STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

Overview

Want to study in Australia? We're not surprised! It's one of the world's most popular study destinations, and it's not difficult to understand why...
What comes to mind when you think of Australia? Sandy beaches and a deep azure ocean, cold cans of lager, and barbeques?
Perhaps you might add some weird and wonderful creatures (amongst which more than a few are poisonous enough to kill you), miles upon miles of unpeopled wilderness, and an almost maniacal love of sport.
There is a large element of truth to these common suppositions. Australia does boast two beaches known as the Eighty Mile Beach and Ninety Mile Beach (and 10,683 other smaller beaches on its mainland alone), Australians – particularly students – do enjoy a drink on the weekend, and the warm weather does indeed lend itself to the outdoor preparation of food.
But this by no means an entire portrait of the country - for one thing, it misses out any mention of Australia's impressive higher education system.

Universities in Australia

Only the United States and United Kingdom have more institutions in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, and they are both have significantly bigger populations, and, accordingly, far more universities.
Seven members of the Group of Eight (think of it as an Antipodean Ivy League) make it into the top 100, and in total, 26 of the country’s universities make the top 700 of the rankings. Australian universities are also known to be extremely keen on internationalization, to the extent that only coal, ore and tourism bring more money into the country.
The combination of a keen welcome, high-calibre universities, and a quality of life that hold its own with anywhere in the world has made Australia one of the world’s leading destinations for international students. In 2010, the last year for which OECD figures are available, 6.6% of all international students were studying in Australia, again putting it only behind the US and UK. In terms of the percentage of students from overseas at Australian universities, only Luxembourg tops Australia’s figure of 21.2%.
You can be sure, therefore, to find yourself in a cosmopolitan environment, in which you will almost certainly be able to seek out your compatriots if you begin to feel homesick. But, better still, why not immerse yourself in some Australian culture? There’s a lot more to it than the stereotypes, but at the end of the day, stereotypes which involve sunny beaches and a solid commitment to having a good time don’t really sound all that bad, do they?
Studying at master's or PhD level? Read our graduate-level guide to Australia >

Fast Fact

• Federal democracy with bicameral legislature
• Monarchy – shares head of state with the UK 
• Head of government is prime minister (currentlt Kevin Rudd)
• Sixth biggest and third most sparsely populated sovereign nation in the world
• Population: 21,766,711 (2011 estimate)
• Former British colony, gaining total independence only in 1986, although British monarch is still head of state (Australians voted against becoming a republic in 1999)
• Ranks only behind Norway in the UN’s Human Development Index
• Unique in terms of wildlife – the vast majority of Australian wildlife does not live anywhere else in the world
• Most successful nation in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and joint most successful in the Rugby World Cup
• Main language: English
• Currency: Australian dollar ($ or A$)
• Australians drive on the left
• Time zone: varies from UTC+8 to UTC+10.5, changing to UTC+8 to UTC+11.5 in summer
• International dialling code: +61

Lifestyle

Explore Australia's top student cities... 

Study in Sydney

The name of Australia’s biggest city tends to evoke images of beaches, surfing and drinking, all in the shadow of the nation’s most recognizable landmark, the Sydney Opera House. And, sure, it is famed for its party lifestyle. But, like many larger cities famous for their nightlife, it is also bohemian, creative, and intellectual.

If this sounds like your kind of environment, then you have no shortage of universities from which to choose. Two of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight universities – the University of Sydney (ranked 39th in the world) and the University of New South Wales (52) – are based in the city, as well as a number of other institutions, including the country’s top ranked non-Go8 university, Macquarie University (233), the University of Technology, Sydney (284) and the University of Western Sydney (601+).

More about Sydney >

Study in Melbourne

Considered to be the cultural and multicultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is a good alternative for those who perhaps find Sydney a bit too brash – think of it as a sort of San Francisco to Sydney’s Los Angeles. However, it’s not a pretentious intellectual bubble either – Melbourne’s locals are known for their love of sport, and you won’t be left wanting in terms of nightlife.

It is also notable for being one of Australia’s best preserved cities architecturally. In terms of universities, like Sydney, it boasts two Go8 institutions, the University of Melbourne (ranked 36th in the world) and Monash University (61), as well as the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (246), La Trobe University (375), Deakin University (401-450) and Swinburne University of Technology (451-500).

More about Melbourne >

Study in Brisbane

Australia’s third biggest city, which lies towards the east of the Australian mainland, is known for the friendliness of its locals – often considered to be a major factor in the city’s growth (it is the nation’s fastest growing city). Of course, friendliness alone isn’t enough to make a city, and it also has a thriving live music scene, a plethora of world-class cultural institutions and – of course – access to plenty of beaches.

The city’s most prominent university is the University of Queensland (Brisbane is the capital of Queensland), which is ranks 46th in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings. The other ranked institutions in the city are the Queensland University of Technology (281), and Griffith University (368).

Study in Perth

If it’s the quiet life you’re after, then maybe Perth should be quite high up your shortlist. The city lies in isolation on Australia’s west coast, and boasts a high volume of relatively unspoiled and quiet beaches. The city itself is uncrowded and peaceful. If you’re more into cafes, parks and peaceful beaches than all-night partying, then you and Perth might be a match made in heaven.

The home of the University of Western Australia (79), Curtin University (258) and Murdoch University (401-450), Perth is also the main location for one of Australia’s two private universities, Notre Dame University.

Study in Adelaide

Located in the midst of Australia’s chief wine growing region, Adelaide is the capital of the region of South Australia. Like all of the cities listed here, Adelaide is a coastal city, so can offer the gold and blue shades which characterize Australia’s beaches as well as the lush greenery that provides the setting for the region’s vineyards.

Unsurprisingly, given its setting, it is noted for being a good city for lovers of food and drink. It is also, as a result of the many nature preserves and conservation areas which lie within spitting distance of the city, a good choice for lovers of nature and wildlife.

Adelaide’s leading institution is the University of Adelaide (102), which shares the city with the University of South Australia (293) and Flinders University (342).

Top ten things to do while studying in Australia >

Practical Information

Admissions, entry and visa requirements

There is no federal or state level application system for international students applying to universities in Australia, so you will need to apply directly to the university, most probably online. Be ready to pay for the pleasure.

Australian universities certainly aren’t cheap, with average fees for international students hovering above the US$20,000 mark. This will vary from university to university, and subject to subject – a humanities student will pay substantially less than someone studying medicine. If cost is going to be an issue, then make sure you do some research.

In order to study for an undergraduate degree (or a taught master’s degree) in Australia you will need a Higher Education Sector: Temporary Visa (Subclass 573). The process you will need to follow will depend on which assessment level citizens of your country fall under.

Student visa process

• To be eligible you must be accepted onto a course which is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses (CRICOS). You’ll need an online code, a copy of your confirmation of enrolment, or an offer letter to serve as proof of this. You will be able to change course, but it must be to one of the same level, or else you will need to be apply for a new visa.
• Students who fall into assessment level 1 will simply need to attest that they have enough money, while students at all other levels will need to prove that they have at least enough money to cover the first year of their stay. At present this is deemed to be A$18,000 (this is on top of tuition), which is around US$19,250. Boarding fees paid to your institution in advance can be deducted from the total. If you are receiving full funding you simply need to provide proof of this.
• You may be required to take a medical and/or a radiological check-up to show that you are in good health, but you shouldn’t do this unless you are specifically advised that you must. If you are told to take a test then you must attend an appointment with a doctor who has been approved by the Australian immigration department.
• You are also obliged to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC – unless you are from Belgium, Norway or Sweden; though Swedes must be covered by CSN or Kammarkollegiet for this to apply. You may purchase this cover through your university, or directly from one the five approved providers. These are Australian Health Management, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, OSHC Worldwide and nib OSHC. The average cost of this insurance is A$423, which is around US$450.
• English language requirements for those not from Anglophone countries are set by universities for level 1 and 2 candidates. Level 3 and 4 candidates will need to prove their proficiency with certified test results (the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship website lists eligible tests). The score you will need will depend on whether you are starting a degree proper, doing a foundation course, or enrolling on a preliminary English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), which you will have a maximum of 30 weeks to complete.
• You will also need to show that you don’t have a substantial criminal record, and your past and present conduct must not suggest you will engage in criminal activity or incite discord in Australia. You may need to acquire penal clearance or get a police statement for this purpose. You will also need to declare fidelity to Australian values by signing an Australian Values Statement.
• Level 1 students can apply online or in person, whereas students from levels 2-4 must apply in post or in person at an Australian embassy if applying for the first time. A trial is currently being run to allow level 2-4 applicants to make the initial application online which allows citizens of certain countries to apply online.
• You will need to submit evidence of all the above along with application form 157A, four passport pictures and proof of your academic record. All documents should be translated into English. Applications must be made no more than 124 days (around four months) before your course starts. You may be asked to attend an interview at a local visa office.

Planning to study in Australia? Connect with other international students in our forum >

Featured University

The University of New South Wales

Universities in Australia

1. Australian Catholic University
2. Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
3. Australian Graduate School of Management
4. Australian National University
5. Bond University
6. Central Queensland University
7. Charles Darwin University
8. Charles Sturt University
9. Curtin University
10. Deakin University
11. Edith Cowan University
12. Flinders University
13. Griffith University
14. James Cook University
15. La Trobe University
16. Macquarie University
17. Monash University
18. Murdoch University
19. Queensland University of Technology
20. RMIT University
21. Southern Cross University
22. Swinburne University of Technology
23. The University of Adelaide
24. The University of Melbourne
25. The University of New South Wales
26. The University of Newcastle
27. The University of Queensland
28. The University of Sydney
29. The University of Western Australia
30. University of Ballarat
31. University of Canberra
32. University of New England
33. University of South Australia
34. University of Southern Queensland
35. University of Tasmania
36. University of Technology, Sydney
37. University of the Sunshine Coast
38. University of Western Sydney
39. University of Wollongong
40. Victoria University
41. Victorian College of Arts (Australia)

The Australian Education Network University and College Guide

Australian Universities

Study in Australia at an Australian university or college and you will be opening the door to a world of study that will fill your life with knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.
The Australian higher education sector offers a complete range of university courses and programs leading to highly regarded and internationally recognised qualifications. Australia is the destination of choice for students from around the world looking for a quality education at an affordable price.
Click here to find an alphabetical:
List of Universities in Australia
Click here for a:
State-based search of universities
Learning and studying in Australia is the perfect way to launch your career. Employment opportunities open up to those who have degrees from any one of the universities, whether they study in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or at any of the other higher-education institutions located around Australia.
You can read these brief descriptions about some of the institutions and my university Australia before you select from the menu on the left and search their websites.
University of Western Sydney (UWS) Sydney, NSW. With over 32,000 students, the University of Western Sydney (UWS) is one of the largest of the universities Australia has to offer. Over 2,800 international students from 70 different countries choose to study at UWS each year. UWS is a young, energetic and rapidly growing university with six campuses located in the Sydney region
Victoria University Melbourne, Victoria. Victoria University is one of Australia's largest dual-sector institutions of higher education, with a TAFE college offering a unique combination of academic and vocational skills in a modern and supportive environment. It has built a strong reputation for providing a broad range of courses that are up-to-date and relevant to the modern employment environment and is considered an innovative institution amongst the universities in Victoria.
Deakin University Melbourne, Victoria. Deakin University is one of Australia's most progressive and visionary universities. It has been noted for providing a superior and student-centered education, Deakin has become increasingly popular as a destination for international, with around 70,000 students studying on its various campuses, including ELICOS studies.
Bond University Gold Coast, Queensland Bond University is Australia's first and largest private Australia university and has grown to become one of the Queensland universities with an excellent international reputation. At Bond you will experience personalised education by highly qualified teachers, innovative courses and teching methods, an international student body and a beautiful secure campus. Bond's staff to student ratio is the best in Australia.
The University of Adelaide. Adelaide, South Australia. The University of Adelaide is one of Australia's oldest and one of the highest ranking universities Australia has in any guide to higher education institutions and is regarded as one of the best Australian universities. Established in 1874, it is a member of the 'Group of Eight'. There are more than 1,800 international students among the 14,000-strong student population.
Southern Cross University Lismore, Tweed Heads/Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour, Queensland Southern Cross University is an internationally-recognised Australian government university. It has a reputation for academic excellence, and has won many prestigious international and Australian awards and grants. The quality programs offered by the University have high academic standards.
Griffith University, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Queensland Griffith University, one of Australia's leading universities has over 2,500 teaching staff, 27,000 students including 4,000 students from over 80 nations. Griffith has become an popular choice for students deciding that they want to study at one of the universities in Australia. Learning never got more enjoyable or rewarding than this.
The University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba, Queensland. USQ has been recognised as a world leader in the fields of and tertiary study initiatives. USQ is a dynamic, flexible and innovative University whose staff and students pride themselves on being responsive to the technologically aware global market place.
Swinburne University of Technology Melbourne, Victoria. Established in 1908, Swinburne has a strong reputation in Australia and overseas as a provider of career oriented education. Swinburne is a small, innovative university, which is rapidly forming a distinctive character including the study of accounting business commerce computing law management marketing nursing tourism a character which reflects purpose, achievement and the genuine quality of its educational outcomes.
University of Tasmania Hobart - Launceston - Burnie, Tasmania The University of Tasmania is the fourth oldest University in Australia. It is highly regarded internationally as a teching and research institution. The University of Tasmania offers a pleasant, enjoyable environment for study at all levels of higher education.
Queensland University of Technology - Brisbane - is a dynamic and innovative institution that not only satisfies the requirements of its local and international student body but also has one of the highest MBA Australia rankings according to the Financial Times 2004 world listings.
Macquarie University Sydney, NSW Macquarie University is one of the leading NSW universities and is a modern, sophisticated and cosmopolitan leading provider of education in Australia. With over 24,000 students including 4,000 international students, Macquarie is a university which prides itself on outstanding academic achievement and has excellent resources for distance learning and study online.
Edith Cowan University Perth, Western Australia. Edith Cowan University is noted for its innovative course content, specialised research and creative pursuits. Responsive and forward thinking, it is one of the universities in Perth that is internationally focused and an Australian leader in the provision of professionally focused degree programs.
University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) Sydney, NSW The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) is well known as a leader of professional career-focused education and is regarded as one of the best in Australia. It offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of innovative and internationally recognised degrees in Australia. When people consider one of the universities in Sydney then UTS in a natural choice.
University of Canberra Canberra-ACT, ACT Internationally focused, the University of Canberra enjoys a diverse student population from more than 80 countries worldwide on the Canberra Campus. Offshore, the University teaches programs in countries such as Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Monash University Melbourne, VictoriaMonash University is one of the top Australian universities and is leading the way with its international focus, ground-breaking research and academic excellence. Since its first student intake in 1961, Monash has grown into a diverse, multicultural and energetic institution with six campuses around the state and has an excellent international reputation that attracts many students.
The University of Notre Dame, Australia Perth, Western Australia Inspired by one of the greatest Catholic universities in the world, the University of Notre Dame in the United States, Notre Dame Australia brings to Australian education the vibrant traditions of a Catholic university together with the rich history.

University profiles

Hot links

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Australia: Graduate Level Country Guide

Australia is known as a relaxed, friendly and fun place to be - but that certainly doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of brain activity going on within its institutions of higher education. Australian universities have a strong presence in the QS World University Rankings, and are highly respected worldwide.

Often referred to as the world’s largest island, Australia is also known for the grand scale of its natural features – the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, the Great Dividing Range of mountains, and that huge, dry central area known as ‘the outback’.

With the exception of Alice Springs, all the major cities are around the coast, mainly on the eastern side. Spending time on the beach, and indeed enjoying the great outdoors in general, is a deeply engrained part of Australia’s famously laid-back way of life.

World leader for student cities

Australia stormed 2012’s inaugural edition of the QS Best Student Cities ranking, as the only country with two top-ten cities – Melbourne (4th) and Sydney (6th). Add to this a further three in the top 30 (Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide), and Australia emerges as a clear leader when it comes to desirable student destinations.

This strong performance is largely due to high scores for quality of life, and for the ‘student mix’ category, which reflects the size and diversity of the city’s student population. Melbourne, for example, scores a perfect 100 for ‘student mix’, thanks to its high concentration of students, and is also regularly named as one of the world’s most ‘liveable’ cities.

Abizer Merchant, associate director for international marketing and recruitment at La Trobe University – which is spread across seven campuses in the south-east – adds to the list of attractions: “a wide variety of programs, international recognition, government commitment to ensuring quality across the university sector, and a stable economy resulting in good employment outcomes.”

Top that off with great weather and gorgeous natural surroundings, and it’s not exactly difficult to understand what motivated the 336,000 international students who were studying in Australia as of 2010.

Student life on the Gold Coast

Devang Sanghvi, from India, is completing a professional master’s degree in construction practice at Bond University, a not-for-profit private university located in the Gold Coast area – which, as its name suggests, is known for beautiful beaches and sunshine.

“As most students do when considering postgraduate study, I did a lot of research before deciding on where I wanted to study,” Devang says. “Besides offering the specialization I was interested in, it was the idea of having a personalized approach to lecture delivery and the highly experienced staff that attracted me to Bond University.”

Having set his expectations high, Devang has not been disappointed. “The facilities available for students far surpassed my expectations and the limitless options of activities and workshops have provided great opportunities for all-round development.” And, while making the move from India to Australia was initially ‘daunting’, the welcoming and friendly environment has made the Gold Coast feel like “a home away from home”.

Career development and prospects

Devang also mentions the high quality of support available from the Career Development Center, and more generally describes the university as providing “a learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of a professional career”.

More widely, vocational courses and support for career development seem to be strong points of the Australian higher education system. And the nation doesn’t just prepare students for future employment – it also provides job prospects that allow graduates to make use of their higher education.

According to a recent report published by independent policy advisor the Grattan Institute, the proportion of graduates getting jobs related to their degrees has remained constant – despite the overall number of students more than doubling in the past 20 years. As the report puts it, “the boom in university education seems to have been largely matched by changes in the labour market.”

The report also says that graduates are less likely to be unemployed than non-graduates, and that those with bachelor’s degrees earn on average 1.7 times more than those without – rising to 2.1 times more for those with a graduate degree. This rate of return on investment in higher education is increasing.

It’s not just domestic students who can benefit from this. Merchant points out that it is relatively easy for international graduate students to stay on or return to Australia to find work after completing a degree there. Indeed, international students with Australian qualifications account for about half of those assessed under the government’s ‘skilled migration program’, which aims to recruit highly skilled young people from outside the country.

Research strengths

The Grattan Institute report reveals the extent to which natural, physical and life sciences dominate the country’s research focus, both in terms of funding and enrolment numbers. In particular, medical and health research subjects receive high levels of funding – accounting for a whopping 34% of all research spending in 2008.

However, while humanities and social sciences receive much lower levels of funding – as is the case worldwide – they nonetheless maintain high levels of student interest; in 2010, subjects relating to society and culture accounted for 24% of student enrolments on both teaching- and research-based degree courses.

Recent years have seen a shift in funding and research activity towards applied, rather than basic or pure, research – with universities increasingly focusing on developing practical applications for knowledge. There has also been a steady growth in research publications, partly accounted for by growth in staff numbers – particularly research-only staff – but also signalling a rise in research productivity.

Applications, fees and visas

International students are assessed by universities based on qualifications gained elsewhere, and may also be required to submit proof of English language proficiency.

Students from outside Australia must pay fees up-front. Current government guidelines place the cost of a graduate degree program between A$15,000 and A$36,000 (US$15,425 to US$37,000) per year.

A searchable database of scholarships is available on the government website, studyinaustralia.gov.au. One of the most prominent schemes, the Australia Awards, offers merit-based scholarships for students from countries in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe and Americas. Students from some countries may also be eligible for scholarships via the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).

After receiving a Certificate of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen university, you can then apply for a student visa through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). This visa includes entitlement to take on part-time work while studying, but applicants are nonetheless required to prove they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses without depending on finding employment. Current regulations require individual students to have at least A$18,000 (US$18,797) per year available.

Good luck, g’day, and don’t forget to pack your shorts!

Read more about studying in Australia >

Australian National University or University of Melbourne?

If you’re planning to study in Australia, you may well have your sights set on one of the country’s two highest ranking institutions: Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Melbourne.

Placed at 24th and 36th in the 2012 QS World University Rankings, both are clearly among the world’s very best universities, making this a pretty tough decision.

TopUniversities.com explores some of the factors you could consider, with a quick overview followed by some more in-depth comparison - and some useful insights from current international students.

More about studying in Australia >

Rankings

Ranking well within the top 50 of the QS World University Rankings, both ANU and Melbourne are established members of the world’s higher education elite. They both score extremely well on QS’s global academic reputation survey - and indeed on all the indicators used in compiling the rankings.

ANU has a higher score for faculty-student ratio (meaning fewer students per staff member), and for the international diversity of its students and staff. But Melbourne leads when it comes to citations per faculty member (a measure of research penetration) and employer reputation – in fact, it’s among the world’s top ten in this measure.

Reputation

Both are within the world’s top 25 in terms of academic reputation, according to the results of QS’s huge global survey of academics.

Overall, the survey indicates that ANU is slightly better known for arts and humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, while Melbourne has a stronger reputation for life sciences and engineering and technology subjects.

Location

While there may be little difference between the two universities in terms of the high quality of education they provide, there is a lot to distinguish them when it comes to location.

Melbourne came in at fourth in the  QS Best Student Cities, due to its large and diverse student community, excellent quality of living and high concentration of world-class universities (as well as the University of Melbourne, the city is home to five more universities which feature in the QS World University Rankings).

More about Melbourne > 

Canberra, where ANU is based, is Australia’s capital city, but is far smaller than Melbourne, both overall and in terms of its student population, and is generally considered to be much calmer. This could be a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective and personal preferences!

However, as the nation’s political hub, Canberra couldn’t exactly be described as sleepy. And while it may be one of the country’s few major settlements further than stone’s throw from a beach, it does boast a different kind of natural attraction.

Canberra is surrounded by mountains, hills and bush-land, and half of its territory is protected as natural parks and reserves – so if you’re used to living in the countryside, this is probably one city where you’d still feel at home.

Student community

ANU reports a total of around 16,700 students, of which about 10,000 are undergraduates and the rest on graduate courses. Around a quarter of students come from outside Australia.

The University of Melbourne has a much larger student body, with a total of around 36,850 students in 2011, of which just under 24,000 were undergraduates. It also boasts an even higher percentage of international students – almost 28%.

What the students say

Muhammad Taufiq bin Suraidi, from Singapore, chose ANU – where he is now in the third year of a bachelor’s degree in law and economics, and president of the university’s International Students Department.

For Muhammad, the choice largely came down to his desired study program – Melbourne does not offer an undergraduate-level degree in law, while ANU does.

As a legal student, Muhammad is also enjoying the opportunity of observing sessions at the High Court of Australia, and attenting parliamentary question times and lecture series.

In addition, he says he was attracted by ANU’s “strong focus on interdisciplinary studies” – which meant he would be able to study law and economics side by side, gaining “comprehensive exposure to the two separate disciplines”.

Rachel Quek, an international student from Malaysia, says she chose the University of Melbourne partly based on the advice of her mother, who had studied there herself.

Now in the third year of her Bachelor of Commerce, and president of the university’s Overseas Student Service, she has no regrets about following in her mother’s footsteps.

“Melbourne is an exciting city with amazing food and cafes, a great nightlife and beautiful parks,” she says. “The university campus is beautiful, the staff are very supportive, and there’s always plenty to do. Each experience will be unique, but there are endless opportunities to pursue what you truly love in Melbourne.”

Muhammad admits that Canberra can’t really compete when it comes to nightlife and entertainment – but, he says, it’s “a peaceful place to study”. Rachel agrees, saying if she was at ANU, “I might spend more time focusing on my studies and have a generally quieter lifestyle.”

Choosing from a distance

For those unable to visit Australia before applying, Muhammad and Rachel both recommend starting out with some online research, including the university websites, international agencies and student forums.

Muhammad also recommends attending an international university fair in your home country, where you can meet representatives from different Australian universities face to face.

Meanwhile Rachel advocates seeking advice from family and friends, and contacting universities directly for more information. As well as researching which universities are best for your subject, she emphasizes the importance of thinking about what’s most important to you, whether it’s university reputation, local culture, or something else.

Wise words indeed – follow this advice and, as the Aussies might say, “No worries!”

More about studying in Australia >

Meet Australian universities at an event near you >

A student’s guide to Melbourne >

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