Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Qualifications:
For undergraduate programs:
Completion of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent (such as Year 12).
A minimum score of 60–75% is usually required, but competitive programs (e.g. medicine, engineering, law) may require 80% or above.
For postgraduate programs:
A bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.
Most universities require a minimum of 60% for coursework-based programs.
For more competitive or research-focused programs, a higher score (70% or above) may be necessary.
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS 6.5 & above, TOEFL iBT 60 & above, or PTE 55 & above, depending on the program.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement:
A declaration explaining your intention to study in Australia and return home after studies.
Other Requirements:
Some courses may ask for portfolios, entrance exams, interviews, or relevant work experience.
At Silver Sky Consulting, we provide personalised advice to help you understand which universities match your academic profile and career goals.
For undergraduate programs:
Completion of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent (such as Year 12).
A minimum score of 60–75% is usually required, but competitive programs (e.g. medicine, engineering, law) may require 80% or above.
For postgraduate programs:
A bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.
Most universities require a minimum of 60% for coursework-based programs.
For more competitive or research-focused programs, a higher score (70% or above) may be necessary.
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS 6.5 & above, TOEFL iBT 60 & above, or PTE 55 & above, depending on the program.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement:
A declaration explaining your intention to study in Australia and return home after studies.
Other Requirements:
Some courses may ask for portfolios, entrance exams, interviews, or relevant work experience.
At Silver Sky Consulting, we provide personalised advice to help you understand which universities match your academic profile and career goals.
Yes, most international students are required to take an English language test to demonstrate their proficiency in English when applying to Australian universities, colleges, or for a student visa.
Commonly accepted English tests include:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Minimum score requirements vary depending on the course and institution, but generally range from:
IELTS: 6.0 to 7.0 overall (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 60 to 94
PTE: 50 to 65
Exceptions:
You may be exempt from taking an English test if you have:
Completed previous studies in English (e.g., high school or university in an English-speaking country)
Been educated in Australia for at least 5 years
Completed certain English-medium qualifications
Silver Sky Consulting can assess your background and let you know if you qualify for an exemption or which test suits your application best.
Commonly accepted English tests include:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Minimum score requirements vary depending on the course and institution, but generally range from:
IELTS: 6.0 to 7.0 overall (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 60 to 94
PTE: 50 to 65
Exceptions:
You may be exempt from taking an English test if you have:
Completed previous studies in English (e.g., high school or university in an English-speaking country)
Been educated in Australia for at least 5 years
Completed certain English-medium qualifications
Silver Sky Consulting can assess your background and let you know if you qualify for an exemption or which test suits your application best.
Yes, you can change your course or institution after arriving in Australia, but there are important conditions and processes you must follow:
If you’ve completed less than 6 months of your principal course:
You generally cannot change institutions unless you obtain a release letter from your current provider and meet other conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs and your education provider.
After 6 months:
You can usually change your institution or course without needing a release, but you must still inform your current and new providers and update your student visa details.
Changing to a lower-level course (e.g., from a Bachelor to a Diploma):
You may need to apply for a new student visa, as your current visa might not cover the new level of study.
Visa conditions must be followed:
Any course or provider change must comply with your student visa conditions (e.g., maintaining full-time study, staying in CRICOS-registered courses).
At Silver Sky Consulting, we guide you through every step of changing your course or institution to ensure you stay compliant and make the best decision for your future.
If you’ve completed less than 6 months of your principal course:
You generally cannot change institutions unless you obtain a release letter from your current provider and meet other conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs and your education provider.
After 6 months:
You can usually change your institution or course without needing a release, but you must still inform your current and new providers and update your student visa details.
Changing to a lower-level course (e.g., from a Bachelor to a Diploma):
You may need to apply for a new student visa, as your current visa might not cover the new level of study.
Visa conditions must be followed:
Any course or provider change must comply with your student visa conditions (e.g., maintaining full-time study, staying in CRICOS-registered courses).
At Silver Sky Consulting, we guide you through every step of changing your course or institution to ensure you stay compliant and make the best decision for your future.
Yes, international students on a valid student visa are allowed to work while studying in Australia, but there are specific conditions:
During study periods:
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (i.e., two weeks).
During scheduled course breaks:
You can work unlimited hours during official holidays or breaks between study terms.
Postgraduate Research Students:
If you’re enrolled in a master's by research or a doctoral degree, you may work unlimited hours once your course has commenced.
Additional points to note:
You can’t start working until your course has officially begun, even if you arrive early.
You must maintain course attendance and academic progress to keep your visa valid.
Work rights apply to paid employment only; unpaid internships or volunteer work may also be allowed if they meet certain conditions.
At Silver Sky Consulting, we help students understand their work rights and balance employment with their studies successfully.
During study periods:
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (i.e., two weeks).
During scheduled course breaks:
You can work unlimited hours during official holidays or breaks between study terms.
Postgraduate Research Students:
If you’re enrolled in a master's by research or a doctoral degree, you may work unlimited hours once your course has commenced.
Additional points to note:
You can’t start working until your course has officially begun, even if you arrive early.
You must maintain course attendance and academic progress to keep your visa valid.
Work rights apply to paid employment only; unpaid internships or volunteer work may also be allowed if they meet certain conditions.
At Silver Sky Consulting, we help students understand their work rights and balance employment with their studies successfully.
In Australia, both TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions and universities offer valuable educational opportunities, but they differ in several key aspects:
Focus and Learning Style:
TAFE: Emphasizes practical, hands-on training tailored to specific trades and industries, such as hospitality, healthcare, and engineering.
University: Centers on theoretical and academic knowledge, preparing students for professional careers in fields like law, medicine, and research.
Course Duration and Structure:
TAFE: Courses are typically shorter, ranging from 6 months to 2 years, leading to certificates or diplomas.
University: Programs usually span 3 to 4 years for undergraduate degrees, with longer durations for postgraduate studies.(Futurity Invest)
Entry Requirements:
TAFE: Generally has more accessible entry criteria, often requiring completion of Year 10 or 12, depending on the course level.
University: Typically requires a higher academic achievement, such as a specific ATAR score or equivalent qualifications.
Cost:
TAFE: Often more affordable due to shorter course lengths and government subsidies.
University: Generally more expensive, with higher tuition fees and additional costs over a longer study period.(Open Universities Australia)
Career Outcomes:
TAFE: Prepares students for immediate employment in specific trades or industries.
University: Equips students with broader knowledge, often leading to professions that require a degree.
Focus and Learning Style:
TAFE: Emphasizes practical, hands-on training tailored to specific trades and industries, such as hospitality, healthcare, and engineering.
University: Centers on theoretical and academic knowledge, preparing students for professional careers in fields like law, medicine, and research.
Course Duration and Structure:
TAFE: Courses are typically shorter, ranging from 6 months to 2 years, leading to certificates or diplomas.
University: Programs usually span 3 to 4 years for undergraduate degrees, with longer durations for postgraduate studies.(Futurity Invest)
Entry Requirements:
TAFE: Generally has more accessible entry criteria, often requiring completion of Year 10 or 12, depending on the course level.
University: Typically requires a higher academic achievement, such as a specific ATAR score or equivalent qualifications.
Cost:
TAFE: Often more affordable due to shorter course lengths and government subsidies.
University: Generally more expensive, with higher tuition fees and additional costs over a longer study period.(Open Universities Australia)
Career Outcomes:
TAFE: Prepares students for immediate employment in specific trades or industries.
University: Equips students with broader knowledge, often leading to professions that require a degree.
The Group of Eight (Go8) is a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, known for academic excellence, world-class research, and high graduate employability. These universities are highly ranked both nationally and internationally.
The Go8 universities are:
University of Melbourne (Victoria)
University of Sydney (New South Wales)
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) (New South Wales)
University of Queensland (UQ) (Queensland)
Australian National University (ANU) (Australian Capital Territory)
University of Western Australia (UWA) (Western Australia)
University of Adelaide (South Australia)
Monash University (Victoria)
These universities are known for their strong emphasis on research, innovation, and academic leadership across a wide range of disciplines.
At Silver Sky Consulting, we assist students in applying to Go8 universities and offer expert guidance to help you meet their competitive admission requirements.
The Go8 universities are:
University of Melbourne (Victoria)
University of Sydney (New South Wales)
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) (New South Wales)
University of Queensland (UQ) (Queensland)
Australian National University (ANU) (Australian Capital Territory)
University of Western Australia (UWA) (Western Australia)
University of Adelaide (South Australia)
Monash University (Victoria)
These universities are known for their strong emphasis on research, innovation, and academic leadership across a wide range of disciplines.
At Silver Sky Consulting, we assist students in applying to Go8 universities and offer expert guidance to help you meet their competitive admission requirements.
At Silver Sky Consulting, we do not charge any consultancy or service fees for assisting with your admission and visa application process.
However, please note:
University Application Fees:
Some Australian universities or colleges may charge an application fee, which is set by the institution. This fee is payable directly to the university and is non-refundable in most cases.
Visa Lodgement Fee:
When applying for a student visa, you must pay a visa application fee directly to the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. This fee is determined by the Australian government and may vary depending on your circumstances.
We are committed to providing transparent and ethical support to students, ensuring you only pay what is necessary to the relevant authorities or institutions.
However, please note:
University Application Fees:
Some Australian universities or colleges may charge an application fee, which is set by the institution. This fee is payable directly to the university and is non-refundable in most cases.
Visa Lodgement Fee:
When applying for a student visa, you must pay a visa application fee directly to the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. This fee is determined by the Australian government and may vary depending on your circumstances.
We are committed to providing transparent and ethical support to students, ensuring you only pay what is necessary to the relevant authorities or institutions.