Life as a Student
Pivotal Education international students are from a wide range of countries from around the world and we celebrate this diversity and encourage the students to develop positive ties with each other to learn about the beauty of the different cultures.
Cost of Living
It is estimated that it costs around AUD$29,710 per year for accommodation food, transport, clothing, medical and entertainment. Married students must also add an additional 35% for a spouse, and 15-20% per dependent child. For details, use this link: Increase to the financial capacity.
Schooling Obligations
In cases where a student has school aged dependants, there are schooling obligations for their school aged dependents to study with either a government or non-government school which will incur school fees.
Accommodation Options
International students can access accommodation that suits their personal needs including but not limited to homestay, sharing with other students or renting an apartment or home.
Working in Australia
International students have permission to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time. In the term breaks, students may work additional hours.
Overseas Student Health Cover
It is compulsory for all international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover as a requirement of your student visa. Students must have private health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia as per the Australian Government policy.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is insurance that provides cover on the costs for medical and hospital care which international students may need while in Australia. OSHC provides 85% of the scheduled (government recommended) fee for consultations with private doctors (including specialists) and emergency ambulance transport. It will also pay all the charges for a shared ward and treatment in a public hospital if a doctor appointed by the hospital treats you.
OSHC does not pay for pharmaceutical drugs, dentists, physiotherapists, spectacles or contact lenses, pregnancy related services during the first 9 months of cover or pre-existing conditions. Additional coverage for these purposes can be purchased separately from OSHC world care or any other private insurer.
Transport
Sydney has a modern transport system including trains, buses and ferries. Students will find that there is a direct form of public transport that goes directly to and from the city. Students using public transport will need to purchase an Opal Card from the NSW Government. Further information is available on line at www.opal.com.au
Weather
Sydney’s weather is moderate throughout the year with mild winters and moderate summers, making it an attractive destination for students from all around the world.
Shopping
Sydney has many major shopping centres including suburbs that cater for different cultural groups with specialised markets.
Recreation
Sydney has a world class harbour with exciting facilities and activities to do such as the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Darling Harbour, Aquariums, Museums and beautiful beaches are just some of the many beautiful places in Sydney. You can enjoy free entertainment that includes Sydney’s famous fireworks on the harbour and the Vivid light spectacular.
ESOS Framework:
The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, or ESOS Act, establishes legislative requirements and standards for the regulation of education and training institutions offering courses to international students in Australia on a student visa. In particular ESOS provides tuition protection for international students. Following recent changes to the ESOS Act, fact sheets for students and providers are now available on the Department of Education website.
