BootsnAll Travel Community

I am thinking about applying to do my masters degree at QUT in Brisbane. I was wondering if any European students know how easy / difficult it is getting into Australian universities. Also, we're there any scholarships you were eligible for? Or what other funding methods (other than student loans) were available?

Hey,

I did a year of study in Australia (and came back last year). QUT may have scholarships for academic merit and it is also fairly easy to get into. They sent me an offer letter, but I refused them because they were weird (as in, they held their hand out for money, but did nothing to answer any of my queries). And, although I intended to take only 3 subjects at a time, they expected payment for four, and they would hold the money for the fourth subject and apply it against fees for the following semester. In short, I would have been providing them with a non-interest bearing loan for $2,500 for four months.

QUT has an excellent reputation for business programs, but for other things you might want to check out the University of Queensland. They might be more difficult to get into.

As for funding sources, Australia expects you to fund your education without involving their social system at all. As a Canadian, all I had to do was formally declare I had sufficient funds to carry through my program. In reality, I was making money as I studied by working the maximum 20 hours per week (separate visa you apply for after you start your program). There are international student loans available and some international scholarships, but you'll have to investigate those from your area. But, there are no loans or comprehensive scholarships available from the Australian government for foreigners (unless they have changed that in the last 9 months).

The actual visa application process takes a while and may involve a medical exam (including a chest x-ray). You'll have to check out the requirements because Australian visa requirements can change up to 3 times per year. I think you need an offer letter and proof of registration before you can apply for the visa.

From applying to the universities to getting my visa took 5 months. Good luck with it all. Feel free to pm me...