8 Popular reasons why International Students choose to study in Australia
Australia is a fabulous place to study and currently there are more than 500,000 international students who have chosen to leave their home country and study in Australia. I have been involved in international education for more than 20 years and I often ask my students why they choose to study in Australia and not in other countries like Canada, England, New Zealand and the United Sates. Their answers vary however here is a list of the 8 most common reasons international students have told me why they choose to study in Australia.
I hope you find this helpful in your study journey,
1. Study for a world class education: Universities, Language Schools, VET courses
Australia is known for its world-class education system, offering top-ranking universities, colleges and language schools. Australian Universities consistently rank highly in the various Ranking Systems. Here are the top ranked Australian Universities for 2024 according to QS World University Rankings,. Each ranking company uses different criteria to ascertain the University’s ranking including; Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). In total Australia has 15 Universities ranked I the top 200 in the world (Source: QS World Rankings).
QS World University Rankings 2024
- University of Melbourne – 14
- University of New South Wales (UNSW) =19
- University of Sydney =19
- Australian National University (ANU) – 34
- Monash University – 42
- University of Queensland – 43
- University of Western Australia (UWA) – 72
- University of Adelaide – 89
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – 90
Additionally, Australia is one of the premier locations to learn English. There are many exceptional language schools that have great facilities and world class teachers.
The Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector also offers high quality training for students who wish to be involved in practical vocations including: construction, mechanic, child care, enrolled nursing, aged care, introductory business courses etc. The largest VET training in Australia is TAFE (Technical And Further Education) check out TAFE Queensland; TAFE Victoria; TAFE New South Wales
2. English speaking country
“We get to speak English” is the answer almost every student gives me when I ask them why they chose to study in Australia. It is an obvious reason! Being able to practice and hopefully perfect your English whilst you live in Australia allows many students to gain better paying jobs when they return to their country.
3. Work Opportunities: one of the most popular reasons why students choose to study in Australia
Australia is one of the few countries that allows international students to work while they study. Currently, students can work up to 24 hours per week which helps pay for living expenses, tuition and visa expenses. This is a major reason students choose to study in Australia, particularly those who come from South America and need to work to pay for their education.
The current minimum pay rate for a worker in Australia at the moment is $23.23 per hour for permanent employees and $29.04 for casual workers.
4. A friend or family member who lives in Australia or has studied here before
My friend lives here, my family member lives here, my friend studied here. These are also very popular reason students choose to study in Australia. I have lived in various countries around the world and I understand how much easier it is when you have friends or family to help you.
5. Lifestyle: choose to study in a laid-back country
Australia has an awesome, laidback lifestyle. Going to the beach, having a BBQ, clubbing and just hanging out with friends. International students adapt very quickly to life in Australia and many choose to live here permanently. The state of Queensland is particularly attractive to those who like warmer climates as they can enjoy the weather and visit the stunning beautiful beaches all year.
6. Weather
Overwhelmingly students, particularly form South America, tell me they chose Australia Canada and New Zealand because of the weather. Australia has diverse weather patterns depending on which part of Australia you are in. Cairns is hot all year round, Brisbane is warm in winter and hot in summer whilst Melbourne is cold in winter and hot in summer. A really useful Webpage and App is BOM (Bureau of Meteorology). It provides information about the temperatures in Australia.
The state of Queensland is particularly attractive to those who like warmer climates as they can enjoy the weather and visit the stunning beautiful beaches all year.
7. Similar time zone
Many students from South East Asia, particularly Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines etc. say it was a factor when choosing Australia. They can talk with their family and friends in the same time zone or only a few hours difference. Knowing that friend or parents are awake and free to chat at the same time as you is encouraging.
8. Travel: a key reason students choose to study in Australia
Traveling around Australia is an awesome reason students choose to study in Australia. Many students who are studying in a language school do so because they want to gain enough English so they can travel all over Australia. I have had students tell me about all the towns and cities they have been to many of which I have never been to. I am a little jealous because I love travelling too.
Start your educational journey to Australia
Once you have made the decision to study in Australia you will need to choose an educational agent that will help you through the process. Click here to find an amazing education agent that will provide you with extra services not just the basic visa processing.
