Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Colleges and Universities

1. Who are we?
4Nations International provides educational counseling service for students who are seeking overseas education. The services include advice and support for application to all education levels. We offer free advice for students who wish to study abroad.

2. What are some of the documents required in applying for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees?
 Completed Application Form
 All academic certificates and mark sheets or transcripts in English
 IELTS score
 Passport Photocopy

3. How long does it take to get the offer letter?
It usually takes about 4-6 weeks, but depending on the subjects and degrees applied for, it could be longer or shorter. For Diploma courses, it is usually within a week.

4. What is the difference between tuition fees and cost of living expenses between countries?
• Tuition fees vary depending upon the duration of the courses and the institution. Information on some undergraduate/postgraduate programs is available in the table below.
• Cost of living varies depending on the city and the duration of stay. Life style is another factor, which may affect the cost of living.
• We can help you as long as you can spend as little as AUD 2,000 for the first installment of your tuition fees.
Your 4Nations International counselor can give you the specific costs for all programs. Current exchange rates may be found at websites such as: http://www.xe.net/ucc/

5. In applying, what English test is required?
IELTS

6. Are there any scholarships and where can we find the information?
Usually, universities offer wide range of scholarships for international students. You can find more information from the Australian High Commission. 4Nations International can help you if you wish to study in self financed programs.

7. Are there any counseling fees?
Our services are free in most cases in Australia. Some nominal fees are applicable for visa processing. Overseas offices may charge a little nominal fee for visa

8. What are the benefits in applying through 4Nations International?
• By applying direct, students will have to gather information, contact, and follow up on the application and accommodation by themselves. These processes often consume time and cost.
• 4Nations International will provide you with up to date information on the entire process of your study abroad experience. 4Nations International, on your behalf, will co-ordinate with the universities in submitting and following up on the applications and the accommodation. In addition, our staff can assist and advise you on student visa and travel arrangements.

9. Are students allowed to work while studying?
In Australia, international students are allowed to work only if students have a work permit and working hours should not exceed 20 hours per week. To obtain the work permit, student must be enrolled in a course at the university. More information is available in DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship) web site, http://www.immi.gov.au/study/working/index.htm

10. What if I do not have the IELTS results or if the result does not meet the university or college's requirements, can I still apply for study to Australia?
Yes, we can help you by packaging with the preliminary English, foundation or pre-requisite courses before you go to main course. We will do this to ensure you meet the requirement for main course entry and visa as well.

11. Do I have to take the IELTS test again after I have completed the universities' English courses?
Sometimes but frequently the universities have their own English test at the end of the course. Check with 4Nations International counselor for more details.

12. How can students contact the 4Nations International staff while studying abroad?
4Nations International always welcomes questions and feedback from students. Our staff can be contacted at info@4nations.com.au. In addition, once students have arrived at the college or university, they should contact the college or university International Student office or 4Nations International head office in Australia for further advice either on your study, accommodation, or personal problems.

13. When does the academic year begin?
For Australia, the academic year of University programs begins in February. However, there are some programs starts in July and November. For diploma programs, the intakes are available throughout the year.

14. When is the best time to submit the application?
Since most universities have limited space in the university and in some courses, it is important to apply as early as possible. Therefore, students should plan ahead for at least 6 months before the academic year begin. For the most popular courses, you should consider applying as much as 10-12 months in advance. For diploma courses, 4 month’s in advance should be enough.

15. Is health check-up required in applying for visa and before the flight?
For Australia, medical certificate and chest x-ray is required in applying for your visa. Students must submit these when asked by the Australian High Commission prior to pre visa for some countries or at the time of the application to allow faster processing of your application.

16. When is the last day to submit the application?
Normally in Australia there is no specific deadline in submitting your application. The earlier you send the applications, the better chance you have in gaining acceptance.

FAQ: General Information

1. Is there any charge for 4Nations International's service?
No, our service for institutions in Australia is free of charge. Some nominal fees are applicable for visa processing.

2. Do you offer any scholarships or discounts?
Some of our universities offer scholarships for their students. For more information please contact our counseling department.

3. What is normally included in application documents?
Application form (can be received from 4Nations International)
 Personal photograph
 Transcript of your grades, certificates and mark sheets of all qualifications above secondary level (in English)
 English Language Certification (IELTS)
 Passport Photocopy
 Resume/CV
Proof of ability to pay all costs for your study aboard

4. What should we do if we want to stay in a university accommodation?
We will contact the university and will see that they arrange university accommodation for you.

5. What is the weather like in Australia?
Australia has a great weather conditions in general.

6. Why do I need to take IELTS? And what is the minimum requirement?
Your IELTS score will show the university your level of English language speaking and comprehension. The minimum requirements vary depending upon the institution and the course.

7. Will students have Internet access at the university?
Yes

8. Will they offer airport pick-up?
Some universities offer airport pick-up service while some suggest ways to find means of transportation from the point of entry. Your counselor will help arrange this for you.

9. What documents do we need for visa application?
Generally you will need:
 Completed 157A application form
 Passport
 Acceptance from the university
 Financial Statement or student loan
 Four photographs
 All certificates and mark sheets
 IELTS score
 Income Source & Relationship Certificate

 

Visa Lodgement - FAQ

Q. 1.Where / How should I apply for a visa for Australia?

Applicants applying for an Australian Visa are required to deposit their visa application at the
VFS Global Services Collection Center located in Nepal. The applications can be submitted at the collection center between 9.30am to 4:00pm from Monday to Friday.
STUDENT VISA CATEGORIES - For more Information on supporting documents Click Here.
• Independent Elicos Sector (subclass 570)
• Schools Sector (subclass 571)
• Vocational Education and Training Sector (subclass 572)
• Higher Education Sector (subclass 573)
• Postgraduate Research sector (subclass 574)
• Non- Award Sector (subclass 575)
• Aus Aid or Defence Sector (subclass 576)
• Student Guardian (subclass 580)

Q. 2. What is the service charge for VFS Global Services?
Please contact VFS Global Office or 4Nations International Office.

Q. 3. How do I lodge my application at VFS?
Your personal appearance at the VFS Global Services Collection Centers is not mandatory to lodge your visa application. You could avail any of the following options:
I. Anyone on your behalf can make the submission at the VFS Global Services Collection Centers. If you require the passport to be sent back to your representatives shipping address, please ensure that you complete the ‘Authorised Recipient Details’ in the Visa Application Form.
II. You can send your visa application directly to any of the VFS Global Services Collection Centers through courier/post. Please ensure that all fields in your visa application form have been completed to avoid any processing delays.

Please Note:
• The VFS Global service charges for applicants lodging their visa applications in Nepal will be paid in the form of Demand Draft favoring 'VFS Global Services', payable at New Delhi, amounting to Rs. 1250/- (INR).
• The DD for the visa application fees will have to be payable to 'Australian High Commission' payable at a branch in New Delhi.
• Applicants are required to write their name, telephone number, Passport number and address behind each draft.
• Please also attach along with the visa application form, a typed application duly signed, addressed to VFS Global Services Delhi, indicating the address at which the applicant desires the documents to be returned after processing.
• Incorrect or incomplete set of documents will not be processed, and additional charges for courier may have to be paid by the applicants.

Q. 4. Will I need to have a medical examination or a chest x-ray?

You may refer to the link: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/index.htm for the health requirements for Australian visa.
Note:
Applicants should carry a copy of the first two pages of their passport and 2 additional photographs for medicals.

Q. 5. Will I be called for an interview ?

If an interview is required you will be advised by an Australian visa officer after lodging the application.

Q. 6. How will the passport be returned ?

The passport/s will be returned via Courier/Postal Service to the address provided by you at the time of application.

Q. 7. How do I find out about the progress of my case?
Please refer to VFS Global or 4Nations International Office.
Email is the preferred method for essential inquiries regarding your visa application. Email the New Delhi Visa Office at dima.india@dfat.gov.au. Please remember to quote your case number in your email.

Q. 8. I have already lodged my visa application; can you let me know what additional documents are required by the High Commission?

VFS Global services are not involved in the assessing of the applications and would not be able to provide you any inputs on your query. Australian High Commission will contact you directly if any additional documents are required.

Q. 9. Where should I submit the additional documents asked by the Australian High Commission?

Please forward these additional documents directly to the Australian High Commission at 1/50G, Shantipath, Chanakya Puri, and New Delhi - 110021.

Q. 10. What should I do to withdraw my visa application?

Please fax the withdrawal letter to the Australian High Commission, New Delhi at 011-26887536 / 26887233.

Q. 11. I have a few doubts with filling up the visa application forms.

Please complete the application form to the best of your knowledge. Please respond to all questions in the application form. If you have no response for a question, put "n.a." or "not applicable." Also ensure that the form is signed and dated by the applicant ONLY.

For further clarifications please contact the High Commission at dima.india@dfat.gov.au

Q. 12. What are the e-mail IDs to contact the High Commission?

You can contact the High Commission at the following e-mail IDs:

For queries related to Visitor visa,email: India-visitor.visas@dfat.gov.au

For queries related to Business visa, email: India-business.visas@dfat.gov.au

For queries related to Temporary Residence visa, email:India.tempres@dfat.gov.au

For queries related to Student visa, email: India.students@dfat.gov.au

For queries related to Migration visa, email: India-migration.visas@dfat.gov.au

For general queries, email: Dima.India@dfat.gov.au

Q. 13. My visa has already been approved. How should I get my visa label?

In case you have received an oral communication from DIAC on the approval of your visa, please submit your passport along with a covering letter addressed to the High Commission stating the details on your approval and reference no.

Note: The VFS Global service charges for applicants lodging their visa applications in Nepal will be paid in the form of Demand Draft favoring 'VFS Global Services', payable at New Delhi, amounting to Rs. 1250/- (INR).

Q. 14. How long does it take to have my passport stamped/evidenced when my case was approved in Australia?

You should allow two working days plus shipping for visa evidencing.

Q. 15. What are the points that I need to keep in mind before lodging my Student visa application at VFS?
• All the documents should be punched at the left-hand corner, so that filing becomes easier and helps save time during lodgment at TTS.
• All the original documents should be submitted in a sealed envelope marked ‘Originals’ with the name & passport number mentioned on it.

Q. 16. How do I lodge my student visa application?
Please refer to the link http://www.india.embassy.gov.au/ndli/stdtchklist.html for the information regarding the lodgment of student visa application.

Q. 17. Can agents/educational agents submit additional documents to AHC for student visa? Can they send the documents to AHC through VFS even in cases where the application was not originally lodged through VFS Services?

Yes, additional documents can be submitted at VFS office (passport. COE letter or any other originals) for the student visa cases that were not originally lodged at TTS. However, this facility is not available for individual student visa applicants.

Note: The VFS service charges for applicants lodging their visa applications in Nepal will be paid in the form of Demand Draft favoring 'VFS Services', payable at New Delhi, amounting to Rs. 1250/- (INR).