10 Things Every International Student Should Know About Australia

Pursuing higher education overseas is a big decision and an exhilarating and transformative journey. Along with having to say goodbye to your family and friends, deciding what and where to study may present a problem.

Australia is a popular destination for international students willing to Study in Australia. There are many options to studying in Australia – a melting pot of culture and diversity.

And its rich culture, welcoming locals, excellent educational system, way of life, breath-taking scenery, and booming economy make study in Australia and to live in Australia afterwards a better choice for the students coming on Australia student visa!

Before packing your bags and heading to the land down under, it’s essential to understand what to expect and how to prepare.

Here are 10 things every international student should know before study in Australia, including the quality of education, the country’s size, the relaxed university life, the cultural differences, and the visa requirements.

By being aware of these factors, international students can make the most of their experience of studying in Australia.

1. Australia has great universities and a strong academic reputation
2. The quality of education is high
3. Australia is a vast country
4. University life is relaxed
5. It’s easy to make friends
6. Surfing is a popular activity
7. The cost to live in Australia can be high
8. The weather can be hot and dry
9. You may need to get health insurance
10. Understand the Australia Student Visa requirements and work restrictions

1. Australia Has Great Universities and A Strong Academic Reputation

Australian universities are world-class, and the country has a solid academic reputation and plenty of job prospects, making it a popular choice for overseas students to apply for Australia student visas. Education is not just core in Australia; it’s exciting.

According to various global ranking systems, criteria, and fields of study, Australian universities are considered world-class, with several holding top positions. The country’s universities offer various courses and programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, and are known for their cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities.

2. The Quality of Education is High

 In the educational system, higher education plays a leading role.

Universities annually graduate students from all around the world with qualifications of the highest caliber in practically every discipline.

Each nation has its system for assigning academic grades. A “D” is regarded as a failing grade in India; however, it’s actually a good mark in Australia! Australian universities grade students using the following letter grades: HD (High Distinction), D (Distinction), C (Credit), P (Pass), and F (Fail).

To better comprehend your academic progress, familiarize yourself with the grading structure. 

3. Australia is a Huge Country

Australia is a diverse nation, and this is one of the things every international student should know before opting to study in Australia. The country’s vastness means that there is a lot to explore, from the beautiful beaches to the rugged outback and everything in between.

Students should take utmost advantage whilst they live in Australia to travel and see as much of the country as possible.

However, students should also be aware that traveling long distances can be time-consuming and expensive, so they should plan their trips accordingly. Overall, the size of Australia is both a challenge and an opportunity for international students, and they should make the most of it.

4. University Life is Relaxed

Australian universities offer a friendly and welcoming environment that strongly focuses on student support and well-being. Students can expect access to a wide range of facilities and services, including academic support, health services, and extracurricular activities.

Plus, the ability to choose your modules and retake tests greatly improves the comfort of university life. You can take the tests at the end of the year because there is a possibility to retake them.

Overall, international students can expect to receive a high-quality education while studying in Australia, preparing them for a successful future.

5. It’s Easy to Make Friends

Making friends is easy for international students who Live in Australia, and this is one of the things every international student should know before studying there. Australian universities offer a friendly and welcoming environment with a diverse student population that includes people worldwide. You can also explore various social activities and clubs, which provide opportunities to meet new people and make friends.

Additionally, many universities offer orientation programs and buddy systems to help international students settle in and connect with other students.

6. Surfing is a Popular Activity

Australia has exotic weather, fascinating animals, and a laid-back lifestyle. Surfing is not only a fun and exciting activity but also a great way to stay active and healthy while studying in Australia.

Students can quickly grab their surfboards and hit the waves after class. Of course, students certainly don’t spend their entire week in a classroom or studying in the library.

Additionally, Australia’s beautiful beaches are a significant draw for tourists and locals alike, and they offer a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of studying. 

7. The Cost to Live in Australia Can Be High

International students may find it surprising that the cost of living in Australia is higher than what they are used to in their home countries.

Housing, food, transportation, and other daily expenses can add up quickly and significantly dent their budget. However, it’s essential to remember that Australia’s quality of life is also high, and many students find the extra cost worth it.

It’s essential to plan and budget accordingly to ensure that they can cover all their expenses while studying in Australia. Knowing the average living costs is an integral part of financial preparation for international students preparing to live and study in Australia.

8. The Weather Can Be Hot and Dry

Australia has one of the most diverse climate zones in the country. Australia covers an extensive range of climate zones from tropical rainforests to golden beaches, from sparse deserts to vast savannahs.

The country’s climate is influenced by several factors, including its location in the Southern Hemisphere, proximity to the tropic of Capricorn, and varied topography.

The northern part of Australia has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters, while the southern part has a more temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters making the residents feel conducive to live in Australia.

9. You May Need to Get Health Insurance

If you plan to apply for Australia student visa to study directly with a university, you may need to get health insurance, as it is required for most international students. While some study abroad programs may include health insurance, students studying directly with a university will likely need to purchase it in Australia.

You should have enough coverage for peace of mind and to cover unforeseen medical costs.

The cost of health insurance can vary depending on the coverage level and the policy duration. Researching different health insurance options and choosing a policy that meets your needs and budget is important. 

10. Understand the Australia Student Visa Requirements and Work Restrictions

International students who plan to study in Australia must apply for an Australia Student Visa, which allows them to live, work, and study in Australia for the duration of their course. The visa application process requires students to provide various documents, including a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and proof of enrolment in a course of study.

It’s important to note that the Australia Student Visa has work restrictions, which limit the number of hours that international students can work while studying in Australia.

Students should also be aware of the visa conditions that require them to maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance.

Failure to comply with these conditions can result in visa cancellation.

Before studying in Australia, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements and work restrictions, as this can impact your ability to work and study in the country.

Parting Thoughts

This was it, then! Australia is a top-rated study-abroad destination, which is understandable.

Knowing these 10 essential facts and working on the list will make your experience of studying in Australia worthwhile. Once you’ve finished creating everything, you can begin packing. Ciao!