Reasons to study in Australia as an international student

According to data from the Home Affairs Department on education.gov.au, Australia is home to over 943,977 international students.

This makes it the fourth most popular destination for international students globally, just behind the USA, UK, and Canada.

Since 2019, the country has seen a 45% increase in international student enrollment, highlighting its growing appeal as a top study destination.

If you’re still unsure about choosing Australia as your study destination, here’s why it’s a great choice.

Why do you want to study in Australia?

As a student in Australia, you’ll enjoy:

1. Top-notch education system

The country has one of the best educational systems in the world.

U.S. News recently ranked the best countries for education by surveying over 17,000 people worldwide.

Read also: How long you can stay in the UK after your student visa expires?

They assessed these countries based on the quality of their public education systems, the chances of people attending universities, and the presence of top-ranked universities.

Australia came out third with a 70.5 quality index rating, they also maintain a good employability score.

Read also: How early can you enter the UK on a student visa?

One of the main reasons to choose Australia as your study destination is the country’s high international student employability rate.

The country’s government has done an amazing job by investing greatly in education; making its graduates highly sought after by employers globally.

About 66.7% of international students in Australia find employment immediately after graduating, which is higher than in many other countries.

Several of the country’s universities consistently rank among the top in international rankings.

You’ll always find institutions like the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and the University of Sydney at the top of the chart.

The country’s institutions are popular among students who are interested in research, challenging academics, and high-quality teaching.

They focus on critical thinking, creativity and innovation which helps students get ready for jobs around the world.

If you’re wondering how the county maintains such a level of quality, the government have strict quality assurance mechanisms in place.

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) make sure that schools all over the country meet the top standards set by the government.

2. Immigrants friendly

If you’re an international student here, you’ll easily feel at home.

Australia has one of the largest populations of foreign-born residents in the world – both in total numbers and per capita.

The country also has one of the highest immigration rates globally.

In Australia, immigrants make up 30% of the country’s population – the highest among many Western countries.

The country welcomes foreigners with open arms.

Read also: Disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students

Its diversity will enrich your experience as an international student.

You’ll have the unique opportunity to experience different cultures and interact with people from various backgrounds while feeling like you’re at home.

3. Quality support system for students

Unlike in any country, you’re not alone in Australia. There are support systems to help you with whatever you need as a student.

Australian institutions are popular for how they welcome international students.

The country understands that it isn’t easy for students from other nations and continents to adjust to a new environment.

You have support like academic assistance, counselling services, and social programs – all designed to help you feel at home.

The system here is designed to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

Read also: What happens if you fail your visa interview?

In addition, universities have international student offices dedicated to guiding international students.

As a new student, they’ll help you with all your essential needs.

Furthermore, there are plenty of student groups and clubs – you can easily meet new friends and share experiences.

4. Opportunity for research

This should likely be your deciding factor!

Globally, Australian institutions are at the frontline of research and have produced results over the years.

They have significantly contributed to fields like medicine, environmental science, engineering, and technology.

Students in various institutions in the country gain from collaborations between the country’s institutions with industries, government bodies, and research organizations.

The country contributes 3.9% of the world’s research.

According to the latest Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, 89% of research areas in Australian universities are rated at or above world standard, with 62% being above world standard.

Being a research hub, the country spends hugely on research.

Recently, nature.com published an article on how Australia spent over $ 4 billion on research in four years.

You can read the article by nature.com here.

Institutions like the Monash University in Melbourne, the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Australian National University (ANU) have contributed greatly to research globally.

5. Funding options

If you are a student on a tight budget, Australia has got something great for you.

To attract talented students from all over the world, the Australian government in collaboration with institutions in the country offer numerous scholarships and funding options for students coming into the country to study.

There are programs like the Australia Awards and institution-specific scholarships that provide funding for students at all levels.

With these funding options, everyone will get access to quality education.

6. Work Opportunities and Post-Study Pathways

Working has become part of international education.

Many students use this opportunity to gain valuable work experience, relate with the locals and earn money from their jobs.

They also use the period to build a strong network that most times, proves profitable after school.

Australia offers work opportunities to international students in the country.

Read also: What happens when an international student drops out of college?

You’re allowed to work part-time during your studies and full-time during holidays.

This not only helps you support yourself financially but you also gain Australian work experience.

7. Post-Study opportunity

If you’re interested in staying back in Australia after your studies, the country has got your back.

Upon graduation, international students are allowed to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

With this visa, you can stay in Australia and gain work experience for up to four years, depending on your qualifications.

While on this, you’re also creating a path for permanent residency.

If you want to build a career in Australia after school, it is looking good already!

8. Globally recognized degree

As a graduate from any institution in Australia, your degree is recognized all over the world.

After your studies in the country, you’ll earn a valuable asset in your degree.

With it, you can get a job in any country of the world.

In addition, you’ll be welcomed into any institution.

Employers and universities globally appreciate the high standards of Australian education.

Because of this recognition, your Australian qualification will open doors to many opportunities.

Whether you want to work in your home country or abroad, your Australian certificate puts you ahead.

9. English-speaking country

Australia is an English-speaking country therefore, classes are conducted in the English language.

If English is not your first language, you have a unique opportunity to learn the language.

Being a student in an English-speaking country will help you improve your language proficiency, which makes you more employable in the global job market.

10. Unique travel and lifestyle experiences

“Studying in Australia gave me unique travel and lifestyle experiences I wouldn’t have found anywhere else.

I had the chance to visit amazing attractions, from beautiful beaches to vast deserts.

On weekends and holidays, I travelled to iconic places like the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Opera House.

I also experienced cool cities like Melbourne and Brisbane and enjoyed their lively art scenes and delicious food.

Living in Australia introduced me to an unforgettable outdoor experience.

I often joined barbecues with friends, surfed at the beach, and hiked in national parks.

I met people from all over the world, made lifelong friends and learned about different cultures” Chris Mood, Ex-Student, University of Melbourne.

10. High standard of living

“As an international student in Australia, the system here is great. I love it!

The cities are clean, safe, and well-organized, which makes me feel comfortable every day.

In addition, public transportation is reliable, and I find it easy to get around whether I’m going to class or exploring the city.

Aside from the cities, the healthcare system is excellent, and as an international student, I have access to top-notch medical services.

I live in a well-maintained student accommodation with some of the best amenities you can find anywhere else.

Everything is designed to make life easy for us, students.

The quality of food and water is exceptional, and I enjoy fresh, healthy meals every day.

The people are friendly and welcoming which made me feel at home immediately after I got here.

Overall, this is what I hoped for and I can’t get enough of it” Amrita, a Student at the University of Sydney.

Is studying in Australia worth it?

Studying in Australia is highly worth it. You’ll enjoy a high-quality education system, diverse cultural experience, and strong post-graduation opportunities, plus a globally recognized degree.

There are many top-ranked universities and colleges in Australia and they are good at what they do.

The institutions are research-oriented and set you up for a successful career worldwide.

Is studying in Australia expensive?

The cost of studying in Australia depends on which part of the country you reside, your program of study and institutions.

Studying in the country can be costly for students who live in big cities like Sydney and Melbourn and who are in programs that require higher tuition fees.

However, if you live in a smaller town and you’re in a low-cost program, you’ll pay less to study in Australia.

Tuition fees vary, and international students pay more than domestic students, however, the quality of education makes it worth the cost.

Living expenses in Australia for international students per month?

The living expenses for international students in Australia depend on where you live and the institution you’re studying.

Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have higher living costs compared to smaller cities or regional areas.

Read also: Which countries can I visit with a UK student visa?

On average, expect to spend between AUD 600 to AUD 2,500 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.

Australia has over the years proven itself to be a good home to students from all over the world.

The country presents a compelling study option for many reasons.

With its world-class education system, amazing cultural experience (which students enjoy), and high standard of living, picking Australia as your study destination will be a great choice.