How to study in Australia
I want to study abroad! You say, walking into your university’s study abroad office. You open the door and aaaaannnnddd… are faced with hundreds of countries you can study in, thousands of programs you can be a part of, and suddenly your decision to study abroad becomes a much more complicated one. How do you narrow it down to the best country for you?
‘Straya Mate.
Well, if you’re a fan of hopping the equator, exploring a multicultural society, and living in a perpetual state of sunshine, we’ve got the country for you: Australia! Or, as the locals call it, ‘Straya.
Studying in Australia FAQs
Why study in Australia?
Why study in Australia, you ask? Why not study in Australia? An island nation filled with sunshine, cuddly quokkas, diverse cultures from all over the world, and highly-esteemed universities - what more could you want? If you need convincing, here’s the inside scoop on why the Land Down Under should be on the top of your list for study abroad.
- Top-notch schools. You’re studying abroad, first and foremost, to expand your horizons and learn, so it helps that out of the top 100 universities in the world, eight of them are Australian universities. Australia has some of the best academic institutions around, with stunning campuses and competitive programs that can really set you ahead in your education and career goals. Studying in Australia is especially a good idea for students interested in research, since Australian universities are known globally for their extensive research programs.
- Beaches and jungles and deserts, oh my! Australia undeniably has some of the most beautiful and diverse natural wonders in the world. From its sweeping white beaches, to the Outback, to the lush forests, Australia is home to beautiful nature and exotic wildlife. Even if you’re not much of an outdoor explorer, studying abroad in Australia offers incredible opportunities for students to explore brand new landscapes that they’ve never seen before. Besides, who doesn’t want to meet a kangaroo, koala, or a quokka? (Just be sure to avoid the sea crocodiles).
- Multiculturalism. Believe it or not, Australia has an incredibly diverse population of immigrants from all over the world. This cultural diversity not only provides delicious food that ranges from ramen to ravioli, it also means you can learn from your fellow students, neighbors, and native Australians about different traditions, religions, political views, and lifestyles. When studying in Australia, you will expand your worldview and make friends from all around the globe.
- Lifestyle. There’s a reason why it’s so popular to study in Australia - the country is known for its fun-loving, laid back lifestyle that encourages fun in the sun just as much as hard work. Australians are all about that work-life balance, from school to your future days in the office, and this kind of mentality promotes a very healthy lifestyle. Students can prioritize their studies and make time to explore the country of Australia. Don’t forget to get involved on campus and make time to get to know your university and its students as well!
[Get matched with programs to work and study in Australia]
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie—Oi! Oi! Oi!
What is the general cost to study in Australia?
The study in Australia cost depends entirely, of course, on what sort of program you apply for and the lifestyle you choose to live once you arrive. However, Australia is known for having a higher cost of living. A semester in Australia in some of its biggest cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Perth for example) can cost international students anywhere between $4,000 and $8,000 USD. This includes tuition, living costs, and/or program fees. Don’t forget to also budget for daily expenses and travel! After all, those fancy avo toasts tend to add up after a while.
What are popular subjects to study in Australia?
Wondering what to study in Australia? Universities in Australia offers opportunities for students to pursue whatever subjects they’re passionate about, but Australian universities are especially well known for a few, specific subjects and research projects.
Biology
Australian universities are particularly well-known for all of their studies in all fields of science, and especially those with research programs. Biology and biological research are some of the leading subjects studied and ranked highly in Australian universities; so much so, that it is also one of Australia’s leading industries in the workforce as well.
Whether you’re interested in medicine, lab work, or even if you have a passion for swimming with sea turtles off the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has the biology programs that will take you where you need to go.
Check out these programs:
10,000+ beaches? Sounds like a rough life.
Business
As one of the largest economical outposts in the Pacific, with global ties to markets all around the world, Australia is the perfect place to study business. From local entrepreneurs to international trade, Australian universities offer study abroad students great opportunities to learn the ins and outs on how to kill it in the business game.
Check out programs here:
- IES Abroad in Sydney
- Murdoch University in Perth
Humanities
Because of Australia’s great cultural diversity, it has endless opportunities for students interested in studying the cultures of the world. Students of anthropology, for example, can study the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations of Australia, which are some of the most unique indigenous cultures still in existence today.
Check out programs here:
Can I work AND study in Australia? At the same time?
Hoping to expand your learning experience beyond the classroom? Luckily, study abroad students can work and study abroad in Australia! Australia is a powerhouse of an economy, and a major tradepost in the Pacific. What does that mean for you? Jobs! Australia has an abundance of jobs. Working and studying abroad in Australia at the same time is totally doable with a good school/life balance. International students in Australia on a student visa can work for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, but it’s important to remember that you can’t start working until classes have started.
Not only can you balance a part-time job and work and study abroad in Australia, you can also work there after you study abroad. After all, chances are Australia will completely sweep you off your feet and you’ll never want to leave. If that’s the case, you can quickly apply for a Working Holiday Visa and continue to live out your dreams on the Golden Coast and beyond!
[Download our expert guide on how to get the visa you need]
It’s like Finding Nemo—but in real life (#GimmesomeFin).
5 more insider tips before studying in Australia
Are you convinced yet? If you still need a little more background information on studying in Australia, how to study in Australia, and whether or not studying in Australia is worth it, check out these additional tips and tricks below!
1. Finding study abroad programs—Talk to the professionals
On the world’s largest island/smallest continent, there are study abroad programs a’ plenty! Whether you’re looking to strut your stuff in Sydney or make your mark on Melbourne, there’s a program for you. Talk to your study abroad office to see what they would recommend, then take your search online. If you’re still trying to figure out what program to study in Australia with, you can use MyGoAbroad tool to compare programs side-by-side!
Having issues narrowing it down? Don’t forget—you can always reach out to the experts themselves. Start with an online advisor! They’re a free online service that provide customized travel and study advice for adventurous students such as yourself.
[Talk to an Online Advisor to find study abroad programs in Australia]
2. Don’t hold back!
When you’ve finally arrived to your chosen city in the vast country of Australia, be sure to jump in headfirst and take advantage of all that your city and the surrounding areas have to offer! You might even want to check out GoAbroad’s guide on 10 Things to Do in Sydney for Students Studying in Australia.
3. Research, research, research
In case we haven’t said it enough: Australia is a huge country, and each city and area is very different from the next. If you’re looking for sunshine, beaches, and a laid back attitude, you might want to study in Perth. If you’re hoping for a multicultural urban feel with a seaside view, Sydney might be up your alley. Or if you’re into artsy coffee shops and an underground music scene, Melbourne is probably more your style. Before you study in Australia and choose your study abroad program, be sure to do plenty of research on where you’ll be living and if it will be a good fit for you, so that you can make the most out of your time abroad!
4. Practice your “good on ya”’s
Be sure to learn the local language! Yes, if you’re a native English-speaker, you’ll be able to navigate your way through Australia with pretty much no trouble, but it never hurts to learn a few slang words before you go! How else will you know how to respond when your new classmate asks you what’s the John Dory?
5. Be prepared!
Remember that if you live north of the Equator, the seasons will be flipped when you arrived in Australia. So don’t book a semester in Australia in August and expect summer weather! And speaking of which—Australia is equal parts sunshine and storms, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and your wellies! And, and, and, don’t forget to study up on what not to do in Australia before boarding that plane. You don’t want to look a fool in front of your new friends—or, heaven forbid, the koalas.
[Let us help make sure you're prepared! Download this pre-study abroad checklist]
Grab some mates, rent a camper van, and explore the insane outback.
Top organizations to help you study in Australia
There’s a reason why so many students want to work and study in Australia - it’s an amazing country! And because of that, there are a lot of study abroad programs to choose from. Narrowing it down to your perfect city and program can be a little intimidating, so we did some of the work for you. Check out a few of the top study abroad organizations for students looking to study abroad in Australia!
1. AIFS Study Abroad in Wollongong, Australia
329 Reviews | Overall rating: 9.41
Aside from the fact that it’s incredibly fun to say IFS’ study abroad program in Wollongong is an excellent program for students looking to get a real look into the wildlife and real lives of Australia. It’s a perfect combination of city life (getting to know Sydney through walking tours and museum visits) and outdoor exploration (surf lessons, meeting koalas, and visiting an Aussie sheep farm).
- Related: Read AIFS Study Abroad reviews
2. USAC Australia: Gold Coast and Brisbane
307 Reviews | Overall rating: 9.37
Live it up in the sunshine state of Australia and join a study abroad program that emphasizes a love for the outdoors! Explore beaches, coral reef system, rainforest, and scenic highways. And, yes, take that koala selfie! This program is a great fit for students interested in science, business, and outdoor recreational activities. You’ll absolutely love life in Brisbane, guaranteed!
- Related: Read USAC reviews
3. IES Abroad in Sydney
1251 Reviews | Overall rating: 9.43
What better way to fully immerse yourself in local Australian university culture than to directly enroll in schools like Macquarie University, the University of New South Wales, or the University of Sydney? Although a direct enrollment program lets you pave your own way in making a life with your fellow Australian classmates, IES Abroad also provides program excursions around Australia. You’ll be strolling the streets of Sydney like a local in no time!
- Related: Read IES Abroad reviews
4. CISabroad in Melbourne
1261 Reviews | Overall rating: 8.51
Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is the perfect city for those looking for an Australian experience, but with an artsy twist. CISabroad’s study abroad program for students wanting to study in Australia offers incredible academics, an exciting campus culture, and plenty of program excursions!
- Related: Read CIS Abroad reviews
Is studying in Australia worth it?
You’ll be over Koala-fied by the time your study abroad in Australia ends.
When looking at all the program application paperwork, visa applications, and the long, long plane ride that it will take to get to Australia, studying in Australia may seem kind of daunting. But living and learning in such an incredibly diverse and vibrant country for a summer, semester, or a year is absolutely worth the challenges you’ll face (yes, there are pretty big spiders over there).
You’ll have incredible adventures, appreciate other cultures, push your personal boundaries and—most importantly—learn about the world around you. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
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