Advantages That You Stand to Gain from Studying in Regional Australia

If Australia is the country you are planning to study in, then regional Australia is a great option to consider in addition to the popular choices of Sydney and Melbourne. The provision of graduate visas with up to 8 years of post-study work (PSW) privileges following graduation and the announcement of more than 1,000 regional scholarships are both responsible for the expansion of regional Australia. Regional Australia institutions offer an enjoyable lifestyle, a personalised university experience, beautiful scenery and strong employment opportunities.

Why study in regional Australia?

Listed below are some advantages of studying in Regional Australia:

• Additional 2 years post-study work visa

  The Australian government has proposed a two-year extension of post-study work rights for international graduates with specific degrees in fields where there are known skills shortages in order to boost the channel to skilled occupations. The extension will be effective from 1 July 2023, which will provide eligible international graduates with an additional two years.

• Specialised courses

  Regions offer courses that are not only specific but also relevant to local occupations. For example, universities in the coastal regions of South Wales offer marine biology courses, and the famous wine regions of Adelaide offer specialised courses in winemaking.

• Limited batch size

  You can experience a more personal environment at regional universities due to the smaller cohort size.

• Affordable tuition fees and living costs

  Tuition fees and living costs are always lower than in other cities.

• Numerous scholarship opportunities

  Approximately 1,000 regional scholarships and a special A$15,000 Destination Australia scholarship are available for international students to study at regional universities from Certificate IV to PhD level.

• A relaxed and comfortable lifestyle

  Away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities, regional Australia offers a more relaxed lifestyle and close-knit community culture without compromising on facilities, amenities and entertainment.

Popular regional areas of Australia

New South Wales (NSW)

New South Wales (NSW) is a famous tourist destination and home to many of the world's most beautiful beaches and landscapes. It also has many man-made and natural wonders that attract an international crowd.

Opportunities:

NSW's diverse cities and regions offer great opportunities for students to learn, work and explore, including a strong Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) NSW, with leading private education providers and English language colleges.

Top universities:

Macquarie University, Australian Catholic University, Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, University of Newcastle, University of New England, University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong, TAFE, VET.

About Victoria

Regional Victoria is a stunning place with alluring scenic beauty. It is also home to renowned wineries, picturesque natural springs, world-renowned surfing spots such as Bells Beach and ski-friendly mountains in winter. Institutions in the larger regional centres also offer world-renowned qualifications and a wonderful student experience.

Opportunities:

The Victorian Government is supporting sectors that will drive economic growth and jobs in the region, including construction technologies, creative industries, defence technologies, digital technologies, food and fibre, international education, healthcare, space technologies and logistics.

Top universities:

Swinburne University of Technology, Deakin University, University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Federation University Australia, Monash University, RMIT University, Victoria University

Top courses:

Education, Business, IT, health, arts, accounting, commerce or science.

Queensland

The region is known as a haven for quality education compared to other countries. The state's universities are also highly rated by employers around the world.

Opportunities:

Engineering, Science and medicine are certain fields that are expected to flourish as global employers such as Virgin Australia, Boeing Australia, Mitsui, Warner Bros, General Electric, Ernst & Young and many international banks and other global organisations are attracted to the region.

Top Universities:

University of Queensland, Central Queensland University (CQUni), Bond University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Southern Queensland, Griffith University, James Cook University, University of the Sunshine Coast

Top courses:

Sport, Psychology, Hospitality and Leisure Management, Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Science, Nursing, Agriculture and Forestry, Education and Sociology.

Western Australia

The region has five universities, a state-wide TAFE and private vocational colleges that provide formal courses to meet the needs of individual industry employers. Perth is Western Australia's capital city.

Western Australia is known for having the fastest growing economy in the country. Western Australia is also well known for its mining industry and Perth is the hub for people looking to work in the industry.

Opportunities

Mining, construction, healthcare, ICT and financial services are the top five most sought-after occupations in Western Australia.

Top universities

Edith Cowan University, Curtin University of Technology, University of Notre Dame, Murdoch University, University of Western Australia

Top courses:

Engineering, Science, Nursing, Education and Aboriginal Studies, IT, Finance: Building Environment and Business Management

Conclusion

By studying at a regional university, you'll have the best of both worlds - global connectivity and international recognition with the benefits of a close-knit community and multicultural environment. Feel free to speak to our specialists at MWT Education Consultancy if you have any further clarifications.