Australia – A Perfect Global Ed Destination

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Australia, the third most popular global ed destination, is currently home to nearly 700,000 international students. The high-quality of education, world-class universities and high-living standards are among the many reasons why Australia is a popular choice for international students.

If you’re planning to study in Australia, this would be your go-to article for any information you may need.

Here’s what we’ve compiled for you:

Universities in Australia

A total of over 35 Australian universities are featured on both the global university ranking platforms- Times Higher Education as well as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Out of these, five universities are featured in QS top 50 with the Australian National University leading the way. The best part? The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) ensures that Australian degrees are globally recognised by schools and employers all over the world.

Under Australian law, universities must be accredited by regulators, i.e. all higher education providers in Australia must complete a demanding accreditation process to ensure they deliver the highest standard of teaching and learning. Providers also undergo regular formal quality assurance audits.

Australian education system is broadly classified as School Education and Tertiary Education. In the School education, there are:

  • Primary school
  • Secondary school
  • Senior Secondary School

While, in tertiary education there are:

  • Higher education (including universities)
  • Vocational education and training (VET)

Australia is home to 43 universities (i.e. 40 Australian universities, two international universities, and one private specialty university). The country is also particularly renowned for its top universities and its diverse range of course offering over 22,000 courses across its higher education institutes (Universities, VET etc).
To help you with your research, we’ve compiled the top 20 universities in Australia, featured in both the THE and QS ranking platforms.

University QS World University Rankings® 2021 THE World University Rankings 2020
The Australian National University 31 50
The University of Sydney 40 32
The University of Melbourne 41 60
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) 44 71
The University of Queensland 46 66
Monash University 55 75
The University of Western Australia 92 131
The University of Adelaide 106 120
University of Technology Sydney 133 194
University of Wollongong 196 301-350
The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON) 197 201-250
Macquarie University 214 179
Curtin University 217 251-300
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 217 201-250
RMIT University 223 351-400
Deakin University 275 301-350
University of South Australia 295 251-300
Griffith University 303 301-350
University of Tasmania 308 201-250
Swinburne University of Technology 372 201-250

According to the official estimates given by the Government of Australia (Australian Trade and Investment Commission), the cost of education in Australia per level of study are (in AUD$):

  • School – $7,800 to $30,000 (approx. ₹3,87,000 to ₹14,89,000)
  • English language studies – Around $300 per week depending on course length (approx. ₹15,000)
  • Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000 (approx. ₹1,98,000 to ₹10,92,000)
  • Undergraduate Bachelor Degree – $20,000 to $45,000* (approx. ₹9,93,000 to 22,34,000)
  • Postgraduate Master Degree – $22,000 to $50,000* (approx. ₹1,98,000 to 24,82,000)
  • Doctoral Degree – $18,000 to $42,000* (approx. ₹8,94,000 to ₹20,85,000)

*the estimated cost is not inclusive of courses like medical and veterinary which can be found out from the respective institution’s website.

Best Student Cities in Australia

Did you know that 87% of international students were satisfied or very satisfied with their study experience and life in Australia?!. The figure explains why this country remains a top choice. According to the QS survey of Best Student Cities 2019, a total of seven Australian cities are ranked in the top 100 with six cities in the top 50.

Here’s a look at five of the top student cities:

  • Melbourne: Ranked 1st in Australia, and 3rd globally
  • Sydney: Ranked 2nd in Australia, and 9th globally
  • Brisbane: Ranked 3rd in Australia, and 22nd globally
  • Canberra: Ranked 4th in Australia, and 23rd globally
  • Adelaide: Ranked 5th in Australia, and 26th globally

1. Melbourne

Considered the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is among the country’s most attractive city to live in. According to the federal Department of Education enrolment figures, Melbourne’s university sector has the greatest concentration of international students in Australia. Its lively atmosphere with events/festivals such as Melbourne Fringe Festival, and festivals of Arts, Film and Comedy are quite an attraction. the cost of living in this city (however) is on the higher end.

Globally ranked universities in Melbourne include:

  • University of Melbourne
  • Monash University
  • Deakin University
  • La Trobe University
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • RMIT University
  • Victoria University

2. Sydney

The financial and economic hub of Australia is also a popular city for international students. It is also Australia’s largest city. From the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House, the city opens a lot of opportunities to explore and indulge in the Australian culture. The cost of studying and living in Sydney may be on the higher end, but it is made up by the fact that the salary in Sydney is among the highest. This could be a great opportunity for students who are looking at a post-study work opportunity.

Globally ranked universities in Sydney include:

  • University of Sydney
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW)
  • University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
  • Macquarie University
  • Western Sydney University

3. Brisbane

Home to more than 95,000 international students, the capital city of Queensland- Brisbane ranks as the third best student cities in Australia. The best part? Brisbane is one of Australia’s most affordable metropolitan cities with a low living cost (be it travel or accommodation)! Its prime location also makes Brisbane accessible to its popular attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and Queensland’s famous theme parks among others.

Globally ranked universities in Brisbane include:

  • University of Queensland (UQ)
  • Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
  • Griffith University

4. Canberra

A young lively city where 25% of its population are students, the capital city of Canberra ranks as the fourth best student cities in Australia. The city has the most on-campus accommodation in the country as over 90% of new undergraduates are offered a guaranteed accommodation on campus which saves a lot of hassle for international students. Mountain trekking and Skiing are among the activities you can indulge in while living in Canberra.

Globally ranked universities in Canberra include:

  • Australian National University (ANU)(UQ)
  • University of Canberra

5. Adelaide

A leading education city, Adelaide is Australia’s fifth largest city, and ranks fifth as the best student cities in Australia. It is also an affordable city to study and live in with the lowest median rent in the country. Especially for student looking for work opportunities after graduation, Adelaide offers a golden work opportunity as more than 500+ occupations are available for international graduates.

Globally ranked universities in Adelaide include:

  • University of Adelaide
  • University of South Australia
  • Flinders University

Living in Australia

A mix of sunny weather to breath-taking natural landscapes with a thriving arts and culture scene, Australia is an exciting country to live in. Its immigration friendly rules on post-study work opportunities are also a big pull for international students.

According to the department of Home Affairs Australia, students are required to show that they have at least AUD$21,041 which will be enough to cover the living cost for twelve months [approximately ₹9,73,000] Besides that, the accommodation cost have also been classified as

  • Accommodation on Campus: Estimated at AU$110 to AU$280 per week [approximately ₹5,000 to ₹13,000]
  • Accommodation (Rental): Estimated at AU$185 to AU$440 per week [approximately ₹8,000 to ₹20,000]

To satiate the travel bug in you, there are hundreds of things you can do in Australia, whether it is spending time with nature, exploring the cities, attending festivals and many more.

Here are some fantastic things you can do:

1. The outdoor life

2. Festivals and Events

3. Places to visit in Australia

The best thing about Australia is that you will never run out of things to do as there are hundred more of places to visit and events to attend.

Working in Australia

Whether you are considering a part-time job or a post-study work opportunity while studying, Australia offers a great place to work in. Not only that, you can also explore the options for volunteer work and internships to expand your work experience.

Working while studying

Australia offers great part-time job opportunities where students can work up to 40 hours every two weeks while in session, and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. According to the Australian Government, some of the most ideal workplace that a student can start with includes the following

  • Retail – including supermarkets, department stores, boutiques
  • Hospitality – cafes, bars, restaurants, delivery
  • Farming and fruit-picking – seasonal work
  • Services – childcare, aged care and cleaning
  • Administration and clerical work
  • Tutoring

Even as a part-time worker, you will be entitled to the same protections at work as anyone else working in Australia; and you will be given the (national) minimum rate of pay per hour irrespective of the job type.
As released by the Fair Work Ombudsman under the Government of Australia, the national minimum wage is currently $19.49 (₹967.60) per hour or $740.80 (₹36777.88) per 38 hour week (before tax).

Working after studying/ Post-Study Work Opportunities (PSW)

Australia provides fantastic post-study-work opportunities under the Temporary Graduate Visa of the subclass 485 visa where a student is eligible for up to 4 years of work visa post course completion.

There are two types of Temporary Graduate Visa

  • Graduate Work Stream: International graduates with skills and qualifications that are related to an occupation listed in Skilled Occupation List (SOL). The stay duration is usually up to 18 months.
  • Post-study Work Stream: International graduates who have successfully completed a higher education degree. Ranging from 2 to 4 years, the visa validity is granted based on the level of degree obtained.

To apply for the Graduate Work stream visa:

  • The applicant must hold an eligible qualification whether in a degree, diploma or trade qualification
  • The acquired qualification(s) should be related to the skilled occupation the applicant has nominated for

To apply for Post-study Work Stream:

International students with the following eligible qualification are qualified for a post-study work opportunity with its duration of stay dependent on the level of study, i.e. the higher the qualification, the longer the duration of stay:

  • Bachelor’s degree: 2-year work visa
  • Masters by coursework degree (regular Master degree): 2-year work visa
  • Masters by Research degree: 3-year work visa
  • Doctoral degree (or PhD): 4-year work visa

Requirement for the Post-study Work stream:

  • You must have met the Australian study requirement within the past six months.
  • You must have completed a degree (or multiple degrees) tallying to a period of at least 2 academic years i.e. 92 weeks of study in a course or courses registered in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Course for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
  • You must have completed a minimum of 16 months of stay and study in Australia

In case you wish to stay on in Australia for longer without an employer’s sponsorship, you can apply for Australia’s skilled migration program which can be completed in or outside Australia.

Additionally, the new pathway to permanent residency (skilled migration) which has been introduced by the Australian government (Wester Australia, Southern Australia) will let international students look at the possibility of applying for permanent residence after their graduation!

Western Australia: Graduate Pathway for Skilled Immigration

In 2018, the Government of Western Australia introduced a new Graduate stream to its State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) which provides a pathway to skilled migration for international students who graduate from university in Western Australia.

Criteria for SNMP Graduate Stream?
International students who have studied at least two years in Western Australia at a Western Australian University, have an available occupation on the new Graduate occupation list, have a full-time job offer for more than twelve months and can prove ‘proficient English’ will be eligible under the state government’s graduate stream.

Selection Criteria for Western Australian Nomination

  • International graduate who has Completed a PhD or Masters qualification in Western Australia.
  • Completed an Honours degree or other post-graduate degree in Western Australia.
  • Completed a Bachelor degree in Western Australia.
  • Having the highest amount of Australian work experience in their nominated or closely related occupation.
  • The highest level of English language proficiency.
  • The highest total SkillSelect points score.

For more details at the official website of the Government of Western Australia for Immigration

South Australia: Graduate Pathway for Skilled Immigration

Following suit, the Government of South Australia has also introduced some changes to its general skilled migration nomination policies in recognition of the long pathway many international students take to achieving their career and permanent residency goals.

From 28 February 2019 (as a pilot policy), the Immigration SA has offered state nomination for the Provisional 489 visa to any applicant who:

  • Is a current or former international student residing in South Australia
  • Has resided continually in South Australia since March 2012 or earlier and continues to reside in South Australia
  • Is currently:
  • working in South Australia in any occupation (does not have to be at a skilled level) for at least the last 3 months (minimum of 40 hours per fortnight); OR
  • studying a course with a minimum duration of one academic year in South Australia.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible, you will need to:

  • Show evidence that you have remained in South Australia continuously since March 2012.
  • Show evidence of the various courses you have enrolled in, the visa subclasses and residency you have held over time.
  • Show evidence you have completed a CRICOS registered course with a minimum duration of 46 weeks to be considered a former international graduate of South Australia
  • Meet all other state nomination and Department of Home Affairs’ requirements to apply.
  • Have a valid Skills Assessment and English language test result, as is the case for any application for state nomination.
  • Show you have achieved the minimum Department of Home Affairs requirement of ‘Competent’ English is necessary (unless a higher level is required for registration purposes – see 6.5 and 9.10).
  • Show evidence of continued connection to South Australia (i.e. continued enrolment and/or employment and relevant visa held) although short visits home or holidays will not break the SA residency requirement
  • If you are currently studying, this course must also be CRICOS registered for minimum of 46 weeks.

However, if you have lived, studied or worked in another Australian jurisdiction for any period of time since 2012, you will not be eligible. Verification checks will apply.

Additionally, if you are a student who meets the high performing graduate criteria, Immigration SA offers state nomination without the need for work experience to students able to obtain a skills assessment.

For more details, visit the Immigration SA website.

There’s no doubt that Australia’s immigration friendly policies add to the lure of the land, especially for those looking for higher education. Australia is the perfect place to study abroad, it’s really the whole package – great universities, opportunities to work, a superb quality of life, friendly people and a stunning country. It’s the place to be.

Date added
06.03.2022

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