Why Study in Australia?
Australia is one of the most sought-out study-abroad destinations in the world today, especially for Indian students. In fact, in 2017 alone, nearly 68,000 students went to Australia in pursuit of higher education. The country offers world-class education and is a melting pot of cultures– it’s also consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. Add mix panoramic natural sights, top-notch restaurants and buzzing nightlife, it’s easy to see why Australia is so popular among applicants looking to study abroad. But in case you need a little more convincing, here are just a few reasons to consider studying in Australia:
Top Universities
Australia is home to the world’s best universities– with 7 universities ranking in the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings and plenty more in the follow-up. Regardless of the courses, they offer (and they’re as diverse as they come), Australian universities strive to be at the top of the game and are renowned for delivering education that is not just steeped in theory but also practical enough to meet the demands of today’s dynamic world. Students with their degrees in hand can be successful at any stage of their career, anywhere in the world. High-ranking universities in Australia include:
The Australia National University
The University of Melbourne
The University of Sydney
The University of Western Australia
Generous Scholarships
Australian universities offer a wide range of scholarships to fund and support exemplary Indian students in pursuit of their dream academic course. The Australian government and private entities also provide scholarships, grants and bursaries to fund Indian applicants. The types of scholarships vary depending on the course, level and proficiency of the student. Some university-neutral scholarships Indian students could consider applying to are:
Australian Government Research and Training Program
Australia Awards
Endeavour Leadership Program
Après-study Work Opportunities
Australia has plenty of thriving industries that offer job opportunities to students after finishing their studies at an Australian university. In-demand fields include medicine, healthcare, data analysis, agriculture, architecture, business development, social work and education. A Temporary Graduate visa (of the Graduate Work or the Post-Study Work stream) enables eligible visa-holders to work temporarily after completing their studies.
Student-friendly Accommodation
International students going to Australia as a student have a range of accommodation options to choose from. Unlike other countries, on-campus accommodation is sparse and relegated only to the bigger institutions– however, this lack is more than made up for in the form of student apartments, rental properties and guest house accommodation. Most of these are situated near thriving city hubs, which guarantees access to supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas and more. To kick-start your search, consider looking into the following student housing providers:
Student Housing Australia
Urbanest
UniLodge
Scape
Established Student Visa Processes
In order to study in Australia, you’ll need to apply for (and be granted) a valid Australian student visa. To be eligible for one, you will need to prove to the Department of Home Affairs, through official documents, that you meet requirements in the following categories:
Financial stability
English proficiency
Health and character
Genuine Temporary Entrant
The checklist of documents to submit with your visa application form is fairly standard, however, you will need to obtain a COE (Confirmation of Enrolment) that guarantees you have received unconditional acceptance into a course that is registered in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS). The country’s visa regulations also allow students to work a part-time job for an average of 20 hours per week. You can also work full-time during the holidays– ideal for students looking to earn some extra money during their downtime. Do note that this does not include any work required by your course. Australia welcomes thousands of international students every year, so don’t let the fear of moving to a new place bring you down. The welcoming locals, state-of-the-art infrastructure and student-friendly cities will ensure that your study experience in Australia is one you’ll always remember.