Living in Australia
To study at Pioneer International College all students must meet entry requirements:
- Attained the age of 18 years and over.
- Demonstrated good command of written and spoken English
- Verified evidence of IELTS Level 6 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent
- Have completed year 12 or an equivalent secondary schooling level of a Higher School Certificate or can demonstrate suitable work or life experience
- Meet the requirements for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) – From 1 July 2016, there will be only one student visa available to study in Australia–the Student visa (subclass 500)
To enroll into a course as an international student at Pioneer International College, applicants must complete an International Student Enrolment Form online or it can be requested by email.
The form should be completed in full and submitted by email or mail to:
Studying at Pioneer International College is an alternate pathway to entry into Australian Universities, as they regard prior study as part of their entry criteria. Pioneer’s courses have tremendous benefits when you transition to University:
- You will save on university fees by receiving credits for your nationally recognised studies;
- You will complete your degree earlier and by doing so avoid repeating content;
- You eliminate pressure from the university application process by receiving support at Pioneer International College;
- You enhance your competitive edge as an applicant and the prospect of being accepted by the university that you have selected is magnified;
- You will be able to use the nationally recognised qualification gained at Pioneer International College to find suitable work whilst studying at university level to bolster help pay your fees;
- Pioneer’s courses will expose you to considerable knowledge and skills of Australian industry practices, which in turn will prepare you for university study; and
- You will gain sought after a practical experience that boosts your appeal to employers after university graduation.
- Relaxed Outdoor Lifestyle
- The abundance of beautiful beaches
Sydney is Australia’s most populated city, which means it’s always bustling. Every year, Sydney welcomes a large number of international students, so you’ll always feel connected to a big support network. Chances are, you’ll meet and share stories with not only Australians but people from all over the globe too.
Sydney’s cultural calendar is full of fun things to do. Take a wander around the thriving city parks, bars, cafes, and entertainment precincts. Each month, you’ll be sure to stumble across a wide variety of exciting cultural events such as markets, dance events, art exhibitions, or fireworks displays. Plus, most events are completely free!
Prominent festivals throughout the year include The Sydney Festival, Vivid Sydney Festival, Sydney Mardis Gras, the Royal Easter Show, and Sculpture by the Sea.
Being a large, central city hub with a big population, there’s plenty of work to be found in Sydney. The city is Australia’s economic powerhouse, and more than 40% of Australia’s Top 500 companies, 90% of international banks, 60% of information and communication and technology companies, and 50% of professional service firms have their global or regional headquarters in Sydney.
Pioneer International College workplace-immersion programs aimed at integrating international students into the Australian workforce. Plus, many Sydney-based organisations actively look for student volunteers and host frequent Sydney student society meet-ups, international student gatherings, and events. So, you’ll have plenty of networking opportunities as a student if you seek them out.
It is estimated that it costs around AUD $20,290 per year plus tuition fees and other expenses to live in Australia. There is an additional living cost of 35% per year for a student’s spouse and a further 20% per year for one child and an additional 15% per year for any other children. More details can be found on www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/live/living-costs
On a student visa, students are permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods to supplement their income. During non-study periods such as timetabled breaks, students may work additional hours. Student working rights are intended to add to student income rather than be the main supporting factor.
To work, students need a Tax File Number (TFN). To apply for a TFN, students can undertake any of the following:
Online Application process
- Go to ato.gov.au and apply online
- Go to ‘For Individuals’ and click ‘Apply for a Tax File Number’
- Go to applying for a TFN and click ‘Online individual tax file number registration (Nat4157)’
- Go to ‘Apply for Tax File Number’
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click ‘next’
- Follow the instructions until you are finished
The website is the best way to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN). You must be in Australia to do this. If you wish to speak to a person, you are advised to visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The central City branch is at Shop 1, 32 Martin Place, Sydney.
Alternate branches can be found at www.ato.gov.au
Note: International students will need a passport number and Australian home address.
Homestay accommodation provides students with an opportunity to experience life with a typical Australian family and develop English language communication skills. Students are expected to follow a few simple considerations:
- Arrive home before the usual dinner time of your host family. Politely inform your host family if you will not be home for dinner
- Ask if you can help with dinner to actively participate in the host family life
- Ask permission before using the washing machine, phone, television, computer etc.
- Pay your host for any phone calls and do not use the phone for longer than 5 minutes
- Keep your bedroom clean
- Ask host family whether they wash/iron your clothes or you wash/iron your own clothes
- Do not use the bathroom for more than 15 minutes
- Clean the bathroom after use
- Use your own toiletries and buy your own washing powder
- Ask permission before you invite friends to the host family’s home
- Friends are not allowed to stay late at night
- Communicate in English as much as possible
- Be polite to your Homestay family
- Turn the television and lights off at night
- Lock the doors when you leave and return home
- Avoid noise at all time (loud music and shutting doors)
Homestay is not a hotel. The Homestay host is not a servant but a person who is offering you a bedroom and facilities in their home and the opportunity to experience Australian family life.
Homestay Advice
Pioneer International College will contact a homestay provider who will in turn contact you to provide initial accommodation. If a student chooses to terminate their Homestay, 2 weeks’ notice is generally required or 2 weeks cancellation fee is charged (the homestay may have a longer notice period – check before agreeing). Homestay provider may have additional fees if you change your homestay. All homestay related matters should be referred to the provider.
Alternative Accommodation
Pioneer International College has a list of alternative accommodation available for students. Please advise Student Services if you require assistance with alternative accommodation. A list of alternative accommodation providers is below:
To open a bank account in Australia or get an ATM card with a PIN (Personal Identification Number), International Students must have:
- Pioneer International College Certificate of Enrolment (request this at the reception)
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Each bank will have other forms of identification – check with the bank
Check with your bank for the process of transferring funds to or from overseas.
Banking hours:
Monday to Thursday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Doctors
In Australia, sickness is usually dealt with a general practitioner in a local medical centre. Some medical centres accept appointments other allow you to wait in a queue (walk in patient).
You need to request a doctor’s certificate to account for any absences caused by sickness or injury. On the first day of absence, please inform reception and upon return provide our student services officer with a copy of the medical certificate and retain the original.
Dentists
There are plenty of local dentists in each area of Sydney where you need emergency treatment.
Hospitals/Emergency Treatment
A list of public hospitals can be found at www.health.gov.au
Students can go directly to a hospital if the situation is urgent. However, there may be long waiting periods. The following link will guide you on the waiting period in the hospitals:
NSW Health contact numbers
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service Sydney 02 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599.
- Mental health 24-hour contacts
- NSW Poisons Information Centre 131 126.
- Public Health Units
If you are bringing school aged children with you when you study in Australia, you will need to arrange for them to attend school. Schools fees apply to most dependents of temporary residents in New South Wales.
School attendance is compulsory for all children in Australia aged between six and 17 years of age, with most children commencing school at five years of age. In Australia, there are two main types of schools: government or state (which are public schools) and private or independent schools.
It is an immigration policy that school-age dependents of international students undertake formal schooling while they are in Australia. Students will need to provisionally enrol their children in a school before leaving their home country and will normally have to pay school fees 12 months in advance.
More information:
DEC International
http://www.decinternational.nsw.edu.au/study/schools/temporary-residents#fees-exemptions-refunds
List of public schools
List of NSW independent schools
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/starting-a-new-independent-school-in-nsw
| Emergency – Police / Ambulance /Fire | 000 |
| Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) | 131 881 |
| BUPA (OSHC) | 1800 888 942 |
| Public Transport Information Line | 131 500 |
| Lifeline Counselling Service (telephone counselling) | 131 114 |
| Translating and Interpreting Service (24 hours) | 131 450 |
Bus Train Ferry Information Line
PH: 131 500 www.transportnsw.info
An OPAL Card is for use on buses, trains and ferries. It`s free to get, you just have to top up the credit for travelling. You can get an Opal card from a rail station or order online: https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal
Tickets can be purchased from bus drivers (except on PrePay buses), State Transit ticket vending machines, Transport Shop and ticket outlets such as news agencies and convenience stores.
The tickets can be purchased at newsagents or train stations.
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Australia
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Australia can be found at www.embassypages.com/australia
Daily Newspapers
Sydney Morning Herald: Metro guide every Friday
The Daily Telegraph: “7 Days” every Thursday
Free publications
Beat Magazine – Music, concerts etc.
Sydney: The Official Guide – Tourist information booklet
Can be found outside newsagents, in music/video stores & tourist information centres
Lifeline
13 11 14
Thy have Free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
They have a language service for multicultural people.
www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/multicultural-people
Salvation Army Family Welfare Centres
13 72 58
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/our-services/
Catholic Care, Family Support Service
They have a multicultural service for non – English speakers.
The following is a list of some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Sydney
Sydney Opera House: www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au
The Rocks: www.therocks.com.au
Darling Harbour: www.darlingharbour.com
Chinatown: www.chinatown.com.au
Art Gallery of NSW: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Queen Victoria Building: www.qvb.com.au
Sydney Aquarium: www.visitsealife.com/sydney/
Bondi Beach: www.bondibeach.com
Taronga Zoo: taronga.org.au/
Luna Park: www.lunaparksydney.com
Wet’n Wild: wetnwildsydney.com.au
Featherdale Park: www.featherdale.com.au
Madam Tussauds: www.madametussauds.com.au
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium: www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
Blue Mountains: www.bluemts.com.au
All Beaches: www.sydney.com/things-to-do/beach-lifestyle
A comprehensive guide on the 100 best things to do in Australia can find here: www.your-rv-
Ask about our courses
Your journey starts here! We’re here and happy to assist you with any questions you may have. Drop us a line and one of our expert career advisors will respond at their earliest convenience.