The Iglu Guide | Blog
Top reasons to study in Australia
Australia is the perfect destination for international students. From top-quality education and high-ranking universities, through to a welcoming culture and famed Aussie lifestyle, what’s not to love? Unsurprisingly, this beautiful country has long been a popular destination of choice, and as a result it attracts over 600,000 international students every year. Drawn to the laid-back approach, high standard of living and excellent educational outcomes, it really is no wonder that students cannot wait to get here. With sunshine on tap and a smile at the ready, here’s why Australia should be right at the top of your consideration list.
1. The Aussie lifestyle
The world famous beachy lifestyle and consistently sunny climate is enough to put a smile on any student’s face. Factor in the stunning scenery, incredible wildlife and fantastic travel opportunities and it really does start to make sense. With each Australian city boasting a high liveability factor, you can expect quality education, good healthcare and a reliable infrastructure – as well as an excellent public transport network, social stability and a diverse cultural landscape. From rainforest to reef, from city to countryside, this is the land that has a little piece of everything – not to mention an unrivalled spirit and contagious passion for all things Aussie. Without a doubt, Australia consistently delivers an exceptional quality of life. And with great weather to match, it’s the perfect place to bunker down and fully enjoy your student years.
2. World leading education
Australia has an excellent reputation for delivering world class education, and it’s home to some of the world’s top universities. All Group of Eight member universities sit in the world’s top 150 universities (2023), with six placed in the world’s top 50 (QS Ranking 2024). Australian universities are world-renowned for their academic reputation, research strength and teaching rigour, and with degrees recognised all over the globe this provides an excellent launchpad for the post-student pathway. Whilst independent rankings are always an important guide when choosing a university, they should always be viewed in parallel with specific course outcomes, as well as liveability factors such as affordability and lifestyle. Australia is widely regarded as a top international destination for students seeking a world leading education, providing an excellent pathway to further career success.
3. Multicultural environment
Australia has a well-deserved reputation for being a warm and welcoming place, and is proudly home to the world’s oldest continuous culture. Today, it is characterised by its multicultural diversity, with thousands of people all happily co-existing from different ethnic backgrounds, religions and nationalities. As a result, all major cities celebrate a range of cultural festivals and significant occasions across the year, making it the perfect place for international students to feel at home. It’s so student-friendly that Brisbane even hosts an annual welcome festival, where students get to meet the Lord Mayor and receive their very own friendship certificate. This rich cultural diversity is key to the national identity, and it helps foster innovation and creativity on a daily basis. It’s no coincidence the city streets are brimming with a colourful array of restaurants, markets and food stalls, with unique perspectives and entrepreneurial spirits continuing to enhance Australia’s economic prosperity.
4. Flexible course structure
At Australian universities students are able to select a range of subjects in the first year alongside their major, which enables you to construct a degree that is specific and unique to your interests. It also helps you tailor your learning towards your career goals – and adapt as you go along. The courses are set up to make it easy for you to combine different subject matters, even if they are not from within the same subject area. Equally, it’s common to choose two subjects for a double degree. Only later in your course will you have to narrow down your options. This type of flexibility is perfect for those students who are unsure about being restrained by traditional disciplines, and want the ability to stretch their learning beyond a singular category.
5. Scholarship opportunities
If you’re planning on studying in Australia, any kind of financial aid can be a real help as the cost of living continues to affect Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as most cities around the world. Fortunately, Australia is not shy when it comes to attracting international students to her shores. The Australian government offers several scholarship opportunities that enable students from developing countries to come and benefit from studying in Australia, as well as research funding and scholarships that offer student places in regional Australia. Additionally, as an international student you have the opportunity to access a range of grants and bursaries at your university that can help fund your study. These include fully funded undergraduate programs at Macquarie University, postgraduate opportunities at Sydney University and a research scholarship at Melbourne University to name just a few. Investigate the options that suit you, and take advantage of these fantastic opportunities.
6. Choice of fantastic cities
Once you’ve got your visa application nailed, it’s time to think about where in Australia you might like to study, and what type of student accommodation will suit you best. Australia offers all types of student accommodation options that range from independent rentals through to residential colleges. International students often find that purpose-built student accommodation providers like Iglu offer the best solution when arriving from overseas. Combining all the benefits of independent living with safety and security as well as a built-in student community, it’s the perfect environment for students getting settled into a new country. With several Iglu properties located in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, students are well situated for university and transport links, and have the opportunity to discover the best of each city just outside their door. And when it’s time for some travel – there’s plenty to explore before you leave!
7. Work opportunities
Most students that arrive in Australia will have to manage to live on a budget, and this can be a tough learning curve. But if you’re thinking about getting a job, the good news is that all international students are now legally entitled to work up to 48 hours every fortnight in term time. This is a great way to boost the budget, as well as assimilate into your local community and improve your language skills if necessary. Rest assured, as an international student all your working rights are protected by law.
8. Post study opportunities
When the studying is done, many students are keen to stay on and enjoy the fabulous opportunities that Australia offers. And with a world-class qualification, the career prospects are looking good. Australia offers the opportunity for international students to stay on and work in the country by applying for a special visa so that they can gain valuable work experience. The 485 visa has specific conditions, but it can lead to future sponsorship from an Australian employer and provide a potential pathway to permanent residency.
