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Studying in Australia
Welcome to Sydney
Sydney is located in New South Wales and is one of Australia’s oldest and largest cities. Sydney has a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.5 million and an area of approximately 12,000 square kilometres (4,633 sq mi). Its inhabitants are called Sydneysiders, and Sydney is often called 'The Harbour City'.
Being a coastal city you will have the pleasure of enjoying the many beautiful beaches and bays that scatter the shoreline. There are hundreds of places to relax and get away from the busy city lifestyle.
Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. It is a harmonious country which welcomes people from different ethnic, religious and language backgrounds. People are friendly and hospitable. Australians value cultural diversity and we strive to look after the needs of international students and help them to adjust to the Australian way of life.
Due to Sydney’s multiculturalism the city boasts an abundance of international cuisines at its restaurants and cafes.
The Sydney night life is one of bright lights and loads of fun.
We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant city.
Student Visa
All international students wishing to study in Australia are required to hold a Student Visa. Visas must be obtained before the start date of your course.
Steps to Obtaining a Student Visa:
1. Obtain Confirmation of Enrolment (COE): Accept your offer to study at MEGT Institute, make payment of
your tuition fees and obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
2. Apply for your Visa: Use the CoE to apply for your student visa at the Australian High Commission or Consulate
in your country.
3. Getting your Visa: The Student Visa is entered into your passport and will also enable you to re-enter Australia
if you leave the country.
The CoE contains information such as the commencement and end dates of your studies, which are used by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to issue the Student Visa.
To find out your Assessment Level and the most updated information on student visas, you can refer to the
DIAC website |
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Transport in Sydney
Sydney has a number of ways to travel; It has an extensive rail and ferry system, bus network, roads and freeways.
Transport infoline
To find out more information regarding transport in Sydney call 131500 or visit www.131500.com.au.
Buses
Buses are a great way to travel around Sydney for visitors. Extremely user-friendly, Sydney buses go everywhere.
Buses in the Sydney CBS-on Pitt, Castlereagh, George Streets and around Circular Quay are prepay-only between 7am and 7pm on weekdays.
For timetables and routes, call 131 500 or visit Sydney Buses.
Rail
The CityRail network is a convenient way to get around Sydney and is especially useful for travel to Sydney's outer suburbs.
Find out more about accessible train stations and services go to http://www.cityrail.info
Ferries
Sydney Ferries are the most sublime form of public transport on Sydney Harbour. There are regular Sydney Ferry services to Manly, Parramatta, Balmain, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo and other locations.
Information can be located at Sydney ferries. |
| Cost of living
Most students will find the cost of living in Sydney higher than that in their own countries. It is important that you have enough money to cover expenses over the first few weeks until you establish your Australian bank account. During this time, you may have a substantial outlay as you may have to pay for rental bonds, textbooks and other expenses.
It is estimated by the Australian government the average living expenses for an international student is A$12,000 - A$20,000 per year ($A230 - A$380 per week) to cover food, accommodation, telephone, gas, electricity, transport and entertainment. This will vary depending on the area you live in and the lifestyle you choose.
Example weekly budget (in A$):
| Item |
Weekly cost A($) |
| Accommodation (house or apartment shared with others) |
$100-$150 |
| Food |
$60-$80 |
| Utilities - telephone, electricity, gas (shared costs with others) |
$20-$40 |
| Public transport |
$20-$50 |
| Entertainment |
$30-$60 |
| Total |
$230-$380 |
Estimates of some expenses (in A$):
| Item |
Weekly cost A($) |
| Cinema/movie ticket |
$15 |
| Dinner (restaurant) |
$25 - $35+ |
| Lunch (cafe) |
$8 - $12 |
| Coffee |
$3 - $4 |
| DVD hire |
$5 - $8 |
| Newspaper (local) |
$1.50 |
| Newspaper (international) |
$4 - $7 |
| Magazine |
$5 - $8 |
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Climate and living in Sydney
The NSW climate generally allows a year-round outdoor lifestyle. There are approximately 23 days in the year when the sun doesn’t shine, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you are outdoors.
For more information click here |
Currency
The Australian Dollar is the unit of currency, with AU$1 dividing into 100 cents. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c, and 5c units while notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations. The notes are of different colours and increase in size according to their value. When shopping, your purchases will be rounded to the nearest 5 cents. International credit cards such as Visa, American Express and Master Card are widely used throughout Australia. |
Time zone
Sydney follows Eastern Standard Time (EST): 10 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late October to March, 'daylight saving' pushes Sydney one hour ahead of standard time. This means Sydneysiders can enjoy an extra hour of daylight in the warmer, summer months. |
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