Australia

Study in a country that has produced over 2.5 million global graduates and has set exceptional standards for global education. Pursue high-quality & globally recognized qualifications from world class institutions. Enhance your career prospects by gaining hands-on industry experience through placements and internships, make connections with global employers, and succeed in the global workforce. Feel welcomed & inspired in some of the most liveable cities that are rich with people from diverse nationalities and cultures from all over the world.

When it comes to studying abroad in Australia, academics is only half the picture. International students choose Australia not only for the high quality schools, but also for the unique cultural experience. While students prepare for time overseas, they should spend some time thinking about how to ensure the best student life experience possible.

The first major decision that affects student life in Australia is housing. International students in Australia have a variety of housing options, and housing is usually set up through the university or a study abroad program. International students should carefully consider their housing options. On campus housing allows students to have immediate access to student clubs and academic resources, which is not only helpful for studying purposes, but can also help students develop relationships. Even if students choose to live off campus, all international students in Australia should be sure to live close enough to campus to easily partake in classes, activities, and clubs.

International students in Australia, whether on campus or off campus, should also prepare themselves for a roommate. Having a roommate can help international students make connections and venture out, which can be a quintessential step in experiencing student life in Australia. 

Though housing has a significant impact on student life in Australia, nothing is more important than the student clubs available on campus. All schools and universities, no matter how large or small, will have a number of student organisations. These clubs can range in focus, from simple study groups to specialised activity clubs. In this way, students can join clubs that explore outdoor activities such as surfing, rowing, or cycling. Many schools will have information on clubs during orientation, and most international students will receive details regarding clubs as part of their welcome kit.

Student life in Australia benefits greatly from university activities. These activities will vary from school to school, and can include everything from special guest speakers to group mixers. Students can even participate in group sporting opportunities, either casually or competitively International students can use these activities as a way to not only meet new people, but to experience the culture of the school. Most schools will advertise upcoming events on their websites.

The universities in Australia have much to offer students, but international students in Australia need to remember that some of the best experiences can be found off campus as well. Australia is a thriving, vibrant country, with culturally rich cities and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Therefore, to truly appreciate student life in Australia, international students need to take the time to explore everything this diverse country has to offer.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Having spent the last century living up to its moniker as a dull politician’s playground filled with boring bureaucrats, Canberra is suddenly experiencing a Capital of Cool moment. Of course, history fanatics will still get their fix of stately government institutions, heritage buildings and eminent museums and galleries that are undeniably the best in the country. But there’s also an exciting new wave of game-changing hotels, high-profile restaurants, unique boutiques and pop-up stores, and amazing crafts markets – all of which have reshaped the city in recent years.

The remarkable Parliament House, Opera House, and Australian War Memorial all fit the bill for visual thrills. Must-dos include walking the ‘bridge to bridge’ path around Lake Burley Griffin (named after the Chicago-born architect who designed the capital in 1913), visiting the National Gallery of Australia for some 166,000-plus works of art, and checking out Captain Cook’s 1770 logbook at the National Library. Further highlights include shopping for curios at the Old Bus Depot Markets, watching an art-house movie at the NewActon cultural precinct, and working your way through the pleasing array of brunch cafés and bars on Lonsdale Street.

Adelaide, South Australia

It’s all stunning vineyards, amazing eco-adventures, outstanding festivals, and a strong urban arts and foodie scene in Adelaide – South Australia’s elegant capital named in honour of Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, queen consort to King William IV. The vibe is more like a big country town than a buzzing metropolis, with most making a beeline for the gorgeously green hills, the lovely ocean beaches, and the refurbed 50,000-seater Adelaide Oval that has been hosting summer Test cricket matches and winter football matches since colonial times.

Brisbane, Queensland

Once a penal colony for British convicts sent from Sydney, the sunny state capital of Queensland is one of the country’s most up-and-coming cities. Much here is focussed around the Brisbane River – the glittering waterway where you can abseil the Kangaroo Point cliffs, scale the iconic Story Bridge, and rollerblade over floating walkways. But away from the water, it’s obvious that this city is loving its Brisvegas label; not least for a new surge of glossy new hotels, creative spaces, swanky shops, and excellent music venues to rival those of its southern cousins.

Darwin, Northern Territory

Much closer to Asia than its ‘down south’ neighbours, Australia’s only tropical capital city appeals with a balmy year-round climate, cultural attractions galore, and a rather smart waterfront precinct that has transformed the look and luxe of the place. There’s also a harbour to trump Sydney’s, two incredible nearby national parks (Kakadu and Litchfield), sunsets so famous that entire events are based around them (the Mindil Sunset Markets are held only when the sun dips into the glassy Arafura Sea), and a vibe that’s way less frontier town than you’d expect.

Gold Coast, Queensland

For all the sun, sea and surf you can muster, Queensland’s iconic coastal city that sits immediately north of the border with New South Wales is all glitz and glamour; think flashy high-rises, seaside markets, and Orlando-style theme parks (Wet ’n’ Wild Water World, Warner Brothers Movie World). This is also where you’ll find gourmet dining, 57 kilometres of pristine sands, and a $42 million aquatic centre in the Broadwater Parklands that accommodated 10,000 fans when the city hosted the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.