The best information resources for study in Australia
It can be difficult to choose between your Australian study options, especially when you live overseas. This is why it is important to do plenty of research to make sure that you choose the best course and institution for you. To help you make your choice, we’ve listed some of the most useful tools that you can use, both at the start of your search and when you are choosing between just a few institutions.
At the start of your research
- Government websites: The Australian Government’s Study in Australia website provides official information about studying in Australia and is a good place to start your research. You will find information about the different types of study available, the application process and living in Australia. Each state government also has its own website for international students, which can be very helpful when deciding between the different states and territories where you would like to live or study. State and territory government websites include Study Adelaide, The Territory, Study Melbourne, Study Perth, Study Queensland, Study in Sydney and Study Tasmania.
- Independent course search website: It is important to remember that open days, education fairs and institution websites are all designed to promote particular institutions and do not provide you with independent information about the full range of institutions in Australia. If you are just starting your search, independent websites can provide you with the information you need to choose between the many courses, institutions and locations that are available. The Studies in Australia website provides you with comprehensive information about studying and living in Australia; allows you to complete a course search and institution search to find the option that is right for you; and submit enquiries directly to institutions. The Good Universities Guide website also has information about tertiary education in Australia; tools to search through courses, institutions and scholarships; information about the fields of study available; and independent ratings of Australian universities.
- Education fairs: Education fairs featuring various Australian institutions and government organisations are held in many countries overseas. You can usually attend presentations about studying in Australia and visit stands where you can speak with institution representatives. Education fairs provide you with an opportunity to talk to representatives from Australian institutions, who can provide you with information about their institution. Although education fairs feature a number of institutions, they will not include the full range of institutions that are available, so you should do additional research to learn about other institutions that did not attend the fair.
When you are making your decision
- Education agents: Education agents are appointed by Australian institutions to communicate with students in countries and regions overseas. They can explain your Australian study options and assist with student visa and institution applications. Because education agents represent specific institutions, they are a good option if you have already decided on the institution you want to attend but need assistance with selecting a course and applying. They do not typically provide you with information about other institutions. You should also make sure that the agent you choose is authorised by the institution. To find an education agent, contact the institutions you are interested in. For more information, see the Study in Australia website.
- Institution websites: If you have done your research and need to choose from a few institutions, you should visit each institution’s website to find out more about each option. The institutions themselves are the best sources of information about the courses, student services and facilities they have available. Institution websites provide you with access to course handbooks, application forms and instructions about the international student application process, and information about your accommodation options. They will also contain contact details, so you can ask any questions you may have.
- Institution open days: If you can travel to Australia before you make your choice, you should consider attending an institution open day to make sure that the institution you are considering is right for you. Open days allow you to take a tour of the institution, speak to staff, check out the student services and facilities, visit on-campus accommodation options, explore the city in which the institution is located and ask any questions you may have. Open days also give you an opportunity to talk to current students and experience the campus atmosphere, which can help you to make your decision. You can find a list of open days on the Good Universities Guide website. If you can’t travel to Australia, many institutions also hold information sessions in countries overseas. Check institution websites for information about offshore information sessions.
