Part 3: Student Visas and Employment Opportunities

Congratulations! You have been accepted into your course. Now you need to get your travel documents in order.

To study in another country, almost all international students will need a student visa. These visas vary between countries, and the process will also depend on your citizenship. Your StudyLink counsellor can help you with this process – and this service is free for students.

Australia
If your course is longer than 3 months, you will need a Student Visa. This allows you to study in Australia, allows eligible dependent family members to accompany you, and your spouse can also study in Australia for up to 3 months. Once you have started your course, you can then apply for permission to work. If approved, you can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during holidays.

To qualify for this visa, you need to show you have been accepted for a course, and have enough money to pay your tuition fees, international travel expenses and living expenses during your stay.

International students in Australia must also have health insurance – you can obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) either through your university or college, or arrange this yourself through a private insurer in Australia.

Student visa applicants from some countries need to prove they have an IELTS score relevant to their course, this is based on citizenship.

UK
Candidates from visa-national countries (those who need a visa even for entry to the UK as a visitor) must apply for a student visa at the British Embassy/Consulate/High commission in their home country. Other candidates have the option of presenting the relevant documents to the Immigration Officer on entry, or may apply from within the UK to switch from another category to that of student.

Student visas are normally granted for an initial period of one year, usually determined by the length of the course to be studied. At least 15 hours a week must be spent in study and the student must be able to meet the cost of the course, maintenance and accommodation without working. However, those on student visas may work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays. Normally there are no restrictions on a spouse and children working in the UK, if the student will be studying longer than one year.

USA
If your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need a student visa. It is important to apply for this as far as possible in advance – ideally at least 3 months before your course starts. You will need to book an interview with the nearest US embassy or consulate. June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period.

You will need to bring proof of your acceptance to study at the US college or university, transcripts and diplomas from any previous institutions attended, results of your TOEFL exam, financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of study and additional documents.

F-1 status, which is the most common status for full-time international students, allows for part time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week).

New Zealand
International students in New Zealand are issued a one-year permit, which must be renewed for each additional year of study. International students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours in any given week (if in full time study) and full-time during the Christmas/New Year holiday break.

Once you have started your course, you will find there is much more to your international student life than just study. Use the opportunity to join social and sporting groups and make friends with fellow students from all over the world. You may be able to do voluntary work or explore a new hobby – all of which may also help to further your career when you finish your studies. The career counselling office in your university of college can help advise you on ways to develop your employment opportunities, whether it is back in your home country or in your country of study.

Keep in mind that while many countries will allow students to work, students cannot plan on income from part-time work as part of the finances in applying for a student visa. And remember, your StudyLink counsellor is there to guide you through every step of your journey. Ask us for more information.

Good luck!

Don’t miss out on your course of choice: Important deadlines for your application

Australia and New Zealand – If you have applied to start in July/August 2007, you should be receiving an update on the status of your application shortly. If you have an offer, you should be starting your visa application process and/or accepting your offer. Your counsellor will provide you with detailed information and assistance.

Apply early for 2008. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis and the earlier you apply, the earlier you will have an answer from the institutions. Submit your application and supporting documents to us now for early consideration. Keep in mind that you do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you.

Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

USA and Canada – The main term starts in September 2007 for most institutions. English language schools and some other institutions allow students to start throughout the year. Application deadlines vary and we encourage you to apply well in advance for best consideration and to allow time to apply for a visa. There are a few institutions still accepting applications for September 2007. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

UK – Submit your application to StudyLink now to start in September 2007. The undergraduate application deadline is 30 June. Postgraduate applications should be submitted by the beginning of July. Our counsellors will help you find a course and institution to meet your background and interests. Contact a counsellor to discuss your study plans.

UK: Liverpool John Moores students look to the stars

If your study interests lean towards science and you want to be at the forefront of groundbreaking space science research, you should consider Liverpool John Moores University in England.

LJMU has just been awarded a £2.5million grant from the Science and Technology Facilities Council to further develop its Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI), and is ranked one of the top universities globally for space science research.

Professor Chris Collins, Director of the ARI and Project Leader, explained: "Over the next five years, the ARI will focus its research on finding answers to what the Universe is made of, how galaxies, stars and planets form and evolve and the perplexing riddle of cosmic explosions… this substantial grant will enable us to consolidate our position further, placing the ARI at the forefront of international astronomical research."
The ARI has already developed revolutionary robotic telescopes, which are being used by scientist around the world. Their focus now is to further explore the phenomenon of gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the universe. They will also become “space archaeologists”, finding out more about how the Universe was formed and evolved.

The new grant recognises the ARI's expertise in new internet-based e-Science technology. Dr Iain Steele, Head of Technology at ARI, said: "This is a very exciting time for astronomy because the technological advances of these new telescopes are enabling us to come closer to formulating answers to some of the most puzzling questions concerning the origin of galaxies, stars - and the detection of new planets around nearby stars.”

A modern university, located at the heart of the European Capital of Culture for 2008, LJMU international students enjoy great educational resources and a vibrant social life. The university offers a variety of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) level. They also offer an increasing number of courses with a January start-date.

For more information on how you can study at Liverpool John Moores University, contact one of our counsellors today.

New Zealand: University of Canterbury alumni scoop Queens Birthday Honours list

The University of Canterbury in New Zealand is at the forefront of the country’s innovative research. Recognising the University’s contribution the nation and the world, 20 alumni were granted Queen's Birthday Honours List this month.

These included Henry Van Der Heyden (chairman of Fonterra, the world’s largest exporter of dairy ingredients) and Rt Hon Justice William Young (President of the Court of Appeal), who were both made Distinguished Companions of the Order of New Zealand (DCNZM). The Order of New Zealand is the country’s highest honour, with a maximum ordinary membership of only 20.

Four alumni were made Companions of the Order of New Zealand (CNZM): Malcolm Ott (for services to the arts and the community); Susan Sheldon (for services to business); Dr Rodney Wilson (for services to museum and art gallery administration) and Neville Young (for services to business).

Other alumni were recognised in the fields of arts, publishing, marine science, education, and conservation.
Located in Christchurch, the largest city in the beautiful south island of New Zealand, students at the University of Canterbury enjoy the surrounding majestic mountains and oceans – and can even go skiing and surfing in the same day.

Kwok Lung, from Hong Kong, is studying the BEng (Hons) programme at UC’s internationally renowned Engineering School, specialising in electrical engineering.

“The libraries are well resourced, and the computer rooms have the latest technology and are open 24 hours.” Ng says. He has also enjoyed the social life at Canterbury. “I have joined many clubs, both sporting and social, and I have made many friends here. This is a great place to work and study”.

The University of Canterbury offers first and postgraduate degrees in Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Forestry, Law, Music and Science.

For more information on studying at the University of Canterbury, contact a student counsellor today.

USA: Hult MBA ranked #1 in post-graduation salary increase

The prestigious Economist Intelligence Unit survey has ranked Hult as the best in the world for post-MBA graduation salary increase. It compared 100 MBA programs spanning the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Following Hult on the ranking for Post-Graduation Salary are Brandeis at #2, IESE at #3, and Harvard at #4.Overall Hult International Business School is ranked #33 globally for its MBA program by the Economist and #22 in the US.

Hult graduates have gone on to employment at major corporations, including Dell, Deloitte, HP, JP Morgan, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, Panasonic, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, P&G, and UBS, amongst many others. The average post-graduation salary of the Hult graduates of September 2006 was US$81,737.

Located in the academic heart of America, Boston, Hult International Business School has one of the largest international student bodies amongst the top-ranked schools in the US. Every year, 165 students from more than 30 countries study the accelerated one-year MBA program. On average, each class consists of 30 nationalities, speaking over 50 languages. Their cultural diversity, maturity and work experience enrich the Hult learning experience.

Hult International Business School offers a unique action-learning curriculum in a fast-track one-year MBA program, with plenty of real-life learning opportunities. Jaye Matriano, from the Philippines, said she chose Hult because “Hult is a one-year program with international diversity. The sizes of the classes are smaller compared to other MBA schools; thus, learning is more personalised.”

Hult students also benefit from a recently expanded career consultation service, which has strengthened corporate recruiter relations.

To find out more about studying your MBA at Hult, contact one of our student counsellors today.