Over 550,000 international students enrolled in Australian universities and colleges this year. With its many beaches, vibrant cities, and friendly locals, Australia is often one of the top choices for students who want to study abroad!
Are you beginning to consider your post-secondary education options? Studying abroad should definitely be on your list! International education is an impressive addition to any resume in our modern, global society. Plus, you’ll be able to travel and experience a new culture.
So why study in Australia? Let’s look at ten amazing benefits of getting your degree on this beautiful island!
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1. World-Class Education
Seven of Australia’s universities rank in the top 100 in the world! It’s clear that going to Australia for college means getting a world-class education.
International students choose these five schools most often for their range of courses and amenities:
- Monash University
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Queensland
- RMIT University
All of these universities have an international student population of more than 20%. These diverse schools are the perfect places to expand your worldview and learn a new way of thinking. Australia places a heavy focus on problem-solving and independent thinking within its education system.
There are over 40 different universities to choose from with degrees spanning all fields of study. In fact, you’ll have over 22,000 program choices to consider if you study abroad in Australia. Including one of the world’s best MBA programs at the University of New South Wales Business School.
Some of the world’s leading scientists, doctors, and designers are graduates of Australian universities. The country has even produced 15 Nobel Prize winners! Who wouldn’t want to join that exclusive group?
2. Incredible Diversity
Australia is truly a multi-cultural island. This is a top reason why international students choose to study in Australia. You’ll never feel like an outsider in this land of diversity!
1 in 4 Australians were born overseas and over 20% speak a different language at home. Chances are that you’ll probably find your language and culture within your new community. And it’s a great opportunity to interact with students from different cultures!
These countries’ students make up the highest enrollments numbers in Australian universities:
- China
- India
- Brazil
- Nepal
- Malaysia
- South Korea
But it isn’t just about making friends and learning about new cultures. Connecting with your new classmates and networking means expanded job opportunities. Building a strong network of potential business associates will give you an advantage in a global market.
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3. Amazing Nature
One of the most obvious benefits of going to university in Australia is the incredible landscape. Beautiful beaches, vast deserts, and towering forests will be yours to discover.
Want beaches and sunshine on a budget? Look for a school on the Gold Coast where living costs are 40% lower than the big cities. If you’re more into downtown life, choose Melbourne or Sydney.
Maybe love snowy mountains and an eco-conscious lifestyle? Tasmania is an amazing, off-the-beaten-path location! Want to experience the real Australian outback? Head to the Northern Territory and explore some gorgeous national parks.
Whatever lifestyle and environment you prefer, Australia has an option for you. Even if you base yourself in one of these locations, you can easily travel and explore the country during semester breaks and long weekends.
4. Safe and Friendly Communities
With a low crime rate and a stable government, Australia offers a secure place to study. It’s consistently voted one of the safest places in the world to live!
Of course, dangers still exist, and being careful is always encouraged. Australia is no stranger to environmental dangers such as bushfires. But as long as you take precautions, this island is full of safe and friendly communities to make your new home!
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5. High Standard of Living
According to the Better Life Index, Australia ranks high for its standard of living. Civic engagement ranks at the top among other countries in the world. Wealth, environment, health, and housing are all above average.
It also ranks 8.6 for education and 8.8 for overall life satisfaction! Higher than average numbers for most countries. It has a high life expectancy of 83 years. That could be due to Australia’s clean air and fresh water, which ranked higher than average.
Beyond that, Australia’s modern cities offer cultural activities, green spaces, and community events. A high standard of living is one of the best benefits of going to university in Australia.
6. Internships and Job Opportunities
If you’re worried about gaining experience while you study, don’t! Many programs offer internships and work-study opportunities for international students.
Research has shown that companies prefer to hire someone with experience. A recent study supported this, with 91% of employers looking to hire graduates with experience. Internships and work opportunities through universities in Australia can give you an advantage.
Additionally, students can work part-time jobs if they want to make some extra money. International students can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester. Want to earn even more cash? You can work full-time during semester breaks!
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7. International Scholarships
Studying abroad can be expensive. Out-of-country students usually pay higher tuition and need to cover their cost of living. But Australia makes it easier with multiple scholarship opportunities!
The Australia Awards is a government program that offers scholarships for international students. In 2020, they awarded 2,075 of these to students from developing countries.
Destination Australia is another government plan that supports students studying in regional Australia. Students can receive a scholarship worth $15,000 each year for their studies.
There are also government scholarships available for master’s and doctorate courses. Beyond that, each university offers its own combination of scholarships and subsidies. So if you think you can’t afford to study at a college in Australia, you’re probably wrong!
8. Extensive Support Services
Australian universities want their international students to succeed. They offer a large list of student support services at every college and university. These include:
- Language translation services
- Childcare
- Mental health counseling
- International student advisors
- Employment services
- Student accommodations
- Arrival and orientation help
- Academic support
- Disability services
- Student associations
- Religious facilities
There are also two representative bodies for international students, CISA and AFIS. Council of International Students Australia (CISA) is the national representative for all out-of-country students. Meanwhile, the Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) aims to help students adjust to life in their new country.
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9. Simplified Visa Process
Some countries can have challenging and lengthy visa application processes. Australia extends a simplified visa process for students from most countries.
You can apply online six weeks before your university course starts. You’ll need to provide proof of enrollment and of having enough money to support yourself. You must also meet language, health, character, and insurance requirements.
The student visa lasts up to five years and allows you to travel in and out of Australia as much as you want. You can even bring family members with you!
10. Lively City Life
If you’ve always wanted to experience the vibrant Australian city life, Sydney and Melbourne are the spots for you. Culture, food, shopping – these two have it all!
Australians “live for the weekend” so you’ll likely see the city alive with people on Saturdays. You can shop in high-end designer boutiques or vintage stores. Have lunch at a trendy café and dinner in a historic restaurant. Enjoy the sun on the beach or a shady picnic in one of the many parks.
The city life doesn’t stop at night when people crowd the bars, restaurants, and clubs to socialize. Meet new friends at happy hour or classmates at a study cafe. Australia’s lively city life will keep you busy when you’re not in class!
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Is Studying Abroad in Australia Right for You?
After reading these ten amazing reasons to study in Australia, you may be wondering if it’s the right choice for you. Consider the following, do you want to:
- Experience a new culture
- Improve your English skills
- Meet new friends
- Make business connections
- Gain work experience
- Graduate from a world-class university
- Find a job in Australia
- Explore stunning nature
If you answered yes to these questions, Australia could be the perfect study abroad location for your post-secondary education!
Why Study in Australia?
Beautiful beaches, amazing nightlife, and high quality of life make Australia a desirable location. Australian universities and colleges are globally recognized. So whether you find work in your country, abroad, or Australia, you’ll be ahead of the game.
Now that you know why studying in Australia is a fantastic option, it’s time to make some plans! You’ll need to narrow down a major and a location. You should also start looking into scholarships and other funding to pay for tuition.
At Goodwall, we connect students with opportunities for their future. Looking for scholarships or internships? We can help! Our community of 1.7+ million members will be there to support you along the way!
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