Monday, August 10, 2015

IELTS Score Calculator For Reading & Listening Academic/General - IELTS Tips 02



Your Band Score is calculated as follows : (Your score/40 )*9


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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

HOW IS IELTS SCORED? - IELTS Tips 01

The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:

9 Expert User — Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate arid fluent with complete understanding.

8 Very Good User — Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional tins yslematic inaccuracies and inappropnacies. Misunderstandings may occur in tin familiar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

7 Good User -- Has operational command of the language. though with occasional inaccuracies, map pro pnacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailedreasoning.

6 Competent User — Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language. particularly in familiar situations.

5 Modest User — Has partial command of the language. coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

4 Limited User — Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

3 Extremely Limited User — Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

2 Intermittent User — No real communication is possible except for the most basic in formation using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

I Non User — Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

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Top 15 Australian Universities and their IELTS requirements

Rank School NameCourse typeIELTS score
1Australian National UniversityP/G 1/2 courses6.5, W 6
U/G6.5. W 6
2The University of SydneyP/G6.5(no band <6)
U/G6.5(no band <6)
U/G Nursing/ Vet Science7(no band <7)
U/G Education, ?Law, and Media Communication7.5(no band <7)
3The University of MelbourneP/G 1/2 courses6.5(W 6)
U/G6.5(W 6)
4The University of Queensland6.5
5The University of New South WalesFoundation Studies6.5
6MONASH University6.5
7The University of Western AustraliaU/G6.5(no band <6)
Graduate School of Management - MBA Program6.5
International Care6.5
PhD6.5 no individual band less than 6.0
Post graduate6.5 no individual band less than 6.0
8The University of AdelaideU/G6(W&S 6; R&L 5.5)
P/G All programs in Adelaide Graduate School of Business6.5(no band <6)
P/G Faculty of Health Sciences6.5(no band <6)
P/G Master of Business Law and Master of Laws6.5(no band <6)
P/G Other Law Programs7(W&S 7; L&R 6.5)
Bradford College(contact school for score)
9Macquarie UniversityP/G6.5(no band <6)
U/G6.5(no band <6)
U/G translation courses7(W&R 7)
10RMIT UniversityAustralian Partnership Scholarships (APS) Program5
Associate Degree6 (no band less than 5.5)
Bachelor of Communication (Media)6.5
Postgraduate Admissions7 (no band <6)
RMIT University International Scholarships 20076.5 (no band < 6)
The Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) 20076.5 (no band less than 6.0)
Undergraduate Admissions6.5 (no band <6)
Master of Psychology8 Minimum of 8 in all modules
Foundation5.5
11Flinders University6.5
12University of NewcastleEWCASTLEUniversity of Newcastle - Central Coast, Gosford
foundation5.5
6.5
P/G6.5(no band <6)
U/G6.5(no band <6)
Port Macquarie6.5
Callaghan6.5
13University of Technology, SydneyU/G Engineering undergraduate and research courses6(W 6)
P/G6.5(no band <6)
U/G6.5(no band <6)
U/G Humanities and Social Sciences & Teacher Education course7(W 7)
14University of WollongongFoundation5.5
Post Graduate6(exc Arts, Commerce, Education & Health)
Under Graduate6
Law & Journalism7
15Curtin University of Technology

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How to save money on transport when studying abroad

It goes without saying that studying abroad involves constant travelling expenses. Be it on your way to class and back, exploring the country or checking in at home, each of the excursions is more or less burdened with costs. 
Get a long-term public transport ticket
Always remember everything pays off in the long run. This also applies to public transport fares. And so, if your student obligations require you to use it daily, you should consider opting for a weekly, monthly or yearly pass. Another good idea is to get your long-term ticket exclusively for the routes you cover regularly, in order not to overpay on the occasional forays.
Fly home at the last-minute
Booking a flight in advance is the easiest way to spend more than you otherwise could. This is why picking a last-minute air trip over a pre-paid reservation is instead the way to go. Also, if you choose a midweek flight, you can save even more than you bargained for – these are least popular, and so often cheaper, even at the original rate.
Embrace long stays and accommodation exchange schemes
Another smart idea is to decide to use one spot as your base, and travel to nearby tourist points – this way you may save up a significant amount of money on the sole visit fare. If you’re feeling adventurous, the fairly new trend of couch surfing (staying at a stranger’s home and having yours open for international guests) might do it for you just as well.
Go student discounts hunting
From lowered rates on public transport to cheaper tickets at visits to tourist attraction points, students are in a lucky position when it comes to entry fees. Flashing your regular student ID or its international equivalent should be enough to enter a museum, art gallery or even a theme park at an easy on the pocket price.
Get your friends to travel along
Travelling in groups is cheaper, and it’s as simple as that. Sharing a room or renting a flat together could be a lot of fun, too. In short, the more people you take on board, the higher the chances of your expenses decreasing and the enjoyment factor rising. This also makes for an undeniable argument for the collective backpacking trips you love so much.
Travelling in itself is often bound with a number of worries and a whole lot of nerves. Nevertheless, now that you have the weight of financial planning taken off your shoulders, you can switch your focus to adventure, new experiences and exploring the unexplored.
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5 Worthy Part-Time Jobs while Studying Abroad



Studying abroad can be expensive. If you’re planning to do it, you may be wondering if you need to find a part time job in the new area to pay for your added expenses.Studying abroad affords you many educational and life experiences, but, even with the incentives from your university and available financial aid, can you afford it? Ultimately, part-time employment is a great way to help pay for the endeavor and add to your experience abroad. 

Here are 5 Part-Time Jobs to consider.


 On Campus Jobs

The first place you should look when seeking part-time employment abroad is your school. The university you are attending will more than likely host several jobs which interest you and also have information on other local jobs which are great for students. Work limitations related to your visa will differ, but many student jobs are allowed with no work permit; encouraging international students to study abroad.

 Hotels and Hostels

The hospitality industry is a great opportunity for students looking to work during their studies abroad. Part-time employment is available in many tourism centers surrounding major universities and colleges, especially at HOTELS and hostels. These jobs are usually part-time in nature, as they cater to the transient or seasonal population, and can be great for students only there during the school season. If you plan to work part-time outside of your studies, there are also opportunities during the off-season should you want to return. As an added plus, upward mobility in hospitality management is always possible.

Restaurants

Local restaurants and cafes provide part-time employment for students and offer flexible schedules. The local service industry may require adding new language skills, which can be an amazing way to learn the new culture. By delving into the restaurant scene in the local community of your university, you learn exactly what makes the region of your abroad study so popular, and share this experience with others, directly. High student-traffic restaurants may yield lower gratuities, so look for the family-style restaurants and cafes for higher cover charges for tips from patrons.

Part Time Teaching

If you would like to enhance your language skills quickly and make a good living while you study, consider teaching. For native English speakers, you have an opportunity to teach in many countries, so don’t miss out on the ability to teach your home language while you study abroad part-time. Teaching either at your own university or tutoring on the side is a way to enhance your language skills in both your native tongue as well as a new language. Keep in mind many schools have competitive programs, or limited student-teaching semesters available.
If you need more information or have specific questions regarding employment and visa requirements, check with your hosting university to see if you are eligible to teach during your stay. You may find there are enticing opportunities outside your university as well—tutoring on afternoons or weekends, for example—so check community boards on campus once you receive your university schedule.

Paid Internships

Depending on your field of study, you may be eligible to apply for a part-time internship in your field while you are abroad. Check with your program of choice, and look for relevant internships in the surrounding community. These internships, while usually lower-paid, and less time constricting than full-time employment, are geared to provide educational benefits.
An internship in your field will enhance both your knowledge of your chosen subject as well as your abroad community, and also provide valuable career insight. While limited and competitive, paid internships require little experience, and are generally available during all school terms. For the eager student and dedicated part-time job seeker, considering adding an internship to your study abroad experience and your resume will help you.
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Study in Australia FAQ’s - FAQ's you Must Read



Australia is currently ranked as 3rd most popular student destination in the English speaking-world next only on the United States & the United Kingdom. With roughly 22,000 courses in over 1000 academic institutions, Australia ranks 8th in the world in terms of university system rankings. Every year, the Australian Government INVESTS over $200,000,000 on international scholarship programs. Today, the country is home to 34,800 international students from over 140 countries across the globe. 

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about earning an education in this awesome country.

What are the standard admission requirements for Australian institutions?

While the requirements are likely to vary from institution to institution, standard requirements include the following:

  • IELTS Test results no more that 24 months old
  • Proof of extra-curricular achievements
  • Work Experience certificates or letters of endorsement
  • Recommendations from reliable sources
What are the usual processes/stages of applying for an Australian education?
Much like admission requirements, the usual process of applying for Australian education varies of institution to institution. The most standard application processes are as follows:
  • Choosing your desired course and program
  • Identifying your desired or the suitable institution for the selected course and program
  • Completing the required tests (ie. IELTS, GRE, GMAT)
  • Preparing necessary essays and statements of purpose
  • Acquiring the necessary for recommendation and endorsement letters
  • Completing the application forms along with the required documents
  • Sending the application pack and obtaining an unconditional offer from the institution of interest
  • Applying for the visa once the unconditional offer is received
What is the cost of acquiring an Australian education?
Australia compares favorably to most traditional academic destinations such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The annual cost of acquiring an education is estimated to be anywhere between AUD 5,000 to AUD 36,000. Needless to say, this fee varies depending on the institution and the program that you are enrolled in.
International students are usually issued with a 6-month student visa with 6-months worth of medical coverage. It is also noteworthy how the visa issued to international students automatically includes work rights so long as it doesn't interfere with their student status. Medical coverage is also significantly lower in Australia as compared in the US. 
Are there any available scholarships for international students in Australia?
Most international students have to pay full fees. There are, however, more than a few very competitive scholarships that are made available to high achieving students. Australian institutions regularly announce scholarship programs throughout the year.
The Endeavor Program is also made available to international students. The Endeavor Program is an initiative of the Australian Government that unifies international scholarships so that students from all across the globe are afforded the chance to undertake academic pursuit or research in the country. There are currently 13 awards under the Endeavor Program. Most of which are targeted at post-graduate studies.
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Saturday, May 16, 2015

Australian Immigration Cooks




'Cooks lead the way in Australia's skilled migration program.  AUSTRALIA'S SKILLED MIGRATION program has been called into question with the revelation that cooks received more visas than any other group last year.

Hairdressers also made the top five in a system that is supposed to target the most needed skills for the nation.

More than 8000 cooks got permanent visas in 2012-13, followed by 5700 accountants, 2160 software engineers, 1550 IT business analysts and 1500 hairdressers.

Skilled migration is dominated by Indians and Chinese, who comprised about half of the 129,000 places approved last year.

According to the department's 2012-13 Migration Program Report, the skilled migration system focused on migrants to help fill critical skill needs, particularly in regional areas.

This included almost 50,000 places nominated by employers and state or territory governments, and 44,000 in the skilled independent category.

There were more than 114,000 applicants waiting to be processed for skilled migration as of June 30 last year.'

How to frame the question or the issue?  It’s all very well to present a snapshot now, without providing any context which could include existing and future trends such as ageing population demographics, historically high turnover in hospitality and increasing demand over time.

Putting this into perspective, the ‘Cookery’ and related industry occupations employ 300,000 with up to 200,000 job openings over next three years due to high turnover in the industry, 8,000 permanent skilled immigrants equates to less than 3% of occupation.

Looking at prospects for cooks from Australian government’s Job Outlook website:

Over the five years to November 2017, the number of job openings for Cooks is expected to be above average (between 25,001 and 50,000). Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation.

Employment for Cooks to November 2017 is expected to grow moderately. Employment in this large occupation (39,700 in November 2012) rose slightly in the past five years and in the long-term (ten years).

For Chefs in Australia:

Over the five years to November 2017, the number of job openings for Chefs is expected to be high (greater than 50,000). Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation.

Employment for Chefs to November 2017 is expected to grow moderately. Employment in this very large occupation (83,500 in November 2012) rose strongly in the past five years and rose very strongly in the long-term (ten years).

For Fast Food Cooks in Australia:

Over the five years to November 2017, the number of job openings for Fast Food Cooks is expected to be high (greater than 50,000). Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation.

Employment for Fast Food Cooks to November 2017 is expected to grow moderately. Employment in this large occupation (39,900 in November 2012) rose strongly in the past five years and rose very strongly in the long-term (ten years).

For Kitchenhands:

Over the five years to November 2017, the number of job openings for Kitchenhands is expected to be high (greater than 50,000). Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation.

Employment for Kitchenhands to November 2017 is expected to grow moderately. Employment in this very large occupation (118,400 in November 2012) rose moderately in the past five years and rose slightly in the long-term (ten years).

For Café and Restaurant Managers:

Over the five years to November 2017, the number of job openings for Cafe and Restaurant Managers is expected to be high (greater than 50,000). Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation.

Employment for Cafe and Restaurant Managers to November 2017 is expected to grow strongly. Employment in this very large occupation (54,800 in November 2012) rose slightly in the past five years, remained relatively steady in the long-term (ten years).

For Pastrycooks:

Over the five years to November 2017, the number of job openings for Bakers and Pastrycooks is expected to be average (between 10,001 and 25,000). Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation.

Employment for Bakers and Pastrycooks to November 2017 is expected to grow slightly. Employment in this large occupation (27,000 in November 2012) fell slightly in the past five years and rose slightly in the long-term (ten years).

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The 20 hardest jobs to fill in Australia


Australian businesses are struggling to fill vacant positions, especially IT roles, according to research published today by one of the world’s largest job sites.
Despite rising national unemployment, companies are finding it tough to bring on board their ideal candidate – with an average one in four job vacancies remaining unfilled after a month.
Data released by recruitment platform Indeed and the Centre for Economics and Business Research reveals over 10% of job vacancies in Australia are unfilled after three months.
While the hospitality sector was found to have the greatest difficulty in recruiting new employees – with more than a fifth of advertised positions still open after three months – more than a third of the 20 hardest jobs to fill in Australia are IT roles. These include software engineers, analysts and IT professionals.
While Sydney has the highest proportion of job vacancies, with an estimated 14.4% of job vacancies taking three or more months to fill, Adelaide had the lowest proportion of vacancies and only 12.3% of advertised positions are still available after three months.
A lack of skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) has long caused a headache for Australian businesses, with the Australian Industry Group finding last month around half of companies struggle to recruit people with the right STEM skills.
The 20 most difficult jobs to fill in Australia are:
1. Actuaries
2. First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers
3. Sales representatives
4. Software quality assurance engineers and testers
5. Sales engineers
6. Sales and related workers
7. Management analysts
8. Computer software engineers
9. Network and computer systems administrators
10. Network systems and data communications analysts
11. Personal financial advisors
12. Travel agents
13. Accountants and auditors
14. Securities, commodities and financial services agents
15. Computer systems analysts
16. Training and development specialists
17. Sales managers
18. Payroll and timekeeping clerks
19. Human resources managers
20. Computer and information systems managers

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Low Cost Programs in Australia


So you think that you want to study in Australia right? First thing that have probably come to your mind during your decision-making process is how much your education is going to cost. Fortunately, there are a lot of factors that can play into the costs of studying in Australia. Where the institution is located, whether the university is public or private, and what level of study that you are pursuing all factor into how much it's going to cost you to attend university.

One good thing about being an international student that is going to Australia to study is that you can pay your course fees before you even start attending. This will surly help you with many ways. As an example you can budgeting during your schooling and it can also help you with saving up money for your education before you even end up in Australia. Sounds good right?

If you are looking to attend university in Australia, then here are some of the low numbers that you will be looking at when looking at your educational career in the country.

Note: All values are estimated using the Australian Dollar (AUD).

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Driving License in Australia


The information provided in the following article applies to any one who plans to stay in Australia for quite a long time and needs to drive around. The information provided is only related to Class C driving licenses. For other licenses such as taxi, bus, heavy vehicle, etc, please check the respective RTA websites.

Can I use my country's driving license?

Okay! For the impatient one, I will answer the most frequently asked question stated in bold. Yes you can use your country's driving licence in Australia.
If you hold a current overseas Driver's Licence of a particular class you may drive a vehicle of an equivalent class in Australia if:
  • you also hold a current international driving permit
  • your foreign licence is written in English or is accompanied by an English translation of the details on the licence. Translation services are provided by different state government agencies e.g.www.translate.sa.gov.auwww.crc.nsw.gov.au/interpreting/index.htm
  • you are not disqualified from driving in Australia.
You are required to carry your license (and English translation if applicable) at all times when driving. You must produce the license and your temporary visa to Police on request.

If you are an international student in Australia, you can use your country's driving license for as long as you have the status of an international student. But, as the following article explains, it is in one's own interests to acquire an Australian driving license.


Why Should I get an Australian Driving License?
  1. It serves as your primary identification document. Every where you go, you will be asked for your driving license e.g. credit cards, police checks, etc.
  2. Most jobs involving driving require you to have a class C, also known as full driving license. Without a class C license, the insurance companies charge extra for covering you in case of an accident or emergency. Therefore, it is best to have a class C driving license.

How to get a class C Australian license

If you are coming from overseas, make sure you bring your home country's driving license. Your home country's driving license must be at least 3 years old at the date of application for your Australian driving license. If your home country's driving license is less then 3 years, you will not be awarded a full unrestricted driving license. Rather, you would be given a provisional license. Provisional licenses have their own restrictions like not driving over a specific speed limit etc.

Once you have your home country's driving license, just walk up to any RTA close by, and present your self at the counter. Depending upon which country you are from, you might not have to give any tests to convert your country's driving license into a full Australian driving license. You can check that list on the RTA's website.

If you are coming from the sub-continent, you will need to pass two exams before you convert your home country's full driving license into a class C Australian driving license.

The first exam is a computer based test comprising of forty MCQs related to basic concepts of driving and have familiarity with the different traffic signs used in Australia. The complete pool of MCQs can be downloaded from the RTAs website. This test costs around $40 AUD.

The second test is a practical test in which an instructor accompanies you on a short drive and tries to assess your driving skills. It is advisable to get some pre-test coaching from a qualified driving instructor who can teach you how to pass the exam. Most candidates cannot clear the practical driving test because of their lack of knowledge regarding basic driving concepts.

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