More than 100 ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Australia’s dynamic multiculturalism can be attributed to its unique combination of Indigenous cultures, early European settlement, and immigration from all parts of the world.
Australians value the wealth of cultural diversity and social sophistication that international students bring to
our campuses and our communities. We take great care in looking after international students and helping them adjust to the Australian way of life. International students also greatly benefit from their education in Australia and make lifelong friendships.
Australia is predominantly a Christian country, but most religions are represented in our multicultural society. Australians respect the freedom of people to practise their choice of religion. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are located in most major cities. At Excelsia we are a diverse community from many countries, religions and backgrounds.
For information about your rights and responsibilities while studying in Australia read the factsheet available at the Department of Education and Training (DET) website.
Orientation and OSHC information links
As an international student, it is a requirement of your student visa that you have student health cover for the duration of your study in Australia. Bupa is (institution name)’s chosen OSHC provider. When students receive an offer to study at (institution name), students have the option to ask Kent Institute to organise OSHC through Bupa. This means:
If you do not wish to use Bupa, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have OSHC that is current, and for the duration of your student visa.
Please watch the following short video to learn about OSHC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtcNLYM2piY&list=PLTPSLAiSDh1O---DFdXg_7PRjXDFEiRPd
What does Bupa cover?
Bupa offers cover for a range of services. Some are:
Student hub
Our student hub has all the information the student or their family would require www.bupa.com.au/students
There are some great videos and content here, including
myBupa
Register and log in to myBupa using your Bupa membership number. Please check your BUPA verification letter for your membership details. You can use myBupa to make claims, order a new card, get a digital card (Android only) and access member exclusive discounts and benefits.
How to claim?
All claims for Bupa can be either made either online, or by visiting a Bupa Centre. If you are claiming for any hospital admission or medical consultations within the first 12 months of membership, you will need to complete a Medical Certificate.
Further information regarding Bupa, and how to use OSHC can be found below:
How to contact Bupa?
If you would like to contact Bupa to discuss your cover, renew your membership or get a quote for OSHC or OVC insurance, please use any of the contacts provided below.
When you apply for a student visa you must also provide evidence that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees, return air fares and living costs while you are living in Australia. We have included here some estimates of living expenses in Sydney for single students. The cost of living in Sydney will vary depending on your choice of accommodation and the suburb. Following is an indication of the costs you may incur. In addition to the 37-week academic year, there is a 10-week summer break from December to February – an ideal time to seek casual or part-time work to offset your expenses.
The categories below will give you a rough idea of how much you should budget for your expenses whilst studying in Australia.
Weekly Costs | Shared House or Unit (AUD) | One-Bedroom Unit |
Indicative weekly rent | 100-250 | 250-500 |
Miscellaneous household expenses | 50 | 90 |
Utilities (gas, electricity, phone) | 60 | 85 |
Food | 80 | 90 |
Travel | 50 | 50 |
Spending money | 60 | 60 |
Average weekly cost | 400-550 | 625-875 |
The cost of public transport depends on how far away you live from Excelsia College and how often you use it. We recommend considering this cost when you decide where to live.
For information please visit the New South Wales transport website.
All International students, with the exception of Norwegian students and some Swedish students, are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa. The cover provides basic health insurance for international students, similar to that provided to Australians, through Bupa. Additionally, OSHC includes access to some private hospitals and day surgeries, ambulance cover and some pharmaceutical benefits. Please see the Bupa website for details of cover and cost.
OSHC does not pay for ancillary services (for example, dental, optical or physiotherapy). Overseas students requiring cover for ancillary services may take out extra OSHC cover for these needs, or supplement OSHC with other insurance, such as international travel insurance.
Excelsia will organise OSHC for the duration of your student visa with our preferred provider, Bupa. If you wish to take out extra cover, you need to contact Bupa or other alternative health insurance provider directly. The Assistant Registrar will be able to answer any questions you have about OSHC.
Most Student visa holders are only permitted to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight when their course is in session and unlimited hours when their course is out of session.
Elective courses with work requirements:
The legislation specifies that work won’t count towards the 40 hour limitation if the work was specified as a requirement of the course when the course particulars were entered in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). If an elective is a requirement of the course but the work itself was not specified when the course was registered with CRICOS, students can still complete these electives but it would be counted towards the 40 hour work limitation. This may be the case even if the student is not being paid for undertaking the work. However, volunteer work, that is work that would not normally attract remuneration, may be exempt.
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
There are many websites that can help you in the research for one including Seek.com.au, Gumtree.com.au andAu.indeed.com.
If your qualifying studies were completed in a language other than English you must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of the admission requirement. Undergraduate proficiency levels for admission are set between IELTS 6.0 and 7.5. Please include a certified or notarised copy of your current IELTS examination result with your application. If your result is below the required level you will be asked to do additional language study before coming to Excelsia. Information about the language requirement can be found on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website.
Visit the English Language Proficiency Requirement page to see a detailed list of approved English proficiency tests and minimum English Language course requirements.