With fees at English universities rising and a recession biting, many British people are studying abroad. Australia, with its attractive climate and laid-back lifestyle, is highly popular, but what do you need to know before you go?.
Why Australia?
Australia is the third most popular destination for international students and home to seven of the world’s top 100 universities, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2012-13. Fifteen Nobel Prize winners have come from Australian universities and if you go there to study you can choose from 22,000 courses at 1,100 institutions. This, combined with lots of sunshine and seemingly endless beaches, makes Australia extremely tempting to many students looking to broaden their experience of education and of the world.
British students travelling to Australia do, of course, have an advantage in that they already speak the language of their destination country, which greatly eases their transition into the new culture.
The Paperwork
To travel to Australia as an international student on a student visa, you must be accepted onto a course and at an institution, approved by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses (CRICOS). CRICOS-registered institutions are not all providers solely of formal, academic education as vocational education is covered, too. If you do not wish to travel purely as a student, you can combine work and travel by enrolling on the Working Holiday Maker Programme. Other options include student exchanges, study tours and distance education.
How Much Does It Cost?
If you are accepted onto a course in Australia, the cost will naturally vary according to the institution and the level/subject of study. However, as a rough guide you can expect to pay:
- Vocational education: AUS$4,000 to AUS$22,000
- Undergraduate/bachelor’s degree: AUS$15,000 to AUS$33,000 (more for expensive subjects such as medicine)
- Post-graduate masters degree: AUS$20,000 to AUS$37,000
- Doctorate: AUS$14,000 to AUS$37,000 (more for expensive subjects such as medicine)
The fees above are course fees and must be paid in full before you begin studying. You must, of course, budget for living costs on top of this. The Australian Government invests AUS$200,000,000 annually in international scholarships, so that may be an option.
Conclusion
If studying in Australia is an option for you, there is a great deal to gain from pursuing it. The experience of living in a new culture, high quality education, the glorious climate, beaches, outdoors lifestyle and natural wonders of this great country will create lasting memories and leave you well equipped to follow whatever path you choose in life. The logistics of moving to Australia may also be rather easier than you think. Searching on the net you can find lots of practical information on how to get all your belongings, from computer desks to cars, out to Australia for the start of term.
When the time comes for you to return to the UK, many Australian institutions offer support and information on the practicalities and of course when you come home you can get help with transporting your belongings on the return leg of your journey. However, above all, be sure to enjoy your experience of studying in Australia, it is a life-changing opportunity.