The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam is designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who wish to study or work in English-speaking countries. The exam is widely recognized and accepted by universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies worldwide. Here's an overview of the IELTS format:
1. **Listening (30 minutes):** &nbsp; &nbsp;- The listening test consists of four recorded conversations or monologues. &nbsp; &nbsp;- The recordings cover a range of accents and topics. &nbsp; &nbsp;- Test-takers listen to each recording only once and answer a series of questions as they listen. &nbsp; &nbsp;- Answers are recorded on the question paper as the test progresses, and then transferred to an answer sheet at the end of the test.
2. **Reading (60 minutes):** &nbsp; &nbsp;- The reading test is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, including reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, and recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes, and purpose. &nbsp; &nbsp;- It consists of three long passages with a variety of question types: multiple choice, identifying information, identifying writer's views, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, and short-answer questions.
3. **Writing (60 minutes):** &nbsp; &nbsp;- The writing test requires candidates to complete two tasks. &nbsp; &nbsp;- Task 1: Candidates are presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and are asked to describe, summarize, or explain the information in their own words. They may be asked to explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works, or describe an object or event. &nbsp; &nbsp;- Task 2: Candidates are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem. They need to provide general factual information, outline and discuss the problem, present and justify an opinion, evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence, or arguments.
4. **Speaking (11&ndash;14 minutes):** &nbsp; &nbsp;- The speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. &nbsp; &nbsp;- It is designed to assess the candidate's spoken English across four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. &nbsp; &nbsp;- The test is divided into three parts: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- Part 1: Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- Part 2: Long turn - where the candidate speaks for 1-2 minutes on a particular topic (3-4 minutes) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- Part 3: Discussion - a discussion between the examiner and the candidate on themes related to the topic in Part 2 (4-5 minutes)
Overall, the IELTS exam aims to provide a fair, accurate, and reliable assessment of English language proficiency, reflecting real-life usage of English in academic and everyday contexts.

IELTS Test Format: Academic & General Training

The course application process for studying in Australia typically involves the following steps:
<ol style="padding-left: 40px; color: #9596a1; font-size: 14px;">
<li>
Research: International students should research their desired course and institution, considering factors such as course duration, fees, location, and eligibility requirements.
</li>
<li>
Choose a course and institution: After researching, students should choose a course and institution that best fits their needs and preferences.
</li>
<li>
Check eligibility requirements: International students should check the eligibility requirements for their chosen course and institution, including English language proficiency, academic qualifications, and work experience.
</li>
<li>
Apply online: Most institutions allow students to apply for courses online through their website or through the Australian Government's study portal, Study in Australia.
</li>
<li>
Submit required documents: Students will need to submit required documents such as academic transcripts, English language proficiency test scores, and a copy of their passport.
</li>
<li>
Wait for offer letter: Once the application is submitted, students will need to wait for an offer letter from the institution. The offer letter will include information about the course, fees, and any conditions that need to be met.
</li>
<li>
Accept offer and pay fees: If the student accepts the offer, they will need to pay the required fees, which may include tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and other fees.
</li>
<li>
Apply for student visa: International students will need to apply for a student visa to study in Australia. The visa application process can be completed online and requires students to provide personal information, proof of financial capacity, and health and character checks.
</li>
</ol>
It is important to note that the application process may vary depending on the institution and course. International students should check the specific requirements and deadlines for their chosen institution and course before applying.

Steps to find a course and visa to Australia on a student visa

There are a number of courses that can lead to Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia for international students. The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) outline the occupations that are currently in demand in Australia and are eligible for PR.
Some of the courses that may lead to PR in Australia include:
<ol style="padding-left: 40px; color: #9596a1; font-size: 14px;">
<li>Engineering</li>
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/computer-science-and-it/">Information Technology</a></li>
<li>Accounting</li>
<li>Nursing</li>
<li>Social Work</li>
<li>Education</li>
<li>Architecture</li>
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/health-and-medicine/">Medical and Health Services</a></li>
<li>Construction Management</li>
<li>Occupational Therapy</li>
<li>Physiotherapy</li>
<li>Psychology</li>
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/law/">Law</a></li>
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/agriculture-and-veterinary-medicine/">Agriculture</a> and Environmental Studies</li>
</ol>
It is important to note that eligibility for PR is not solely based on the course of study. Other factors such as work experience, English language proficiency, age, and meeting the points-based system may also be considered. It is advisable to seek professional advice from a registered migration agent before making any decisions related to immigration and permanent residency.

List of courses that can lead to Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia

To study in Australia, international students must meet the English language proficiency requirements set by the institution they wish to attend. The level of English proficiency required can vary depending on the course and institution.
Generally, students are required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency through one of the following tests:
<ol style="padding-left: 40px; color: #9596a1; font-size: 14px;">
<li>International English Language Testing System (IELTS)</li>
<li>Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)</li>
<li>Pearson Test of English (PTE)</li>
</ol>
The minimum score required for each test varies depending on the institution and course. In some cases, students may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirements if they have completed previous studies in English or if English is their native language.
It is important for international students to check the specific English language proficiency requirements of the institution and course they wish to attend before applying.

Language requirements and tests to study in Australia

Australia has many cities that are popular among international students. Some of the top cities for international students in Australia are:
<ol style="padding-left: 40px; color: #9596a1; font-size: 14px;">
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/states/victoria/">Melbourne</a> - Known for its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and top-ranked universities.</li>
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/states/new-south-wales/">Sydney</a> - Australia's largest city, with world-class universities, iconic landmarks, and a bustling city lifestyle.</li>
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/states/queensland/">Brisbane</a> - A warm and welcoming city with a growing economy, great weather, and a strong education system.</li>
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/states/south-australia/">Adelaide</a> - A smaller city with a lower cost of living and a high quality of life, known for its excellent universities and picturesque surroundings.</li>
<li><a href="https://semesterone.com/states/western-australia/">Perth</a> - A laid-back coastal city with a strong mining and resources industry, excellent universities, and a relaxed lifestyle.</li>
</ol>
These cities offer a range of educational opportunities, as well as diverse cultural and social experiences that are ideal for international students. However, the best city for international students ultimately depends on your personal preferences and goals. It's important to research each city and university thoroughly before making a decision.

Which city in Australia is best for international students?

Choosing the "best" course to study in Australia can depend on various factors such as your interests, career aspirations, and educational background. However, some of the popular and highly regarded courses in Australia are:
<ol style="padding-left: 40px; color: #9596a1; font-size: 14px;">
<li>Business and Management</li>
<li>Information Technology</li>
<li>Engineering</li>
<li>Health Sciences (Nursing, Medicine, and Allied Health)</li>
<li>Accounting and Finance</li>
<li>Education and Teaching</li>
<li>Hospitality and Tourism</li>
<li>Law</li>
<li>Creative Arts and Design</li>
<li>Environmental Sciences</li>
</ol>
It's important to research and compare different courses and universities to find the one that best fits your personal goals and preferences. Additionally, you should also consider the job opportunities and industry demand for the course you're interested in, as well as the availability of scholarships and funding options.

What is the best course to study in Australia in 2023?

Thinking of studying in Australia? Explore the world's most student-friendly locations in Australia as per the QS Best Student Cities 2023. 
Melbourne and Sydney made the world's top 10 while Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra placed among the top 35 globally!
Top 7 cities are as follows;
<ol style="padding-left: 40px; color: #9596a1; font-size: 14px;">
<li>Melbourne: 5th </li>
<li>Sydney: 9th </li>
<li>Brisbane: 24th</li>
<li>Adelaide: =31st</li>
<li>Perth: 34th</li>
<li>Canberra: 35th</li>
<li>Gold Coast: 93rd</li>
</ol>

Top 7 QS Best Student Cities 2023 - Australia

The world's top universities are in Australia, providing the best educational courses for local and international students. If you are planning to study abroad in Australia, there are seven out of the top 100 universities in the world. Almost all the modern educational courses are offering in Australia for international students. But below are some popular courses for international students in Australia.
<h3><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/undergraduate/business-and-management/">Business and Accountancy</a></h3>
Almost every sector needs business and accountancy experts specialising in accountancy, and business provides many employment options.&nbsp; Accountancy and business courses have demanded management and tax and are the best course for you.
<h3><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/undergraduate/agriculture-and-veterinary-medicine/">Agricultural courses</a></h3>
Agriculture in Australia is advanced, and many new scientific techniques are used in Australian farming and animal sciences. Forestry, farming, agricultural, and agronomist courses are best to choose for international students. Agricultural courses can benefit them for a better career in Australia or their native country.
<h3><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/undergraduate/health-and-medicine/">Medical Science</a></h3>
Many universities are providing quality education in medical science and related subjects. For international students, public and private universities offering specialisation in medicine and health sciences. 4 years and 6 years of medical courses leading to an undergraduate and postgraduate medical degree are provided in Australia.
<h3><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/undergraduate/computer-science-and-it/">IT and Computing</a></h3>
Information Technology has immense contribution in every industry; in Australia, many world-class universities provide IT and computing courses. You have hundreds of specialisations options in Australian universities. Universities are offering postgraduates and undergraduate IT and computing courses for local and international students.
You can take admission in data sciences, telecommunication, software engineering, Big data, and many other courses.
<h3><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/undergraduate/engineering/">Engineering</a></h3>
You have the options to get admission to the world's top engineering institutions. There are three best engineering and allied sciences institutions: Swinburne University, La Trobe University, and the University of Melbourne.
They offer many courses for engineering specialization; if you have a background in physics or math, you have the excellent choice to apply for engineering courses in Australia.
<h3><a href="https://semesterone.com/courses/undergraduate/architecture-and-construction/">Architecture</a></h3>
Architecture is a broad field and offers many courses for students. In Australian universities, you have the option to take admissions in building art and design for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Professional architects have high demand in Australia and all parts of the world.
You also have many other options to choose the related courses such as interior and spatial design, town planning, structural engineering, and architectural engineering.
<h3>Allied Health Sciences</h3>
Allied health sciences have a variety of courses for you to choose from in Australian universities. Allied health professionals include occupational therapists, pathologists, medical pathologists, speech therapists, and many others.
You can specialize in pharmacy, epidemiology, anatomy, radiography, physiology, etc., from the best universities of Australia. Universities in Australia provide undergraduate, associate graduate, and post-graduate level courses to local and international students.
<h4>Final Thoughts</h4>
Getting an education in Australia is the dream of many students because many worlds&rsquo; top-class universities provide educational courses in many modern and demanded fields. International students can equip themselves with accountancy, medical, health sciences, engineering, allied health sciences, and architecture from Australian universities.

Best Courses in Australia for International Students

Highlights:
<ul>
<li>Australia adds 22 occupations to&nbsp;Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)</li>
<li>New list to enable fast-tracking of visas for more applicants in critical occupations</li>
<li>Chefs, accountants, software programmers, civil engineers are some such occupations&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
As Australia&rsquo;s international borders remain closed, the federal government has announced that it will fast-track visa applications for more occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) to support the country's post-coronavirus economic recovery.
The expanded PMSOL for 2021 identifies a total of 41 ​priority occupations, including accountants, chefs, civil engineers and software programmers to fill onshore skill gaps and aid in job creation by attracting critically-important workers to Australia.
The list, which was first released in September 2020, is based on expert advice from the National Skills Commission and in consultation with Commonwealth departments.
The new occupations are (with ANZSCO codes):&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Accountant (General) (221111)</li>
<li>Accountant (Taxation) (221113)</li>
<li>Accountant (Management) (221112)</li>
<li>External Auditor (221213)</li>
<li>Internal Auditor (221214)</li>
<li>Electrical Engineer (233311)</li>
<li>Civil Engineer (233211)</li>
<li>Structural Engineer (233214)</li>
<li>Geotechnical Engineer (233212)</li>
<li>Transport Engineer (233215)</li>
<li>Mining Engineer (233611)</li>
<li>Petroleum Engineer (233612)</li>
<li>Surveyor (232212)</li>
<li>Cartographer (232213)</li>
<li>Other Spatial Scientist (232214)</li>
<li>Medical Laboratory Scientist (234611)</li>
<li>Orthotist / Prosthetist (251912)</li>
<li>Multimedia Specialist (261211)</li>
<li>Analyst Programmer (261311)</li>
<li>Software and Applications Programmers (261399)</li>
<li>ICT Security Specialist (262112)</li>
<li>Chef (351311)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Click<a href="https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/pmsol" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> here</a> for the full list.
<a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/australia-s-priority-migration-skilled-occupation-list-gets-22-more-occupations-to-aid-post-covid-economic-recovery">Read more...</a>
Source: SBS

Australia’s Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List gets 22 more occupations to aid post-COVID economic recovery

<div class="news-detail__summary">
South Australia is the first state to have its international students arrival plan supported by the Federal Government.
</div>
<div class="news-detail__body">
This recognises the work undertaken by State Government agencies and the international education sector to deliver a safe and secure plan to return our students to SA.
&ldquo;International education is a significant part of South Australia&rsquo;s economy, contributing over $2 billion in 2019, partly spent with our education providers such as schools and Universities, and also providing a boost to our retail, hospitality and tourism sectors,&rdquo; Premier Steven Marshall said.
&ldquo;International students add so much to South Australia&rsquo;s multicultural fabric along with the clear economic benefits for our CBD and our state overall, with every three students leading to the creation of one job &ndash; in 2019, almost 20,000 jobs were underpinned by international education, which is massive for our state.
&ldquo;The health and safety of South Australians is our number one priority. There is still more work to be done with the Commonwealth and education providers but it&rsquo;s important to note that Professor Spurrier and her team at SA Health, along with South Australia Police, have been central to the formation of the plan, which meets all the necessary protocols required by the Federal Government.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s also important to note that no returning Australian will be impacted by the plan, as it will be done outside the current caps, and the institutions and students will bear the costs of flights and quarantine.&rdquo;
The Minister for Trade and Investment Stephen Patterson said this plan was the culmination of a great deal of work from industry stakeholders to deliver a safe and secure pathway for our students to return to SA.
&ldquo;Industry has been key to this plan, and the South Australian community can be assured that expert advice from SA Health has informed the plan, in line with the same principles that has seen hundreds of seasonal workers arrive safely in South Australia,&rdquo; Minister Patterson said.
&ldquo;The Flight Training Adelaide site at Parafield has been approved for its ability to meet infection control as determined by SA Health, with the facility able to house 160 students who will complete their 14 days quarantine and undertake daily COVID-19 testing.&rdquo;
One of the Commonwealth&rsquo;s pre-conditions for when students arrive is that the state border must be open for domestic travel, noting the potential need for localised closures related to jurisdictionally defined COVID-19 hotspots.

Source: <a href="https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/news/media-releases/news/international-students-arrival-plan-approved-by-the-commonwealth?fbclid=IwAR1Dy-JxdeW5LHZ0nQuLCdcE3ur_ucoJ7M0EV89yP2GNUowa4qbnHOrgPdI">Premier Steve Marshall</a>
</div>

International students arrival plan approved by the Commonwealth

International students will be welcomed back to New South Wales from as early as July&nbsp;under a pilot plan announced by the NSW government.
<section>
<h3>Key points:</h3>
<ul style="color: #000000; padding-left: 20px;">
<li style="color: #000000;">Under the plan up to 250 students a fortnight will arrive&nbsp;on chartered flights&nbsp;</li>
<li style="color: #000000;">Universities will foot the bill for quarantine including security and accommodation</li>
<li style="color: #000000;">About 50,000 international students are waiting to return to NSW</li>
</ul>
</section>
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today announced the plan, which will initially see 250 students per fortnight quarantined in specifically approved student accommodation.
Mr Perrottet said that figure would increase to 500 students per fortnight by the end of the year and would not interfere with current hotel quarantine arrangements.
"Importantly not one returning Australian will not get a seat on a plane as a result of this plan," he said.
"We will be running this alongside the 3,000 returning Australians that come into our hotel quarantine system every week."
Before the pandemic, about 250,000 international students were studying in NSW&nbsp;&mdash; the state's second-largest export.
Mr Perrottet said there were about 50,000 overseas students who were currently trying to get into NSW.
He said it would provide vital job certainty for 100,000 workers in the sector.
"This is a big win for the NSW economy.
"We believe that the cost to our economy since the pandemic began particularly related to the international students is around $5 billion and if we didn't do anything that cost would grow by the end of next year to $11 billion.
&ldquo;This is incredibly important because there is evidence particularly around the world in places like Canada, the US and the UK that are actively targeting this industry that NSW relies on so much.&rdquo;
The NSW government has not revealed the exact location of the student quarantine facility, but Mr Perrottet said negotiations with the provider were being finalised.
He said the pilot program had been approved by NSW Health and NSW Police, and its proposal to the federal government had received "strong support back" and would be signed off on in the coming days.
The student quarantine system, including travel costs, accommodation and security, will be financed by the university sector, but Mr Perrottet said whether students were out of pocket for flights would be up to individual universities.
The first international students will arrive in NSW on chartered flights in the next six&nbsp;to eight&nbsp;weeks before the program later transitions to commercial flights.

Source: <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-10/nsw-to-welcome-back-international-students-under-quarantine-plan/100205080">ABC</a>

International students will be welcomed back to New South Wales from as early as July

An international study predicts that three in five jobs will require advanced digital skills by the year 2030. But a recent RMIT report shows that one in four Australian workers don&rsquo;t have the skills to operate in a rapidly digitalised work environment. This highlights a significant skills gap amid increasing automation in the economy.
Young people with advanced digital skills are likely to see their income rise by 500% by 2030, according to a joint report by Oxford Economics and Snap Inc, which is the parent company of Snapchat.
Snap Inc general manager for Australia, Kathryn Carter, explains.
&ldquo;Forecasts have shown that 3 in 5 Australian jobs will actually require advanced digital skills by the year 2030, which isn&rsquo;t that far off. And it&rsquo;s interesting that although young people have absolutely been the hardest hit economically by the pandemic at the moment, they&rsquo;re also the group that possess the right skills and the outlooks to really excel in this workforce of the future.&rdquo;
Source: <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/what-are-the-skills-needed-for-future-jobs">SBS</a>

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