India issues guidelines for students wishing to study in Australia

The Ministry of External Affairs today issued guidelines for Indian students wishing to study in Australia after a series of attacks on Indian students in that country.

The Indian government has taken up the issue at the highest levels with the Government of Australia, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talking to his counterpart Kevin Rudd and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith.

The attacks have left many Indians appalled and parents of Indian students already in Australia are a worried lot. Many Indian youngsters who are planning to pursue higher studies in Australia are now not so sure.

Mr Rudd and his colleagues in the Australian government have said that the attacks were unacceptable and have promised all possible steps to prevent more such incidents. They also insist that Australia is one of the safest places in the world and one of the best destinations for those wishing to pursue higher education.

Thousands of Indian students go to Australia every year to join various courses at universities and colleges there.

The following are the guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs:

Australia has become one of the popular destinations of Indian students for pursuing higher studies. However, there have been incidents of robbery and assault on Indian students in Australia, particularly in Melbourne. Students are advised to carefully apprise themselves of the ground realities and go through the guidelines below:

BEFORE leaving for Australia

• Please be fully informed of all the actual costs involved, as also of the relevant rules and regulations governing work, housing and other aspects of living in Australia. You are strongly advised to do adequate research. Cross check and verify what you are told by agents, especially when it comes to financial matters.

• Study the official website of the Government of Australia for international students - http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/Splash2.aspx

• Make sure that the institution offering the course has a good reputation, especially if it is a private one. Please see http://cricos.deewr.gov.au/

• Go through the website of the educational institution carefully and cross check if needed, with the Education Officer at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi (www.dfat.gov.au) or the Consulates in Mumbai and Chennai.

• Make sure that you have a written agreement from the institution before paying any fees. This would be especially helpful in settling disputes if any.

• Ensure that you have adequate insurance covering accidents and medical needs from a reputed insurance company. Don’t forget to regularly renew your policy. For more information see: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/Publishing.nsf/Content/Overseas+Student+Health+Cover+FAQ-1.

• A quick overview of Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 is available at: http://aei.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/QuickInfo/default.htm.

• Make sure you have enough funds to cover living and education costs. You may need at least A$ 1200 a month for food, accommodation, transport etc. No matter what any one or the agent tells you, it is difficult to earn enough to meet all your expenses including tuition fees.

• You have many legal rights as a student in Australia. Learn about them at www.aei.dest.gov.au/esos

• Consider insuring any valuables that you may possess.

• Customs procedures are stringent and wrong declaration can evoke penalties. For details visit www.aqis.gov.au.

AFTER you arrive in Australia

• Please register with Indian High Commission / Consulate (see contact details below) as soon as possible.

• Familiarize yourself with the student services offered by your educational institution, such as counselling services, help in finding suitable accommodation and jobs, assistance in improving your English etc.

• Whatever accommodation you choose, remember it is your responsibility to maintain it and keep it clean.

• Seek details about the security situation in and around your university and place of stay, as well as, local policing arrangements from the university authorities.

• You should also contact local Indian associations and keep in touch with them. See www.hcindia-au.org for the list of Associations in Australia.

• Remember that you represent India in Australia. Your behavior and actions should do the country proud.

Living SAFELY in Australia

• Please keep important documents and money in a safe place.

• Keep photocopies of your passport and important documents at a separate place.

• Please make sure that someone knows where you are going and at what time you are expected to return. Try not to be out alone late in the nights.

• Don’t carry more cash than required, especially when traveling alone or late at night. Avoid flaunting expensive items, such as mobile phones, ipods or laptops.

• Always carry with you some identification and emergency contacts numbers.

• If in danger, dial 000 to get police help.

• In case you have a complaint, please get in touch with the Indian High Commission or the Consulate nearest to you. (Contact details below)

• If you have a genuine problem, do not hesitate to approach the police or other authorities; making a complaint will not affect your visa status.

Contact details of the Indian High Commission & Consulates in Australia

High Commission of India
3-5, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Website : www.hcindia-au.org
Tel: 02- 6225 4929
E-mail: ssec@hcindia-au.org
Contact person: Second Secretary(E&C)

Consulate General of India, Melbourne
15, Munro Street, Coburg, VIC 3058
Tel: 03-9384 0141
E-mail: cgo@cgimelb.org
Contact person: Consul (Consular)

Consulate General of India, Sydney
25, Bligh Street, Level 27, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: 02-9223 9239
E-mail: indianc@indianconsulatesydney.org
Contact person: Consul (Consular)