F.A.Q.

Questions:

♦   Why get an international education? 
♦   Why choose KOM Consultants?
♦   When do the semesters begin?
♦   What academic qualifications do I need to apply?
♦   Are photocopies of official transcripts acceptable for applications or are originals necessary?
♦   How soon will I know if I am accepted?
♦   How much are tuition costs?
♦   How much are accommodations?
♦   Do the universities offer airport reception?
♦   Can I work while I am studying in Australia or Britain?
♦   Will I be eligible for financial assistance?
♦   Are there opportunities to meet other students who will be studying at the same Australian university as myself prior to leaving Canada?
♦   Do I require health coverage in Australia as a student?
♦   Do I pay the university application fees, as well as the KOM the registration fee?
♦   Are all Australian teachers certificates considered valid in Canada?
♦   When accepted, is it better to pay the entire tuition in full or to pay it in installments?
♦   Can you apply to KOM if you are NOT a resident of Ontario? 
  
Answers:

When do the semesters begin?
The academic year in Australia starts in Autumn which is the February intake.  The end of the academic year is November.  Depending on the Australian university and specific program, a mid year intake may be available in July.  British schools generally begin in September. 
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What academic qualifications do I need to apply?
For post-graduate certification, a 3 or 4 year degree is required. Teacher training applicants may enter with a 3 or 4 year degree. 

Students may also opt for "Study Abroad" term or year at the Undergraduate or Postgraduate level. Credits earned in this way are applied back to the home degree for graduation requirements.
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Are photocopies of official transcripts acceptable for  applications or are originals necessary?
You should submit one set of sealed official original transcripts, either interim or final, along with your applications.

If your studies are still in progress, you may be given a conditional offer based upon successful completion of current studies. You will then be expected to send a sealed official, original, final transcript.
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How soon will I know if I am accepted?
KOM is proud of the close relationship with the University International Offices which allows our clients quick turn around times on their applications.  Upon receipt of the application and transcripts from the student, KOM will forward your documentation to the universities of choice. Allow approximately four weeks for the average response. All correspondence will come to you through KOM Consultants.  Professional programs such as Medicine, Physiotherapy, etc may have specific application deadlines and first round offer dates. 
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How much are tuition costs?
Fees vary according to university and program. British costs range from £7000 - £9000. Australian tuition is generally $AUD17,000 for one academic year.  A Masters degree would be approximately $AUD20,000. "Study Abroad" fees are in the range of $AUD8000 per semester.
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How much are accommodations?
Britain advises £300/month for living expenses. Australian accommodation is approximately $AUD170.00 per week depending on location. 
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Do the universities offer airport reception? 
Australian universities do provide airport reception.  This service is provided to the student.  Most universities will not charge for this service. Once a student has their flight booked, he/she should complete a university airport reception form either downloaded or online. 
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Can I work while I am studying in Australia or Britain?
In Australia, students holding a student visa, may work up to 20 hours a week during full time study and full time during holidays. You may also seek work in Britain.
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Will I be eligible for financial assistance?
You may be eligible for a provincial loan.   Please refer to the KOM resource tab for additional details. 
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Are there opportunities to meet other students who will be studying at the same Australian university as myself prior to leaving Canada? 
We at KOM Consultants try to ensure that you have the best support system with this huge adventure that you are undertaking.  KOM hosts an information session prior to the beginning of each semester to give students pre-departure information, helpful tips and opportunity to meet with other students.  We also set group flights with Pacesetter travel for students wishing to fly with other students.
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Do I require health coverage in Australia as a student? 
All students entering Australia to study must have Overseas Health Coverage (OSHC).  OSHC is similar to OHIP and gives basic coverage over the duration of studies.  Most universities include the OSHC in the initial deposit as listed on an offer letter.  You will not be able to obtain a student visa until you have OSHC.
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Do I pay the university application fees, as well as the KOM the registration fee? 
KOM asks students for a non-refundable registration fee of $70can.  University application fees are waived when using the services of KOM. *with the exception of University of Sydney, University of Adelaide and professional program supplementary fees.
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Are all Australian teachers certificates considered valid in Canada?
We specialize in teacher training and we will guide you through the proper choices of subjects and schools.  We recommend that students research with the Provincial Teacher Certification Board to ensure requirements are met. 
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When accepted, is it better to pay the entire tuition in full or to pay it in installments? 
Tuition is usually paid by the semester. Australian Government requires all International Students to pay the first semester's fees, plus Overseas Health Coverage before an Australian Student Visa may be issued by the Australian High Commission. Thereafter, fees are generally paid by the semester although some people opt to pay them all up front.
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Can I apply to KOM if I am NOT a resident of Ontario? 
Certainly, you can apply to KOM if you are not an Ontario resident. Our students come from across the country - some are also Canadian living and working abroad and we support them from Ontario as well.
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