Life Abroad
Self-Reliance
The scholarship student will have to rely on themselves for providing the necessities of life in the country of study and in adapting to the new academic atmosphere. In case of encountering any difficulties, the scholarship student has to contact the UAE Cultural Attaché office to assist in overcoming those difficulties. The student is also advised to stay in touch with their family back home on a regular basis.
Travel Preparation
The preparation for travel is done by:
Being prepared before travel date well in advance to avoid missing to take any necessary items for the trip and the stay in the country of the study.
Ensuring the validity of the passport for a period of six (6) months at least.
Ensuring the student visa is valid as well as taking a copy of the program offer / CoE letter to present them if needed on entry to the country of study.
Traveling to and entering the country of study well before the start of the study.
Not carrying large cash amounts. Any cash money in excess of AUD 10,000 must be declared at the airport on entry to Australia.
If the scholarship student intends to visit another country other than the country of the study, the student must pay attention to obtaining a visa to that country and to arrange for their return back to the country of study. Also, the student must inform the UAE Cultural Attaché office in writing before leaving the country of study for whatever reason.
The scholarship student must contact the Scholarship Department at the Ministry in Abu Dhabi upon their return home during the holiday periods.
The scholarship student must abide by the prevailing laws, regulations and proper behaviour in the country study.
The scholarship student must maintain regular contact with the UAE Cultural Attaché office, especially in relation to the academic matters and financial entitlements.
Student Visa
The student visa application is made online. The students may apply by themselves, through the visa office of the Australian Consulate, through an educational services agency, or through an immigration agent. When applying for a student visa, the student is required to attach their official identity documents, Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) document, Overseas Student Health Cover(OSHC) policy in Australia, as well as the scholarship support letter.
The student visa is issued for the entire duration as specified in the academic program offer. If the student fails some units throughout their study, that may result in an increase in the duration of the study. Therefore, the student will need to extend the student visa before it ceases to be in effect. Otherwise, the student will face legal problems that could lead to the removal from Australia along with imposing of a period of ban from of entry to Australia.
Furthermore, the Australian student visa has conditions that require the student to attend and succeed in their study. Otherwise, the educational provider will report the student to the Australian Department of Immigration who may cancel the student visa.
The visa regulations in Australia and New Zealand are very strict. The failure to comply with these regulations may lead to the cancellation of the visa, forcing the student to leave the country, along with imposing a re-entry ban period. Usually, those conditions include:
- Commitment to maintain an attendance level not less than the minimum limit of 80%.
- No student is allowed to carry on any job or business, unless permission is provided to do so.
- The requirement to maintain the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout the study period.
- Leaving Australia or New Zealand before the student visa ceases to be in effect.
- The student must continue to study with the same institution for which the student visa was issued.
- If a student is enrolled with another educational institution, they must inform the first institution within one week of getting the new CoE letter.
- The student is required to inform the educational institution of the student address within one week of arriving in Australia or New Zealand. Also, they are required to inform of any further future change of their address within one week as well.
- If a student is less than 18 years old, they must obtain a prior written approval from the educational institution where they are enrolled before any change of their residential address or living arrangements.
Ticket / Itinerary
The scholarship student receives an annual allowance for the travel tickets. The allowance is to be paid directly by the Scholarship Department at the Ministry to the student's bank account back home.
Prohibited Goods
There are strict laws about what passengers are allowed to bring into Australia and New Zealand. There are many things that should be declared to avoid being subjected to legal actions and facing serious problems which may lead to paying significant fines.
To learn more about those items, please read the factsheet
or Visit the below Websites
Australian Department of immigration and border protection
New Zealand Customs Service
For more information about quarantine, please refer to the Australian Ministry of Agriculture site.
Accommodation in the Country of Study
There are multiple housing options available for the students who should choose the most appropriate one in order to enjoy comfort and stability on one hand, and to support their educational journey on the other hand. The student must observe the vicinity of the residence to the university, its cost, safety, and other important considerations.
Several university housing options are available to students:
On-campus apartments: an accommodation allocated to the students of the university.
University apartments: dedicated to postgraduate students and married students.
Private accommodation: private houses and apartments intended for rent.
Home-Stay: which includes renting a room from dwelling families.
Address in the Country of Study
The scholarship student, upon arrival in the country of study, is required to specify a permanent address for correspondence with the university and with the UAE Cultural Attaché office. Other information needed include:
- Mobile phone, home phone, and fax (if any).
- Email address.
- Residential address: house number, street name, suburb, state/territory, and postcode.
- PO Box (if any).
The student must update the UAE Cultural Attaché office of any change to the address and/or phone numbers using the student information form. Also, the student must inform the university within one week of any change in the residential address and/or phone numbers. Otherwise, the student visa could be liable for cancellation.
Health Services in the Country of Study
Health services are not free for foreigners in Australia and New Zealand. The students have to purchase the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which is also one of the conditions for obtaining the student visa.
If the student pays any fees for treatment when visiting a doctor or medical center, the student must get in touch with the UAE Cultural Attaché office in order to be compensated for the costs of treatment according to the scholarship regulations.
Transportation
The scholarship student needs to know the available transportation options between their accommodation and the educational institution (university or college) where they are enrolled. If the student decides to purchase a car for their travels, the student must take into consideration the laws and regulations related to getting a local driver licence as the UAE license would allow driving for only the first three months after the first entry to the country. Also, the student is advised to purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy to avoid facing any trouble that might distract their study. The student must take into consideration that the traffic regulations in Australia and New Zealand are very strict. It is important to take into account that the driver is on the right hand side of the vehicle in Australia and New Zealand, unlike the system followed in the United Arab Emirates.
University Services
The scholarship student can benefit from the general services provided by the university, like: non-curricular activities, libraries, clubs, student services centres, etc.
Bank Accounts
The scholarship student, upon arrival in the country of study, must promptly open a bank account at a close bank to make use of features like: checkbooks, debit/credit cards, ATMs, internet-banking, etc. especially since most financial transactions nowadays are either by card or electronic.
The scholarship student must provide the UAE Cultural Attaché office with the bank account information and update it in order to receive the entitlements on their due date.
The scholarship student needs to learn about the banking system in the country of study. Also, the student needs to maintain sufficient funds in their bank account to cover transactions and avoid any issues.
The scholarship student is advised not to carry large cash amounts and to use credit/debit cards or traveler cheques.