The destination you choose will have a large impact on your life. It will be your home away from home, where you grow personally and professionally, and will also impact what you want to do in life – your career and where you want to go.
Australia is famous for adorable koalas, kangaroos and unique wildlife, but there is a lot more to the country than that. Australia is the 3rd most popular English-speaking destination to study abroad. 8 out of the top 100 universities are in Australia, as well as four of the world’s most liveable cities as well.
Education
As mentioned earlier, Australia is the 3rd most popular destination for international students in the world. Over 1,000 education institutions offer 22,000 courses and 8 out of the top 100 universities in the world are in Australia. National guidelines called the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) underpin every course and institution to ensure quality and high standards for all qualifications across all sectors. This is why education in Australia is world-class that is recognised and prepares students for success. For more information on education in Australia, click here to read our blog on why you should choose Australian Universities over other countries.
The people
Australia is a very multi-cultural society. 49% of all Australians were either born overseas or had one or both parents born overseas. While English is the main language, there are over 300 separately identified languages spoken in the country. This great mix of people and cultures creates a unique destination who are welcoming and accepting. Stroll down the street and you’ll be spoilt with choice with shops and restaurants from all different cultures. Having and embracing cultures from around the world is what makes Australia unlike any other country in the world.
The place
Australia is a beautiful place and nature plays a huge part in defining the lifestyle of the country. Ranked amongst the safest countries in the world (Global Peace Index 2018) and the safest country in the world for women (New World Wealth 2019), blue skies, clean air, drinkable water and pleasant weather can be found wherever you go. The abundance of space in Australia means individuals have the choice of living in bustling cities or can easily escape to more relaxed environments to find a natural pace of life that suits them. Regardless of where you choose to study in Australia – Australian cities allow students to enjoy cosmopolitan lives or to embrace the great outdoors.
Enjoying the great outdoors is a key attribute of Australian culture. Whether it is heading to the beach, soaking up the sun, hiking up the hills, going for a road trip, cycling or even a brisk walk, Australians love being outside. Supporting this lifestyle are a myriad of public recreation facilities like parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, cricket ovals, football (soccer) pitches, playgrounds, barbecue facilities and even golf courses. Australia is a great place to live if you want to take something up or are passionate about sport.
Work opportunities during and after study
Studying abroad is a large investment. International students in Australia can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during semester, and unlimited hours during semester breaks. Being able to join the Australian workforce while studying will provide financial support, but you will also better understand and feel connected with the culture. Working part-time will allow you to practice conversational English and build valuable life skills like team work and time management. There are also internship opportunities, which are highly valuable for your career. Click through to read more on Working while studying in Australia.
After completing your studies, there are a number of options available for you to stay and work in Australia to gain crucial work experience. International students enjoy up to two years post-study work rights across Australia, and up to three years in regional cities like Darwin, Cairns and Adelaide. For more information, read our blog on employment opportunities after competing studies in Australia.
If you’re interested in studying in Australia and want more information, click through to read how the Australian education system works.