Mobile applications (apps) are excellent support tools for students living away from home. Below is the list of top apps for international students during their studies in Australia.
Wi-fi Finder: This app helps you to find nearby locations with free Wi-fi access. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.
Lost on Campus: Featuring detailed maps of university campuses around Australia, the Lost on Campus app helps you to find your way around your campus. You can also read comments from other users to see which cafes serve the best lunch or where the quietest study spaces are. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.
University apps: Many universities in Australia have their own app, usually free. They may allow you to view campus maps, check your timetable or student email, contact academic staff, get updated with what’s happening on campus, or access library and course material.
Realestate.com.au: If you’re planning to live in rental accommodation during your studies in Australia, you can rely on this app to find a suitable place to live based on your locations of interest and the price you can afford to pay. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.
Google Translate: The Google Translate app offers translations in 80 different languages through speech and handwriting. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.
EasyBib: As one of the most accurate citation apps for now, it would help you to cite the sources of your thesis, scan barcoudes of your books into your library. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.
Australia has boosted its popularity as a world-class study destination with a notable increase of 15% in international student numbers in the first three months of this year compared to 2016. The ELICOS sector jumped by almost 38%.
Surging international student numbers
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection received over 111,000 student visa applications in the first three months of the year, up from 94,000 for the same period in 2016, according to the Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham. “In 2017 Australia hosted a record number of international students as more than 550,000 students from over 190 different nations flocked to our shores”.
The latest figures have indicated Australia’s popularity as a world-class education destination. As confirmed in a 2016 survey by the Australian government, the top reason that international students choose to study here is the reputation of the Australian education system.
Minister Birmingham said the Australian Government was committed to bolstering the sustainable growth in international education and protecting the strong practical measures outlined in Australia’s first National Strategy for International Education 2025.
Numbers increase across all sectors
Students who finished their ELICOS courses at Scots English College
“All education sectors had experienced growth in international students during the first quarter of 2017 – the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students [ELICOS] sector grew by almost 38%, the higher education sector by almost 23% and the VET [vocational education and training] sector by almost 13%”, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke said.
Top 5 source countries sending foreign students
The number of enrollments from China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Nepal has increased, with China showing the highest growth in numbers (almost 30%). These top 5 source countries accounted for 54% of all international student cohort in Australia.
Studying abroad in Australia is the dream of multitude of students around the world. Aside from the cost of studying in Australia, choosing the city for study is just as important. Below is an overview of the 6 best student cities in Australia. We hope this helps you to find the right setting for you.
According to the Department of Education and Training, the number of international students studying in Australia broke the record in 2016 with 554,179 international students enrolled in courses in Australia, an increase of over 10% from 2015. Also, the 2016 International Student Survey revealed that nine out of ten students were pleased with their study experience in Australia.
Aside from the cost of studying in Australia, choosing the city for study is just as important. Getting the location right can make all the difference to your study experience, the memories you create and the career path you follow.
Below is an overview of the 6 best student cities in Australia.
1. Perth - Capital of Western Australia
Cr: Pixabay
Perth was ranked as the world’s 9th most livable cities by The Economist Intelligence Unit 2012. In 2006, it was voted as one of the world’s top ten future cities by Lonely Planet.
The city has become one of best study destinations in Australia thanks to its top-notch education system, life quality and the living cost not as expensive as in other countries like the U.K and the U.S. Everyone can travel on buses within Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup for free. As an international student, you will receive a 40% discount on all public transport throughout Western Australia. Also, Perth is one of most multicultural cities in Australia. There are over 200 different nationalities and more than 170 languages in use here.
If you want to pursue the science and creative field, Perth is one of best choices. Here you have chance to work with talented scientists in projects related to pure water production and vaccine development. Perth is also a promised land with high employment opportunities and attractive pays after graduation.
Take a 4-minute quick tour of Perth:
2. Darwin - Northern Territory
Cr: TripAdvisor
As the tropical capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin is known for many exciting outdoor activities. For example, wander in the gardens and along the beach after school. Exploring the outdoor cinema (Deckchair Cinema) is another incredibly awesome experience here. You can also visit restaurants and nightclubs on Mitchell street. Discover natural wonders at Litchfield National Park, a truly beautiful destination just South of Darwin. The South of city is also the favourite location for those who are interested in seeing outback deserts.
In Darwin, there are many educational programs for your choice – for example, Pedagogy, Commerce, Law, Nursing, Desert Science and Indigenous Studies.
As with accommodation, the average rent for a three-bedroom house in Darwin is AUD$650/week, while you would pay about AUD$550/week for a one-bedroom house.
There are special or free offers for all students travelling on buses in the Northern Territory. Please note that the bus traffic is reduced at night or on weekends.
As Australia’s most vibrant capital city over a decade, Queensland is known for its warm weather, sun-kissed beaches and friendly people. There are many entertainment, dining and shopping options in Brisbane. If you are an art lover, do not miss regular theatres and festivals, particularly Brisbane Festival and Ekka Festival. Must-sees for island lovers are Moreton, North Stradbroke, South Stradbroke, Bribie and St Helena. People often head to Gold Coast for the love of surfing.
Queensland has a multitude of educational institutions located in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Townsville. There are also campuses sited in towns such as Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton and Toowoomba. The most popular among hundreds of fields of study here are Travel & Tourism, Maritime Science and Tropical Agriculture.
Regarding accommodation, the weekly rent for a three-bedroom house in Brisbane is AUD$390, while you would pay AUD$375/week for a one-bedroom house. In the small towns in the state, the weekly rents may be cheaper.
Admire Brisbane here:
4. Adelaide - South Australia
Cr: Adelaide Park Lands
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is a vibrant, exciting city. It is often praised as a place to enjoy life instead of to live. With the Mediterranean climate, lush parklands and some of the country’s best beaches, Adelaide is a gateway to outdoor activities.
Its education quality is on a par with other megacities in Australia. The University of Adelaide is listed in the group of Eight (go8) markets (others are the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the University of New South Wales, the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney, and the University of Western Australia). The living cost here is affordable for international students. According to statistics, international students in Adelaide can save up to AUD$700/year on public transport fees.
It is said that Adelaide is one of Australia’s cities with the most people awarded Nobel prize. Three Nobel laureates have studied here and many people in the city have become the world’s famous scholars.
5. Melbourne – Victoria
Cr: Pixabay
Melbourne has proved popular when attracting over 200,000 students in 2016 (making up a substantial 5% of the total population). The city is famous for Australia’s top educational institutions, a wide range of academic disciplines and degrees and recognised as the world’s great creative hubs. The must-see Melbourne Museum provides various educational material and programs for teachers and students.
There are over 200 different nationalities and more than 230 languages in use here, making it one of most multicultural cities in Australia.
6. Sydney - New South Wales
Students and teacher at Scots English: Picnic and studying with the breathtaking view of Sydney at Observatory Hill
Sydney is one of the world’s best cities for international students, beating 87 cities to the coveted 13th spot, QS Best Student Cities 2017 reveals. According to the Wellbeing of International Students in the City of Sydney 2016 survey, the majority of students (88%) responded that they would recommend Sydney as a place to study. Overseas students love Sydney because of its great weather, breathtaking landscapes, world-class educational institutions, multiculturalism, work opportunities, life quality, etc. Please read more here for reasons why Sydney is one of Australia’s top destinations for international students.
Australia has managed to attract more and more international students to study in the country through its great education opportunities, simpler visa process and secure work opportunities.
1. Reputation as a popular study destination for international students
International student enrolments by sector, 2013-2016. Source: Australian Department of Education and Training
Australia has been popular among international students. According to the Department of Education and Training, the number of international students studying in Australia broke the record in 2016 with 554,179 international students enrolled in courses in Australia, an increase of over 10% from 2015. Also, the 2016 International Student Survey revealed that nine out of ten students were pleased with their study experience in Australia.
2. Simpler visa process and secure work opportunities
Prospective overseas students may also find Australia as one of the best places to study because of smoother visa application process and work opportunities. The government recently developed the simplified student visa framework (SSVF). It also released the first National Strategy for International Education 2025, a 10-year plan for strengthening its international reputation for high quality education and training, driving collaboration in education and research. The plan also shed light on improving graduate employability.
International students can work part time during their studies and may remain in Australia for up to four years after graduation (dependent on their visa).
There is an impressive number of study options for overseas students with over 1,200 institutions and 22,000 courses in Australia to choose from. Australia has the third highest number of international students behind the UK and US. For overseas students who need English language training before commencing higher level studies in Australia or who wish to improve their English language skills for work or life back in their home countries, they can choose quality ELICOS courses solely dedicated to international students.
