Ishita - Southern Cross University

Video transcript

I came to Australia as an international student to study accounting. Now I am working in the industry doing what I studied.

Hi my name is Ishita and I am an accountant with WMS Chartered Accountants in Australia.

So, I studied Masters of Professional Accounting at Southern Cross University – this was a course for two years. Throughout those two years it was really a wonderful experience. It was studying as well as engaging with the University community.

I’m from Mumbai and it’s a pretty big city. I’ve always lived in a big city, so for me, I wanted to come to a place which gave me that balance of life – personal life, work life, uni life, everything – and Gold Coast was just perfect. Honestly, of all the cities the reason why I love Gold Coast is because it is beautiful.

When I had my interviews with a couple of universities I had applied to, of all Southern Cross was the most inviting and friendly. They shared all the links about Gold Coast, what I can do and where I can live.

Most importantly it was offered at a competitive price.

During my last exam I ended up getting a job here on the Gold Coast with an accounting firm. I got the call on last day of my exams, just before I was taking my exam, which was really good.

I would just say, for anyone who is applying to study at Southern Cross University, just do it, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

You’re going to love it and truly enjoy it. The studying will be good and so will be the life.

How one Mumbai student landed her dream job with a leading Australian accounting firm.

When Ishita Shah planned to study in Australia, she was looking to renew her life, explore and go on an adventure.

Having already completed degrees in law and commerce, Ishita decided to expand her resume with a Master of Professional Accounting at Southern Cross University.

Not only did she find the adventure of a lifetime, but she now works at WMS Chartered Accountants on the Gold Coast, Australia, a leading firm overlooking the city.

“My family and I were discussing whether I should go to Canada or Australia to study, and when I did all my research I wanted to come to the Gold Coast more than anywhere else,” she said.

“I’m from Mumbai which was incredibly busy and I felt like I was always running and trying to catch up with life, but when I migrated here it was less crowded and I really enjoyed the people, weather and the lifestyle. I was able to manage my personal life and University life really well.

“Southern Cross University offered the best core subjects and at a competitive price for international students, and was the most inviting and friendly university of all that I had my interviews with, which is why I chose Southern Cross instead of a university in Sydney or Melbourne.

“Southern Cross sent me links about the Gold Coast, where you can stay, what you can do, and it has definitely lived up to its promises - I’m so glad I came here. I’ve been to most other cities now in Australia but it’s been super friendly and exciting here on the Gold Coast. I’ve never faced racism at any point of time, and I’ve never felt unsafe walking on the street.

“The University’s student support team has been incredible and the tutors who taught my classes were amazing and very supportive, and we could reach out to them at any time for assistance and they often checked in to see how we were going.”

It was just before sitting her last ever university exam in 2017, Ishita got the call she had secured fulltime employment at a local accounting firm where she then worked for two years.

“I felt so blessed to find a job straight away and getting into the industry with some solid work experience right here on the Gold Coast,” she said.

“With my existing background in law with a specialisation in company law and degrees in commerce, my dual qualifications were very valuable. My goal back in 2015 was to grow in my profession as an accountant to be promoted to work at a higher management level while also being able to enjoy this beautiful country and travel with my husband.”

Ishita says for any students who are considering studying through Southern Cross, there has never been a better time to get a headstart on a degree online while still in India, ahead of moving to Australia as a student when the borders re-open.

“I would say to anyone considering studying with Southern Cross to take that leap of faith and do it! The support this University gives is truly incredible and they really take care of you. Eventually moving to Australia as a student is a rewarding adventure where it’s safe, a lot of fun and where you can receive world-class education at a University where they know you by your name.”

spacer

Our international student stories

Head and shoulders of smiling Diksha Gidwaney

Diksha

Being the first person in my family to move to Australia to study I wanted to find somewhere I would feel safe and supported, and also where I could fast-track my course if I wanted to.

Read her story

Head and shoulders of smiling Monica Nagpal

Monica

I enjoyed the wealth of knowledge my lecturers brought to the classroom and the supportive University community – especially the academic support people who gave me all the resources to help me understand the Australian education system.

Read her story

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to go through an agent to apply to study at one of Southern Cross University’s main campuses?

A: Yes, you need to send your application through an approved main campus agent to study at Southern Cross University. The agent will help you with your application process. To find out who your nearest city approved agent is please download the International Student Guide at the top of this page, or visit our Education Agents page.

How do I apply for a student visa?

A: The agent will assist you to apply for a visa from the Australian Government. More information on Australian study visas can be found on the Australian Government website.

When will Australian borders reopen to international students?

A: Southern Cross University is closely watching the announcements yet to be made by the Australian Government regarding when the border will re-open and when international students can arrive. Keep up to date with the latest government announcement on the Department of Home Affairs COVID-19 page.

What kind of accommodation is there and where can I live?

A: Southern Cross University offers services to help students find off-campus rental accommodation (UniStays) or accommodation at one of our on-campus residential colleges at our Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses. Off-campus accommodation options include houses or units that can be rented independently or with other people, and there are also private home-stay opportunities where students can live with a local Australian family.

Visit our accommodation for Southern Cross University students page for more information.

How much does it cost to live in Australia if I attend one of Southern Cross University’s main campuses?

A: Southern Cross University students studying at our main campus locations in Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast may benefit from the reduced cost of living compared to Australian capital cities. Visit our cost of living page for a general weekly guide for the cost of living for Southern Cross University students. These costs are considerably lower than what is shown on the ‘financial capacity requirements’ to get your visa. We also recommend that you use the student visa financial capacity requirements as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.

When will I know the outcome of my application?

A: After your agent lodges a full application on your behalf, if your application is successful Southern Cross University aims to have an offer to you within 3-5 working days.

What IELTS or comparative approved tests do I need to obtain to study at Southern Cross University?

A: The IELTS or equivalent English language standard varies depending on the course. Please visit Southern Cross University’s course and fees page for specific course information.

How many international students does Southern Cross University have?

A: In 2019, Southern Cross University had about 6000 international students studying across the main campuses at Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast from more than 40 different countries – making up just under a third of all student enrolments. India was in the top two nationalities of international students at Southern Cross in 2019-2020. To find more information about Southern Cross University’s student statistics, visit our ‘At a glance’ page.

Is it safe to live In Australia?

A: While Australia is considered one of the safest countries in the world, like any country, we recommend our students follow everyday safety standard procedures and community safety measures. Australia ranks number 13 in the world in the Global Peace Index, with a ‘very high’ rating for state of peace.

What is the food like in Australia?

A: Australian cuisine is very multicultural, with influences from regions around the globe. Students from South Asia can explore the many Australian cuisines on offer, but can also shop at South Asian/Indian specific food stores, or enjoy authentic Indian restaurant experiences. There are large, multi-generational Indian communities who live near Southern Cross University’s main campuses.