We are plagued with questions when we desire to study abroad, especially to visit the Land Down Under. Is it worth it studying in Australia? Why is Australia better than other countries? Can I make a good life there? Making a home outside your own takes a lot of confidence. Is Australia a good place for international students? Except for the fact that over 37,000 Indian students were granted student visas for Australia in 2018-19, we won't ever know if it is worth it until we go there.
Australia is home to some of the best institutions around the world. Its immaculate research opportunities and dynamic, refreshing work-life hook the students. But no one can promise you that Australia will land on your expectations if you don't believe it yourself. It would help if you were open to all kinds of shifts you can imagine in your life and a bit more.
Why Should You Study in Australia?
Known for globally recognized programs, cultural diversity, friendly natives, and a high standard of living, Australia is one of the most sought destinations for students worldwide.
Affordability
Many courses in Australian universities are designed to be shorter but with a broad scope. Thus, they are a bit cheaper than other popular education destinations. Living expenses are also far more reasonable when compared to the UK or US.
Quality of Education
Australian universities use the latest innovations, technological advances, and current trends in the industry to ensure that their programs meet the highest education standards.
Variety of Education
Australian universities offer a range of degrees and courses. Students have plenty of options to choose from in terms of courses in their chosen field and universities offering their field. The flex is that the Australian education system allows students to switch between qualification levels and between universities easily.
Global Recognition
Degrees from Australian universities are recognized and highly valued by companies and other educational institutes worldwide.
Quality Assurance
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework ensures that the security of international students is the highest priority.
Research
There are plenty of research opportunities available to eligible professionals and students alike. However, remember that these opportunities are highly competitive and merit-based.
Support Services
Most Australian universities have an international student support unit and student hotline providing counseling services, individual tutoring, and workshops to teach international students English and other necessary skills.
Simple Visa Processes
The time taken to process visas has significantly been reduced, as have the number of documents required for proof of identification.
Part-Time Work
Students are allowed to work for 20 hours each week. This is also beneficial to gain work experience in the student's chosen field of interest.
Job Opportunities
Australia offers jobs in various disciplines, which significantly contributes to its appeal. While the US focuses on luring IT professionals and the UK is no longer interested in doctors, Australia welcomes doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Diversity
Australia is home to people from around 200 countries. The country is reputed for its safety, friendly, laid-back and peaceful values.
Land of Beauty
Australia is a beautiful blend of sandy beaches, inspiring landmarks, breathtaking rainforests, world heritage sites, and deserts like the Opera House in Sydney, Fraser Island, Bondi Beach, Uluru Rock, or the Great Barrier Reef.
Group of 8
This collective of Group 8 research-intensive universities is Australia's version of the Ivy League, but these universities are much larger and more inclusive, accepting many students.
Things You Need to Know to Study in Australia!
Language Proficiency Test
IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE Academic/ Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) Certificate
Cost of Studying in Australia
Average tuition fees range between AUD 20,000 and AUD 30,000 a year.
Cost of Living in Australia
An average of AUD 20,000 – AUD 27,000 per year
Scholarships Available to Study in Australia
The top scholarships include -
Provided to students (local and international) Research Doctorate and Research Master's degree. The amount offered for this scholarship is $28,092 per year.
- Australian Award Scholarship
Covers the expenses of total tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), etc. Should be enrolled in UG, PG, Ph.D., or Vocational & Training courses offered by participating universities/ TAFE institutions.
You can check your eligibility for the scholarship here - AWS Eligibility
Covers the expenses of total tuition fees and health insurances for students enrolled in Research-Based PG/ Doctoral programs.
Top Universities in Australia
7 of Australia's universities are ranked in the top 100 universities in the world in the World QS ranking, and 15 universities from Australia are ranked in the top 50 Times Higher Education (THE) ranking.
The best universities in Australia for international students include -
- Australian National University
- University of Sydney
- University of Melbourne
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- Monash University
- University of Western Australia
- University of Adelaide
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- University of Wollongong
Top Courses in Australia
While Australia encourages and bestows all its experiential learning in all fields, some of the top courses can be found in the subjects of Accounting, Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Creative Arts & Design.
Read More - Top Courses for Indian Students in Australia
Student Visa Process
Eligibility -
- You must be aged 6 or older
- Be enrolled in the course of study and have the evidence for the same
- Provide evidence of your English language proficiency
- Possess enough money for your stay
- Meet the character and health requirements.
Documents required for Student Visa Australia -
- Proof of enrolment
- Visa application fee
- A valid passport
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores)
- Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)
- Academic and work experience documents
- Details of your health insurance policy
- Statement of purpose
Read More - Australia welcomes back international students after a long break amid COVID-19 restrictions
Conclusion
As an international student in Australia, you can live, develop, and learn in a youthful, harmonious country brimming with opportunities. Australians are known to be friendly and helpful people. Australia offers a Temporary Graduate Visa that allows some international students to stay in Australia and continue to work after they have graduated.
Australian institutions are linked across the country and across the world, which makes it easy to move throughout the education system between courses or institutions, and formal agreement and recognition frameworks mean every step of the path will contribute to your future no matter what your study or career goals are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q.1) Is Australia good for Indian students?
Absolutely. It's a fact that over 37,000 Indian students were granted student visas for Australia in 2018-19. Its diverse culture and social atmosphere are among the top reasons why the country is a hub for international students worldwide.
Q.2) Is Australia expensive to study?
Affordability is another top reason to study abroad in Australia. Many courses in Australian universities are designed to be shorter but with a broad scope. So, they are a bit cheaper than other popular education destinations. Living expenses are also far more reasonable when compared to the UK or US.
Q.3) How much can a student earn in Australia per month?
Students can work for 20 hours each week on their student visas. The average salary in any part-time job opportunity in Australia is AUD 18.23 per hour. On holidays, students may work 40 hours per week by adhering to all other part-time work and visa rules.
Q.4) Can I study for free in Australia?
To study free in Australia, students can apply for government-funded scholarships such as the Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP), Australian Award Scholarship, and International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS). Apart from these, universities offer scholarships for deserving students. So it would help if you kept a lookout for that.
Q.5) Which university in Australia is best for Indian students?
Some of the best universities in Australia to study for Indian students are the Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, Monash University, and the University of Adelaide.