10pts)Bachelor of Science-BCC (10pts) with Maths and at least 1 Science subject as a prerequisite.Bachelor of Biomedicine- AAB (13pts) with Maths and Chemistry as a prerequisite.Bachelor of Environments-BCC (10pts)University of AdelaideBachelor of Arts- 6ptsBachelor of Commerce- 9ptsBachelor of Dental Surgery- 12pts (may include other selection criteria).Bachelor of Medicine-12pts (may include other selection criteria)Bachelor of Computer Science- 6ptsBachelor of Engineering- Chemical (honours)-9pts3.6Are there scholarships available? The majority of International students pay full fees which are considerably higher than those paid by Australian residents who receive subsidies. There are no student loans for international students.Scholarship options vary from University to University, but tend to be limited for undergraduate studies.The Endeavour Program: This is an Australian Government initiative that brings under one umbrella all the departments of education, science, and training’s (DEST) international scholarships, so that high achieving students from around the world can undertake study or research in Australia. There are 13 awards listed under this program, a majority of which are aimed at postgraduate students.3.7What is the academic year like? The Australia University has 2 semesters.The first begins in late February to early March and the second semester begins in July.There is a short 4-6 weeks break between semesters and a long break from December to February.For many courses, you have a choice of commencing in the February intake or the July intake. However, for some courses like Medicine and dentistry, there is only one intake. 3.8What is the format for classes at Australian Universities? Classes take place in lecture and tutorial format. Lectures may include up to 200 students while tutorials are smaller with up to 30 students. 3.9Will my qualification be recognized in Singapore? All general and non-professional degrees (e.g. Commerce, Arts etc.) are recognized in Singapore.Recognition of professional qualifications (e.g. law, engineering etc.) is a decision by the Singapore government.For a list of professional Australian qualifications recognized in Singapore, please refer to this website: 3.10How do I apply for a course? Before submission of application, you may like to consider which course you are interested in, which is your preferred state (e.g. you may prefer Perth for its proximity to Singapore), your financial situation and other personal preferences (e.g. friends or relatives nearby). After you have decided, submit an application form (usually obtainable from the University website or course brochures) to each individual university you would like to apply to. Make sure your submission is accompanied by the relevant transcripts and documents. Application fees are usually payable for each application. The amount depends on the University; however, it is usually about A$150. The application processing time takes between 4 to 6 weeks. If your application is approved, you will be given an offer of acceptance by the University and a request to pay the first semester tuition fees and the overseas student health cover fees (Pls refer to below for more about this health cover).If you accept the University’s offer and submit the required payments, the University will issue you with an electronic confirmation of enrollment (eCOE) which is a receipt for payment and also confirms your admission. You will need this eCOE for visa application. Take note: Please allow 3-4 months of time after acceptance by the University to complete student visa, medical checkups etc. 3.11Do I need a visa to study in Australia? Yes. To be granted a student visa you must complete a visa application form, lodge it with the evidence required, pay the application charges and satisfy the student visa requirements.You will only need to start the visa application process after you have been accepted by your Australian education provider. Singaporean students are currently classified under assessment level one which means that you can apply for your visa online .i.e. eVisa.There are 7 different visa sub-classes depending on the type of study you intend to enroll in. Students applying for an undergraduate degree will fall under the visa subclass of 573.Please refer to this website for more information: your visa is lodged, you will be provided with a unique transaction reference number which can be used to query on your visa application status. 3.12Will I be able to work with this visa while study? Student visa holders are allowed to work for a maximum of 40 hours a fortnight during the term and unlimited hours when your course is not in session.You will only be able to start work after commencement of studies. Visit this page for more information: is the IELTS and do I need it? IELTS is the test of English language skills that is trusted and recognized by institutions, business and governments worldwide. Most A-level students who have obtained a minimum of C for their A-level General Paper examination will not need this for application to University. However, the requirements vary depending on institution and course requirements. Please contact your chosen course provider for more information.3.14Do I need to go for a health checkup?Yes. You will need to go for a medical checkup with a panel doctor approved by the Australian High Commission as part of your eVisa application.3.15What is the overseas student health cover? Is it compulsory?Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called overseas student health cover (OSHC). This is compulsory and it helps to pay for any medical (including the cost of most prescription medicines) or hospitalization fees you may need. You will need to maintain this for the whole duration of your stay in Australia. Your educational institutional may have an agreement with a specific OSHC provider. If you should choose to go with this provider, information about the cover and the request for payment will be made known to you when the University sends you an offer of acceptance. However, you may also choose to go with an alternate provider. Here are some of the providers: Australian Health Management- .auBUPA Australia-Medibank Private-.auOSHC Worldcare-.auWestfund-.au3.16Should I use the help of an education agent? Some students seek the help of an education agent as they are able to offer advice and support on a wide range of issues. These include application counselling and processing as well information on visa application and student insurance. Most of these agencies do not charge for the services rendered as they collect a commission from the Australian Universities. But do exercise caution and also do your own research. Also, read any documents carefully before signing and always make sure you know what you are paying for.Useful websites:Australian High Commission- singapore..auDepartment of Immigration and Citizenship Australia- .auThe official Australia government website- .au For additional advice, you may contact:Ms Amanda Ongong_su_ling_amanda@moe.edu.sg Annex A – Teacher referencesDuring this time, many other students will be asking for references as well. Thus planning ahead and providing necessary information promptly will make the process easier for both your teachers and you.Who to askUsually your Home Tutor will know you best and is the best person to ask for a reference. Other teachers you can ask are CCA teachers or Subject teachers whom know you have a relationship with and whom know you well.Things to provide teachersA cover letter informing your teacher on what are the submission deadlines, forms for submission and information regarding the institution you are obtaining the reference for.If the reference is to be mailed directly to the school, include an envelope with correct postage stamps and pre-addressed.Personal informationTranscriptsAward certificatesTestimonialsAny other information which you think may be helpful in your application and want your teacher to include. ................
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