For the 'experienced' and those currently applying for a student visa:
I'm currently working at an insurance company here in Singapore for almost 5 years now and I'm planning to take up a Masteral degree in Australia in 2014. I took up Business Management and graduated at DLSU-Manila. My first job was at BPI and worked there for almost three years. Then I decided to try looking for a job here in Singapore, and was fortunate to be hired by this insurance company - my first and current employer.
From my initial research on the student visa application, what I read are the following: (please correct me if I'm wrong)
choose your course and school - my first choice is actuarial studies at Macquarie but then I'm not really confident if I could take on the high level math subjects under that course, so my next option is Professional Accounting (either at Macquarie or University of Sydney). I will be qualified for SVP for both.
academic and English language requirements - so far, I've met the acad. side. I'm planning to take up IELTS first or second quarter of 2013.
university application. if accepted, to pay required tuition fees. then eCOE (?) will be given to be submitted to Australian Embassy for the visa application.
for visa application, I can include a dependent, even if it's a de-facto spouse, but I have to add about 6kAUD/year to the 18kAUD/year living expenses required.
My questions are:
Will the university require the whole AUD36K (assuming no dependent and the course is for 2 years) + estimated tuition fees for one year? Will the university require proof of documents that you have the funds or the declaration is enough? If someone (not a relative) from the UK offered to sponsor for my tuition fees, is there any required amount that should be reflected on the sponsor's bank certificate?
How does scholarship grants work? I've read that during your application for university acceptance, some universities will automatically consider you for scholarship, subject for review. If ever you're qualified for the scholarship, does this mean that once you accept the offer, you only pay the tuition fees less the grant OR you have to pay the tuition fees in FULL first before eCOE is given?
My mom is currently in Australia, married to an Australian citizen. Will this be a problem? I'm concerned that this might be taken against me in a way that I have a reason not to leave Australia.
Will it be very difficult if I apply with a dependent (de-facto spouse)?
Any additional tips aside from addressing my concerns, I would really appreciate. 🙂
Thanks in advance! ^_^