Category Archives: Visa

Depression and loneliness are common mental health problems that can have a significant impact on students’ well-being. In Australia. About one in seven young people aged 12-17 years old experience depression, and about one in twelve experience loneliness.

There are several factors that can influence the development of depression and loneliness in Australian schools, including:

1. Academic pressure: High expectations, competition, and workload can contribute to stress and impact mental well-being.
2. Social isolation: Feelings of loneliness can arise from difficulties in making friends, cultural differences, or bullying.
3. Transition and adjustment: Moving to a new school, city, or country can be challenging and may contribute to feelings of depression and loneliness.
4. Social media and technology: Excessive use of social media or technology, cyberbullying, and social comparison can negatively impact mental health.

There is no single way to predict who will develop depression or loneliness, but there are a number of risk factors that can be identified. These include:

• Academic performance
• Changes in behavior
• Social withdrawal
• Expressing feelings of sadness or hopelessness

It’s important for educators, parents, and peers to be vigilant and supportive, noticing any signs that may suggest a student is struggling.

There are several things that can be done to prevent depression and loneliness in Australian schools, including:

• Early identification and intervention: It is important to identify students who are at risk of developing depression or loneliness early on so that they can receive the support they need.
• Promoting positive mental health: Schools can promote positive mental health by providing students with opportunities to learn about mental health, develop coping skills, and build positive relationships.
• Creating a supportive environment: Schools can create a supportive environment by addressing bullying, promoting inclusion, and providing students with opportunities to connect with their peers.
• Supporting families: Schools can support families by providing them with information about mental health, offering parental education programs, and connecting them with community resources.

If you are concerned that you or a student you know may be experiencing depression or loneliness, please reach out for help. There are a few resources available, including:

• The National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Headspace provides free and confidential mental health services to young people aged 12-25 years.
• Lifeline: Lifeline is a 24-hour crisis support service that provides emotional support to people in distress.
• Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue is a national organization that provides information and support to people affected by depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

It is important to remember that you are not alone, and there is help available. If you are struggling, please reach out for help.

Here are the steps on how to apply for an Australian student visa for Filipinos:

1. Check your eligibility: You must be at least 6 years old to apply for a student visa. You must also be enrolled in a course of study at an Australian institution that is accredited by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. You must also have welfare arrangements if you are 18 or younger. For students who are older (18 or above), you must be enrolled at an Australian institution that is CRICOS accredited. CRICOS stands for The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
2. Apply at an Australian institute: If your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer from your chosen education provider. The Letter of Offer will include course details, duration, fees and other terms and conditions. You should read the Letter of Offer carefully before you accept it.
3. Get a Letter of Offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (COE): Your Australian institution will issue you a COE after you have been accepted to study at their school and paid your deposit. The COE will confirm your course of study, the duration of your study, and the amount of tuition you will be paying.
4. Proof of English Proficiency: If you are not a native English speaker, you may need to take an English proficiency test like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL etc.
5. Gather your application documents: You will need to provide the following documents with your visa application:

• Your passport
• Your birth certificate
• Your COE
• Proof of your English language proficiency (if required)
• Proof of your financial resources to support your studies in Australia
• Proof that you are a genuine student (meeting Genuine Student Test requirement)
• OSHC

6. Pay the visa application fee.
7. Submit your application. You can submit your visa application online by creating an ImmiAccount on the website of Department of Home Affairs.

The processing time for an Australian student visa is typically 4-6 weeks. However, the processing time may be longer if your application is incomplete or if you are required to provide additional information or documentation.

Once your visa application has been processed, you will be notified of the decision by email. If your visa is approved, you will receive a visa grant letter. You will need to bring this letter with you when you travel to Australia.

Here are some additional tips for applying for an Australian student visa:

• Start the application process early. It can take several weeks to gather all the required documents and complete the application form.
• Be sure to check the Australian government’s website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
• If you have any questions about the application process, you can contact the Australian embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
• If you are unsure or confused about the process, My Migration can help you with your visa application journey. As we have the experience and expertise in assisting with student visa applications for Filipinos, we can ensure that you have maximum chances of securing a student visa to Australia and to achieve your immigration goals.

Studying in Australia for free is not possible for international students, as the country has a fee-based education system. However, there are a few options you can explore to reduce your study expenses or seek financial aid:

• Scholarships: Look for scholarships offered by Australian universities, government organizations, and international agencies. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. Conduct thorough research and apply to as many relevant scholarships as possible. Websites like gov.au and studyinaustralia.gov.au can provide information on available scholarships.
• Research Grants: If you plan to pursue research-based studies, you may be eligible for research grants provided by universities, research institutions, or government bodies. These grants can help cover your tuition fees and living expenses while conducting research in Australia.
• Part-time Work: While studying in Australia, you are allowed to work part-time to support your living expenses. International students with a valid student visa are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during university holidays. Earnings from part-time work can help offset your living costs.
• Work-Study Programs: Some universities offer work-study programs where students can work on campus and earn money to support their education. These programs provide opportunities to gain valuable work experience while studying.
• Financial Assistance: In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for financial assistance or loans from your home country’s government or international organizations. Explore potential options available to you in your home country.
• Exchange Programs: Check if your home institution has any exchange programs with Australian universities. These programs often offer reduced or waived tuition fees for a limited period, allowing you to study in Australia while paying reduced costs.

Remember to check the latest information regarding scholarships, visa regulations, and working conditions for international students in Australia, as policies and regulations may have changed after this information was posted. It is advisable to contact Australian universities or you may also contact My Migration, an education and migration agency based in Melbourne, Australia to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding studying in Australia and available funding options.

International students in Australia (or anywhere for that matter) face a few challenges that can impact their mental health, including:

• Culture shock: Adjusting to a new culture can be stressful and can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
• Language barriers: Language barriers can make it difficult to communicate with others, which can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.
• Academic pressure: International students are often under a lot of academic pressure to succeed, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout.
• Financial stress: International students may have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, which can add to their financial stress.
• Homesickness: International students may miss their families and friends back home, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness.

These challenges can lead to a range of mental health problems, including:

• Anxiety: International students are more likely to experience anxiety than domestic students.
• Depression: International students are also more likely to experience depression than domestic students.
• Trauma: International students who have experienced trauma, such as war or violence, may be at increased risk for mental health problems.
• Substance abuse: International students may be more likely to use alcohol or drugs to cope with stress or anxiety.

There are a few things that can be done to promote mental health and well-being in international students, including:

• Providing information and support: Education and support services can help international students to understand their mental health and to develop coping mechanisms.
• Promoting cultural awareness: Cultural awareness training can help staff and students to understand the different cultural backgrounds of international students and to be more sensitive to their needs.
• Creating a supportive environment: Schools and universities can create a supportive environment for international students by providing them with opportunities to connect with others, to participate in extracurricular activities, and to feel welcome and valued.
• Providing access to mental health services: International students should have access to affordable and accessible mental health services.

By addressing the challenges that international students face and by providing them with support, we can help to promote their mental health and well-being.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Health Direct: Free Australian health advice you can count on.
• The Australian Psychological Society: The Australian Psychological Society provides information and resources on mental health.

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Ever wondered which business school in Australia is the best? Do you have plans to manage a successful business, whether owned by you or a long-established company?

Turn your plans into reality by studying at one of the top 10 ranking universities in Australia for business management degrees.

Here are some of the top globally ranked Australian business schools (ranked by the QS World University Ranking) in 2023:

1. Melbourne Business School (University of Melbourne) – ranked 34
2. Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) (University of New South Wales) – ranked 39
3. Monash Business School (Monash University) – ranked 54
4. UQ Business School (University of Queensland) – ranked 85
5. UNSW Business School (University of New South Wales) – ranked 101-150
6. Business School (University of Sydney) – ranked 61
7. UTS Business School (University of Technology Sydney) – ranked 142
8. UWA Business School (The University of Western Australia) – ranked
9. Research School of Management (Australian National University) – ranked 97
10. Griffith University – ranked 151-200

These schools offer a variety of business degrees, including MBAs, master’s degrees, and undergraduate degrees. They also have a strong research reputation and offer students the opportunity to network with top business leaders from around the world.

It is important to note that these rankings are just one way to measure the quality of a business school. It is also important to consider the school’s location, cost, and culture when deciding about where to study.

Interested in studying a business degree in top Australian universities? Get in touch and our friendly counsellors can make it happen!