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1
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How to start looking for the right school/institution?
You need to work out your priorities, such as city location, financial consideration, academic results, your own interest and entry requirements of the preferred program and institution.
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2
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When should I lodge my application?
For school program, students should apply at six to nine months before the new school term commences in February. For tertiary programs, students should apply three or four months before the semester starts (in March, July or October).
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3
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Are Australian degree recognized in Hong Kong?
The Australian degrees are recognized within Australia and also internationally. They are assessed by AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) which administers the education and training qualifications in Australia.
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4
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What are the problems Hong Kong students may encounter in their overseas study?
The general problems are language difficulties such as English writing, limited social circle and emotional adjustments. However, most students will be able to cope within 3 to 6 months if they are willing to take initiatives to learn, to be positive and flexible to living in a new country.
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5
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What are the differences between the learning and assessment method in Australia and Hong Kong?
The Australian schools emphasize more in group discussions and project work. Classes are more interactive as students are encouraged to participate and collect relevant information through different media. At universities, students need to undergo research, group discussions and individual presentation. The academic year assessment will be based on assignments and internal examinations as well.
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6
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What are the study options for F.5 / F.6 / GCSE students?
There are 3 options depending on the student's interest and academic results (HKCEE & GCSE):
- Matriculation (Year 11 /12) or
- Certificate / diploma or
- Foundation Program
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7
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What are the study options for F.7 students?
It depends on your HKAL results. Most students choose to study:
- Certificate/Diploma, or
- Foundation program, or
- Degree program
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8
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How should I choose a good secondary school?
A good school refers to a school that matches your needs. Generally you can consider factors based on the school type (government or private), school facilities, tertiary entrance rate, availability of ESL course (English as a Second Language) and overseas students support services. You can find out more details of the schools by meeting with our Education Advisers.
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9
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How many terms are there in Australian secondary schools? When will the school term start?
There are 4 terms in secondary school and the main one starts in February. Other terms are April, July and October. Students could enrol during terms provided that places are available and that their English and academic level meet the schools' entry requirements.
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10
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What documents should I prepare for entry into secondary school?
You should prepare your recent 2 year school reports, a photo and application fee. Some schools also require AEAS test result (Test on English, mathematics and non-verbal general ability).
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11
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Is it necessary for a secondary school student to have a guardian?
All students below 18 must have a guardian in Australia. Some schools are happy to act as guardians and some schools nominate Guardianship Organizations to take on the role at an extra cost.
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12
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Who are the target students for the Foundation program?
The target students are F.5 to F.7 students. The entry requirements are 4 D's or above in HKCEE result.
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13
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Could the students gain entry into university after foundation program?
Students could gain entry into university if the final grade in the foundation program meets the set entry requirement of the particular degree course that they apply for. Students can also apply for other universities with their Foundation results.
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14
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How could students enter into university with the diploma qualification?
University pathway programs articulate into the second year of the bachelor degree subject to meeting the set requirements. Same applies for TAFE programs, and credit exemptions are subject to individual assessment.
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15
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What are the entry requirements for university?
Most universities have different academic and English language requirement. The HKAL or GCE A level will be assessed. English proficiency would require at least IELTS 6.0 - 6.5 or TOEFL 550 - 580 subjects to faculties. (These requirements are for international applications only)
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16
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Could the students take a double major or double degrees in university?
Student could take a double major in any area they are interested in e.g. Marketing and Information System. They can also take double degrees, e.g. Commerce and Law, which will normally need an extra year for completion.
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17
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What are the tuition costs in Australia for one year?
For Secondary school, the tuition is A$8,300- 29,500.
For Foundation program, it is A$9,400-19,500.
For Certificate/Diploma, it is A$8,500-21,000.
For University, it is A$12,300-25,000 (varies according to different courses).
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18
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What are the living costs in Australia for one year?
The living costs are A$12,000 - A$15,000 equivalent to Hong Kong A$72,000 - A$90,000 for one year (exchange rate 1:6). The estimate is varied for different cities of Australia.
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19
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Is it necessary to take the English language course and how long should I enrol for?
It is not necessary for students to take the English language course if they meet with the set requirements for the institutions with their results in:
- HKCEE or HK A Level
- IELTS or TOEFL
- Institutions' free English test
In general, Hong Kong students would need to take about 8 to 24 weeks. For secondary school students, it would depend on their school results and the AEAS result. The High School Preparation program (HSP) is specially designed and is offered in many English Language Centres. The HSP Program includes other subjects such as Mathematics, Computing and practical English in Science in addition to general use of English.
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20
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How can I apply for student visa? How long will it take?
There are 2 types of student visa - Paper Visa and e-Visa. It depends on the passport type the student holds and the course the student enrols. Together with the application form student should submit a medical report. In some cases, academic results and financial proof may be required. The process of visa application will take approximately 2-3 weeks.
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21
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How do I depart with my eVisa?
For students who have applied for their student visas by eVisa, they would only need to bring along their passport during departure as the immigration department already has the computer record of the eVisa. However, aec highly suggests students to do the following procedures:
1. Print out the email of the Visa Grant Notification email and give a copy to your family to keep in HK
2. Keep a copy of the email in your passport and bring it along with you to Australia.
3. You must show this email to the institution on the first day of school / enrolment.
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22
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Can overseas students work part time?
Students with a valid student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on a part time basis. They need to apply for a work visa after they formally enrolled at the institution.
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23
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Can overseas students apply for migration after their study in Australia?
Graduates can apply for migration upon completion of their study in Australia at the moment. The policy is subject to change with the Australian Government. For details, please visit the Department of Immigration, Australian Government website: www.immi.gov.au.
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24
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How should I choose between Homestay or Boarding accommodation?
Parents should consider student's personality, preference and best of their interest.
For homestay - students learn about Australian culture through living with an Australian family. Student will have their own room. The homestay fee would include 2-3 meals per day and electricity. Students should comply with the family rules and learn to communicate with other members in the family.
For boarding - students need to follow the discipline and community life at the school. There will be fixed schedule for meals and homework in the evenings.
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