ENQUIRENow


Before You Leave

Take a look at some important things to know
before you embark in an adventure of a lifetime.

Excelsia College > International > Before You Leave

Beautiful Sydney

Situated in Sydney's emerging suburban CBD, Macquarie Park, Excelsia College is a short 20 minute train ride to Sydney’s beautiful inner city landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Sydney provides sights ranging from architectural landmarks to beaches, from museums to quaint neighbourhoods. Come and experience the cosmopolitan lifestyle of this internationally renowned harbour city!

While here, take advantage of Australian weather and Australian beaches – among the best in the world.

If the Australian beach culture is not your interest, we also have beautiful mountains, and even snow in our Winter season (June to August). We have beautiful desert plains, magnificent reefs, rainforests teaming with life, the unique Aussie outback, and exciting city life. For many people, Australia truly is a paradise you need to experience.

Accomodation

A variety of student accommodation is available in Sydney, whether it be a lodge, private renting or a home stay.
Student Housing is a great place to meet other students living in Sydney. Usually accommodation is in single bedroom/study or twin-share bedrooms with individual study areas. Meals are generally served in the dining room, and there are indoor and outdoor common areas. The Housing Supervisors provide meals and take care of general household management. For more information on Student Housing, contact the following organisations:

Robert Menzies College

Robert Menzies College (RMC) is a wonderful place to live. We are a diverse community of students in a similar stage of life.
RMC is located opposite the Macquarie University train station and is either a single train stop or a walk from Excelsia College.
RMC's community consists of Australian and international students and has a variety of social events throughout the year. It is a university-based living and learning community with strong academic and pastoral support. Five Christian families live on site to provide support to students and RMC offers valuable opportunities for Christian leadership and service.
Accommodation for men and women comprises of 300 single bed, fully furnished rooms in six residential blocks. Students from all over the world help make up the friendly and welcoming community for which Robert Menzies College is known.
Your room @ RMC
All rooms include a single bed, desk, chair, storage cupboard, bookshelves, free internet and phone. Choose from private ensuite, shared gender-specific bathrooms, private kitchen, or shared kitchens.
Meals @ RMC
Options include fully-catered, semi-catered or self-catered. Packed lunches and late dinners are available.
Features @ RMC
Academic Tutors including in Academic English, pastoral support, non-denominational church on-site, social, cultural and sporting programs, free gym membership, scholarships available for local and international students, gated premises and study rooms. Recreation facilities including music room, billiard table, table tennis, foosball, volleyball court, TV with Foxtel and projector, laundries, dining room and courtyard with barbeque.
Benefits of Living on Campus @ RMC
• All bills included: i.e. no charge for electricity, water, local telephone calls or internet
• Free gym and pool membership at Macquarie University
• Safety and security with electronic swipe card entry
• Save on transport costs
• Friendly environment
• Focus on study and utilise academic support
• Free vacuum, linen and bathroom cleaning service
• Alcohol-free campus policy
...and much more!
To find out more about Living@RMC visit our website www.rmc.org.au

Renting

To rent property in Sydney, tenants are usually required to provide character references and statements confirming your history of paying rent on time or bank statements showing your capacity to do so. The following websites will give you some idea of the different types of dwellings available for rent and their costs per week, as well as properties which are currently on the market if you are thinking of buying property to live in during your stay.
Using popular networking sites can also be useful. Check out Excelsia College's Facebook page, or search for groups such as ‘Sydney Flatmates’ and ‘Christian Flatmates’.

Applying for a visa

As an international student, you will be required to obtain a valid Australian visa for the duration of your studies in Sydney. A few different options could apply, including mostly a student visa. Check more informations at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
In order to apply for a student visa:

Working in Australia

Student visa holders, as well as family members, are eligible to work in Australia throughout your period of study. Once your course has commenced you are permitted to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight and unlimited hours during the break and holidays.
Tax File Number
You must obtain a Tax File Number to be able to work in Australia. This is available from the Australian Tax Office.
Finding a job
Sydney is a thriving city in constant growth, with many job opportunities. There are now many websites that can help you in the research for one:
  • Seek.com.au
    Seek is one of Australia's most famous websites to search for jobs. It allows you to find all sorts of opportunities, including part-time, contract and full-time jobs.
  • Gumtree.com.au
    Gumtree is an Australian mix of eBay and Seek. You can find almost anything in there, from used furniture, new electronics and also jobs.
  • Au.indeed.com
    World re-known job searching engine is also available in Australia.

 

English Requirements

If you are from a non-english speaking country and your prior qualification was not undertaken and assessed in English, you must provide evidence your English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission.
To satisfy Excelsia’s English language requirements, you must provide evidence for one or more of the following:
  • English language tests and university english courses, undertaken no more than 2 years prior to your commencement at Excelsia.
  • Prior study in the medium of English.
  • At least one year of full time study.
  • Other academic qualifications.
  • Residency
    If you have lived in Australia or another English-speaking country for 5 years or more
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