Tips to secure your place in a top-ranked University in Australia.

  • Gradstar
  • May 25, 2023
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Many students across the globe dream of pursuing their higher education in Australia. Historically, the country has always welcomed international students and offered them myriad opportunities to build successful careers. The Indian community is booming in Australia and with that comes increasing opportunities. This blog discusses how to get into one of the top Australian universities and explore Australia’s potential.

Why Australia?

The following points shed light on why Australia is the study-abroad destination of choice for international students.

• Exceptional education system

Australia is home to some of the most recognized universities in the world (The University of Melbourne, Monash University and The University of New South Wales, to name a few), a direct consequence of its exceptional education system. Possessing a degree from any of the top-ranked universities in the country significantly increases your employment prospects.

Known for their research strength, cutting-edge infrastructure, and top-notch faculties, these universities help international students hone their skill sets and set themselves apart.

• Broad academic possibilities

Australian universities offer international students a wide range of subjects and courses to choose from, with some of them containing 700+ course combinations. Subsequently, students get ample scope to broaden their horizons and embark on a highly fulfilling academic journey.

• Scholarship options

One of the foremost benefits of pursuing education in Australia is that it offers international students a plethora of need and merit-based scholarships. Provided by the Australian government, higher education institutes, and private and public organizations, you can easily avail of these scholarships if you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Student-friendly environment

Major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Brisbane are extremely student-friendly, allowing you to explore the many wonders in the surrounding areas without getting financially or emotionally overwhelmed.

How difficult is it to be accepted into a top Australian university?

The top-ranked universities in Australia offer an enriching and rewarding academic experience bar none to international students. As you can imagine, the acceptance rates of these universities are the most competitive.

You must work meticulously on your profile to have a realistic shot at securing admission. That doesn’t mean simply consolidating your academic scores.

These universities look to take in students who, besides possessing tremendous inclination toward the stream of their choice, also have a healthy general outlook. They look for students who demonstrate an authentic interest in their academic pursuits and demonstrate contribution to the community.

How can you secure admission into a top-ranked Australian university?

Here are a few tips to increase your chances of securing a spot at a top-ranked Australian university:

• Meet the basic requirements

Irrespective of which university you wish to get admitted into, you’ll be required to meet these criteria: you meet the academic entry requirements, have a valid passport, evidence of financial capacity, and, if you are from a country where English isn’t the national language, an English language proficiency test score. So, even before you sit down to look up universities, make sure these requirements are met.

Additionally, work toward scoring well in placement tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, and PTE, as they’re a prerequisite to get into most top-ranked Australian universities and for your visa application.

• Carefully select a course

Determining which major you want to pursue doesn’t automatically translate to knowing which course to take. For example; you want to pursue creative writing as your major. This may be presented in several ways and with different options. To narrow down which course will suit you best, go through the modules (subjects, courses) of the degree and assess whether they fit your interests. Students often pick a course they are not wholly passionate about simply because it’s at the university of their dreams. Remember, the more aligned your course is to your interests and experience, the higher your potential for admission.

• Play it smart

Apply on time and to a range of universities. After all, putting all your eggs in one basket isn’t wise. To increase your chances, divide and apply to universities that have your course into 3 categories:

1) For the first category, apply to universities whose requirements you fulfill, so you know you have a strong chance of getting in.

2) Aim high with an aspirational university that you dream of getting into but aren’t very hopeful about. There’s no harm in trying, after all, is there?

3) Include achievable options that you’re sure you’ll get into.

4) Reduce stress – Don’t overwhelm yourself and the process. Keep it to 5 or less applications to different universities so you are focused and happy with your ultimate outcome.

• Write a stellar SOP

Your statement of purpose plays a pivotal role in raising your admission prospects. Now, there are multiple things you should take into account while writing one.

1) Firstly, be honest. University admission panels go through countless applications annually. Therefore, if you are trying to portray yourself as someone you are not, they will easily be able to see through it. Be your authentic self!

2) Don’t lose sight of the fact that an SOP is not a personal essay, either. While candidness is desirable, your SOP must reflect your professional aspirations, short and long term goals, and relate it to the career path you wish to pursue.

3) It’s not enough to state your passion for pursuing the course. You must also elaborate on how your past experiences align with it, what you wish to derive from it, and its significance for your future plans.

4) To stand apart, focus on what makes you different, such as high academic scores, relevant certifications, internships, volunteering, or extracurricular activities. Mention how these experiences have influenced your character and personality. If you have been part of a workplace, talk about the learnings you have derived from a professional environment.

• Obtain LORs from relevant individuals

Most top-ranked universities in Australia will ask you to furnish 2-3 letters of recommendation from your alma mater or workplace. You must approach the relevant individuals for this. Your LORs need to come from someone who’s worked closely with you and, ideally, someone qualified enough to evaluate your abilities. When such an individual vouches for your profile via their LOR, your application gains a lot of gravity.

• Seek guidance from study-abroad agencies

Shortlisting universities and courses, preparing for English proficiency tests, writing SOPs, approaching for LORs- let’s face it, managing it all can get a little overwhelming. So, it’s only wise to seek professional help to easily and correctly navigate the process. Credible study abroad agencies that possess invaluable experience in helping many students, who either used to be or are currently in the same boat as you, can be quite helpful.

Building an application that will appeal to the top-ranked universities in Australia can be daunting, particularly if you have no guidance. This is where Gradstar comes into the picture. Book an appointment with one of our Dream Makers and co-design your once-in-a-lifetime experience studying overseas. We have decades of experience leading international teams at top universities worldwide, which has shaped our overseas education consultant model. Our sole aim is to find the best study solution for you. Book a private appointment today.