Modern and Safe City
Multi-cultural City
Tropical Climate
The cost of living and studying in Singapore is quite reasonable. The amount to be set aside will depend on the kind of accommodation you choose.
There is a wide range of rooms for rental available in Singapore. If you require accommodation you can approach the staff at Academies Australasia College for assistance in locating a suitable place to stay in Singapore. A notice period of at least 3 weeks in advance is required for our staff to recommend a professional service company to handle your accommodation in accordance with your budget and requirements. Depending on the locality and room type, rental rates range from S$250 to S$500 per month.
Homestay
‘Homestay’ is when you live with a Singaporean family in their home. The homestay family provides you with meals, laundry facilities and your own room with a study desk. You are usually asked to share some household chores. Homestay also gives you the chance to practise your English every day at home.
Hostel Accommodation
Hostels provide a friendly, safe, supervised environment. You get your own room or a shared room. Dining room, games room and television room are communal. Many hostels also provide meals.
Sharing a House or Apartment
When you share a house or apartment with one or more other people, you are more independent than if you are living in homestay or hostel accommodation.
You need to supply your own furniture if the house/apartment is unfurnished. You also have to supply your own towels, pillows, sheets and blankets.
You share the cost of rent, telephone, electricity and gas. You need to buy your own food and do your own laundry and cooking, although many sharing arrangements include sharing the cooking.
Travelling from one part of Singapore to another is a breeze thanks to a highly penetrative public transport system. The three main modes of public transport in Singapore are the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses and taxis.
Buses are, by far, the most common form of public transportation in Singapore, followed by the MRT and taxis respectively. Public buses serve almost every part of Singapore, making it the most extensive form of public transportation, while the MRT provides speed and efficiency, especially during peak hours.
The MRT may be well over 20 years old, but thanks to regular maintenance and facelifts, it’d be hard to notice its age. Most Singaporeans can no longer remember a time without the MRT. It has become a very indispensable way to get from one end of Singapore to another, and it is particularly useful for getting to downtown areas such as Orchard Road or the Central Business District, where traffic can be heavy.
More recently, the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system was also added to the existing train network. Unlike the MRT, the LRT are intra-town loop services – passengers switch from the MRT to the LRT to get to other parts of the town. To date, LRT services have only been implemented in the Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol housing estates.
Foreign students are not allowed to engage in any form of employment in Singapore, whether during term time or vacation time, unless:
Singapore has a modern communications network and it is easy to contact family and friends locally or in your home country.
Telephone
Public Payphones
Public payphones that accept coins can be found in airports, post offices, railway stations, shopping centres and in the centre of the city.
Local calls are untimed.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phone services are available from several telephone companies. The telephone companies offer a wide range of phones and payment options.
Depending on the network in your home country, you may be able to connect your existing mobile phone to a Singaporean network by installing a new SIM card. Mobile call costs may be more expensive than fixed line calls.
Many students find it easier to buy pre-paid mobile phone packages which also help to budget for telephone costs.
Overseas phone cards are also available. These offer cheap call rates. You can buy overseas phone cards from most convenience stores.
Internet and email
Academies Australasia provide their students with free internet and email services.
Internet cafes that provide internet services at low rates are easy to find in city areas.
The internet can also be connected at your Singaporean house or apartment. To arrange this, contact an internet service provider.
Postal Services
Singapore Post is Singapore’s national postal service. Singapore Post delivers letters and cards to your home.
Opening Hours
Most shops open from 9:00am to 10:00pm Mondays to Sunday.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Almost all shops accept major credit cards and debit (EFTPOS) cards.
Pricing
Fixed prices are the rule at many department stores and retail outlets. Compare prices before buying. Bargaining is a fast-disappearing way of life. But if you do came across shops that are open to bargaining–start by asking the retailer for his “best price”, then make a realistic counter-offer. Be prepared for some to-and-fro before settling on a price that both you and the retailer are happy with.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, frozen foods, canned goods, bread, paper products, stationery, personal needs and some non-prescription medicines.
Many supermarkets are open late at night 7 days a week.
Department Stores
Department stores sell clothing, shoes, furniture, computers, electrical goods, kitchenware, and gifts. Compare price and quality, and look out for discount sales.
Australia is much safer than many other countries. However, it is still wise to:
Here are some safety tips.
Singapore has one of the highest medical standards across Asia. In fact, this highly-industrialized nation is Asia’s regional centre of medical excellence.
The well-established healthcare system is composed of thirteen private hospitals, ten government hospitals and a number of specialist clinics, each one specialising in catering to the needs of different patients at varying costs.
Health and Accident Insurance is mandatory for all international exchange students studying at Academies Australasia College. Being sick in Singapore can be very expensive and a financial drain especially if the illness requires further specialist’s consultation, hospitalization or surgery.
Modern and Safe City
Multi-cultural City
Temperate Climate
Please note: The seasons in Australia are opposite to the northern hemisphere. Summer occurs at the start and end of the year, and winter is in the middle of the year.
A guide in choosing the accommodation that best suits you and your budget and an estimate of other living expenses in Australia is available on https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/living-and-education-costs
Trams, buses and trains are a cheap and easy way to get around Melbourne. The Journey Planner available at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au can assist you with planning your travel and getting around Melbourne.
Public transport travel tickets entitle you to transport on all trains, buses and trams within the zone(s) for which you have paid for. The transport system does not operate from Melbourne to the Airport.
Further information on the public transport system (fares, tickets, timetables) please visit the Metlink website at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au.
Please note: International students are not entitled to concession fares, so you must pay the full adult fare. The pre-paid ticket is a way of saving money.
International students can work part-time while studying.
There is plenty of part-time work available in Melbourne and surrounding regions.
Many students like to work part time while they are studying. Part-time work:
However
Tax file number (TFN)
What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?
Do I need a TFN?
When should I apply for a TFN?
Australia has a modern communications network and it is easy to contact family and friends locally or in your home country.
Telephone
Public Payphones
Public payphones that accept coins can be found in airports, post offices, railway stations, shopping centres and in the centre of the city.
Local calls are untimed. They cost 50c from a payphone if you use coins. Long-distance and international calls are charged by the minute.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phone services are available from several mobile service companies which offer a wide range of phones and payment options.
Depending on the network in your home country, you may be able to connect your existing mobile phone to an Australian network by installing a new SIM card. Mobile call costs may be more expensive than fixed line calls.
Many students find it easier to buy pre-paid mobile phone packages which also help to budget for telephone costs.
Overseas phone cards are also available. These offer cheap call rates. You can buy overseas phone cards from most newsagencies and convenience stores.
Internet and email
Academies Australasia provide their students with free internet and email services.
Internet cafes that provide internet services at low rates are easy to find in city areas.
The internet can also be connected at your Australian house or apartment. To arrange this, contact an internet service provider.
Postal Services
Australia Post is Australia’s national postal service. Australia Post delivers letters and cards to your home.
Banking
There are a large number of local and foreign banks and other financial institutions in Australia.
Banks are usually open between 10:00am and 4:00pm Mondays to Thursdays, and between 10:00am and 5:00pm on Fridays. Some banks open on Saturday mornings in suburban shopping centres.
You can withdraw cash at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
Most banks also provide:
For more information, visit https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/plan-your-arrival/banking/Banking
Opening Hours
Most shops open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Mondays to Saturdays, except on Thursdays, when shops are usually open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Shops in the Central Business District and major suburban shopping centres also open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Sundays.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Almost all shops accept major credit cards and debit (EFTPOS) cards.
Pricing
In Australia, most shops sell items at a fixed, marked price.
However, you might be able to get a lower price on some items (for example, furniture or electrical goods), if:
Supermarkets
Supermarkets sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, frozen foods, canned goods, bread, paper products, stationery, personal needs and some non-prescription medicines.
Many supermarkets are open late at night 7 days a week.
Department Stores
Department stores sell clothing, shoes, furniture, computers, electrical goods, kitchenware, and gifts. Compare price and quality, and look out for discount sales.
Large Shopping Centres
Large shopping centres are located in Melbourne’s Central Business District, in Melbourne suburbs and in larger regional cities and towns.
Large shopping centres usually contain:
Local Markets
Markets sell new and second-hand goods. There are a number of weekend markets. You can bargain at some stalls.
Melbourne and Victoria have a large number of markets selling art and crafts. Some markets have conditions specifying that all goods should be hand made or home made or that the stallholder must have been directly involved with the manufacture of the goods, etc.
Online Markets
Second-hand goods, from household items to motor vehicles, are advertised on sites such as Trading Post, Gumtree and eBay.
Garage Sales
People hold ‘garage sales’ at their homes to sell personal second-hand items. They usually advertise the date and time in local newspapers. They also place signs around the streets near their home.
Australia has one of the world’s best health systems.
Modern, well-equipped hospitals, medical centres and doctors’ surgeries are located throughout Melbourne and regions throughout Visctoria.
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
OSHC is health insurance and is compulsory for international students studying in Australia.
What does OHSC provide?
How do I arrange OHSC?
Australia is much safer than many other countries. However, it is still wise to:
Here are some safety tips.
View the Think Before safety campaign for international students
ESOS Framework
Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the ESOS Framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2018.
For more information, please see The ESOS legislative framework and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
In Australia, people are free to practise and follow their own beliefs and religion. Cultural and religious diversity is an important part of life in Australia. You will find many churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship in Melbourne and in other cities and towns in Victoria.
A number of major religions and their Australian websites are listed below
School Aged Dependants
Students who have school-aged dependants (i.e. unmarried children between 5 and 18 years old) accompanying them to Australia for more than three months are required to ensure that adequate arrangements have been made for their schooling. Their dependants will be charged the full school fee if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.
Modern and Safe City
Multi-cultural City
Sub-tropical Climate
Average High 26.4C/79.5F
Average Low 16.2C/61.2F Summer – December to February
Autumn – March to May
Winter – June to August
Spring – September to November
You should wear a hat, cool clothing that protects from the sun and maximum UV-protection (30+) sunscreen during summer and you will need a long-sleeved jacket and warm clothes during the early morning and evening in winter.
Please note: The seasons in Australia are opposite to the northern hemisphere. Summer occurs at the start and end of the year, and winter is in the middle of the year.
A guide in choosing the accommodation that best suits you and your budget and an estimate of other living expenses in Australia is available on https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/living-and-education-costs
Brisbane has an extensive transportation network within both cities, as well as connections to regional centres, interstate and overseas destinations.
For more information on the bus, train and ferry network please contact www.translink.com.au
Brisbane and Gold coast both have international and domestic air terminals.
Please note: Our college – Academies Australasia Institute is registered for TTCC, this means the students studying a qualification are entitled to concession from Translink if they meet eligibility. English students are not entitled though as they do not study a qualification. .
Get free printed timetables from train stations, bus depots and ferry terminals.
More information
For more information on Brisbane visit the Brisbane City Council website www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Please note: Our college – Academies Australasia Institute is registered for Tertiary Transport Concession Card (TTCC), this means the students studying a qualification are entitled to concession from Translink if they meet eligibility. English students are not entitled though as they do not study a qualification.
International students can work part-time while studying.
However
Tax file number (TFN)
What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?
Do I need a TFN?
When should I apply for a TFN?
Australia has a modern communications network and it is easy to contact family and friends locally or in your home country.
Telephone
Public Payphones
Public payphones that accept coins can be found in airports, post offices, railway stations, shopping centres and in the centre of the city.
Local calls are untimed. They cost 50c from a payphone if you use coins. Long-distance and international calls are charged by the minute.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phone services are available from several mobile service companies which offer a wide range of phones and payment options.
Depending on the network in your home country, you may be able to connect your existing mobile phone to an Australian network by installing a new SIM card. Mobile call costs may be more expensive than fixed line calls.
Many students find it easier to buy pre-paid mobile phone packages which also help to budget for telephone costs.
Overseas phone cards are also available. These offer cheap call rates. You can buy overseas phone cards from most newsagencies and convenience stores.
Internet and email
Academies Australasia provide their students with free internet and email services.
Internet cafes that provide internet services at low rates are easy to find in city areas.
The internet can also be connected at your Australian house or apartment. To arrange this, contact an internet service provider.
Postal Services
Australia Post is Australia’s national postal service. Australia Post delivers letters and cards to your home.
Banking
There are a large number of local and foreign banks and other financial institutions in Australia.
Banks are usually open between 10:00am and 4:00pm Mondays to Thursdays, and between 10:00am and 5:00pm on Fridays. Some banks open on Saturday mornings in suburban shopping centres.
You can withdraw cash at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
Most banks also provide:
For more information, visit https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/plan-your-arrival/banking/Banking
Opening Hours
Shopping hours in the CBD/Suburbs are usually from 09:00am to 05:00pm Monday through Thursday, with late night shopping on Friday from 09:00am to 09:00 pm. Saturday shopping generally trades from 09:00 to 05:00pm and Sundays from 10:00 to 04:00pm.
Local Markets
Markets sell new and second-hand goods. There are a number of weekend markets. You can bargain at some stalls.
Australia is much safer than many other countries. However, it is still wise to:
Here are some safety tips.
View the Think Before safety campaign for international students
Australia has one of the world’s best health systems.
Modern, well-equipped hospitals, medical centres and doctors’ surgeries are located throughout Brisbane and regions throughout Queensland.
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
OSHC is health insurance and is compulsory for international students studying in Australia.
What does OHSC provide?
How do I arrange OHSC?
ESOS Framework
Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the ESOS Framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2018.
For more information, please see The ESOS legislative framework and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
In Australia, people are free to practise and follow their own beliefs and religion. Cultural and religious diversity is an important part of life in Australia. You will find many churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship in Brisbane and in other cities and towns in Queensland.
A number of major religions and their Australian websites are listed below
School Aged Dependants
Students who have school-aged dependants (i.e. unmarried children between 5 and 18 years old) accompanying them to Australia for more than three months are required to ensure that adequate arrangements have been made for their schooling. Their dependants will be charged the full school fee if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.
Modern and Safe City
Multi-cultural City
Sub-tropical Climate
Average High 26.4C/79.5F
Average Low 16.2C/61.2F
Summer – December to February
Autumn – March to May
Winter – June to August
Spring – September to November
You should wear a hat, cool clothing that protects from the sun and maximum UV-protection (30+) sunscreen during summer and you will need a long-sleeved jacket and warm clothes during the early morning and evening in winter.
Please note: The seasons in Australia are opposite to the northern hemisphere. Summer occurs at the start and end of the year, and winter is in the middle of the year.
A guide in choosing the accommodation that best suits you and your budget and an estimate of other living expenses in Australia is available on https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/living-and-education-costs
Gold Coast has an extensive transportation network within both cities, as well as connections to regional centres, interstate and overseas destinations. Get free printed timetables from train stations, bus depots and ferry terminals.
For more information on the bus, train and ferry network please contact www.translink.com.au
Gold coast both have international and domestic air terminals.
Get free printed timetables from train stations, bus depots and ferry terminals.
More information
For more information on the Gold Coast visit the Gold Coast City Council website www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au
Please note: Our college – Academies Australasia Institute is registered for Tertiary Transport Concession Card (TTCC), this means the students studying a qualification are entitled to concession from Translink if they meet eligibility. English students are not entitled though as they do not study a qualification.
International students can work part-time while studying.
However
Tax file number (TFN)
What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?
Do I need a TFN?
When should I apply for a TFN?
Australia has a modern communications network and it is easy to contact family and friends locally or in your home country.
Telephone
Public Payphones
Public payphones that accept coins can be found in airports, post offices, railway stations, shopping centres and in the centre of the city.
Local calls are untimed. They cost 50c from a payphone if you use coins. Long-distance and international calls are charged by the minute.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phone services are available from several mobile service companies which offer a wide range of phones and payment options.
Depending on the network in your home country, you may be able to connect your existing mobile phone to an Australian network by installing a new SIM card. Mobile call costs may be more expensive than fixed line calls.
Many students find it easier to buy pre-paid mobile phone packages which also help to budget for telephone costs.
Overseas phone cards are also available. These offer cheap call rates. You can buy overseas phone cards from most newsagencies and convenience stores.
Internet and email
Academies Australasia provide their students with free internet and email services.
Internet cafes that provide internet services at low rates are easy to find in city areas.
The internet can also be connected at your Australian house or apartment. To arrange this, contact an internet service provider.
Postal Services
Australia Post is Australia’s national postal service. Australia Post delivers letters and cards to your home.
Banking
There are a large number of local and foreign banks and other financial institutions in Australia.
Banks are usually open between 10:00am and 4:00pm Mondays to Thursdays, and between 10:00am and 5:00pm on Fridays. Some banks open on Saturday mornings in suburban shopping centres.
You can withdraw cash at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
Most banks also provide:
For more information, visit https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/plan-your-arrival/banking/Banking
Opening Hours
Shopping hours in the CBD/Suburbs are usually from 09:00am to 05:00pm Monday through Thursday, with late night shopping on Friday from 09:00am to 09:00 pm. Saturday shopping generally trades from 09:00 to 05:00pm and Sundays from 10:00 to 04:00pm.
Local Markets
Markets sell new and second-hand goods. There are a number of weekend markets. You can bargain at some stalls.
Australia has one of the world’s best health systems.
Modern, well-equipped hospitals, medical centres and doctors’ surgeries are located throughout Gold Coast and regions throughout Queensland.
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
OSHC is health insurance and is compulsory for international students studying in Australia.
What does OHSC provide?
How do I arrange OHSC?
Australia is much safer than many other countries. However, it is still wise to:
Here are some safety tips.
View the Think Before safety campaign for international students
ESOS Framework
Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the ESOS Framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2018.
For more information, please see The ESOS legislative framework and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
In Australia, people are free to practise and follow their own beliefs and religion. Cultural and religious diversity is an important part of life in Australia. You will find many churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship in Gold Coast and in other cities and towns in Queensland.
A number of major religions and their Australian websites are listed below
School Aged Dependants
Students who have school-aged dependants (i.e. unmarried children between 5 and 18 years old) accompanying them to Australia for more than three months are required to ensure that adequate arrangements have been made for their schooling. Their dependants will be charged the full school fee if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.
Sunshine City
Multi-cultural City
Temperate Climate
Perth has a mixture of the Californian and Mediterranean climates, winters are mild and summers are hot and dry.
Perth is the sunniest capital in Australia with an average of eight hours sunshine a day.
Please note: The seasons in Australia are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer occurs at the start and end of the year, and winter is in the middle of the year.
A guide in choosing the accommodation that best suits you and your budget and an estimate of other living expenses in Australia is available on https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/living-and-education-costs
Perth uses a variety of transport methods, including trains, buses and ferries. Perth has a modern public transport system that combines the use of trains, buses, ferries and CATS, to reach from one end of the city to the other. Perth has FREE inner city transport via CAT buses and also most buses within the CBD will allow free travel within the CBD zone.
Taxis are also easy to find, although they cost more than trains, buses or ferries.
You can buy tickets for most train, bus and ferry services at the railway station or ferry station. The purchase of a SMARTRIDER card is preferred to access the Perth Transport Systems. The cost to purchase the card is $5 and offers discounted fares by using the card. In Perth a 40% discount is offered to International students providing they are studying in a full-time course for 6 weeks or more.
It is cheaper to pre-purchase a weekly or monthly ticket if you use public transport every day.
Please note: International students are not entitled to concession fares, so you must pay the full adult fare. The pre-paid ticket is a way of saving money.
More information
Perth Transport infoLine www.transperth.wa.gov.au train, bus and ferry timetables, fares and online trip-planning.
Please note: International students are not entitled to concession fares, so you must pay the full adult fare. The pre-paid ticket is a way of saving money.
International students can work part-time while studying.
However
Tax file number (TFN)
What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?
Do I need a TFN?
When should I apply for a TFN?
Australia has a modern communications network and it is easy to contact family and friends locally or in your home country.
Telephone
Public Payphones
Public payphones that accept coins can be found in airports, post offices, railway stations, shopping centres and in the centre of the city.
Local calls are untimed. They cost 50c from a payphone if you use coins. Long-distance and international calls are charged by the minute.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phone services are available from several mobile service companies which offer a wide range of phones and payment options.
Depending on the network in your home country, you may be able to connect your existing mobile phone to an Australian network by installing a new SIM card. Mobile call costs may be more expensive than fixed line calls.
Many students find it easier to buy pre-paid mobile phone packages which also help to budget for telephone costs.
Overseas phone cards are also available. These offer cheap call rates. You can buy overseas phone cards from most newsagencies and convenience stores.
Internet and email
Academies Australasia provide their students with free internet and email services.
Internet cafes that provide internet services at low rates are easy to find in city areas.
The internet can also be connected at your Australian house or apartment. To arrange this, contact an internet service provider.
Postal Services
Australia Post is Australia’s national postal service. Australia Post delivers letters and cards to your home.
Banking
There are a large number of local and foreign banks and other financial institutions in Australia.
Banks are usually open between 9:30am and 4:00pm Mondays to Thursdays, and between 9:30am and 5:00pm on Fridays. Some banks open on Saturday mornings in suburban shopping centres.
You can withdraw cash at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
Most banks also provide:
Opening Hours
Most shops open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Mondays to Saturdays, except on Thursdays, when shops are usually open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Late night shopping in the CBD on Fridays until 9pm. Shops in the CBD and major suburban shopping centres also open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Sundays.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Almost all shops accept major credit cards and debit (EFTPOS) cards.
Pricing
In Australia, most shops sell items at a fixed, marked price.
However, you might be able to get a lower price on some items (for example, furniture or electrical goods), if:
Another store is offering the same item for a lower price
Items are second-hand
You are shopping at markets
You are paying cash
Supermarkets
Supermarkets sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, frozen foods, canned goods, bread, paper products, stationery, personal needs and some non-prescription medicines.
Many supermarkets are open late at night 7 days a week.
Department Stores
Department stores sell clothing, shoes, furniture, computers, electrical goods, kitchenware, and gifts. Compare price and quality, and look out for discount sales.
Large Shopping Centres
Large shopping centres are located in Perth’s Central Business District, in Perth suburbs and in larger regional cities and towns.
Large shopping centres usually contain:
Local Markets
Markets sell new and second-hand goods. There are a number of weekend markets. You can bargain at some stalls.
Online Markets
Second-hand goods, from household items to motor vehicles, are advertised on sites such as Trading Post, Gumtree and eBay.
Garage Sales
People hold ‘garage sales’ at their homes to sell personal second-hand items. They usually advertise the date and time in local newspapers. They also place signs around the streets near their home
Australia has one of the world’s best health systems.
Modern, well-equipped hospitals, medical centres and doctors’ surgeries are located throughout Perth and regions throughout WA.
What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
OSHC is health insurance and is compulsory for international students studying in Australia.
What does OHSC provide?
How do I arrange OHSC?
Australia is much safer than many other countries. However, it is still wise to:
Here are some safety tips.
View the Think Before safety campaign for international students.
ESOS Framework
Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the ESOS Framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2018.
For more information, please see The ESOS legislative framework and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
In Australia, people are free to practise and follow their own beliefs and religion. Cultural and religious diversity is an important part of life in Australia. You will find many churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship in Perth and in other cities and towns in WA.
A number of major religions and their Australian websites are listed below
School Aged Dependants
Students who have school-aged dependants (i.e. unmarried children between 5 and 18 years old) accompanying them to Australia for more than three months are required to ensure that adequate arrangements have been made for their schooling. Their dependants will be charged the full school fee if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.
Modern and Safe City
Multi-cultural City
Tropical Climate
The cost of living and studying in Singapore is quite reasonable. The amount to be set aside will depend on the kind of accommodation you choose.
There is a wide range of rooms for rental available in Singapore. If you require accommodation you can approach the staff at Academies Australasia College for assistance in locating a suitable place to stay in Singapore. A notice period of at least 3 weeks in advance is required for our staff to recommend a professional service company to handle your accommodation in accordance with your budget and requirements. Depending on the locality and room type, rental rates range from S$250 to S$500 per month.
Homestay
‘Homestay’ is when you live with a Singaporean family in their home. The homestay family provides you with meals, laundry facilities and your own room with a study desk. You are usually asked to share some household chores. Homestay also gives you the chance to practise your English every day at home.
Hostel Accommodation
Hostels provide a friendly, safe, supervised environment. You get your own room or a shared room. Dining room, games room and television room are communal. Many hostels also provide meals.
Sharing a House or Apartment
When you share a house or apartment with one or more other people, you are more independent than if you are living in homestay or hostel accommodation.
You need to supply your own furniture if the house/apartment is unfurnished. You also have to supply your own towels, pillows, sheets and blankets.
You share the cost of rent, telephone, electricity and gas. You need to buy your own food and do your own laundry and cooking, although many sharing arrangements include sharing the cooking.
Travelling from one part of Singapore to another is a breeze thanks to a highly penetrative public transport system. The three main modes of public transport in Singapore are the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses and taxis.
Buses are, by far, the most common form of public transportation in Singapore, followed by the MRT and taxis respectively. Public buses serve almost every part of Singapore, making it the most extensive form of public transportation, while the MRT provides speed and efficiency, especially during peak hours.
The MRT may be well over 20 years old, but thanks to regular maintenance and facelifts, it’d be hard to notice its age. Most Singaporeans can no longer remember a time without the MRT. It has become a very indispensable way to get from one end of Singapore to another, and it is particularly useful for getting to downtown areas such as Orchard Road or the Central Business District, where traffic can be heavy.
More recently, the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system was also added to the existing train network. Unlike the MRT, the LRT are intra-town loop services – passengers switch from the MRT to the LRT to get to other parts of the town. To date, LRT services have only been implemented in the Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol housing estates.
Foreign students are not allowed to engage in any form of employment in Singapore, whether during term time or vacation time, unless:
Singapore has a modern communications network and it is easy to contact family and friends locally or in your home country.
Telephone
Public Payphones
Public payphones that accept coins can be found in airports, post offices, railway stations, shopping centres and in the centre of the city.
Local calls are untimed.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phone services are available from several telephone companies. The telephone companies offer a wide range of phones and payment options.
Depending on the network in your home country, you may be able to connect your existing mobile phone to a Singaporean network by installing a new SIM card. Mobile call costs may be more expensive than fixed line calls.
Many students find it easier to buy pre-paid mobile phone packages which also help to budget for telephone costs.
Overseas phone cards are also available. These offer cheap call rates. You can buy overseas phone cards from most convenience stores.
Internet and email
Academies Australasia provide their students with free internet and email services.
Internet cafes that provide internet services at low rates are easy to find in city areas.
The internet can also be connected at your Singaporean house or apartment. To arrange this, contact an internet service provider.
Postal Services
Singapore Post is Singapore’s national postal service. Singapore Post delivers letters and cards to your home.
Opening Hours
Most shops open from 9:00am to 10:00pm Mondays to Sunday.
Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Almost all shops accept major credit cards and debit (EFTPOS) cards.
Pricing
Fixed prices are the rule at many department stores and retail outlets. Compare prices before buying. Bargaining is a fast-disappearing way of life. But if you do came across shops that are open to bargaining–start by asking the retailer for his “best price”, then make a realistic counter-offer. Be prepared for some to-and-fro before settling on a price that both you and the retailer are happy with.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, frozen foods, canned goods, bread, paper products, stationery, personal needs and some non-prescription medicines.
Many supermarkets are open late at night 7 days a week.
Department Stores
Department stores sell clothing, shoes, furniture, computers, electrical goods, kitchenware, and gifts. Compare price and quality, and look out for discount sales.
Australia is much safer than many other countries. However, it is still wise to:
Here are some safety tips.
Singapore has one of the highest medical standards across Asia. In fact, this highly-industrialized nation is Asia’s regional centre of medical excellence.
The well-established healthcare system is composed of thirteen private hospitals, ten government hospitals and a number of specialist clinics, each one specialising in catering to the needs of different patients at varying costs.
Health and Accident Insurance is mandatory for all international exchange students studying at Academies Australasia College. Being sick in Singapore can be very expensive and a financial drain especially if the illness requires further specialist’s consultation, hospitalization or surgery.
