What comes to your mind when you think of Australia?
The Sydney Opera House? or The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park? or The Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Well, there are also 1000s of beaches to add to this list. But, Australia is home to some of the best universities in the world, and over 800,000 international students study at Australian universities every year. From offering a diverse range of courses to providing internship support, online education, blended learning, and on-campus accommodation, universities in Australia are a haven for students to study and work in Australia.
If you are excited to study abroad but confused about choosing a destination, here are some benefits of Studying in Australia.
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Scholarships
Scholarshipsare available for international students undertaking higher education, such as bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. courses. To give you an insight, the Government of Australia contributes AUD 200,000,000 for international scholarships. Financial assistance can also be provided by education institutions, accommodation providers, and organisations in Australia to support international students' tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.Although most scholarships are based on academic merit, there are a handful of scholarships linked to the course of specialisation and the ties of Australia with its neighbouring countries. In some institutions, you are recognised by default once you have applied for the course. You may visit the website of a scholarship provider to inquire regarding the application process.
Also Read:Know more about Scholarships in Australia
2.International Students Lifestyle
Renowned for its diversity in arts and culture, Australia is a fascinating place that you can call your second home. Freedom, equality, mutual respect and peace are the core values of the multicultural Australian community. Hence, locals are known to be warm, friendly, and upfront. Regardless of age and title, everyone calls each other by their first name.The cost of living in Australia for international students is not as pricey as USA and UK. Budget-wise, it is affordable and cheaper if you do not choose to live within the central business district. The laid-back culture of the locals will teach you to unwind and relax in open spaces like parks and beaches.
Quick Read:Cost of studying in Australia
3.Work Rights and Entitlements
As a student visa holder, you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while class is in session. If you have dependent family members included in your visa, the same rule applies to them. You and your family members have unrestricted working hours during your semester break. Students taking up Masters by research and PhD are allowed to work with no limits in hours. The national minimum wage in Australia is $20.33 per hour.Working while studying can assist you with your living expenses and provide transferable skills, which are vital in your career. Students studying in Australiausually work in retail, tourism, hospitality, tutoring, and administrative roles.
4.Safety Assurance
Australia is a safe place to study and live for international students. In fact, it is home to some of the liveable cities in the world. According to The Economist Intelligence Unit's Safe Cities Index 2021, Sydney ranked in 4th place and Melbourne ranked in 8th place in a tie with Singapore.It's still recommended to make it a habit of taking safety measures to avoid unforeseeable events that may cause harm to you. When going out, be mindful of your belongings and keep them close to you. Try to leave your valuables at home, such as your gadgets, and don't bring a large amount of money. There are ATMs in shopping malls, supermarkets, bars, and other public areas as well.
When travelling by taxi, don't hesitate to tell the driver the route to take you home that you feel comfortable with. Remember to dial the emergency number for help from the police, ambulance, or fire brigade. This is a free of charge emergency service hotline in Australia.
5.Public Transport System & Health Insurance
One of the typical adjustments individuals have to make when they move to another country is to abide by a whole new set of traffic rules and regulations. But, here's great news for you.
The public transport system in Australia is so extensive and reliable that you may not even have to use your own vehicle at all. Varying from trains, buses, and trams covering both metropolitan and regional areas, the Australian Public Transport System helps transit students between universities and off-campus accommodation.
Quick Read: Cost of living in Australia
6. Health Insurance
All international students are required to acquire OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) as a prerequisite in the student visa application. This is organised to assist you with your finances when faced with health issues while studying and living in Australia.
Tips for choosing an OSHC Plan:
- Look into the OSHC plans and pick a plan that best fits your medical condition.
- Compare benefits and prices.
- Locate the nearest hospital partner of your Overseas Student Health Cover to get there immediately in case of emergency and avoid paying for unnecessary bills.
7.Discount on Student card
International students are advised to always carry their student cards. Not just because it's a form of identification, but also it comes in handy to avail many discounts.
As an international student, you can sign up for the Victoria Culture Card, which gives access to a wide range of discounts on activities in Melbourne such as exhibitions, events and cultural attractions.
Want more? If you're a full-time undergraduate international student in Australian universities and institutes, you can register for a transportation pass to save money on your public transport under concession.
8.Experiencing Multiple Seasons in a Day
Ever laughed at your friend who's carrying an umbrella even if it's a clear day? Or with an extra coat on a warm day? Well, you can experience these scenes quite often in Australia. Here's the thing -Melbourne's weather is entirely unpredictable. It can be sunny at 10 am and it could be raining heavily the next hour. Don't let the weather catch you by surprise!
If you're into music, art or even magic, Melbourne is the place for you. There are many street events in Melbourne, Australia. The insanely talented musicians, magicians, illustrators here can brighten up your day. In your spare time, take a trip to the city and watch them perform live. Got hidden talent? You can set up your own stage and showcase your talent as well! In this case, you need to get a Busking Permit from the City of Melbourne.
It's time to make your study abroad dreams come true. At AECC Nepal, we make your study abroad journey simpler. Just fill in the form; our expert counsellors will help choose the best university, scholarship and course to study in Australia.
