Narrowing Down The Field of Overseas School Options

If you’ve decided to go to university overseas, starting your search for the right school may seem quite daunting.

Which schools offer the best courses in your chosen field? What country would you like to live in for the next few years? Where are you most likely to find other Canadian students who can help you find your feet?

If you start by answering these few basic questions, it may narrow the field quite considerably.

For many Canadians, Australia is a popular choice. The academic standards Down Under are extremely high; the cities are sophisticated and cosmopolitan; we share the same language – and the same sense of humour; and Australia has the best climate and the best beaches in the world.

Created in the traditions of the Northern Hemisphere’s Ivy League schools, Bond University on the Gold Coast in the state of Queensland has always had a strong contingent of Canadian students.

With less than 5,000 students on campus, it offers a very personalised and supportive educational environment, where you’ll learn in small classes with professors who know you by name.

As opposed to most other Australian universities, Bond schedules three full semesters per year with intakes for most courses in January, May and September. As such, you can start your university studies straight after your summer break, at the same time as you would if you were studying in Canada.

The tri-semester timetable also means you’ll finish your degree a lot sooner, with the average bachelor’s degree taking just two years (six semesters).

Located on a beautifully landscaped 50-hectare campus in the heart of Australia’s favourite holiday destination you’ll be studying and living five minutes’ drive from some of Australia’s best surfing beaches, ten minutes from the nightclubs, restaurants and cafes of Surfers Paradise, 30 minutes from mountain ranges blanketed with World Heritage listed rainforests and a one-hour train ride from the state capital, Brisbane.

With close to 50% of the student body hailing from overseas, Bond has a strong international focus and they make it very easy for students from other countries to apply.

In Canada, they have three representatives – in Westminster, Hamilton and Perth – where you can speak directly to an agent and get detailed information on the courses available. These agents can also help you lodge your application and assist with Student Visa and overseas health insurance forms.

Alternatively, you can fill in an application and lodge it online through Bond’s website at www.bond.edu.au/apply.

As a school-leaver, you won’t need to write a lengthy application essay or submit a portfolio. Bond recognises the Provincial High School Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and requires a minimum 65% average for five OAC subjects.

Other than that, you will simply need to nominate your chosen course and answer three questions about your career goals.

For more information about studying at Bond University, go to their website at www.bond.edu.au where you’ll find the contact details of their Canadian representatives or can download an application form.