Various unfortunate incidents that took place in the past resulted in a steady decline in the number of foreign students enrolling for study programs in Australia. We are all aware of the fact that the media exaggerated most of the events, and now the situation is under control. According to the new rules, less evidence is required to obtain a student visa for Australia. Various documents like the English language tests, evidence of funds and evidence of academic qualifications has been relaxed largely. For all the student visa applications lodged on or after April 1 2011, need to illustrate funds for only two years of their studies instead of the currently required three years. Moreover, such funds are required to be only three-months old against the six-month old requirements as it is currently in place. The new law that comes into effect in April 2011 will allows the sponsorship of students by any individual against the current legal requirement, which limits the sponsorship to applicant's spouse, parents, siblings, grandparents and uncle or aunt meeting a certain criterion. "Prospective students and their families, agents and education providers should be aware that these changes will lower the minimum evidentiary requirements needed for the grant of a student visa for the selected countries and education sectors," a department of immigration Australia spokesperson said in a statement. Australian government has now raised the status of India to lesser-risk country for higher education sector. Santa Monica had a detailed discussion with the University associates and the immigration department to learn more about the new rules. We understand that these measures are to increase the social, economic and political relations between the two countries, which perhaps undermined recently. New opportunities both in the academic and professional arena await overseas students in Australia. So, this is the time to experience Australian education.

While most international students in Australia are full-fee paying students, another option is to apply for a scholarship. The Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organizations, offers scholarships. They cover various educational sectors, including vocational education and training, student exchanges, undergraduate and postgraduate study and research. Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training specifically in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions. Australian universities offer a range of scholarships to international students, but mostly to undertake doctoral and master's degrees by research. Ask the university you plan on attending for more information about Australian scholarships that may be suitable for you.

Australia has comprehensive quality assurance mechanisms embedded in its education system at the government and institutional level as well as through professional peak bodies. The ESOS legislation provides consumer protection. This means law protects your fees and student will receive the tuition, for which student has paid, All institutions which meet registration requirements are listed on the publicly available Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

At Santa Monica, we can assure you of genuine programme information as we maintain a very good relation with top notch institutions in education and hospitality industry, and with the Legal and Migration Consultants in Australia. We match you with the right institution with regard to your grades, location, budget, work experience, specialization career goals, etc. Our other services include institution screening, assistance in application procedures, follow-ups, pre-departure briefing, etc. We can also help you for your accommodation arrangements and post landing requirements in coordination with our Associates, the Program Providers, and legal consultants in Australia. We do have a dedicated visa documentation department to assist our students with visa documentation guidance and support, and can also assist for migration in co ordination with the consultants in Australia.

In Australia, IELTS is the most widely accepted English language test and is the main test for students seeking to enroll to study in Australia. Some Australian institutions also accept TOEFL. Before you take an English language test you should check that it is accepted by your chosen education provider. We can also help you in IELTS and PTE (Pearson Test on English) courses, as proficiency in English language is a must for admissions in Australian universities.

All services for institution we represent are free.

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Australia has a rich history and culture with a delightful blend of Western, Eastern and Aboriginal influences. Each of these significant influences comes together to deliver a celebrated diversity and distinctive way of life unmatched elsewhere in the world. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the 1990s, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s.

Australians are among the most urbanized people in the world. For example, just over 60% of them live in the capital cities and about 20% live in Sydney. In addition, around 80% of the inhabitants of each state and territory live within 100 km of their capital cities.

Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron ore, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources.

Although English is the official language in Australia, there are more than 200 languages spoken in Australian households. Australia is predominantly a Christian country; however, all religions are represented in Australian society. Australians respect the freedom of people to practice their choice of religion. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are located in most major cities.

Australia has a relatively warm climate. Summers tend to be hotter and more humid in the north and winters are usually colder in the south.