Almost 620,000 international students chose to study in Australia in 2022 – that’s an 8% increase from 2021. The reason for the growing numbers? Australia’s impressive number of top-ranked universities, a relaxed student lifestyle, and the ability to take degrees in English (the sun and sand helps, too.)
But what do some of those 619,370 international students actually think about studying in Australia? In this article, we explore the different questions you might have about studying down under and offer you a glimpse at what real students think about their programmes, thanks to verified student reviews from the EDUopinions student reviews platform.
As well as giving you a first-hand look at what studying in Australia is like, we’ll also offer hints and tips about how to make the most of your time as a student in Australia.
So, read on to find out what studying in Australia is really like!
Why Do Students Study in Australia?
There are loads of reasons why you might want to up sticks and head down under for your degree. We all know that Australia is packed with beautiful beaches and lots of sun, but those aren’t the only reasons why more students are choosing to study in Australia each year. Here are a few more!
Quality of Education
Did you know Australia has one of the best education systems in the world?
According to the U21 Ranking of National Higher Education Systems 2020, Australia has the 9th best university-level education system in the world. This beats other popular international study destinations like the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany. Australian institutions also score highly for employment opportunities for international graduates and the research output of national universities. So, if you move to Australia, you’ll know that you’ll get a great quality degree.
Not to mention, there are lots of top-ranked universities to choose from if you study in Australia. Seven of Australia’s universities appear in the top 100 institutions in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University rankings. Many of these universities are located in New South Wales, the southeastern corner of the country and a hub of dynamic cities and incredible landscapes.
Student Review of Monash University
I enrolled into Master of Public Health at Monash University. Left with one more semester I can honestly say that I have had a well rounded experience at Monash. The university not only gave me quality education through credible teaching staff, it also gave me a platform to interact with like minded people from different cultural backgrounds.
The faculty of Monash University are very welcoming and are always ready to help in any way they can. The staff encouraged us and guided us throughout the course.
Studying at Monash University is definitely one of the best experiences of my life.
Student Review of University of New England
With committed teachers, a wide range of programs, and a welcoming community, the University of New England (UNE) provides a transformative academic environment. Smaller class numbers encourage personal relationships with teachers, and opportunities for experiential learning prepare students for future careers. For students looking for a comprehensive education, UNE is a popular choice because of its dedication to sustainability and inclusive campus life. It is highly suggested.
Graduate Opportunities
Australia can be proud of its strong jobs market at the moment. In particular, graduates in the country will find opportunities in the following industries:
- Government
- Professional services
- Healthcare
- Finance and Banking
- Mining
In Melbourne, technical industries like energy, ICT, and life sciences are thriving, contributing to making the state of Victoria a larger economy than New Zealand, Singapore, or Ireland! Meanwhile, Sydney in New South Wales is the place to be if you want to pursue a career in finance, business, tech, or communications.
Student Review of James Cook University
I would recommend James Cook University (JCU) which is located in the North Queens Land. I studied both Cairns campus and Townsville campus. I had a great balance between study and life in the beautiful tropical campus.
Also, they give us an opportunity to think about our future career during my degree. I actually changed my major which I am more passionate about. Even though I was an international student, I had flexible study options to find the best way for me to motivate learning.
I was living near the city therefore I used to study at the city campus. It is nice and quiet place to study with wifi environment.
I would recommend JCU when students want to study and enjoy their life in the beautiful city!!
Student Review of RMIT University
The University of South Australia made settling into uni life extremely easy and not that overwhelming. The facilities at the campus are great and they have everything you need whether it be for your studies or extracurriculars. People are also extremely nice and approachable.
Bucket-list travel opportunities
5.6 million people travelled to Australia last year to explore this unique country, and for many people, this is a do-or-die destination. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback and some of the best beaches in the world, there are sights in Australia that you just don’t get anywhere else.
Wherever you study in Australia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the amazing natural sights that are known all over the world.
Student Life While Studying in Australia
Another reason that students are increasingly heading to Australia to study is because of student life. While you study in Australia, you can feel at home in diverse, thriving cities and spend time exploring unique nature, contributing to a fulfilling international experience.
Australia’s relaxed lifestyle and diversity contribute to some of its most popular cities ranking highly for the student experience. In fact, this year Melbourne came 4th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, achieving an almost-perfect score of 97.3 (it was beaten by London, Seoul, and Tokyo). Sydney, meanwhile, also makes the top 10.
These Australian cities are known for their highly diverse population, meaning international students are never far away from people from their home country. Other elements that contribute to these city’s high rankings include the amount of parks and green spaces, the accessible public transport systems, the number of events each year, and the availability of career opportunities for students.
Student Review of Deakin University, Melbourne
My experience at Deakin University’s Master of Business Analytics program has been absolutely fantastic. Over the past five months, I’ve had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally in ways I never imagined. The campus is top-notch, with modern facilities and all the latest resources and technologies at our disposal. The professors are incredible, bringing real-world examples into the classroom and providing personalized attention when needed. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering a wide range of relevant topics and striking the right balance between theory and hands-on experience. What sets Deakin apart is their strong industry connections, which have opened doors to internships and networking opportunities. The university also promotes a vibrant campus life, with diverse student communities and numerous clubs and events to get involved in. Overall, I can confidently say that Deakin University has exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch education in business analytics.
Student Review of University of South Australia
The University of South Australia made settling into uni life extremely easy and not that overwhelming. The facilities at the campus are great and they have everything you need whether it be for your studies or extracurriculars. People are also extremely nice and approachable.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Australia
So, how much can you expect to pay to live and study in Australia?
On average, an international student spends about €1,679 (2,835 AUD) per month in Australia, though your expenses will differ considerably depending on where you live. For example, in cities like Melbourne or Sydney, your costs will be higher than if you studied in somewhere like Cairns or South Brisbane. Rent especially can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on if you live in the middle of the city, in student accommodation, or in a privately rented apartment.
Tuition fees will also vary depending on how long you need to study in Australia and whether you’re taking a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme. In general, though, you can expect to pay between €12,000-€27,000 per year for a Bachelor’s degree and between €13,000-€30,000 per year for a Master’s. Programmes like an MBA degree tend to be higher, especially if you study at a private university.
However, the good news is that there are plenty of scholarships for international students, including directly from the Australian government. The Australia Awards Scholarships are awarded to students from participating countries each year and cover full tuition fees plus air travel to Australia and a one-off stipend towards living costs. You can see if your home country is on the list of Australia Awards countries here.
Remember, you’ll also need a student visa to study in Australia. This will cost a one-time fee of approximately €370 (630 AUD).
Tips for International Students in Australia
1. Don’t forget you can work.
The Australian student visa allows students to work for 48 hours a fortnight, so if you’re worried about making the most of your budget (or need some extra cash to afford sightseeing adventures), consider getting a part-time job. This is also a great way of improving your English if it happens to be your second language, as well as gaining some vital experience in the Australian job market.
For many universities, you’ll also need an IELTS certificate to study in Australia, just to make sure your English is up to scratch before you arrive.
2. Don’t underestimate Australian summers.
If you’re travelling from the northern hemisphere to study in Australia, remember that the seasons in the southern hemisphere are flipped. So, if you’re heading abroad in August expecting warmth, it’ll be winter over in Australia!
The summers in Australia can also be an adjustment, especially if you’re from somewhere with generally mild weather. Cities like Brisbane and Perth can reach highs of at least 30C in the summer, which stretches from December to February.
3. Know the grading system.
Australian universities use their own kind of grading system, different to that used in the UK, US, and other countries. This can give some international students a shock if they’re expecting different grades to the ones that they’re getting. Plus, every Australian state uses a slightly different system, so make sure to check when you arrive at your university.
In general, though, universities categorise degrees using High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass, and Fail. These categories usually correspond to letter grades, and if you want the highest grade, you should generally aim to get above 85% in your degree.
Conclusion
Australia really does seem to have it all: incredible student cities, top-ranked universities, and lots of opportunities for career progression. And, from the looks of our student reviews on EDUopinions, international students love their experience of studying in Australia.
So, now you’ve got a better idea of what it’s actually like to study in Australia, are you ready to apply? You can find all our best tips on applying to an international university here.
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