- Australia, one of the most fascinating and highly developed, is the sixth-largest country in the world. Endowed with astounding beaches, plenty of wildlife, natural wonders, and cosmopolitan conurbations, the country offers some unique experiences that are hard to find somewhere else.
- With a population that originates from more than 200 countries, Australia is the most friendly and accommodating country in the world. The country’s outdoor activities have always encouraged people to come together, be it gathering around a barbeque or at sporting events.
- Australia is widely known for providing high-quality healthcare. Both public and private hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies and top-notch services. This has been reflected with a great overall health record of the Australian population, with life expectancy at birth set at over 81 years of age.
- Australia has also been a popular study destination for international students. It has eight of the top 100 universities in the world that offer more than 22000 courses across 1100 institutions. The country also boasts five of the 30 best student cities in the world, which include Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
- Every year, the Australian Government invests around $200,000,000 in international scholarships. Additionally, it evaluates that all the universities in the country to make sure they are maintaining high standards on an annual basis.
Popular Study Destination for International Students
Each year thousands of tourists visit this country to explore its dazzling beaches, natural landscapes, and wildlife.
It is the hub of world-class universities, a quality education system, and a high standard of living.
This country is also known as “The Land Down Under” as it is below the equator.
Every year the country attracts more than 300,000 international students due to its excellent academic programs.
Yes, it is none other than Australia, which is the second most multicultural country with a population of more than 23 million.
Are you also planning to study in Australia and wondering about the best city to live in? Read on to narrow down your research on finding the number of best universities in the different states of Australia.
Victoria
Melbourne: This city is ranked among the most liveable cities in the world. With world-class education providers offering credentials that are recognized worldwide, one needs no other reason to study in Melbourne. Many of Australia’s largest corporations are located in this city and national organizations like the Australian Council of Trade Unions & the Business Council of Australia have local offices here. The city also boasts a large number of leisure activities like sporting events, live music, and comedy shows.
Top universities of Melbourne:
- La Trobe University
- Deakin University
- Monash University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- University of Divinity
- University of Melbourne
- RMIT University
- Queensland
Brisbane: World-ranked education, perfect weather, and beautiful natural wonders are some of the most common reasons, why a large number of people prefer to study in Brisbane. It is the third-largest city by population and is widely recognized as Australia’s new-world city. Brisbane always strives to make international students feel at home. This is why; approximately 80% of international students have chosen this city to pursue their academic goals.
Top universities of Brisbane:
- Queensland Universities of Technology
- University of Queensland
- Griffith University
- Gold Coast
- Bond University
- New South Wales
Sydney: This city has been consistently voted in the top 10 most vibrant cities in the world. It has also been incredibly welcoming to international students and accustomed to embracing new cultures with 30% of the population born overseas.
Top universities of Sydney:
- Australian Catholic University
- University of New South Wales
- University of Technology, Sydney
- University of Western Sydney
- University of Sydney
- Macquarie University
South Australia
Adelaide: It is the fifth-largest city in Australia with a population of more than 1.2 million. A large number of international students choose to study in Adelaide because it is the most affordable city in Australia.
Top universities of Adelaide:
- Torrens University Australia
- Flinders University
- University of Adelaide
- University College London
- University of South Australia
- Carnegie Mellon University
Western Australia
Perth: Located on the banks of the beautiful Swan River, Perth is known for providing a healthy and safe lifestyle for both local and international students. The city also offers a unique learning environment with unparalleled academic resources to helps a student reach their full potential.
Top universities of Perth:
- Curtin University
- Murdoch University
- University of Western Australia
- Edith Cowen University
The Above universities have been ranked by the QS World University Rankings, which is an annual publication of 900+ of the top universities in the world by Quacquarelli Symonds.
Study Expenses
The cost of studying in Australia depends on the universities and the level of study you choose. Given below is the list to give you an indication of the course costs for different types of qualifications.
| Qualifications | Fee(In AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| School | A $7,800 to A$30,000 |
| Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) | A $4,000 to A$22,000 |
| English language studies | Approximate A$300 per week depending on course length |
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | A $15,000 to A$33,000 |
| Postgraduate Master’s Degree | A $20,000 to A$37,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | A $14,000 to A$37,000 |
Living Expenses
The minimum cost of living required by the Department of Home Affairs to issue a student visa is $20,290. This covers:
Accommodation Expenses
| First Child | A $3,040/year |
| Second Child | A $3,040/year |
| Dependents | A $7,100/year |
| Hostels and guesthouses | A $80 to A$135 a week |
| Shared rentals and On-Campus Accommodation | A $70 to A$250 a week |
| Homestay | A $110 to A$270 a week |
| Return Air Travel | A $2,000/head |
Weekly Expenses
| Groceries or eating out | A $80 to A$200 |
| Gas and Electricity | A $60 to A$100 |
| Phone and Internet | A $20 to A$50 |
| Public Transport | A $10 to A$50 |
| Entertainment | A $50 to A$100 |
Work Opportunities on Student Visa to Cover Expenses
Working while studying is one of the major reasons why a large number of international students choose Australia as their study destination. The Australian Immigration system provides international students on a student visa a chance to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during semesters and unrestricted hours during semester breaks.
However, before applying for work, international students need to visit the Australian Taxation Office to get a TFN (Taxation File Number). The process including submitting few details like name, current address, date of birth along with the date of arrival in Australia, passport, and proof of enrolment.
Australian Industries offering Part-time work. There is a wide range of industries in Australia that offer part-time work opportunities including:
- Hospitality (Restaurants, bars, and cafes)
- Agriculture (Farming and fruit-picking)
- Retail (Supermarkets and clothing stores)
- Tourism (Hotels and Motels)
- Tutoring
- Administration or Clerical roles
- Sales and Telemarketing
Ways to Find Work
- Online job sites and Newspapers
- Through the institution’s international student support staff
- Registering the details at a recruitment firm
- Work Rights
Australia’s Education System
Australia not only has the excellence for providing international education but great opportunities also to form a global network. Over the years, the educational institutes of Australia have nurtured the needs of their students by focusing on practical learning and a thorough understanding of different topics.
Like other countries, the education system of Australia is mainly divided into three broad areas – Primary School, Secondary/Senior Secondary School, and Territory Education.
Primary School: It runs for seven or eight years, starting from Kindergarten.
Secondary School: It starts from the years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10 and runs for three or four years.
Senior Secondary: It starts from the years 11 and 12 and runs for two years.
Territory Education: It includes both higher education and Vocational education and training (VET).
Vocational Education And Training
Australia is internationally recognized for providing the best practice in vocational and education training as the individual is assessed on his or her procurement of competencies and focus is given on the development of skills relevant to the field of skilled specialization.
Foundation Studies
Foundation Studies in Australia is also one of the great options for those who wish to be a part of an Australian university. Such programs are specifically designed for international students that allow studying a pre-university year within a fully accredited specialist program and typically last for a maximum of one year.
Australian Qualification Framework
Established in 1995 by the Australian Government, the Australian Qualification Framework helps to make sure that the qualification titles across the country are consistent and represent the same high standards of education.
It includes all Australian qualifications with clear rules about the level of education each qualification represents. This provides many benefits to international students as they find the best course and institution suitable to their needs without wasting time understanding different qualification titles.
International Students who are studying for an AQF qualification can always be sure of their institution to be Government-authorized and nationally accredited and the degree to be genuine.