Study In Australia
Australian universities are recognized as world leaders in subjects such as business, economics, sciences, medicine, geology, physical geography, social work, and sports. Regional universities like the James Cook University in Queensland is world-famous for marine biology. The University of Tasmania enjoys a similar reputation for bio-diversity. Over a third of the country is national park and world heritage wilderness area, and that means a lot of “in-the-field” training.
Cultural differences
The reputation of Australia’s top universities is what many international students describe as a “chilled way of life”. The countryside or beach is never far away and students in both Australia are heavily into outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, surfing, diving, kite surfing and beach barbecues, which render studying here an amazing experience.
The campus experience is shaped by the high caliber of teaching and the accessibility and approachability of academic and administration staff. Smaller class sizes and increased contact time add to the impression that students receive good value for money. Australia has an informal teaching culture which keeps the student interested in the course unlike rote-cram academic schedules elsewhere. Going to one of Australia’s top-ranked universities is absolutely like going to an Ivy-League university in the USA. Australian universities have a more than respectable showing on international league tables.
Education system
Degrees are much more flexible than in other foreign nations where students choose one course and stick to it all through the course duration. Universities in Australia are much similar to the USA, where a wide range of options is studied in the first year before narrowing down your choices later on. In Bachelors arts degrees, students can choose subjects from other faculties and it is not at all unusual for them to change their major half way through the program. Science degrees allow students to explore the other scientific branches as part of an interdisciplinary approach.
The Australian university application process is open and inclusive. The two semester Australian academic year runs from February to November. Semester one runs from February to June. Semester two runs from July to November. Two months summer break enables students to to travel home or celebrate Christmas with a barbecue on Bondi Beach or go on a backpacking tour of South East Asia.
Course fees and cost of living
Because of the high tuition fees, many young Australians study at their local university while living at home. The lack of demand for common dorms has seen universities decrease their stock. As a result, many overseas students have little option but to rent, where rates are high.
In Perth, it costs AU$500 a week for a three-bed house which students can share. While a campus studio bedroom costs AU$192 (£124) a week at the University of Sydney, you may have to pay as much as AU$20 (£13) for a pizza or burger at a local restaurant.
“Work, work, work, then surf, surf, surf”
Anuj Nair, 21, is pursuing his Masters in Economics at the University of Sydney. Here is how he fell in love with the lifestyle here. “Sydney is an amazing place. I made some great friends and in the long vacation I travelled to Bali and Lombok with my course-mates. Campus life is very chilled compared and a lot of Indian students are here. The Aussies have a very calm attitude towards life, but, also work very hard. It’s work, work, work and then surf, surf, surf!”
“The experience has helped fuel Nair’s ambition to forge an international business career. “Studying abroad gave me independence and confidence.”
So don’t wait anymore, Australia is where you need to go!!
At StudySmart we have been involved with many students presently studying in Australia. We offer end-to-end admission help, right from your application, VISA, to your part-time job opportunities. Get in touch with us and let’s get you packing for Australia!!
