trulytruly66

Hi,

I would like to apply for a mature student visa to study in Oz

I am from London but at the moment do not have the required skills
to work in Oz. I understand that if I obtain Australian qualifications
this would increase my chances of finding work. And I would also be
able to work for approx 20hrs per week. I am 32 yrs old and have missed
being able to apply for a working holiday visa.

I'm sure that I can't be the only person looking to retrain, yes I could
study in the Uk but feel that studying and working part time in Oz would
be more beneficial in the long run.

Does anyone have any advice or experience that they can offer?

Mark.

debsy

Hi Mark
Have you thought about what you would like to study? If you wanted to study for a trade you would have to apply to TAFE. If you were thinking about Tertiary education - then I would suggest you have a look at the various Uni websites - most of them should have websites for International students.

Good luck
Debs

JAJ

Maybe - and maybe not. And an Australian qualification does not automatically mean permanent residence either.

trulytruly66

I know that an Australian qualification does not automatically mean permanent residence, but it's the only way I can increase my chances of obtaining a visa in the long run to live in Oz.

trulytruly66

Thanks for your post Debs, yes I am unsure of what I would like to study.
I currently work in the wine trade and would love to study viticulture but
the fees to study for this subject cost so much money. I have been told that I
should retrain in a trade such as air conditioning engineer, thereby increasing
my chances of finding work.

By the way Perth or the Gold Coast which of the two would you say is better
in terms of lifestyle?

mand8002

As you are aware, just because you study in Australia does not mean you will get PR, I think it gives you an extra 5 points or something. If I were you I would look at studying something that is in demand (obviously no guarantee it would still be in demand when you qualify) as that would give you extra points too.
I came over on a student visa and although it is a very expensive time I felt that it is something that we had to give a go. As it happens we managed to get PR (long story that I won't go in to ) so I could then become a domestic student which made things so much easier.

shears

This thread has info about the September changes - then go onto immi.gov.au to work out your points to see if you would have enough points for your visa once qualified

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=440240

This site might have some useful info to narrow down your course:

http://studyinaustralia.gov.au

Best of luck!

steandleigh

Air con engineers (or 'technicians' as they are known as here) are never out of work.

Could be the way to go, if you are technically minded and don't mind getting your hands (and everything else) dirty / working in 40 + degree heat (roof voids are a killer) / being 'on call' for a 7 day week, 24 hours a day, every 6 weeks / can problem solve / use relevant computer software / think on your feet / deal diplomatically with clients - who all believe their lack of air-con is life or death.... / cope with working xmas day, boxing day, new years eve, new years day, public holidays / travel for additional training and PD - Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney etc / can accept regional wages (if you choose to live regional) for the same hard work...sometimes more hard work due to climate...

shears

Sounds like a walk in the park - where do I sign up?

JAJ

Are you willing to accept the risk that you will have to go home at the end. And will your Australian qualification be recognised in the UK?

Keep in mind the new rules from September will make it tougher for many students who do not have high-quality qualifications.

trulytruly66

Yes I have heard about the new rules coming into effect from September.

It's so easy to be paralyzed by fear and do nothing. Retraing in a trade that is
in demand will be expensive and risky especially if I am told that I have to go
back to the UK at the end of it all, but what other options are open to me?

I am still relatively young! (32yrs) and am not afraid of hard work.

I know I should contact a migration specialist, I have heard about a guy from
NSW called George Lombard who has given advice to several other Brits on
this web site. Does anyone else know of him or any other trustworthy individuals that I could contact?

trulytruly66

Does anyone know if I can go to Oz on a ETA visa and once I am there
apply to Tafes/Unis to become a full-time mature student?

Applying in person and having a look at the Tafe/Uni and it's surrounding
area would be far more preferable than applying over the net.

Mark.

JAJ

Other options?, eg

- Retrain in the UK
- Emigrate somewhere you don't need a visa
- Relocate within the UK or decide to stay at home

sambo76

Yes you can - but applying online is very simple if you know where and what you want to study

trulytruly66

Thanks for the advice, but like many Brits I would like to emigrate to
Oz and also like many Brits before me I do not qualify.
Staying at home or relocating within the UK is not what I am interested in.

Others before me have qualified for PR after retraining in Oz I can't just give
up on a dream and stay at home thinking 'what if.......'