34. How important is the Introductory Academic Program (IAP)?
It is very important. Attendance at the IAP is mandatory.
35. Can I contact my employer organisation during my academic year?
Yes. Keeping in contact with your workplace in Mongolia is encouraged and supported through a formal Communication Agreement and as part of your Reintegration Plan.
36. Do I have to maintain a minimum grade to continue after the first year?
Yes. You have to demonstrate satisfactory progress in your studies. Failure to do so may result in an Award being terminated.
37. Can I change my field of study once I reach Australia?
No. Your application was assessed and you were selected based on your nominated course of study.
38. Do I get any money before I leave for Australia?
No. An Establishment Allowance and fortnightly Cost of Living Allowance is paid after you arrive in Australia and have registered with your university.
39. Do I need to have extra funds with me when I arrive in Australia?
Yes. Experience shows that you should have AUD500 in cash when you leave the airport in Australia. This will help cover costs such as food and transport before you set up a bank account. There are currency exchanges in all international airports or you can exchange currency in Mongolia before you leave. Make sure you know Mongolia’s regulations about the amount you can take with you.
40. How much money do I need to live in Australia?
This depends on whether you are alone or your family joins you. If your family remains in Mongolia, you may have to support them while you are in Australia. If your family accompanies you, the Australian Government requires you to have enough funds to support them in Australia.
41. Who finds long-term accommodation for me? Is there on-campus accommodation for scholarship awardees?
You need to find your own long-term accommodation although the Student Contact Officer (SCO) can help. There is some on-campus accommodation but no special treatment for Australia Awards scholarship holders. Talk to your SCO about options.
42. What support is available to me to bring my spouse and dependents to Australia?
The Australian Government provides no additional financial support for an awardee’s dependents (spouse and children under 18). Awardees also need to arrange Overseas Health Cover for their dependents.
43. Who is regarded as a dependent under the Australia Awards?
Under Australian visa requirements parents, parents-in-law or siblings of a scholar are not dependents. They cannot accompany scholars to Australia.
44. How can I find safe, secure accommodation?
There is wide range of secure accommodation. You can arrange accommodation yourself or through the university. Talk with your Student Contact Officer (SCO).
45. Are there religious restrictions in Australia?
Anyone can practice their religion without restriction. People can wear what they want, pray, go to churches, temples and mosques as they need. Australia has effective law enforcement systems to support individual rights and independence.
46. Can my children attend school?
Yes. Each state has an excellent education system and it is compulsory for school-age children to attend school. Children are provided with a healthy and encouraging environment where their cultural and religious backgrounds are taken into account. Professional, qualified and trained teachers make it easy for international students to adjust to a schooling system.
47. Can my children access childcare, even if they do not speak English?
Yes. Children can access childcare, if there are spaces available at the times you want. Childcare centres are supervised by trained staff and offer meals, toilet care, activity groups, play areas, afternoon nap areas and emergency arrangements. A childcare admission form includes sections on religion. Childcare centres may be able to arrange short-term language support for children who cannot speak English.
48. What assistance can I expect during my stay in Australia?
All universities have student services centres to help awardees and provide emergency support. These centres can help arrange accommodation, access family support and, where possible, meet any special needs. Australian universities also have health and counselling services that are free (or offered at cheaper rates to students) and a range of sporting, shopping and other campus facilities.
The Australia Awards Mongolia program also has an Academic Adviser based in Australia who is also available to support awardees who face personal or academic difficulties.
49. Can I celebrate our national, religious and cultural festivals?
Yes. Most capital cities have community groups that come together to celebrate religious, cultural and/or national events and festivals.
50. Can I work part-time while studying in Australia?
Yes. Awardees can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during vacations. You must inform your Student Contact Officer before accepting work.
51. Can my spouse work while accompanying me on my scholarship?
Yes. Your spouse can work full-time while accompanying you.