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Benefits of Studying in Regional Australia

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:May 15,2024 04:28 PM IST

Regional Australian cities are a perfect blend of quality education, affordability, and an eventful student life.
You can get an additional year of post-study work permit after studying in regional Australia.
Out of the top 100 QS Ranked universities, four are located in regional Australia.
Regional Australia is heaven for nature lovers, whether you love hiking, skydiving, or are a beach lover.

Benefits of studying in regional australia.webp

Have you ever imagined the possibility of studying in a vibrant campus surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and filled with adventures? Well, there is a way to turn this imagination into reality. Australia offers a golden opportunity for international students who aspire to combine academics with an adventure-filled life. Whether you prefer to study in metropolitan cities like Melbourne and Sydney or in regional Australia outside the city center, the country caters to numerous study benefits.

A huge class of international students every year choose Australia as their ultimate study destination. India is among the top countries, sending more than 1,25,000 students in 2023. Moreover, this number reached 1,09,000 in just two months in 2024. So, like lakhs of these students, do you also want to live your Aussie dream? Well then Congratulations! You are at the right place. Welcome to the world of smaller Australian cities—a hidden gem for international students seeking excellence, affordability, and a unique student experience.

Let’s explore why regional Australia could be a fantastic choice for you!

Benefits of Studying in Regional Australian Cities

Attention all students! Are you unsure about where to live and study in Australia? Don't worry! You can choose to experience the serene life of regional cities or the excitement of big-city life in Australia. However, if you're looking for some help making that choice, we have a list of benefits associated with studying & living in regional Australia.

High-Quality Education

Universities located in cities like townsville and brisbane in regional Australia offers international students various study programs in the fields of agriculture, forestry, marine sciences, etc. These cities are home to high-quality Australian universities that often excel in specialized areas of study. Universities in regional Australia offer a wide range of courses with smaller class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and a better student-teacher ratio.

A few facts and benefits of studying in Australia are: -

Australia offers plethora of bachelor's & master's programs tailored to every profile.
Australian institutions offer guaranteed scholarships and chance to ease out the financial burden while studying and exploring the regional Australia.
Australia houses the Group of Eight (Go8), which comprises Australia’s leading research-intensive universities.
Out of these eight universities 7 are among the top 100 QS-ranked Universities worldwide and four lie in regional Australia.

Employment Opportunities

Healthcare, education, agriculture, and tourism are the major sectors that offer a wide range of job opportunities in regional Australia to the international students. With access to the Regional Occupations List, you can find more job opportunities there than in non-regional areas. Plus, if you complete a bachelor's or higher degree from a regional institution, you can gain an additional year in Australia on a post-work visa.

Moreover, you may face less competition for jobs in smaller towns, giving you a greater chance to kick-start your career. Embracing the opportunities available in rural settings can provide you with valuable work experience and a pathway to long-term success.

The main advantages of working in smaller Australian cities include: -

An additional year of post-study work permit for students in regional Australia.
Education and training providers in smaller cities are very well connected to local businesses and industry sectors.
Skill Occupations List for regional areas includes diverse career prospects than for non-regional areas.
With lower competition, you can easily find part-time jobs and flexible work hours in cities like Perth, Brisbane, Tasmania, etc.

Affordable Accommodation

Studying in regional Australia is a wise decision for international students seeking a fulfilling and affordable academic option. In smaller towns and communities, the cost of living is significantly lower than in major cities. This means you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without straining your finances with rent, food, and transportation expenses.

With lower accommodation costs, you can focus on your studies without financial stress. Therefore, opting for education in regional Australia is a win-win situation. You can enjoy a fantastic academic experience at an affordable price, allowing you to focus on your studies while building valuable skills and immersing yourself in a new culture.

A few facts and financial benefits of studying in regional Australia are: -

You can find premium housing for less than AUD 1000 in towns like Townsville.
You can carry a student card to avail of discounts on different items and utilities.
Commuting charges in regional Australia are much lower than those in cities.
You can avoid long traffic jams and crowded streets.

The following table shows the city-wise living costs in Australia to give you a better idea about which area or city you should opt for to study in Australia.

Name of the City	Average Monthly Living Costs(AUD)
Gold Coast	1300 - 1600 AUD
Canberra	1400 - 1800 AUD
Perth	2000 - 2100 AUD
Brisbane	2000 - 2100 AUD
Sydney	2200 - 2500 AUD
Melbourne	2300 - 2500 AUD

*The costs above are not constant and are subject to change according to your lifestyle, cities, and many other factors.

Nature and Adventure

If you're looking for a place that combines modern amenities with a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, regional Australian cities are the answer. Unlike the hustle and bustle of urban areas, you'll find much less commotion and more opportunities to enjoy Australia's natural beauty in regional Australia. With stunning beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls, and rainforests, you can take refreshing study breaks amidst nature and go on exciting weekend adventures.

Whether it's the tropical beaches of Queensland or an adventurous trip to the Northern Territory, regional Australia has something for everyone.

The city outside the city center is a perfect place for nature lovers. Here you can: -

Enjoy friendlier, more personal interactions with locals; perfect for networking and future opportunities.
Immerse yourself in unique local events like rodeos, agricultural shows, and heritage festivals.
Experience breathtaking natural scenery and rare outdoor activities, including stargazing with minimal light pollution.

Community Connections

Living in regional Australia is a great way to know the true Australian way of life. It's not only about learning about the local traditions, festivals, and customs but also about enjoying a quieter life away from the busy cities. Small towns in Australia are famous for their close-knit communities and strong support networks. This is perfect for international students looking for a welcoming and supportive place to live.

Getting involved with the people and joining local events can help you make lifelong friends and enrich your understanding of the culture. Also, knowing local businesses and professionals can open up opportunities for your career, helping you to grow professionally.

In essence, choosing to live in regional Australia helps you to:

Experience unique local traditions, festivals, and customs.
Build strong ties within supportive and inclusive regional communities.
Foster lasting friendships and enrich your cultural experience through active community participation.
Enhance career prospects through valuable networking opportunities with local businesses and professionals.

Now, after learning about the compelling reasons, it's time to find out the best institution in regional Australia tailored to your needs. The upcoming section can be the magical wand unlocking your Aussie academic success.

Top Universities in Regional Australia

Regional Australia is renowned for providing top-notch education and houses numerous globally acclaimed universities. These universities offer a wide range of courses and are recognized for their research contributions, varied student population, and strong connections with local communities. Students studying in Australian universities get to experience life in regional Australia while enjoying a world-class education. The following table highlights the area-wise universities along with the top courses you can study.

Regional Area	Top Universities	Top Courses
New South Wales (NSW)	University of Wollongong Charles Sturt University Southern Cross University	Nursing Communication Environmental Science Health and Education Business
Northern Australia	Charles Darwin University	Nursing Education Community services IT Accounting Engineering
Queensland	The University of Queensland Griffith University James Cook University	Psychology Hospitality and Leisure Management Mineral and Mining Engineering Environmental Sciences Nursing Agriculture and Forestry
South Australia	Flinders University University of South Australia The University of Adelaide	Creative Arts and Media Nursing Medicine Law and Criminology Business Environmental and Social Sciences
Western Australia (WA)	The University of Western Australia Edith Cowan University Curtin University	Engineering Science Nursing Education Finance Environment and Business Management

Experience the best of regional Australia, where affordable living meets intimate learning environments and cultural immersion. Step out of the city buzz into the adventurous opportunities in unexplored territories. Studying in a regional area will allow you to gain life experiences.

So, don't let this golden opportunity slip away. Instead, take a leap towards an unforgettable and transformative academic experience. In order to learn more about Australian universities, scholarships, and requirements, you can connect with the study abroad consultants at Canam and make an informed decision for a brighter future.

FAQ

Which universities are considered the best in Regional Australia?

The University of New England, Charles Sturt University, and James Cook University are some of the most reputed universities in Regional Australia. Your choice of university will depend on your course of study and personal preferences.

What are the advantages of studying in Regional Australia?

Studying in Regional Australia has numerous benefits, such as a diverse and inclusive environment, lower living costs than in major cities, smaller classes for better learning, and unique lifestyle and recreational activities.

What are the visa requirements for international students in Australia?

International students must obtain a Student Visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia. To be eligible, they must be enrolled in an Australian course of study, provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay, maintain adequate health insurance, and meet English language requirements.

What are the living expenses for students in Regional Australia?

Living expenses in Regional Australia can vary depending on the location and lifestyle. Nonetheless, they are generally lower than in major cities.

Are scholarships available to international students in Regional Australia?

Numerous universities in Regional Australia offer scholarships to international students, based on academic merit or equity.

What are the conditions for part-time work while studying in Regional Australia?

International students in Australia can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the academic semester and unrestricted hours during semester breaks.

What are the IELTS requirements for universities in Regional Australia?

The general IELTS requirement stays at 6.5 with no band less than 6 for all the courses, whereas for medical and education programs it is 7 with no band less than 6.5.

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Benefits of Studying in Regional Australia

Table of Contents

Benefits of Studying in Regional Australian Cities

High-Quality Education

Employment Opportunities

Affordable Accommodation

Nature and Adventure

Community Connections

Top Universities in Regional Australia

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

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