Student Visa (Step by step)

athelene · February 2022

@eris0819 said:
Hello, may I ask if what's the cheapest/affordable school for masters in accountancy within Sydney or nearby places? Thank you!

Most universities in Sydney will be at least AUD 30k/year. Maybe consider Kaplan Business School? Although I have no idea of the difference between Master of Accounting and Master of Professional Accounting (you might want to check it yourself hehe). But here's the list of fees for KBS programs:
https://www.kbs.edu.au/admissions/fees/international-fees

I would assume regional areas (Newcastle, etc.) would have cheaper fees, but then again, I doubt there are as many vocational school options there as compared to Sydney.

eris0819 · February 2022

@athelene said:

@eris0819 said:
Also, will PTE be accepted po kya for SV?

Immi website says PTE Academic is acceptable. Check out the minimum required scores:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500#Eligibility

Thank you po. How about if my PTE was taken last Aug. 16, 2019, is it still valid this year if I'm going to lodge my application before Aug 2022?

eris0819 · February 2022

@athelene said:

@eris0819 said:
Hello, may I ask if what's the cheapest/affordable school for masters in accountancy within Sydney or nearby places? Thank you!

Most universities in Sydney will be at least AUD 30k/year. Maybe consider Kaplan Business School? Although I have no idea of the difference between Master of Accounting and Master of Professional Accounting (you might want to check it yourself hehe). But here's the list of fees for KBS programs:
https://www.kbs.edu.au/admissions/fees/international-fees

I would assume regional areas (Newcastle, etc.) would have cheaper fees, but then again, I doubt there are as many vocational school options there as compared to Sydney.

I see. Noted on this and thank you so much po

athelene · February 2022

@eris0819 said:

@athelene said:

@eris0819 said:
Also, will PTE be accepted po kya for SV?

Immi website says PTE Academic is acceptable. Check out the minimum required scores:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500#Eligibility

Thank you po. How about if my PTE was taken last Aug. 16, 2019, is it still valid this year if I'm going to lodge my application before Aug 2022?

If you will look at the link I sent, it specifically says your English exam must have been taken within 2 years from the time you apply for a student visa. If you are applying for a SV by Aug 2022, you need to retake your exam. With your current exam result, that one is over 2 years old already so you can't use that.

eris0819 · February 2022

@athelene said:

@eris0819 said:

@athelene said:

@eris0819 said:
Also, will PTE be accepted po kya for SV?

Immi website says PTE Academic is acceptable. Check out the minimum required scores:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500#Eligibility

Thank you po. How about if my PTE was taken last Aug. 16, 2019, is it still valid this year if I'm going to lodge my application before Aug 2022?

If you will look at the link I sent, it specifically says your English exam must have been taken within 2 years from the time you apply for a student visa. If you are applying for a SV by Aug 2022, you need to retake your exam. With your current exam result, that one is over 2 years old already so you can't use that.

I see. This is duly noted. Thank you so much!

bpgamerslobby · February 2022

Hello po, possible kaya itake up yung course na
"UEE62111 Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Electrical" (will apply for student visa)
sa TAFE if engineering graduate sa Philippines?

Thank you!

athelene · February 2022

@bpgamerslobby said:
Hello po, possible kaya itake up yung course na
"UEE62111 Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Electrical" (will apply for student visa)
sa TAFE if engineering graduate sa Philippines?

Thank you!

Which kind of Engineering did you study in PH? You could definitely try to apply for admission, but you have to prove to Immigration that what you will study in Australia is a progression and that you will have better job prospects after studying. If the topics that will be covered by that advanced diploma is already something covered in the bachelor degree, then that's not really a progression. So double-check the curriculum to make sure that it is suitable for your career goals / professional development.

bpgamerslobby · February 2022

@athelene said:

@bpgamerslobby said:
Hello po, possible kaya itake up yung course na
"UEE62111 Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Electrical" (will apply for student visa)
sa TAFE if engineering graduate sa Philippines?

Thank you!

Which kind of Engineering did you study in PH? You could definitely try to apply for admission, but you have to prove to Immigration that what you will study in Australia is a progression and that you will have better job prospects after studying. If the topics that will be covered by that advanced diploma is already something covered in the bachelor degree, then that's not really a progression. So double-check the curriculum to make sure that it is suitable for your career goals / professional development.

Hello, thank you for this info. Electrical Engineering. In that case, masters ang best possible na itake.

eris0819 · February 2022

Hello, usually gaano po katagal ang processing ng student visa if from PH? Thank you!

athelene · February 2022

@bpgamerslobby said:
Hello, thank you for this info. Electrical Engineering. In that case, masters ang best possible na itake.

Have you checked the curriculum of that advanced diploma in comparison to your bachelor? Baka kasi sayang yung tuition fee if you will be studying the exact same things. If you want to pursue further studies in Elec Eng, then yes, master's degree ang option mo. But if you are considering to deviate a bit to a different type of engineering, then you can somehow still justify why you want to pursue advanced diploma instead of a master degree. Depende talaga sa objectives mo and what you want to get out of your future education.

athelene · February 2022

@eris0819 said:
Hello, usually gaano po katagal ang processing ng student visa if from PH? Thank you!

It's a case-to-case basis. There is no specific info that can be found about the average processing time for each specific country. The immigration website can only show the global processing time (average), but depending on your situation, the actual processing time can be far shorter (or longer) than what is posted on the website.

eris0819 · February 2022

@athelene said:

@eris0819 said:
Hello, usually gaano po katagal ang processing ng student visa if from PH? Thank you!

It's a case-to-case basis. There is no specific info that can be found about the average processing time for each specific country. The immigration website can only show the global processing time (average), but depending on your situation, the actual processing time can be far shorter (or longer) than what is posted on the website.

Noted, thank you

bpgamerslobby · February 2022

@athelene said:

@bpgamerslobby said:
Hello, thank you for this info. Electrical Engineering. In that case, masters ang best possible na itake.

Have you checked the curriculum of that advanced diploma in comparison to your bachelor? Baka kasi sayang yung tuition fee if you will be studying the exact same things. If you want to pursue further studies in Elec Eng, then yes, master's degree ang option mo. But if you are considering to deviate a bit to a different type of engineering, then you can somehow still justify why you want to pursue advanced diploma instead of a master degree. Depende talaga sa objectives mo and what you want to get out of your future education.

Yes po, chineck ko marami siya subjects na particular sa mga actual applications, though some have the same sa previous curriculum namen sa PH. The only thing na napansin ko is more detailed yung mga subjects and some even currently ginagamit namen sa field, compared po sa PH kase mas marami na theoretical subjects. Yun po yung nakikita ko na advancement niya.

JB26 · February 2022

Hello! I am a nurse and currently working in the Ph with 3 yrs of experience. Waiting for COE ako at kukuha ng cert lll in individual support. Ano po pwedeng gawin sa SOP/GTE para maging maayos,can someone share their inputs regarding SOP/GTE as I have seen a lot of students were refused due to GTE.

Questions
1. What specific strong ties ang pwede kong iinput?

What are the other possible incentive to return?

3.Can you share your agency/agent who helped you with creating a good GTE?

Anything you can share to my question is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

pinoyunli · February 2022

FINALLY, MY BROTHERS VISA IS APPROVED!!

COURSE: MASTER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISATION NETWORK ENGINEERING
SCHOOL: USQ-TOOWOOMBA

TIMELINE:
01/27/22 - Decided to do the Student Visa Pathway. Booked and Paid IELTS.
02/02/22 - Took IELTS
02/08/22 - IELTS Results Released
02/08/22 - Submitted Application to USQ
02/09/22 - Received Conditional Offer w/ 25% Scholarship
02/09/22 - Complied all requirements in the conditional offer
02/10/22 - Received the Final Offer w/ 25% Scholarship and advise to pay
02/10/22 - Paid for Tuition and OSHC
02/14/22 - Received eCoE from the University
02/14/22 - Lodged Visa
02/14/22 - Rush Swab
02/14/22 - Flew to Manila for Medical
02/15/22 - 2:30 PM - Medical via St Lukes - BGC
02/16/22 - 8:00 AM - Embassy received medical and cleared
02/17/22 - 1 PM - Visa Approved

eris0819 · March 2022

Hello po, open na po ba ang borders ng WA? Thank you

hikari · March 2022

@eris0819 said:
Hello po, open na po ba ang borders ng WA? Thank you

You can check this out:
https://www.studyperth.com.au/industry/safe-return-of-international-students-to-western-australia/

AnneNapenas14 · March 2022

Hello everyone. I am Mining Engineer here in the Philippines and I have decided to take the Student Visa pathway since I only have 4 years of experience so far. May mga questions lang po kasi ako na iba iba ang sagot ng mga tao sa various fb groups and kailangan ko po ng kasagutan to wit:

Totoo po ba na kung license holder po rito sa Pinas, hindi recommended ang magtake ng graduate diploma or graduate certificate kasi parang down grade po ito? Mas maganda raw po kung Masters ang kukunin kasi may PR pathway daw po.
Is it possible to get employed and mag PR kahit na graduate diploma or graduate certificate lang po ang kinuha?
If ever mas maganda po talaga ang Masters, is it still okay for me to take MBA program instead of a Masters program related to my Profession as a Mining Engineer? Ano po yung effect niya sa points sa assessment ng Engineers Australia soon? What are the chances po na maemploy ako sa mining companies even if MBA ang kinuha ko?

Thank you po sa mga sasagot God bless.

hikari · March 2022

@AnneNapenas14 said:
Hello everyone. I am Mining Engineer here in the Philippines and I have decided to take the Student Visa pathway since I only have 4 years of experience so far. May mga questions lang po kasi ako na iba iba ang sagot ng mga tao sa various fb groups and kailangan ko po ng kasagutan to wit:

Totoo po ba na kung license holder po rito sa Pinas, hindi recommended ang magtake ng graduate diploma or graduate certificate kasi parang down grade po ito? Mas maganda raw po kung Masters ang kukunin kasi may PR pathway daw po.

Is it possible to get employed and mag PR kahit na graduate diploma or graduate certificate lang po ang kinuha?

If ever mas maganda po talaga ang Masters, is it still okay for me to take MBA program instead of a Masters program related to my Profession as a Mining Engineer? Ano po yung effect niya sa points sa assessment ng Engineers Australia soon? What are the chances po na maemploy ako sa mining companies even if MBA ang kinuha ko?

Thank you po sa mga sasagot God bless.

Hello! I am not a mining engr but would like to share some personal thoughts based on what I've experienced so far.

Graduate Cert and Grad Dip are both Level 8 in AQF while bachelor is Level 7. Hindi po sya downgrade kung bachelor po ang highest level of education nyo. Nag grad cert of IT ako at hindi po naging issue yung pag apply ko non. However, nakapackage kasi yung akin sa master. Master's program doesn't guarantee a pathway to PR. Depende po ito sa kukunin nyo kung relevant sya sa occupation na inonominate nyo. Hindi rin po magcocontribute sa points nyo yung grad cert and grad dip kasi para makapag claim ng AU study requirement points (and regional points if you pursue to study in a regional loc), kaylangan nakapagtapos kayo ng at least 2 academic years.
In my case, hindi inassess ng ACS yung grad cert ko. Bachelor and Master lang yung rinecognise. In terms of employment, mas pabor po sa employer kung meron kayong valid visa to live and work here. So kung natapos nyo na po yung grad cert or grad dip mo, kakailanganin mo pa rin ng valid visa para makapag stay ka pa din dito, unless someone is willing to sponsor you para makapag apply ka ng work visa before your student visa expires. One of the perks in completing Master's is you are eligible to apply for 485 visa or commonly known as Post-Study Work visa regardless kung anong program of bachelor or master yung tinapos nyo sa AU as long as nameet nyo yung AU study requirement. 3 years ang validity neto. So makakapag stay kayo sa AU at makakapagwork without restriction. While on 485, you can already focus on applying for your PR at magpataas ng point.
If your bachelor's is comparable to AQF Bachelor, then go for MBA kung mas makakamura ka doon. Kasi di naman sya magcocontribute sa points mo since both bachelor and master can only give you 15 points sa qualification. Not sure sa employment ng ME, pero sa IT di masyado nagmamatter yung masters. Mas favorable sa employer kung meron ka ng work experience at meron kang valid visa to work here.

athelene · March 2022

@AnneNapenas14 said:
Hello everyone. I am Mining Engineer here in the Philippines and I have decided to take the Student Visa pathway since I only have 4 years of experience so far. May mga questions lang po kasi ako na iba iba ang sagot ng mga tao sa various fb groups and kailangan ko po ng kasagutan to wit:

Totoo po ba na kung license holder po rito sa Pinas, hindi recommended ang magtake ng graduate diploma or graduate certificate kasi parang down grade po ito? Mas maganda raw po kung Masters ang kukunin kasi may PR pathway daw po.

Is it possible to get employed and mag PR kahit na graduate diploma or graduate certificate lang po ang kinuha?

If ever mas maganda po talaga ang Masters, is it still okay for me to take MBA program instead of a Masters program related to my Profession as a Mining Engineer? Ano po yung effect niya sa points sa assessment ng Engineers Australia soon? What are the chances po na maemploy ako sa mining companies even if MBA ang kinuha ko?

Thank you po sa mga sasagot God bless.

I agree with most of @hikari 's response.

Diploma and Advanced Diploma lower than a bachelor's degree in the AQF, while Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are higher than a bachelor's degree. Grad Cert/Grad Dip are lower than a master's degree. You can look at the levels in more detail here: https://aqf.edu.au/aqf-qualifications

The length of study for a Grad Cert is usually one semester (full-time enrollment for international students), and Grad Dip is two semesters/one year. Master's degree can be 1.5 years or 2 years, depending on the topic. Studying a Grad Cert/Grad Dip will not get you a Post-Study Work Visa, nor will you get any SkillSelect points for Australian study because you won't reach the minimum 2-year academic study, unless of course you combine them with another qualification to meet the 2-year study.

Doing a master's degree does not guarantee a PR pathway, it simply provides you with the opportunity to get a Post-Study Work Visa (485 visa) so that you can work in Australia after you graduate. The validity of the grad visa depends on what you will study. Finishing a bachelor's degree can get you a 2-year visa, while studying master by coursework can get you a 3-year visa. You could potentially get a second 485 visa if you study in a regional area too. While on that grad visa, ideally you would be working in the occupation you want to nominate for migration, because getting one year of Australian work experience in that occupation can get you additional points.

More details about the 485 visa here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-study-work#About

I don't know what are the minimum qualification requirements to work as a mining engineer, so I don't know if a Grad Cert/Grad Dip will help you secure a job after graduation. In my opinion, what matters more is (as hikari said) having a valid visa to work in Australia and having the necessary skills / knowledge / experience to work in the role you are applying for. Completing a Grad Cert/Grad Dip can certainly help you with the upskilling part, but your chances of getting employed will depend on your overall profile, if you're a good fit for the job.

You will have to check EA on whether your bachelor's degre is sufficient to do a skills assessment. If it's not, then maybe do a Master of Mining Engineering. Whether or not you should take an MBA depends on your end goal. If you are shifting careers to work in business, MBA does make sense. If you are still keen on doing mining engineering, it seems more logical to study a Master of Mining Engineering / Professional Engineering. Yes, it may be cheaper to study MBA at a lesser known school/uni, but studying in Australia is an investment for yourself. You want to make sure that you're spending your time, money, and efforts to something that will contribute to your personal and professional goals. Do your due diligence/research about what your study options are.

No one can outright tell you your chances of getting an engineering job if you have an MBA, unless your target job is a business-related or management-related role. If the role you want is still more of engineering work, then probably steer clear of an MBA.

louie_mashi · March 2022

Hi, what is the processing time for student visa? I have completed my medical last Tuesday throug NHIS. When do you think I will be able to get an update?

athelene · March 2022

@louie_mashi said:
Hi, what is the processing time for student visa? I have completed my medical last Tuesday throug NHIS. When do you think I will be able to get an update?

Probably wait for 2-3 weeks. That's how long I waited when I got my visa grant after medicals last Aug 2020. But it's case-to-case basis, so yours could be longer or shorter than that timeframe.

mikasaarmalite · March 2022

Hi!

If I enroll for a package course (Diploma + Advanced Diploma), will I be able to cancel the course after finishing just the diploma? My target occupation only requires Diploma qualification, so I plan on trying for a sponsorship (482) after the Diploma, but if I'm unlucky and dont get a sponsorship, then I'll continue my Advanced Diploma included in the package.

I honestly don't know how package courses work. Thanks for your help!

Sblanco · March 2022

Good day po! I have a few questions lang po na need malaman kasi I have done my research na and my situation is kind of uncommon. I have asked an agency na din kaso matagal ang response and hindi accommodating. Madami ako nakikita online na inconsistensies regarding sa Student Visa info sana po may makasagot. But first here is my situationL I am currently working as an IT professional for about 9 years na pero I am an undergraduate of IT. Ito po mga questions ko:

Can I take a non-IT course and possibly switch career na din? I am thinking of taking a Cookery Course and work as a chef. The agency I inquired from exactly emailed these words after asking that: "..no, you are only allowed to take the course related to your work.."
I have mentioned my situation to the agent that I am an undergrad but have been working for quite a while now and one of the courses they offered me is Master of IT which I believe is a post-grad course. Is it okay for me to take that? Given that the agent advised it.
If it is strongly recommended to take the similar course to my work experience, is it okay to take short vocational courses (less than 1 year)? Will it still lead to a PR in the future?

Thank you in advance!

athelene · March 2022

@Sblanco said:
Good day po! I have a few questions lang po na need malaman kasi I have done my research na and my situation is kind of uncommon. I have asked an agency na din kaso matagal ang response and hindi accommodating. Madami ako nakikita online na inconsistensies regarding sa Student Visa info sana po may makasagot. But first here is my situationL I am currently working as an IT professional for about 9 years na pero I am an undergraduate of IT. Ito po mga questions ko:

Can I take a non-IT course and possibly switch career na din? I am thinking of taking a Cookery Course and work as a chef. The agency I inquired from exactly emailed these words after asking that: "..no, you are only allowed to take the course related to your work.."

I have mentioned my situation to the agent that I am an undergrad but have been working for quite a while now and one of the courses they offered me is Master of IT which I believe is a post-grad course. Is it okay for me to take that? Given that the agent advised it.

If it is strongly recommended to take the similar course to my work experience, is it okay to take short vocational courses (less than 1 year)? Will it still lead to a PR in the future?

Thank you in advance!

When you say undergraduate, you have completed a bachelor degree in IT in the PH? With 9 years of experience, are you like a senior- or manager-level na?

Are you looking to study in Australia to really switch careers (non-IT) because you want to nominated a different occupation for migration? It's definitely allowed to switch careers, but you will have to be very clear in your GTE on why you're moving into a non-IT industry. The agency you spoke to, are they a migration or education agency? Depending on the type of agency, some may be more keen on having their clients stick to their background because it's "easier" to get a visa approved when they are upskilling in their field as compared to changing careers. Maybe consider getting a second opinion from a different agency?
The agent can only advise you on which program is related/suitable to your background, but ultimately it is your choice whether you want to pursue it or not. For a Master of IT, it is a postgrad course and usually requires a bachelor's degree to get into the program. Do your due diligence and research the program yourself. Check out the curriculum/online handbook on the website to see which specific units you have to study and if you are really interested in the program. Don't enroll in any program without looking into details about what you will study; you don't want to spend time and money on something that doesn't interest you or won't help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
International students looking to study in Australia must enroll in a CRICOS-registered program to be eligible for a student visa. If you've completed a bachelor's degree in IT, you can enroll in Graduate Certificate (6 months full time study) or Graduate Diploma (1 year full time study) in IT , but whether they can lead you to PR depends on your nominated occupation. Take note that a Diploma and Advanced Diploma (the vocational courses) are lower than a bachelor's degree in the AQF, so if you are thinking to do that, you will have to justify in your GTE why you're doing a qualification that's a "downgrade."

With 9 years of experience, you can probably nominate IT as your occupation, but the GradCert or GradDip alone won't get you additional points for SkillSelect. You have to study in Australia for at least 2 years to get any points for Australian study (like a Master in IT, because that's usually 2 years of study).

Sblanco · March 2022

@athelene said:

@Sblanco said:
Good day po! I have a few questions lang po na need malaman kasi I have done my research na and my situation is kind of uncommon. I have asked an agency na din kaso matagal ang response and hindi accommodating. Madami ako nakikita online na inconsistensies regarding sa Student Visa info sana po may makasagot. But first here is my situationL I am currently working as an IT professional for about 9 years na pero I am an undergraduate of IT. Ito po mga questions ko:

Can I take a non-IT course and possibly switch career na din? I am thinking of taking a Cookery Course and work as a chef. The agency I inquired from exactly emailed these words after asking that: "..no, you are only allowed to take the course related to your work.."

I have mentioned my situation to the agent that I am an undergrad but have been working for quite a while now and one of the courses they offered me is Master of IT which I believe is a post-grad course. Is it okay for me to take that? Given that the agent advised it.

If it is strongly recommended to take the similar course to my work experience, is it okay to take short vocational courses (less than 1 year)? Will it still lead to a PR in the future?

Thank you in advance!

When you say undergraduate, you have completed a bachelor degree in IT in the PH? With 9 years of experience, are you like a senior- or manager-level na?

Are you looking to study in Australia to really switch careers (non-IT) because you want to nominated a different occupation for migration? It's definitely allowed to switch careers, but you will have to be very clear in your GTE on why you're moving into a non-IT industry. The agency you spoke to, are they a migration or education agency? Depending on the type of agency, some may be more keen on having their clients stick to their background because it's "easier" to get a visa approved when they are upskilling in their field as compared to changing careers. Maybe consider getting a second opinion from a different agency?

The agent can only advise you on which program is related/suitable to your background, but ultimately it is your choice whether you want to pursue it or not. For a Master of IT, it is a postgrad course and usually requires a bachelor's degree to get into the program. Do your due diligence and research the program yourself. Check out the curriculum/online handbook on the website to see which specific units you have to study and if you are really interested in the program. Don't enroll in any program without looking into details about what you will study; you don't want to spend time and money on something that doesn't interest you or won't help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

International students looking to study in Australia must enroll in a CRICOS-registered program to be eligible for a student visa. If you've completed a bachelor's degree in IT, you can enroll in Graduate Certificate (6 months full time study) or Graduate Diploma (1 year full time study) in IT , but whether they can lead you to PR depends on your nominated occupation. Take note that a Diploma and Advanced Diploma (the vocational courses) are lower than a bachelor's degree in the AQF, so if you are thinking to do that, you will have to justify in your GTE why you're doing a qualification that's a "downgrade."

With 9 years of experience, you can probably nominate IT as your occupation, but the GradCert or GradDip alone won't get you additional points for SkillSelect. You have to study in Australia for at least 2 years to get any points for Australian study (like a Master in IT, because that's usually 2 years of study).

Thanks for the quick response maam!
I have only completed 2 years of college here in PH and started to work already due to financial needs. I only worked my way up to be in a senior IT position.
1. Thanks for the advise, I think sticking to my career path would be the best since I am already familiar and it would make a lot of sense than switching to a different career since im in my 30s na.
2. I agree. I am also looking for another agency din as of the moment to help me.

So looks like the best path for me is to take a related-to-my-career-2-year-course (which I hope would work for me even if I only finished 2 years of my college here) and be a working student.

I also read that you are only allowed 20 hours per week once your class begins. Are side-hustles okay? Like online tutoring etc?

athelene · March 2022

@Sblanco said:
Thanks for the quick response maam!
I have only completed 2 years of college here in PH and started to work already due to financial needs. I only worked my way up to be in a senior IT position.
1. Thanks for the advise, I think sticking to my career path would be the best since I am already familiar and it would make a lot of sense than switching to a different career since im in my 30s na.
2. I agree. I am also looking for another agency din as of the moment to help me.

So looks like the best path for me is to take a related-to-my-career-2-year-course (which I hope would work for me even if I only finished 2 years of my college here) and be a working student.

I also read that you are only allowed 20 hours per week once your class begins. Are side-hustles okay? Like online tutoring etc?

Oh okay. Since you haven't completed a bachelor degree, you can have that option of doing a Diploma or Advanced Diploma if you're really keen on staying in the industry or if you want to expand your skills. But you will have to check if the skills you've learned at work is considerably similar to what they'll teach at Dip/Adv Dip level. Surely you don't want to study something that's redundant.

Some people here have considered switching careers for different reasons. What matters is YOUR reason. Are you happy with your career at the moment and you just want to upskill? Or are you looking to change career because you want to try something else? Don't worry about your age.

Ideally what you will study here will contribute to your goals. Whether that's professional goal, migration, etc. is totally up to you. Again, what you choose will depend on what you want out of your Australian education.

Normally, yes, you will be restricted to 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight once your study commences. At this point it's unrestricted work hours until April 2022 because of the pandemic. Online tutoring or any other casual jobs are okay, as long as you are following the 40 hours per fortnight restriction and you file your taxes. Please don't try working beyond the 40 hours/fortnight to avoid jeopardizing your status in Australia (baka maging issue when it's time to apply for PR or baka madeport ka).

From my experience, that 20 hours per week is sufficient to cover living expenses (as long as matipid ka). Yung tuition mahirap ipunin based on the 40 hours/fortnight, so I would recommend you have at least one year's funds ready para hindi ka stressed in your first semester/term. Best case is you have enough savings for the entire 2-year program before starting, para living expenses lang talaga ang iisipin mo habang nag-aaral.

AnneNapenas14 · March 2022

@hikari said:

@AnneNapenas14 said:
Hello everyone. I am Mining Engineer here in the Philippines and I have decided to take the Student Visa pathway since I only have 4 years of experience so far. May mga questions lang po kasi ako na iba iba ang sagot ng mga tao sa various fb groups and kailangan ko po ng kasagutan to wit:

Totoo po ba na kung license holder po rito sa Pinas, hindi recommended ang magtake ng graduate diploma or graduate certificate kasi parang down grade po ito? Mas maganda raw po kung Masters ang kukunin kasi may PR pathway daw po.

Is it possible to get employed and mag PR kahit na graduate diploma or graduate certificate lang po ang kinuha?

If ever mas maganda po talaga ang Masters, is it still okay for me to take MBA program instead of a Masters program related to my Profession as a Mining Engineer? Ano po yung effect niya sa points sa assessment ng Engineers Australia soon? What are the chances po na maemploy ako sa mining companies even if MBA ang kinuha ko?

Thank you po sa mga sasagot God bless.

Hello! I am not a mining engr but would like to share some personal thoughts based on what I've experienced so far.

Graduate Cert and Grad Dip are both Level 8 in AQF while bachelor is Level 7. Hindi po sya downgrade kung bachelor po ang highest level of education nyo. Nag grad cert of IT ako at hindi po naging issue yung pag apply ko non. However, nakapackage kasi yung akin sa master. Master's program doesn't guarantee a pathway to PR. Depende po ito sa kukunin nyo kung relevant sya sa occupation na inonominate nyo. Hindi rin po magcocontribute sa points nyo yung grad cert and grad dip kasi para makapag claim ng AU study requirement points (and regional points if you pursue to study in a regional loc), kaylangan nakapagtapos kayo ng at least 2 academic years.

In my case, hindi inassess ng ACS yung grad cert ko. Bachelor and Master lang yung rinecognise. In terms of employment, mas pabor po sa employer kung meron kayong valid visa to live and work here. So kung natapos nyo na po yung grad cert or grad dip mo, kakailanganin mo pa rin ng valid visa para makapag stay ka pa din dito, unless someone is willing to sponsor you para makapag apply ka ng work visa before your student visa expires. One of the perks in completing Master's is you are eligible to apply for 485 visa or commonly known as Post-Study Work visa regardless kung anong program of bachelor or master yung tinapos nyo sa AU as long as nameet nyo yung AU study requirement. 3 years ang validity neto. So makakapag stay kayo sa AU at makakapagwork without restriction. While on 485, you can already focus on applying for your PR at magpataas ng point.

If your bachelor's is comparable to AQF Bachelor, then go for MBA kung mas makakamura ka doon. Kasi di naman sya magcocontribute sa points mo since both bachelor and master can only give you 15 points sa qualification. Not sure sa employment ng ME, pero sa IT di masyado nagmamatter yung masters. Mas favorable sa employer kung meron ka ng work experience at meron kang valid visa to work here.

Gets ko na po Ma'am. Very helpful po yung mga sinabi niyo. Thank you

AnneNapenas14 · March 2022

@hikari said:

@AnneNapenas14 said:
Hello everyone. I am Mining Engineer here in the Philippines and I have decided to take the Student Visa pathway since I only have 4 years of experience so far. May mga questions lang po kasi ako na iba iba ang sagot ng mga tao sa various fb groups and kailangan ko po ng kasagutan to wit:

Totoo po ba na kung license holder po rito sa Pinas, hindi recommended ang magtake ng graduate diploma or graduate certificate kasi parang down grade po ito? Mas maganda raw po kung Masters ang kukunin kasi may PR pathway daw po.

Is it possible to get employed and mag PR kahit na graduate diploma or graduate certificate lang po ang kinuha?

If ever mas maganda po talaga ang Masters, is it still okay for me to take MBA program instead of a Masters program related to my Profession as a Mining Engineer? Ano po yung effect niya sa points sa assessment ng Engineers Australia soon? What are the chances po na maemploy ako sa mining companies even if MBA ang kinuha ko?

Thank you po sa mga sasagot God bless.

Hello! I am not a mining engr but would like to share some personal thoughts based on what I've experienced so far.

Graduate Cert and Grad Dip are both Level 8 in AQF while bachelor is Level 7. Hindi po sya downgrade kung bachelor po ang highest level of education nyo. Nag grad cert of IT ako at hindi po naging issue yung pag apply ko non. However, nakapackage kasi yung akin sa master. Master's program doesn't guarantee a pathway to PR. Depende po ito sa kukunin nyo kung relevant sya sa occupation na inonominate nyo. Hindi rin po magcocontribute sa points nyo yung grad cert and grad dip kasi para makapag claim ng AU study requirement points (and regional points if you pursue to study in a regional loc), kaylangan nakapagtapos kayo ng at least 2 academic years.

In my case, hindi inassess ng ACS yung grad cert ko. Bachelor and Master lang yung rinecognise. In terms of employment, mas pabor po sa employer kung meron kayong valid visa to live and work here. So kung natapos nyo na po yung grad cert or grad dip mo, kakailanganin mo pa rin ng valid visa para makapag stay ka pa din dito, unless someone is willing to sponsor you para makapag apply ka ng work visa before your student visa expires. One of the perks in completing Master's is you are eligible to apply for 485 visa or commonly known as Post-Study Work visa regardless kung anong program of bachelor or master yung tinapos nyo sa AU as long as nameet nyo yung AU study requirement. 3 years ang validity neto. So makakapag stay kayo sa AU at makakapagwork without restriction. While on 485, you can already focus on applying for your PR at magpataas ng point.

If your bachelor's is comparable to AQF Bachelor, then go for MBA kung mas makakamura ka doon. Kasi di naman sya magcocontribute sa points mo since both bachelor and master can only give you 15 points sa qualification. Not sure sa employment ng ME, pero sa IT di masyado nagmamatter yung masters. Mas favorable sa employer kung meron ka ng work experience at meron kang valid visa to work here.

Thank you po Ma'am

ArkitekGanda · April 2022

Hi po. Possible po ba or meron po b dito na architect tapos nag student visa? Pwede po kaya na instead of BS arki or masteral ang kunin ko sa Australia mag tafe na lng ako related sa interior design since related naman yung dalawa. Para po mas mura sana. Tho di sya pathway to PR yung tafe course na yun, baka pwede ang sunod step ko is 190 visa at least may madagdag lng na points na nag aral ako dun. 😅 any insight po?