Australia is a top place to study

Students are flocking to Australia to study and there are four practical reasons why this is happening. You may be surprised to discover that it’s got little to do with our sunny beaches, koalas or kangaroos! Let’s start with the facts – Australia is currently ranked as the third most popular destination in the world for international students. So why is this? Below are the top five reasons why this is happening:

1.     Money, money, money!

Australia is becoming more affordable for international students. The cost of studying abroad has always been a key consideration for international students determining where they intend to study. The Australian dollar has been falling for several years, and the low Australian dollar makes it more affordable to study here. Australia is still considered to have a relatively high cost of living, but this is based upon earnings and household spend. For international students it’s a different story. Students often do some part time or casual work whilst studying – but typically have other funding to support the costs of their studies. Parents often fund their children’s international education and for parents working in their own country, the exchange rate makes a big difference in the actual amount they will pay for the cost of their child’s studies.

2.     Australian qualifications recognised worldwide as sign of quality

For any person planning to study in abroad – it’s crucial to ensure that the qualification gained internationally will be recognised at both their home country and potentially around the world. Australia has an impressive international reputation for education, and employers know that students who have studied in Australia have received some of the highest quality education available.  The education sector is tightly regulated by the Australian government.  It is this regulation that increases the accountability of educational institutions in Australia and is ensuring they deliver quality education.

3.     Australia is renowned for its safety

Australia is considered a safe country to live and study in.  The crime rates in the country are very low and is a politically stable nation. It is a culturally diverse society and welcomes people from all different backgrounds, lifestyles and traditions. It is still important that you take general precautions to reduce the chance of an incident occurring – but the likelihood of an incident is low.

 4.     Australia ranked in the top 15 Happiest Countries in the World

Many international students who study in Australia say they love the pace of life in Australia. Students who have come from much larger cities often comment on the slower way of life in Australia. When we consider the current population of Japan is over 126 million, and Australia has a population of just over 25 million – there is a distinct difference in how busy life feels. The Happiness Research Institute also back’s up this sentiment, ranking Australia as 11th in the world in the 2019 World Happiness Report. Their report features 156 countries ranked by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be according to their evaluations of their own lives. 

Australia also has five of its cities in the top 30 best cities of the world list. This list is based on student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employer activity – all important elements for students when choosing where to study. 

5.     Proximity to South East Asia

Australia is just an eight-hour flight from countries such as Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand – the U.K. and U.S. in comparison can be more than double that depending on the exact location.  The proximity of home to a study destination is an important consideration to a student. In the event of a student needing to quickly return home, Australia’s location enables Asian students return home within the day.

It’s true that Australia has vast natural beauty, interesting wildlife, and beautiful beaches – wonderful places for students to explore in their free time. However, it’s the practical requirements of cost of study, the quality of education, the student experience and its location that’s driving international students to Australia.