Working in Universities in Oz

[Kimdunja]

Hi all

Its my first time on the forum, but have read quite a few of your posts, and am now far more clued up - you're all great!

Right, I am a University Lecturer in the UK about to be made redundant. You may or may not be aware that UK unis have just had 80% of their budgets cut, so things are looking grim. I love my career and have received recognition for my teaching and research, so would like to continue in an environment where unis are not facing problems to the extent they are at home, and am considering Australia.

For info, I am 29, single, no kids, British National, native english speaker. I have a BA, MA and PhD (Politics / International Relations / Urban Studies), four years teaching experience at University level, and one year teaching English as a Foreign Language in Bosnia.

Does anyone have any experience of working within universities in Australia, or have knowledge of the Higher Education sector? Any advice regarding the situation would be very gratefully received!

Thanks

K

[stroopwafel]

Hi,

I worked at a uni for a little while just after my Msc. Haven't done my PhD YET so can't teach, but that is what I want to do in the end.

My department had nearly only non-australian teachers. If I were you I'd start with contacting uni's and applying for jobs.

[fish.01]

These ratings may help you:

University Ratings | The Good Universities Guide

http://www.isubscribe.com.au/title.cfm?ID=32393

http://www.australian-universities.com/rankings/

[MicheleW]

My OH is a University lecturer but is currently working on research. Prior to moving to Australia she got in contact via email with people at the universities in Brisbane and advised them that she was moving over and would love to meet up and discuss opportunities. We only arrived three weeks ago but she has visiting status at QUT with her own office (unfortunately no pay as yet) and has made more great connections at both UQ and QUT.

As far as teaching classes goes and working as a research assistant things aren't really happening right at this moment due to it being the end of the year, however things are meant to pick up again soon.

For advertised jobs and potential sponsorship you may wish to look http://www.seek.com.au as there are often roles posted there. As a general rule University Lecturers are not listed as a Skilled Migration requirement, however I did see that the ACT will assist with sponsorship if you have a job offer from an ACT uni.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Kimdunja]

Hi again all!

Thanks for your tips etc - it seems as though Aussie Unis are in a better (but not brilliant) position relative to UK ones...

I am just hoping that with the new points system where points for qualifications have more weight than for trades, I'll stand a better shot for a visa

Thanks again!

[connaust]

Most Australian universities are preparing to cut budgets and staff numbers (most rely upon sessional or casual teachers) due to changes with the immigration system and student visas. Accordingly, new enrolments from Australia's most significant markets i.e. India and China, have fallen off a cliff meaning numbers have started to drop as has income, this will continue till....?

For up to date news on Higher Education see The Australian Higher Education Supplement (like the THES).

[Kimdunja]

Thanks Connaust, although of course that wasn't comfortable reading... Looks as though Australia may not be a practical solution for me.