Planning Your Budget
University study involves a range of expenses including living and study costs. Some are fixed and some will vary, depending on the type of course you are studying, and your lifestyle. insurance for the duration of their visa. Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens do not require OSHC. OSHC is only available to student visa holders. Students who arrive in Australia without a student visa will not have access to OSHC until their student visa is granted. JCU organises OSHC membership for students who will be applying for a student visa. Fees vary depending on the length of your student visa and are subject to change. OSHC fees are approximately A$197 for six months/A$395 for one year. Fees are subject to change. Student Services and Amenities Fee The Student Services and Amenities fee provides students access to services that enhance your student experience through student life, student representation and advocacy. The fee for 2012 is $263 and is subject to change for 2013. Books and miscellaneous study expenses Approximately A$400 is required per teaching period/semester for books. Other study costs, depending on the course, may APPROXIMATE LIVING COSTS Townsville/ Cairns (A$) Rent (share only) Food Electricity Transport/ Travel Miscellaneous TOTAL PER WEEK TOTAL PER YEAR $100–$130 $70 $20 $25-$30 $60 Brisbane (A$) $130-$150 $70 $30 $25-$30 $70 Sydney/ Melbourne (A$) $150–$180 $100 $30 $40–$50 $85 Singapore (S$) $90 $65 $20 $40 $85 $285 $16,900$17,940 include: field trip costs, lab equipment, stationery, subject handbooks and calculator. It is also suggested that the costs for a computer/laptop be factored into your overall costs.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary between degrees and increase each new calendar year. Fee information for JCU degrees in Australia is given on page 10 of this publication, and for Singapore fees see page 8. Fee information is also available online at www.jcu.edu.au/ international/fees
Other costs
In addition to annual tuition fees, international students should be aware of the following costs: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Students are required to organise private health insurance before coming to study in Australia and are expected to maintain this
$275–$300 $315-$340 $405–$445 $14,300– $16,120 $16,900$18,200 $21,060– $23,140
All costs are approximate and subject to change. Rent is based on sharing a privately rented house. See Accommodation on page 51 for more information.
Australian Visa Information
It is essential that you apply for an Australian student visa before arriving in Australia. To apply you need to contact your nearest Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. www.dfat.gov.au/missions You can also contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). The DIAC website contains comprehensive information about applying for visas, student work rights and restrictions, health requirements, and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about student visas www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm
Working as a student
Under Australian immigration regulations, students on a student visa may work up to 20 hours per week during university teaching periods and without restriction during university vacations. Permission to work in Australia will be automatically included when you are granted your student visa. The JCU Careers and Employment Service can provide information on part-time and casual employment and manage an online job vacancy listing for students.
Working rights for your partner
If your spouse is joining you, he or she can also work while you are studying in Australia and can apply for a permission to work visa. The work conditions for your spouse will vary depending on the degree that you are taking.
Bringing your family
Your spouse and children can join you in Australia but each family member must be added to the student visa application, and certain conditions will apply depending on the age of each
member. If you have children who will be attending school while in Australia, you will have to pay school fees for them. These fees vary and can be as much as A$10,120* per year per student attending a Queensland State School. Family members joining you in Australia will be included in your Overseas Student Health Care cover, which may affect your premiums. www.eqi.com.au/programs/ dependant-student.html#fees
*This fee can change from year to year and is payable on applications where school name is unconfirmed at the time the application is made. This fee will be refunded if EQI is advised of school name within two weeks of a student’s nominated start date. If this required notice is not given, students will not receive a refund of this fee.
2013 International Undergraduate Prospectus
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