Ask Anna

Question:

"How do I find out which institutes offer courses that I’minterested in?”

Answer:

“You can use the StudyLink website for information on all registered institutions and courses available to international students in various destinations. There are links to universities and many other institutions offering courses to international students with the complete course details with entry requirements and course fee. A brief overview of Institution will help you to give an introduction, location and recognition of the institution. Why not look at the following pages to get started:

• Find your course using our advanced search: http://studylink.com/search/search.html
• Get the latest news, tips and advice on our blog: http://studylink.blogs.com/student_adventures/
• Join a discussion on a wide range of study abroad topics on our forums: http://bulletin.studylink.com/index.php
• Join online events and meet students and universities worldwide: http://events.studylink.com/index.html
• Download MBA Guides and get into top MBA Schools: http://studylink.com/guides/index.html

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute and I’ll contact you to discuss your course options.

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly.

Ask Anna

Question:

"How can I meet a StudyLink counsellor to get personalised advice about studying abroad in 2009?”

Answer:

“StudyLink is holding an exclusive online chat event on Wednesday 25 February. At the event you will be able to get personal answers on the following topics:

• Finding the right course
• Completing and submitting your online application
• Entry requirements
• Scholarships
• Career prospects
• Applying for a student visa

…and more!

Click the following button to register for the event. Please remember to include your name and contact telephone number when you register.

Ask Anna

Question:

"My dream is to study abroad in 2009 – Can you help?”

Answer:

“Yes, we can.

StudyLink counselors are here to help you by:

• choosing the best course that meets your academic and career goals
• preparing and submitting your application
• obtaining a student visa
• answering your questions
• contacting universities, colleges and schools on your behalf

– all without charge.

Read this month’s main article about realizing your dream to study abroad in 2009 and then contact us today so we can help you make your dream a reality: [email protected]”

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.

Ask Anna

Question:

"How do I apply for a student visa?"

Answer:

“International students should apply for a student visa two months in advance. Student need to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover their tuition fee and living expenses for the duration of the programme.

Immigration Rules vary from country to country, but in general you are required to meet certain conditions that relate to:

• the place where you wish to study
• your course
• your ability to follow the course
• your finances
• and your intentions during and after your studies.

Contact a counsellor if you would like more detailed information about how to apply for a visa: [email protected]”

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.

Meet, share and learn: join the StudyLink networks

Like millions of people worldwide you probably already have a Facebook, Orkut or Friendster page (or maybe all three!)

So next time you’re online checking out what your friends are up to, make sure you also visit the StudyLink forums on these sites. It’s a quick and simple way to get the information and advice you need to study overseas.

The StudyLink social networking sites are designed for you – to connect you with other international students who have the same plans, hopes and dreams.

By joining our virtual student community you can:

• Share ideas and information about studying overseas
• Meet students who have similar interests. You may even get to meet them in real life when you reach your study destination!
• Ask our student counsellors a quick question
• Discuss your successes and challenges as your plan your study abroad
• Get quick links to useful information about studying overseas and upcoming online events

To get the most from your StudyLink membership, make sure you:

• Check in regularly to see what’s new
• Post comments and answers
• Encourage your other friends to join in the fun
• Remember it’s a public space – if you have a private question or concern, just email one of our student counsellors.

How do I join?
It's very simple - follow the instructions below if you are already a member of Facebook, Orkut or Friendster. If you are not a member of any group yet, it is simple to sign up - just choose the network you would like to join and then follow the instructions below. Of course, you don't have to join them all!

Facebook
If you are already a member, just follow the link to the StudyLink Facebook page.
If you are not a member you need to sign up for Facebook, then search for StudyLink using the search box.

Orkut
If you are already a member, just follow the link to the StudyLink Orkut page .
If you are not a member you need to sign up for Orkut , then search for StudyLink using the search box.

Friendster
If you are already a member, log in to Friendster then search for StudyLink by clicking explore > search groups > and then type 'StudyLink' into the search box
If you are not a member you need to sign up for Friendster , then search for StudyLink by clicking explore > search groups > type 'StudyLink'

It’s easy and it’s free! We look forward to welcoming you to our wider StudyLink student community!

Ask Anna

Question:

“My final year grades are too low for admission to a foreign university – what should I do?”

Answer:

Don’t worry – there are many options for students who do not meet the academic requirements for foreign universities. Many colleges and universities offer foundation or bridging programs that after successful completion, can lead to direct entry onto undergraduate degrees. Postgraduate students can consider taking a pre-masters program which is specifically designed for those who have not qualified for direct entry to their chosen postgraduate degree.

You can find out more about your options by visiting the Pathways to University page on our website. Or for more personal assistance contact a counsellor to discuss you study options: [email protected]

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.

Ask Anna

Question:

“What is the best time to apply for admissions into foreign universities? Is there any specific deadline to apply to these institutions?”

Answer:

There is no formal last date for applying for admission into foreign universities except for undergraduate programmes in the UK which has a deadline of 30th June for entry in September of the same year.
 
It is recommended that students should apply for admission six months in advance, especially if you want to apply for any kind of financial assistance. Some courses are more popular than others and will be filled long before the commencement date.
 
If you are interested to apply for Jan/Feb 2009 intake, you should register with StudyLink today.

Contact a counsellor if you have any more questions about application deadlines: [email protected]

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.

Ask Anna

Question:

“Is taking an English Language Test necessary for entry into all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes?”

Answer:

Yes, all students must take an English language test if they wish to apply for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at foreign universities where the courses are taught in English. In addition, while applying for a student visa for most destinations, it's mandatory to show proof of English language ability.
 
You must also remember that your success at university will depend on your ability to express yourself well in your class, in written papers and in your examinations.
 
If your native language is not English, you should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic modules) in your home country.
 
Please log into www.IELTS.org and www.TOEFL.org for more information.

Contact a counsellor if you have any more questions about English language requirements: [email protected]

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.

Ask Anna

Question:

“I have applied direct to a UK university for the September 2008 intake. Can I get further help from StudyLink with accommodation, visa advice and predeparture?”

Answer:

Yes. StudyLink can provide help and advice on a wide range of courses and universities in the UK.

StudyLink provides high quality information, visa advice and counselling services to international students. StudyLink is an innovator offering you the benefits of a unique online application service and counselling team saving you time and money. All our services are free of charge and easy to access from your computer.

If you have applied directly to a UK university for Sep 2008 intake, StudyLink can give you advice on your visa, accommodation and pre-departure free of charge. Hurry and get in touch with us for further information:

Contact: [email protected]

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.

StudyLink receives QEAC approval

We know that choosing an international education partner can be difficult. You need to be able to trust a counsellor with one of the most important decisions of your life. StudyLink is proud to announce that our counsellors have received QEAC (Quality Education Agent Counsellors) training and accreditation.

The Education Agent Training Course (EATC) is run in partnership with Australian Education International (AEI) and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Only these agents have passed the EATC exam and StudyLink counsellors are part of only 300 agents to have passed the exam to date!

The course and exam test for more than just up to date study information on Australia – they encourage excellent counselling service, knowledge of career pathways, and are designed to give you the best experience from an education agent.

You can always be confident in the advice provided by a StudyLink counsellor. Contact us for free study abroad advice from professional and qualified counselling staff today!