Showing posts with label news &events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news &events. Show all posts

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

A Free European Cheese Festival is Coming to Sydney This October


According to the latest cheesy announcement, France (rather, a Parisian centre for cheese) is bringing Bon Fromage, a free two-day European cheese festival to Sydney. It will be held at Carriageworks on October 14 and 15.

Last year Melbourne dedicated 3 days to cheese festival, and this year it’s Sydney’s turn to luxuriate at a two-day cheese festival. More than 500 kilograms of finest aged and fresh cheese have been brought from Europe to Carriageworks for Bon Fromage.

This cheese festival isn’t just about sampling mouthwatering cheese. Free class will be held on how to match cheese with wine, how to tell the difference between creamy and stinky cheeses and learning about the history of European cheese. There will be also stalls selling cheese for you to take home and savour later.

All the cheese is presented by the Centre National Interprofessionel de l’Economie Laitière (CNIEL), with the support of the European Union. A French cheesemonger, Xavier Thuret is even brought to festival, introducing us about Brie, the best known French cheese nicknamed "the Queen of Cheeses", and sharing some local knowledge.

Bon Fromage will run at Carriageworks from Saturday, October 14 to Sunday, October 15, 11am-6pm. And did we mention that entry is free and cheese is free! If you're learning English at Scots in Sydney, it's a good idea to attend this festival.

Make sure you visit the Facebook page @European Cheeses Australia for more information.

Wednesday, 21 June 2017

4 Australia International Postgraduate Research Scholarships


The information below is about Australia international postgraduate research scholarships from the University of Adelaide, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Murdoch University.

For your information:

The information below is about Australia international postgraduate research scholarships from the University of Adelaide, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Murdoch University (2018 admission).


Awarded by the University of Adelaide, ASI is for all research disciplines and intended for two-year Masters degree by Research and three-year Doctoral research degree studies at the university. An extension is possible for doctoral programs only. The scholarship includes course tuition fees, annual living allowance, and overseas student health cover (OSHC) (if award holder holds a subclass 500 visa).

For eligibility, applicants are required to have successfully completed at least the equivalent of an Australian First Class Honours degree – a four-year degree with a major research project in the final year. Academic merit and research potential are considered for the scholarship. Extra-curricular achievements are not considered.

International applicants are not eligible for the scholarship if they have not provided evidence of their satisfying the minimum English language proficiency requirements for direct entry by the closing date of the scholarship, or have not completed a Pre-Enrolment English Program to meet the entry requirements for the intended program of study.

The next deadline is 31 August 2017 for Semester 1, 2018.


The University of Sydney. Image via List Top 10 
Offered by the University of Sydney – one of the most prestigious universities in Australia, the UsydIS is available to international postgraduate students who aspire to a research study pathway. The scholarships are open to all research disciplines. However, participation in the USydIS program Research Period 2 and Research Period 3 are at the discretion of the Dean of each faculty. 

The USydIS will cover tuition fees and living allowance for up to three years with a possibility of one semester’s extension for PhD students. Only students commencing in both March (Research Period 2) and July (Research Period 3) are eligible for these scholarships. Accordingly, the deadline is 31/07/2017 for Research Period 2 (admission in March, 2018), and 15/12/2017 for Research Period 3 (admission in July, 2018)


As one of the highest ranked research universities in Australia, the University of Melbourne has more than 100 research centres and institutes located in the areas with many medical research institutes, hospitals and corporations in Australia. Each year up to 300 MRSs are awarded to both domestic and international students wishing to pursue their Masters and PhD research degree studies at the university. Maximum duration of this scholarship is two years for a Master by research degree and three and a half years (3.5 years) for a Doctoral Research degree.

The university has certain fund for MIRS, and each faculty has certain scholarships. This scholarship is for Masters and PhD only, applicable to all postgraduate research disciplines at the university.

MIRS provides the following benefits: 
  • A living allowance of $26,916 per year; 
  • A relocation grant of $3,000 for international students; 
  • A thesis allowance of up to $420 for students undertaking a Master by research degree or up to $840 for students undertaking a Doctoral degree; 
  • Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave. 
To apply for the MIRS Scholarship, you must have an offer letter from the University of Melbourne confirming your participation in any of its postgraduate research programs. Also, students who are currently enrolled in the school can apply for the scholarship.


Murdoch University is a public university in Perth, Western Australia, with campuses also in Singapore and Dubai.

Applications are being invited from qualified international students for scholarships to undertake the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD) at the university. This is a prestigious scholarship awarded on the candidate's academic merit and research potential.

The scholarships cover research degree tuition fees, health insurance and a living allowance. Travel and relocation costs are the responsibility of the applicant; however, the university supports their IPRS recipients with a (partial) allowance for relocation and airfares. 

An applicant must provide evidence of having achieved English language proficiency requirements. They are IELTS Academic 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90 (no individual band less than 20). For exceptions, an IELTS requirement of 7.0 is required for Nursing, Education and Pharmacy. Also, the prerequisite for the IPRS scholarship at Murdoch University is that applicants must have completed a Bachelor Degree with first-class honours level or equivalent, or have a Masters Degree with satisfactory research preparation equivalent to at least 12 credit points. 

The next deadline is 30/09/2017.

If you are looking for a premium-quality English language course as a step to meet the scholarship and enrollment requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. Scots English College is committed to the highest quality of educational outcomes and the provision of quality student services evident through the delivery of our range of ELICOS courses to international students.

SCOTS ENGLISH COLLEGE PTY LTD T/A SCOTS ENGLISH COLLEGE
ABN: 91 605 117 575 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03497A
Campus: Level 11, 99 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9119 6086 
Email: admissions@scotsenglish.edu.au

Thursday, 8 June 2017

International Students in Australia: Numbers Soar, ELICOS Jumps by 38%

Australia has boosted its popularity as a world-class study destination with a notable increase of 15% in international student numbers in the first three months of this year compared to 2016. The ELICOS sector jumped by almost 38%.

Surging international student numbers

international-students-in-australia

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection received over 111,000 student visa applications in the first three months of the year, up from 94,000 for the same period in 2016, according to the Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham. “In 2017 Australia hosted a record number of international students as more than 550,000 students from over 190 different nations flocked to our shores”.

The latest figures have indicated Australia’s popularity as a world-class education destination. As confirmed in a 2016 survey by the Australian government, the top reason that international students choose to study here is the reputation of the Australian education system.

Minister Birmingham said the Australian Government was committed to bolstering the sustainable growth in international education and protecting the strong practical measures outlined in Australia’s first National Strategy for International Education 2025.

Numbers increase across all sectors

international-students-in-australia
Students who finished their ELICOS courses at Scots English College
“All education sectors had experienced growth in international students during the first quarter of 2017 – the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students [ELICOS] sector grew by almost 38%, the higher education sector by almost 23% and the VET [vocational education and training] sector by almost 13%”, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke said.

Top 5 source countries sending foreign students

The number of enrollments from China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Nepal has increased, with China showing the highest growth in numbers (almost 30%). These top 5 source countries accounted for 54% of all international student cohort in Australia.

Wednesday, 7 June 2017

Which Is the Cheapest Australia Supermarket?

Well, CHOICE has the answer!

cheapest-australia-supermarket
Cr: Pixabay
Which is the cheapest?

According to the latest CHOICE supermarket price survey, the supermarket chain Aldi has been named as the cheapest supermarket in Australia, surpassing rivals Coles and Woolworths. The survey revealed customers can save almost $80 a shop at Aldi.

The survey made a price comparision of 33 popular products at Woolworths, Coles and Aldi across 110 supermarkets in Australia, including Tim Tam, OMO laundry detergent, Coca Cola, Nutri-grain, Dairy Farmers Milk and five fresh fruits and vegetables. Aldi was named the cheapest ($91.76) above Woolworths ($168.74) and Coles ($170.54). 

In the budget brand category, Aldi was the cheapest basket ($102.50) ahead of Woolworths (112.89) and Coles ($113.10). 

Which with most Australian ingredients?

Despite its cheaper prices, Aldi fails to keep pace with the other 2 rivals when it comes to stocking leading brand products with some Australian ingredients. According to the nationwide study found of the 28 food items in the brand basket, Coles had 22 containing some Australian ingredients, Woolworths had 21, Aldi had 17. 

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Tuesday, 16 May 2017

Overseas Students Ombudsman Provider E-News Edition Nine: Important Updates

Updates about the Overseas Students Ombudsman quarterly statistical report, its presentations at a number of events, the soon to be established Vet Student Loans Ombudsman, and the national code.

Quarterly statistical report (January – March 2017)

The Overseas Students Ombudsman quarterly statistical report is now available on our website. Check out our infographic below for a brief overview of the report findings.


Thursday, 11 May 2017

Australia Opens First Free Supermarket for Anyone in Need

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Image via Digital Majority
Australia’s first free supermarket was opened by OzHarvest in Sydney last 27 April. This is great for whoever needs it!

The OzHarvest Market offers a range of products from fresh fruit and vegetable, fresh bread and pastries, health snacks, ready-made meals, dried and packaged goods such as rice and pasta to toiletries and home products. It indeed operates like a normal supermarket; however, there’s a donation box in exchange for a cash register. Anyone can come and take what they need, and give back if they can.

All of the supermarket goods have been donated by other major supermarkets, cafés, airlines and businesses in Sydney.

Located at 147 Anzac Parade in Kensington, the OzHarvest supermarket is open weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

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Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Six Parks in Australia Honoured among the World's Best

Do you know six parks in Australia have been placed among the world’s best? Two of Sydney’s favourite parks have been named in the list.

We know that many Australian parks are top notch, but it seems that world’s park lovers have noticed how great they are too. Six parks in the country have been recognised among the world’s best parks, receiving the international Green Flag Award this year.

Green Flag Award and its criteria

Launched in 1966, the Green Flag Award scheme is managed from the United Kingdom by Keep Britain Tidy, an independent environmental charity. The award is given out by green space experts who assess parks around the world across eight criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, community involvement and providing a warm welcome.

Six Australian parks awarded

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Centennial Park  (via Pixabay)
Six parks in Australia have been recognised by the Green Flag Award scheme. They are Centennial Park and Sydney Park (Sydney), Roma Street Parkland and South Bank Parklands (Brisbane) and Royal Park and Fitzroy Gardens (Melbourne).

Located in the inner-Sydney suburb of St Peter’s, Sydney Park has been upgraded in the past few years, including a playground, a kiosk and amenities buildings, and the city’s largest piece of stormwater harvesting infrastructure. 

Centennial Park is located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. It is one of Australia’s most famous park and is listed on the New South Wales Heritage Register. The park features gardens, ponds, grand avenues, statues, historic buildings and sporting fields.


As the largest in Melbourne, Royal Park features a diverse landscape with wetlands and grasslands. Green Flag judges described its Nature Play playground as “a well thought out and maintained facility”. 

Fitzroy Gardens has been praised by the Green Flag judges for the way it has been well maintained while experiencing a high number of visitors. The gardens got a $13.9 million makeover in 2015, including a new visitor center, a cafe, a garden area and a underground stormwater tank.

Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane was designed by PARC (a consortium including Gillespies Australia, AECOM, DEM Design and Citvitas Urban Design). The park was praised by landscape architecture academic Catherin Bull for the way the “design challenged and extended, for the first time, the local tradition of exotic display planting, incorporating plants not only from the world’s subtropics but from many of Queensland’s forgotten or ignored ecosystems.”







Enjoy Top 20 Australian Songs (with Huge Impact on the World)

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Australian music has had an enormous impact on the world. Their top-notch musicians, composers, bands and songwriters have made the world's many greatest hits. Enjoy these top Australian songs, and many of them may become your all-time favourite songs.

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Sounds Australia (Australia's music export platform) has supported over 700 Australian music artists at more than 50 different international events in 50+ cities across 20 countries, resulting in over 1200 unique international performance opportunities for artists in this country since 2009.

Australian music artists have hit great heights internationally include Sia (with '1000 Forms of Fear', 'Cheap Thrills', etc.; writing or co-writing global hits for Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, David Guetta and Flo-Rida); James Gabriel Keogh (better known as Vance Joy) (with song 'Riptide', etc.); Courtney Barnett (nominated for International Female Solo Artist at the 2016 Brit Awards and for Best New Artist at the 2016 Grammy Awards); Flume (producer and DJ who has released two internationally successful albums); Tame Impala (won a Brit Award and have been nominated for Grammy Awards for both of their albums. Their latest album 'Currents' has got big success, too); Sheppard (with 'Geronimo', etc.). 

Let's enjoy top 20 Australian songs. Many of them may become your all-time favourite songs.

1. Chandelier - Sia


2. Sound of Silence - Dami Im


3. Riptide - Vance Joy


4. Pedestrian at Best - Courtney Barnett


5. Holdin On - Flume


6. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards - Tame Impala


7. Geronimo - Sheppard



8. Girls Talk Boys (from the "Ghostbusters" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - 5 Seconds of Summer


9. Never Tear Us Apart - INXS


10. Down under - Men At Work


11. Flame Trees - Cold Chisel


12. You're the Voice - John Farnham


13. Can't Get You Out Of My Head - Kylie Minogue 


14. Into My Arms - Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds


15. Better Be Home Soon - Crowded House


16. Thunderstruck - AC/DC


17. Treaty - Yothu Yindi 


18. Friday On My Mind - The Easybeats


19. (I'm) Stranded - The Saints


20. Under The Milky Way - The Church


Tuesday, 25 April 2017

Two Australian Attractions Listed in the Best of 2017 by Lonely Planet

If you are looking for some of the most exciting and new things to do in 2017, then travel to Australia. Australia has two destinations that make Lonely Planet’s top 10 best new openings this year.

Many people consider Australia as the first choice of study destination. Not all, this country boasts the world's top dream destination for travel. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic adventure, mesmerizing journeys, amazing nature, great food and wine, fascinating events and culture or relaxing islands and beaches, there is nothing like traveling in Australia. 

Australia has two two destinations that make Lonely Planet’s top 10 best new openings this year. These are the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia and Pinky’s Eco Retreat and Beach Club on Rottnest Island. Ranked in Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.

travel-to-australia

Ranked 3rd, the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail opened last October offering a five-day 61 km trek around this botanically unique island’s most spectacular landscapes. Pinky’s Eco Retreat and Beach Club is listed as 8th best newly openings this year. It is set to open in 2017 on the environmentally-sensitive Rottnest Island known for its wildlife and beaches. The retreat will come with 29 four and five-star eco-tents with ensuites, 10 affordable ‘family’ tents and 35 budget tents. It will also have a licensed bar and restaurant area with amazing views over the ocean to Perth.

Other attractions also on the list are Museum of the American Revolution (Philadelphia); Lava, Hvolsvöllur (Iceland); Musées Yves Saint Laurent Paris and Marrakesh (France and Morocco); Akagera National Park (Rwanda); American Writers Museum (Chicago); a 141-day cruise on the Viking Sun from Miami to London; Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru); Design Society (Shēnzhèn, China).

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Monday, 24 April 2017

Anzac Day 2017: Important Things You Should Know

It will be the 102nd anniversary of the Gallipoli landing and the 101st anniversary of Anzac Day. The words ‘Lest We Forget’ are often spoken this day. For international students in Australia, this will be a valuable opportunity to learn more about Australian history and to enjoy the atmosphere of this day of remembrance. 

1. What is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day falls on April 25th every year and marks the anniversary of the landing by Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli (Turkey) in 1915. It has been a public holiday in Australia since 1927. ANZAC is formed from the initial letters of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. It is the first big military action fought by Australians and by New Zealanders, and the first big nationhood demonstration by both countries.

2. Who were the Anzacs?

anzac-day-2017
Image via The Australia
The Anzacs were originally meant to refer to men who were at the landing and fought at Gallipoli, but it later meant any Australian or New Zealand soldier in World War I (WWI). And now Anzacs have been those who lost their lives in all Australian military and peacekeeping operations.

3. What is Anzac Day’s motto?

Its motto is ‘Lest We Forget’. This phrase is uttered after the reading of the Ode of Remembrance, a poem called ‘For the Fallen’ (by Laurence Binyon in 1914). The main, the fourth and middle verse of the poem is quoted at Anzac Day ceremonies and other remembrance ceremonies.
“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.”
4. What is the Anzac spirit?

The Anzac spirit is what is focused on in the Anzac Day. It was put into words by Sir William Deane, Australia's Governor-General on ANZAC Day 1999: 
“Anzac is not merely about loss. It is about courage, and endurance, and duty, and love of country, and mateship, and good humour and the survival of a sense of self-worth and decency in the face of dreadful odds.”
5. Why is Anzac Day important? 

Sunday, 16 April 2017

Australian Born Overseas Percentage Soars to Highest Level in 120 Years

According to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australian born overseas percentage has reached its highest level in over 120 years, with 28.5% of Australia’s population born in another country.

australian-born-overseas-percentage
Source: ABS
According to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australian born overseas percentage has reached its highest level in over 120 years, with 28.5% (or 6.5 million) of Australia’s 24.1 million population born in another country. "Australia has traditionally had a high proportion of migrants, but we've now hit a peak not seen since the late 1800s," said Beidar Cho, ABS Director of Demography.

Percentages of migrants from ASEAN neighbours increase considerably

australian-born-overseas-percentage
Source: ABS
The proportion of Australians born in ASEAN neighbours has increased over the last 10 years, especially the proportion of residents born in China and India which more than doubled over the past decade. Meanwhile, those from Italy, Germany have fallen. 

Median age of migrants

The change in migrant mix has been shown in the differences in median age of certain groups. Migrants born from Germany, for example, had a median age of 64.1% in 2016 (from 58.8% in 2006). This indicates the aging of existing migrants. On the other hand, migrants from China have seen a reduction in median age from 38.7% in 2006 to 34.7% in 2016.

Net interstate migration

Looking at Net Interstate Migration for 2015-2016, Victoria secured its first spot with the net gain increasing to 16,700 compared with 10,200 from the previous year. Queensland had the second highest net gain from interstate migration with 11,600.

Sydney's population has over 5 million for the first time


australian-born-overseas-percentage

According to the ABS, for the first time, this largest city in Australia has a population of over 5 million. At June 30, 2016, its population reached 5,005,400 – up 82,800 from the previous year, revealed Beidar Cho. "It took Sydney almost 30 years, from 1971 to 2000, to grow from 3 million to 4 million people, but only half that time to reach its next million," Cho said.

Cr: Scots English College - a prestigious school with premium-quality ELICOS courses






Thursday, 13 April 2017

Scots' Teachers & Students Had Great Time before Easter Break 2017


This was how Scots' teachers & students welcomed Easter 2017!

When Easter was just around the corner, Scots English College didn't miss the chance to hold an interesting campus Easter competition. Students have to guess how many eggs are in the jar. They have to pay $1 for a guess and the winner gets money and the eggs as well.


After counting the number of eggs (it was 244 - a nice number right?), we found out the winner. Guess who? It turned out to be one of our teachers. Congratulations to her for her sweet win!

Also, have a top, safe Easter break, all our teachers and students!

Please see below for more photos and video:
























Tuesday, 11 April 2017

International Students in Australia 2016: The Numbers Hit a Record High, Nine out of Ten Satisfied!

According to the Department of Education and Training, the number of international students studying in Australia broke the record in 2016 with 554,179 international students enrolled in courses in Australia, an increase of over 10% from 2015. Also, the 2016 International Student Survey revealed that nine out of ten students were pleased with their study experience in Australia.

“With record student numbers and record student satisfaction, 2016 was a ‘gangbuster’ year for international education in Australia and further demonstrates the vital role it plays in our national economic and social prosperity,” said Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham.

Enrolments boomed across all sectors

international-students-in-australia-statistics-2016
International student enrolments by sector, 2013-2016. Source: Australian Department of Education and Training
43% were enrolled in the higher education sector in 2016, rising by 12,9% to 306,691 from 2015. The VET sector enjoys the same growth when international student enrolments increased by 11.6% to 187,801 last year. English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) accounted for 21% of all international students, increasing by 4.3% to 151,110.

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Considerably More International Students Are Choosing Australia

why-australia-is-best-for-international-students

Australia has managed to attract more and more international students to study in the country through its great education opportunities, simpler visa process and secure work opportunities.

1. Reputation as a popular study destination for international students 

international-students-in-australia-statistics-2016
International student enrolments by sector, 2013-2016. Source: Australian Department of Education and Training
Australia has been popular among international students. According to the Department of Education and Training, the number of international students studying in Australia broke the record in 2016 with 554,179 international students enrolled in courses in Australia, an increase of over 10% from 2015. Also, the 2016 International Student Survey revealed that nine out of ten students were pleased with their study experience in Australia.


2. Simpler visa process and secure work opportunities

why-australia-is-best-for-international-students

Prospective overseas students may also find Australia as one of the best places to study because of smoother visa application process and work opportunities. The government recently developed the simplified student visa framework (SSVF). It also released the first National Strategy for International Education 2025, a 10-year plan for strengthening its international reputation for high quality education and training, driving collaboration in education and research. The plan also shed light on improving graduate employability.

International students can work part time during their studies and may remain in Australia for up to four years after graduation (dependent on their visa).


3. Great opportunities to study


There is an impressive number of study options for overseas students with over 1,200 institutions and 22,000 courses in Australia to choose from. Australia has the third highest number of international students behind the UK and US. For overseas students who need English language training before commencing higher level studies in Australia or who wish to improve their English language skills for work or life back in their home countries, they can choose quality ELICOS courses solely dedicated to international students.



Tuesday, 21 March 2017

Harmony Day 2017 at Scots English College: We Enjoyed to the Max (Videos Alert!)

Harmony Day is celebrated on March 21st every year. It is a day to celebrate cultural diversity in Australia. The day is organised by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection. We had a fantastic and memorable day of celebration at Scots English College.

At Scots, we gathered together to celebrate cultural diversity, respect and a sense of belonging. We sang, danced, talked, laughed, shared and spent good time together. We also feasted on Australian food and lots of other foods from all parts of the world!

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Source:

Scots English College - a government registered ELICOS provider that offers various premium quality ELICOS courses right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. 

For detailed contact information: 

SCOTS ENGLISH COLLEGE PTY LTD T/A SCOTS ENGLISH COLLEGE 
ABN: 91 605 117 575 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03497A 
Campus: Level 11, 99 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 
Phone: +61 2 9119 6086