Guide to Emigrating to Australia
One of the most beautiful and popular locations for UK citizens to emigrate to is Australia. The country boasts an amazing quality of life, stunning scenery, and a fantastic healthcare system for Australian citizens and emigrants alike.
PBS International have put together the following guide on everything you need to know about emigrating to Australia. The guide outlines the research you need to conduct, the healthcare and education system, visas, working life, and retiring in Australia. PBS International has answered all the frequently asked questions we get asked about the prospect of emigrating to Australia.
Whether you are thinking about emigrating, in the process of emigrating or just curious about what emigrating to Australia could look like, this guide will answer all your questions. PBS International are a reputable and leading freight forwarding company in the UK and often help customers with their freight needs for relocating to Australia as well as many other countries across the globe.
Moving to Australia
The first question that is often asked when looking at moving to Australia is whether you will qualify for entry. Australia has several working visas you can apply for to travel to or stay in Australia for a certain amount of time. Below is a list of the working visas available to expats from the UK:
Working Visas
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa
- Skilled Nominated visa
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa
- Temporary Work (short stay specialist) visa
- Temporary Work (international relations) visa
- Distinguished Talent visa
Please note, all visas will allow you to bring eligible family members with you by sponsoring or applying for an entrant visa for them, excluding temporary work visas.
Healthcare in Australia
Healthcare in Australia is one of the best in the world. The country has two types of healthcare options, similar to the UK. Medicare, which is a public healthcare service, or individual private medical insurance. The UK and Australia have reciprocal healthcare agreements, which lets Australians and UK citizens received a certain level of healthcare in both countries without having to pay. However, it is always advised to get international health insurance when travelling or moving to another country so you are fully covered.
Medicare
Australia has a publicly funded healthcare system called Medicare. Medicare is paid through income deduction and covers essential medical costs, although the system does not cover all-inclusive medical needs, and most ex-pats are not eligible. However, Medicare does cover British citizens to a certain extent due to the Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements. Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements covers Australians and British citizens in helping to pay towards essential medical costs when visiting either country retrospectively.
If you become a permanent resident, you will be covered by Medicare. Notably, Medicare does not cover the costs of prescription drugs, the dentist, hearing or visual aids, and physiotherapy.
Individual Private Medical Insurance
Individual private medical insurance is another option for ex-pats, the advantages of obtaining private medical insurance outweigh the risk of not having anything to fall back on for medical cover. Search around for a few quotes and the benefits of each IPMI and make an informed decision on which policy to take out for you and your family. IPMI’s will be specifically tailored to suit the needs of you and your family.
Education in Australia
Australia is known for its world-renowned education system, with many ex-pats relocating to Australia for this very reason. The Australian government put an emphasis on the diversity, quality and committed excellence to their education system, specifically in research, teaching, and student support. Expat’s children have a vast range of schools to look at when they move to Australia, with the option of public schools, private institutions, and international schools all around the country.
Australia’s school system is commonly divided into government/public and non-government/private schools. The performance of the institutions is monitored by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
International schools can be found all over Australia, however, it is known that there are fewer schools of this kind in comparison to other popular ex-pat countries. International schools around Australia have a high price tag and it is warned that fees for international schools can be enormous. The most popular international schools around the country have a waiting list and most potential students will have to pass an exam prior to acceptance into the institution.
Quality of Living
Australia is known for its amazing quality of life, with low pollution rates, high life expectancy and low-stress levels reported in comparison to other countries across the globe. The UN report ranked Australia as the second-best country to live in relation to quality of life, by assessing the economic, education system and life-expectancy.
Australia is currently ranked as the 16th highest cost of living in the world, with the UK in 33rd place. Although Australia has a higher cost of living, the overall benefits of life quality outweigh the higher price tag. It is noted that Australia’s life expectancy is 82.5 years, and with the gorgeous places to visit over the country, the breath-taking lifestyle is one that no one would want to miss out on.
Freight Forwarding to Australia
PBS International offer air freight and sea freight to Australia. If you are relocating to Australia, we can help you with all of your moving needs. Find out more about how we can help you relocate to this exquisite country.
If you need assistance with pet travel, PBS Pet Travel can help you to relocate to Australia without having to worry about how to bring your pets with you.