Greek Students' Guide
- Greek students in Australia
- Where are they studying?
- Graduate outcomes
- Greek–Australian community
- Student visas
- Scholarships
If you are a Greek student, you will be happy to know that Australia has internationally recognised programs, an impressive graduate employment rate and a strong Greek culture and heritage. All these aspects make it an ideal study destination for Greek students looking to undertake a unique study experience and improve their employment prospects by gaining a quality qualification.
Australia offers:
- a high-quality education system with a reputation for excellence
- internationally recognised courses and qualifications
- cheaper study and living expenses compared to many other countries
- permission to work part time while studying
- well-regarded skills and qualifications to support a career on your return to Greece
- opportunities for permanent residency and migration to Australia after study
- a strong Greek culture and thriving Greek communities
- vibrant, appealing and multicultural cities
- a safe and enjoyable lifestyle with great weather.
Greek students in Australia
In December 2014, the largest number of Greek students (54 per cent) could be found studying in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. A further 44 per cent of Greek students were studying English language courses. The VET sector offers an extensive range of courses and subject areas that provide practical skills and training for a huge variety of careers. The hands-on training and simulated work environment give VET students a huge edge over other graduates. It is quite common for students to move into the higher education sector once they have completed VET studies. For more information about the types of courses available in Australia, see Types of Education.
Where are they studying?
Greek students have shown a large preference for study in Victoria and New South Wales. Around 70 per cent of all Greek students chose to study in Victoria in 2014, while 25 per cent studied in New South Wales. Following in popularity are Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Greek student numbers are much smaller in the ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania. For more information, see Australia’s Regions.
Graduate outcomes
One of the main reasons Greek students study abroad is to improve their employment prospects. Australian study is sure to provide assistance if this is your goal — whether you take your qualification back to Greece or continue a career in Australia, an Australian qualification can set you up for life.
Australian qualifications are regulated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF contributes to the worldwide recognition of Australian qualifications and makes it easy for other countries to understand what level of education each Australian qualification represents. You can be confident your Australian qualification will be recognised by international employers and education institutions around the world.
The most recent graduate outcomes data (Graduate Careers Australia, 2014) shows that, on average, around 68 per cent of bachelor degree graduates found work within four months of completing their course. The annual starting salary for bachelor degree graduates in Australia is $52,500 (€37,197) and Australian working conditions are among the best in the world. Postgraduate masters graduates enjoy even stronger employment rates (close to 85 per cent) and average salaries of $80,000 (€56,680). See Migrating to Australia for more information about skilled migration.
Note: Currency conversions are based on March 2015 rates.
Greek–Australian community
Australia has a strong Greek heritage and a thriving Greek community, which has been strongly influenced by the high levels of Greek migration during the 1950s and 1960s. Today, Greeks are the ninth largest ethnic group in Australia and more than 378,000 people have Greek ancestry. Greek is the fifth most spoken foreign language in Australia behind Mandarin, Italian, Arabic and Cantonese.
Today, just under half of the Greek-born population (50 per cent) live in Victoria, with a further third in New South Wales (32 per cent). Victoria’s capital city Melbourne is sister city to Thessaloniki in northern Greece and an important overseas centre of Hellenism.
Greek Australians have become established members of Australian society and have had a major influence on the development of many Australian industries such as the food service, construction, real estate, tourism and wine industries. Greek Australians maintain a strong cultural and religious identity while playing a prominent part in Australian mainstream society in politics, the arts, education, business and sport.
Australia is home to many famous and notable Greek-Australians such as former Grand Slam tennis player Mark Philippoussis, actor and comedian Nick Giannopoulos, fashion designer Alex Perry, chef George Calombaris and journalist Mary Kostakidis.
Student visas
You do not need to apply for your student visa until you are accepted by your Australian education provider and have received formal proof of offer or enrolment, although it is a good idea to contact the Australian embassy in Greece before you apply for a course to find out whether you are eligible for a student visa, how to make your application and what documents you will require.
Australian Embassy
Level 6, Thon Building
Cnr Kifisias and Alexandras Ave
Ambelokipi
Athens 115 23
Greece
Telephone + 30 210 870 4000
Fax + 30 210 870 4111
Web www.greece.embassy.gov.au
Student visas are divided into seven subclasses that depend on the type of study you have enrolled in. Greek students are currently classified at Assessment Level 1, which means you can apply for your student visa online. Visa assessment levels are determined by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. See our Student Visas page for more information.
Scholarships
Various scholarships are available to Greek students wishing to study in Australia. A scholarship can provide great help with funds for your study, and although there is strong competition for each scholarship, they are definitely worth investigating.
The Endeavour Awards are offered by the Australian Government and aim to encourage high-achieving students, researchers and professionals to take part in short-term and long-term study, research and professional development in Australia.
Greek students are eligible to apply for the following Endeavour Awards:
- Endeavour Postgraduate Awards
- Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards
- Endeavour Executive Fellowship
It is also worth looking into other scholarships that may be available from the Greek Government; through your preferred Australian education provider; or through professional associations, prominent industry companies and other interest groups. You can view our Scholarships page for further information.
Sources
