Are you looking to study abroad? We know how important and stressful it is to choose the right destination when studying in foreign land. Selecting an appropriate destination is not an easy task. Various factors need to be considered focusing on the country’s quality education, work opportunities, multicultural environment, living conditions, IELTS requirements and quality of life.
When it comes to choosing a destination for international studies, Australia offers a range of opportunities. Australia is not only a beautiful place to live but also a prominent hub for education that attracts students from all over the world. Australia has some of the world’s finest colleges and universities. It is home to 43 universities with at least one university main campus based in each state or territory. So, what makes this multicultural nation such an attractive choice for higher education?
We will discuss the reasons why studying in Australia might be among the best choices for your professional and personal development in this extensive guide.
1. Academic Excellence
Australia has a world-class education system that is globally acknowledged for its excellence and innovation. Numerous highly regarded universities in the nation include:
- The Australian National University ranked at 30th globally in QS 2024
- The University of Sydney ranked at 19th globally in QS 2024
- The University of Melbourne ranked at 14th globally in QS 2024
- The University of Queensland ranked at 43th globally in QS 2024
- Monash University ranked at 42th globally in QS 2024
The quality of education at Australian Universities is unparalleled. You will be able to obtain a world-class education while living in one of the most diverse countries in the world. Australia’s regulatory agencies, including the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency(TEQSA), which makes sure all higher education providers adhere to national standards, demonstrate the country’s commitment to high-quality education.
For undergraduate programs, annual costs typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000, while postgraduate degrees cost between AUD 22,000 and AUD 50,000 per year. Fees may vary according to courses.
If you want to explore more, visit World class education | Study Australia to learn more.
2.A Wide Variety of Courses
Australia offers a wide variety of study programs across numerous disciplines. Whether your interests are in Accountancy, Actuarial Science, Medicine, Architecture, Computer Science and Information Technology, Tourism and Hospitality Management or Arts, there are plenty of options available to suit your academic goals.
To know further, you can go through Top 10 most popular courses for International Students in Australia.
3.Increasing Popularity
Australia is a migrant-fuelled country that is home to 12-million population and shelter to over 6 million of immigrants. Australia’s culture absorbed the values of many Asian countries.
Australia is the third most popular destination for international students with Australian universities providing a host of courses to pick from. There are more than 22000 courses available in 1,100 schools and universities. Due to its globally recognised degrees and the quality of education, students graduating from Australian Universities are sought after by employers all over the world.
Australia has always been one of the most favourable countries to study and live for international students. The Australian student visa acceptance rate for international applicants generally ranges between 85.1% and 86.7%. This rate can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin, academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and financial capacity.
4.Job Opportunities During and After Study
The Australian immigration system allows international students visiting the country on a student visa the chance to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks. This not only helps them gain valuable experience but also assists with their living expenses. The average hourly pay for international students in Australia is minimum AUD 21.38, so students can earn up to $855.20 per fortnight during the school term and more during school breaks. However, this rate may change based on the nature of work.
It is essential to remember that engaging in illegal employment or working more hours than permitted period might have adverse effects, including visa cancellation and deportment.
Students applying to the medical area may find excellent prospects in Australia’s emphasis on health-related fields like psychology and nursing. The country itself is offering bonus and extra payment for hiring medical professionals in rural areas. There are major job openings.
For more information on visas and work rights, check the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.
5.Safety and Quality of Life
Australia is generally a very safe and welcoming place to live and study. For the quality of life, Australia was ranked #2 among 187 nations in the Human Development Report published in 2014 of the United Nations.
In addition to their excellent educational systems, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane are well-known for their thriving cultural scenes, recreational opportunities, and medical facilities such as OSHC and medicare.
In Australia, Medicare is the public healthcare system that allows residents of the country to access physical and mental healthcare services. International students in Australia must apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is insurance that is designed specifically to help international students cover any medical expenses or hospital care that they might need when they are studying in Australia. It is important that every international student applies and starts their student health cover before they leave their home country.
See resources like Protecting the international student experience | Study Australia for additional details on safety and quality of life in Australia.
6.Welcoming Communities and Support Services for International Students
International students from all over the world are welcomed by Australia’s friendly, vibrant and multicultural communities. The vibrant multicultural environment in Australia is one of the best things about studying there. International students easily adapt and flourish in an environment where students from a wide range of backgrounds come from all over the world.
More than half a million international students from 192 countries choose to study in Australia. You will have the opportunities to meet people from all over the world, and it can help you expand your horizons and learn about new cultures. The Australian Government’s Multicultural Policy provides more information regarding multiculturalism and diversity in Australia.
Universities in Australia provide a wide range of support services for international students, including academic support, counselling, and career advice. This ensures that you have the resources and support you need to succeed in your studies.
To learn more about student support services and policies, refer to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and the various support pages available through universities.
7.Research Opportunities
Australia is also a home to some of the best research institutions in the world. Australia has earned a reputation as a leader in the world’s top one percent in 15 different fields of research- including space science, physics, computer science and clinical medicine. The country emphasises STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). For detailed information on research funding and achievements, visit Australia’s Research Council (ARC).
Some of the top research institutions like The University of Queensland are well-known for their advancements in cancer research, while Monash University is pivotal in pharmaceutical and biomedical research.
Studying a research degree in Australia is a popular choice, with international students making up more than 30 percent of all research degree students across the country. Australia’s commitment to global citizenship and innovation, together with outstanding graduate outcomes, will help you use your research in support of academic discovery for a better future.
8.Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Australia offers a wide range of scholarships, grants and financial support options for international students, including the Australia Awards Scholarship, which is funded by the Australian government and provides full tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances to recipients from eligible countries in Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Another notable scholarship is the Destination Australia Scholarship, which provides financial support to both domestic and international students studying in regional Australia.
International students may apply for and receive merit awards and scholarships from specific university scholarships such as the The Swinburne University Scholarship. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to motivate them to study.
Visit the website for more information.
9.Use of English
About 73% of the population in Australia only speak English at home. Studying in Australia is an excellent opportunity to enhance your English language skills.
In general, to study in Australia, you need to score an overall score of a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS, with no band less than 6.0 for your postgraduate options. For undergraduate courses, you need to have an overall score of a minimum of 6.0. The score requirements will be higher for courses like medicine, teaching and nursing.
Students need not worry about learning unfamiliar languages to communicate like in other countries. Sometimes, the Australian accent- which many people consider part of their national identity- can be difficult for international students to grasp. But, learning slang is all part of studying in Australia.
10.Cost of Living and SAV Processing
Compared to other countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Australia is relatively affordable. Studying in Australia requires careful planning for both tuition fees and living expenses. International students should generally budget between AUD 20,000 and AUD 27,000 annually for living costs, which can vary based on the city and personal lifestyle. Key expenses include:
For financial processing, particularly regarding proof of sufficient funds (SAV processing), students need to show they can support themselves throughout their stay. As of July 2024, the cost for an Australian Student Visa ( Subclass 500) application is AUD 1,600 for the main applicant. Additional costs apply if dependents are included: AUD 1445 for each dependent aged 18 or over, and AUD 390 for dependents under 18.
This usually involves providing bank statements that reflect adequate savings, financial sponsorships, or a student loan.
To know further about cost of living, Go through the website Cost of Living in Australia for International Students 2024.
11.Pathway to Permanent Residency
For information on pathways to permanent residency, visit the official government websites detailing Australia’s Skilled Migration Program.
Conclusion
Studying in Australia presents a unique opportunity for international students from all over the world. From world-class universities to beautiful natural landscapes and a multicultural environment, there are many reasons why studying in Australia is a great choice.
With affordable living costs, work opportunities, and support services, it’s easy to see why so many international students choose to study in Australia.
