Australia is one of the most desired study destination for international students, providing a perfect combination of a relaxed lifestyle with professional opportunities in a society that’s open and welcoming to foreigners. If you’re looking for a place to start, continue or finish your studies, this gorgeous Island is the place to do it, and here are 5 reasons why.
1. Welcome to the good life.
It’s hard to choose your study abroad destination, but Australia’s turquoise beaches and natural landscapes make it an easy decision. Having the 12th largest economy in the world, Australia invests in the population’s life quality, health and education, making their culture known to be one of the most relaxed in the world. Sports like surfing, hiking and biking are also known to be integrated into a lot of the Australian population's everyday life. With both rain forests and deserts, Australia’s landscape is mega diverse and offers many outdoor activities and natural sites for the wanderer's soul.
2. Top study institutions.
Australian universities are in the top ranked positions in many university rankings on a yearly basis. Some of the best universities in Australia include University of Technology Sydney, The Australian National University (ANU), University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Queensland (UQ) and the University of Adelaide.
With innovative facilities and research opportunities, these universities provide the optimal platform to grow professionally in the study subject you choose, whether it’s engineering, computer science, business, economics, law or arts.
3. You’ll never get home sick.
One of the common challenges in being an international student is feeling homesick and making friends, but in Australian universities, you probably won’t find yourself alone. Australia is one of the top study destinations for students coming from abroad, where over 20% of the students applying for Australian universities are international. You’ll probably find a large community of international students, just like you.
Other than attracting many foreigners, governmental bodies such as the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) and the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA), work hard to ensure their satisfaction and to protect their rights.
4. Tuition and living expenses are average.
Along with the right character traits necessary for studying abroad, there is also a financial criteria. The tuition fees in Australian universities range widely between the different universities and levels of studies, but if you are planning to do your Undergraduate Bachelor Degree, Postgraduate Masters Degree or Doctoral Degree, be prepared to pay a tuition of anywhere between $15,000 to $37,000 (AUS), according to Study in Australia (the governmental site for international students in Australia).
The living expenses also vary according to where you live. Living on campus can range anywhere between $90 to $280, and in a shared apartment $85 to $215 per week. Don't forget to also calculate additional costs such as health insurance, groceries, transportation and more.
4. Choose from a wide range of scholarships.
The Australian government invests about $500 million AUD a year on students through scholarships, grants and financial aid. The reason that international students are so highly encouraged to study in Australia, is due to the fact that the nation understands the positive effects that a network of international students have on the country’s economy and innovation. The transfer of knowledge and information brought by the masses of students which created a global network of students has proven to have positive impacts on the country.
Common scholarships offered to international students include:
5. Staying is an option.
The high demand for foreign intellectual work force in Australia is probably the main reason for the special work visa provided to international students after their graduation from Australian universities. Most English speaking countries which host international students have very strict immigration laws and visa restrictions regarding the length of their stay and work permissions. Australia on the contrary provides an easy route to stay for international students.
Using a point evaluation system, the government and immigration offices will assess which visa you could be provided if you decide to stay. The special visas offered to international students after they graduate are:
- 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa
- 402 Training and Research Visa
- 487 Regional Sponsored Visa
- 887 Skilled Regional Residence Visa
- 885 Skilled Independent Residence Visa
- 886 Skilled Sponsor Resident Visa
Providing these visas allow students that the Australian institutions have already invested in, contribute back with their knowledge and experience to the working industry.
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Photo taken by Linda Xu
So now that you've been convinced that Australia is the best place to study in the world, you're probably ready to hop on the first flight. Before doing that, consult with a coach to understand your needs and get help through the application process.
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There are certainly several options after graduation.
ReplyDeleteHey Kara,
DeleteThere certainly are. If you have studied abroad and know about the different options, feel free to share some ideas.
Thanks,
The GradTrain Team