The benefits of studying in Australia

o you dream of studying in Australia? In 2020, more than 878,000 international students enrolled in courses in Australia – with 45% of students coming from China and India alone.

The country offers a range of benefits for international students, including prestigious universities, multicultural cities, beautiful landscapes to explore, and more.

Let’s delve into everything that makes Australia a great study abroad destination:

Quality education

Did you know that Australia has one of the best education systems in the world? Australian universities and educational institutions have a great reputation, and are looked upon favorably by international students and employers alike. In fact, according to the QS World University Rankings 2021, a number of Australian universities are ranked among the best in the world, including:

• The Australian National University ranked at 31
• The University of Sydney ranked at 40
• The University of Melbourne ranked at 41
• And The University of Queensland ranked at 46

The global university rankings take into account things like quality of education, fees, faculty and employer reputation – all important things to consider when deciding on a place to study.

Cost of Living

Compared to other study abroad destinations, like the UK or the US, the cost of living in Australia is relatively affordable. The Australian Dollar is the currency in Australia. Keep in mind that $1 AUD is equivalent to about $0.77 USD, so your money is likely to go further here.

That said, the average cost of living in Australia is about $20,000 – $30,000 AUD. The Australian Government website provides a great breakdown of average living costs for students around the country, including:

• On campus accommodation – $110-$280/week
• Shared accommodation – $95-$215/week
• Groceries and dining out- $140-$280/week
• Public transport – $30-$60/week

However, your cost of living will depend on what institution you attend and where you’re located in the country. Large cities like Melbourne will be more expensive.

Use of English

If you’re looking to master English, Australia is a great place to put your language skills to the test. About 73% of the population in Australia only speak English at home.

Australian slang – which many people consider part of their national identity – can be difficult for international students to grasp. But, learning the slang is all part of studying in Australia, mate.

A multicultural lifestyle

Australia is diverse and multicultural, which makes studying here a truly unique experience. Roughly 30% of the population is made up of immigrants; in 2019, people from every single country in the world lived in Australia! You can learn more about immigration trends in the country here.

Beautiful landscapes

Australia boasts stunning cities, beautiful beaches and arid deserts. Students who study here have the opportunity to places like the Great Barrier Reef, the 12 Apostles, the famous Sydney Opera House – and so much more. What’s not to love?

Job opportunities before and after graduation

Most student visas in Australia allow you to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the semester. Better yet, the minimum wage is nearly $20 AUD/hour. This is a huge plus for people studying in Australia.

For students that want to work in Australia full time after graduation, the Australian government also offers temporary graduate visas. These allow students to remain in Australia to live and work temporarily – as well as bring their families with them.

Keep in mind that because of Covid-19, it is difficult to travel to Australia right now. However, you can still apply for a student visa to study. This way, when travel opens up again, you’ll be ready to depart.

Don’t forget to read our Australian student visa application guide here.

Feeling excited?

At PTE Academic, we can help you achieve your Australian study dreams. Our English language tests are fast, flexible, secure, and accepted by all universities in Australia. Learn more here.