General information
Q: How can PFL help me?
PFL has trained Australasian Education Counselling Officers who have the necessary experience and expertise to assist students. All our offices provide students with:
- Counselling and information on various courses and institutions – guidance is provided to determine the best possible course and institution to match the applicant’s circumstance
- Admission application assistance
- Visa guidance and assistance with visa procedure
- Assistance with accommodation arrangement
- Pre-departure briefings and orientation
Q: What does Australasia mean?
Australasia is a region of Oceania including Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Australasia is commonly used as a term meaning Australia and New Zealand combined.
Q: What is so good about Australasian education and training compared to other countries?
- Australasia is an internationally recognised source of high quality education as well as research excellence. Australasia universities, vocational and technical education colleges and schools are world-class. Australasia is a world leader in English language courses for international students.
- Australia and New Zealand Government legislations require quality assurance agencies and codes of conduct to be in place so that international students in Australasia and their parents enjoy a level of service and financial protection that is unrivalled.
- Multicultural Australasia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel in an English speaking country. Australasia also offers excellent value for money and a high standard of living.
- Australasia qualifications are respected internationally when seeking employment or further study at leading international universities. Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which is a national system of learning pathways recognised throughout Australia and by other countries.
Q: What is the weather like in Australia?
Australasia is diverse in its geography and climate. Being in the southern hemisphere Australia's summer starts in December and winter in June. Nearly a third of Australia is tropical, and the southern areas are in a temperate zone.
Q: What is the weather like in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, inland areas (particularly alpine areas of the South Island) can be very cold in winter. Most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.
Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. January and February are the warmest months of the year, and July is the coldest.
Entry requirements
Q: What are the entry requirements to study at Australasia institutions?
Students must meet minimum academic requirements and need a sufficient level of English language proficiency for entry to Australasia education and training institutions. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. T hey will look at the level and content of the previous study.
Diploma : GCE A ‘Level + IELTS 5 or 5.5
Undergraduate : GCE A’Level+ IELTS 6.0
Postgraduate : 16 years Education+ thesis+publication
Q: I have not taken IELTS test, can I apply for admission?
Yes. You can submit all other documents and start your admission procedure. You will be offered a conditional admission. You will, however, be required to provide your IELTS test result before an unconditional offer will be issued which will enable you to apply for your visa.
Q: Where can I write the IELTS test?
IELTS test can be taken at the British Council.The British council has offices in major cities in Nigeria.
Q: Do I collect my IELTS Test result immediately?
No. IELTS Result is usually out after 13 days.
Q: When are the intakes for studying in Australasia?
The main intake is in February. Some Universities and Colleges offer some courses in July & November.
Q: I have scored less bands in IELTS than the University's requirement. Am I eligible to get admission?
Yes. You have an option of doing ELICOS (English Language) course in Australasia.
Q: When can I start my admission procedure?
For February intake - we suggest you start the admission procedure in August of the previous year.
For July intake - we suggest you begin the admission procedure in January & for November intake, in June.
Money matters
Q: How much does it cost to study in Australasia?
An Australian Government survey showed that in terms of total costs—including tuition fees and living expenses—Australia was consistently less expensive than the USA and UK.
The average Tuition Fees for Undergraduate programs are NZ$15,000 - NZ$ 20,000 (1.5million-2 million naira) or AU$ 9,000 - AU$17,000 (1.2million-2.3million naira).
The average Tuition Fees for Postgraduate programs are NZ$ 19,000-NZ$ 31,000 (1.9million - 3.0 million naira) or AU$ 11,000 to AU$ 22,000 (1.5million - 3.0 million naira). This depends on the school and the program. Tuition fees will vary depending on the course or institution. Living costs too will vary by location, course and lifestyle.
Q: Are scholarships available?
Yes. This depends on academic qualification and university’s policy.
Q: Can I work in Australasia while I study?
Yes. International students in Australasia on a student visa can work up to 20 hours a week during course time and full-time during vacation periods.
Q: What is the cost of living in Australasia?
An average international student in New Zealand or Australia can expect to pay about NZD $400 or AUD $360 (£175 - £200 GBP) a week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, telephone and incidental costs.
You could spend more or less depending on where you live, your lifestyle and your course.
Student visa information
- Your PFL Student Counselling Officer will work with you to arrange your student visa
- Applications for Australia are processed in Pretoria, South Africa
- Applications for New Zealand are processed in London
Q: What is the turnaround time for visa application?
The average turnaround time for a student visa in Australia is 13 weeks, and 6-8 weeks for New Zealand visa application.