If you’re thinking of furthering your studies abroad in Australia, you must be excited. Australia is a beautiful country with numerous sunny beaches and exotic flora and fauna.
In addition, this continent is known for having top-ranking universities and globally recognized research institutions. No wonder there are so many international students in Australia. And even if you’re wondering how you’ll pass your exams if you aren’t an English speaker, you can be confident that you’ll find highly personalized tutoring Sydney academic programs in this continent.
So, how do you get started when it comes to studying in the magical place that is Australia? Read on to get the details you need to narrow down to when it comes to studying overseas in Australia.
1. Choose the Right Program
There are many programs available for international students who wish to study in Australia. Do your research based on your education or career goals and interests. Some of the top-rated abroad programs in Australian institutions that you can choose from include:
- International studies abroad which is a program fit for those who want to study at Melbourne.
- AIFS Study Abroad for students who want to study at Australia’s West Coast.
- CISabroad for those aspiring to study at Bond University in the Gold Coast.
- IES Abroad is an ideal program if you want to study at Sydney’s top universities.
While choosing your program, you also need to consider the tuition fee for the program. Tuition for international students wishing to enroll for a bachelor’s degree can range between 20,000 and 45,000 AUD annually, while Master’s and Ph.D. programs cost between 22,000 and 50,000 AUD annually.
If you feel the fees are too high, you can consider getting a scholarship to reduce the heavy costs you’ll incur while studying abroad. There are several Australian scholarships that support overseas studies, including:
- The Australian leadership awards scholarships
- USAC study abroad scholarships
- IES Abroad scholarships
- Australia awards
- Destination Australia program
- Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship program
Your study visa may also allow you to work part-time as you study, which can be a great way to supplement the little money you might have.
2. Choose Where You Want To Study
Australia has 39 universities, 37 of these are public, while two are private. Some of the universities are located in the cities, others in the rural areas. Certain universities may be better depending on your area of study. For instance, if you’re interested in marine biology, you’d rather choose a university that’s near the Great Barrier Reef.
When choosing where to study, it’s also important to consider what you want to pursue based on your interests. Another critical factor is the intake of your preferred area of study, as some institutions may not offer your desired course during some of the intakes.
Choosing where you want to study will also depend on the city you’d like to live in. Some of the most famous student livable Australian cities include:
Sydney – Known as the Harbor City, Sydney is famous for its breathtaking landmarks such as the Bondi Beach, Sydney Opera House, and the Harbor Bridge. There is never a dull moment here, but this city can also be a bit expensive for students.
Perth – A quiet west coast city that is more affordable for overseas students. While living here, you’ll enjoy the art and cultural scenes in the city.
Melbourne – This city has some top-ranked universities, including La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne. Melbourne is also famous for its culture and art. Although Melbourne is also one of the most expensive cities to live in, it’s also one of the world’s best student cities.
Other famous cities you can choose to live in include:
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- The Gold Coast
- Canberra
3. Know About The Accommodation Options
Many universities offer on-campus accommodation for a limited number of international students, so most students look for off-campus accommodation. You can also opt for a homestay accommodation where you will be living with a local Australian family during your study period.
If you intend to stay on-campus, you should apply for the accommodation separately and early before traveling. Many international students prefer off-campus housing as they can share the accommodation costs with other students. You can get suggestions of available off-campus accommodation from your university or the institution’s notice board. If you go for the homestay option, organize for it before you travel. Select and screen the host family and let them know you’d want to stay with them so they can make arrangements for your stay.
4. Arrange For Your Travel And Health Insurance
A travel cover is essential if you want to study in Australia. If you don’t have one, you might have to pay a lot of money upfront for medical care.
The institution you want to enroll in may have specific requirements related to your travel or health insurance coverage, so you may need to consider your policy and what it covers. For instance, consider if your cover caters for any pre-existing health conditions you might have or if it expires before you complete your study program.
Moreover, the Australian government requires international students to have an Overseas Student Cover (OSHC). Research more on this cover and the best providers, so you don’t end up signing up for the wrong cover
5. Polish Up Your English
Australia has no official language, but about 73% of the population speaks English. Australian English, however, differs from the UK and American English when it comes to grammar and spelling.
In addition to passing the English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or OET, you can consider hiring an Aussie English tutor or buying an Australian slang book to get an idea of the Aussie lingo. Other languages spoken by Australians include Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Italian, and Cantonese.
Hopefully, now you’re ready to study abroad in Australia. Australia offers you top-quality educational institutions, cultural diversity, wonderful outdoors, diverse wildlife, and incredible work opportunities. You’ll undoubtedly have a good time if you choose to study in this beautiful country.
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