Australian study options for international students
Are you thinking about your Australian study options? One of the first decisions you need to make relates to how you will study. You might choose to move to Australia to study on campus, take part in a short-term study abroad or student exchange program, or explore online and distance education. Keep reading to see which option is best for you.
On-campus study in Australia
Australia offers students a great lifestyle and high-quality, internationally recognised qualifications. Australian education providers offer a wide range of study options, allowing you to study everything from preparatory courses to prestigious MBA programs. This motivates most international students to pack their bags and make the move to Australia.
Australian campuses are spread out across the country, with study options in metropolitan capitals, regional towns and even the northern tropics. There are 39 universities, more than 50 TAFE institutes and around 4500 private training providers. Most institutions have multiple campuses, meaning that you will not have trouble finding one that suits your needs. In addition, some Australian universities have dual-sector status, which means they offer both Vocational Education and Training (VET) and higher education options.
Studying on campus has many benefits, including direct access to highly qualified lecturers and tutors, student support services, and extracurricular options such as student clubs and societies. Studying in Australia also gives you the opportunity to travel during semester breaks, with cheap flights and student deals readily available. Some institutions allow students to transfer between campuses during their studies, which is another great way to experience different parts of Australia. To see which Australian study location is right for you, see Australia’s regions. To search for institutions, see the Institution search.
Study abroad and student exchange in Australia
Study abroad and student exchange programs provide international students with an opportunity to complete a short period of Australian study. With all the benefits of studying on campus, these programs give students greater flexibility and are a good option for those who don’t want to be away from friends and family for an extended period of time.
As a study abroad or exchange student, you can study in Australia for one or two semesters before returning to your home country. Semesters are approximately 12 weeks long, but assessment periods may mean that the minimum commitment is around 14 or 15 weeks. Before enrolling into a student exchange or study abroad program, you should check to see if you will receive credit for your studies and discuss tuitions fees. In a student exchange program, you continue to pay fees to your institution in your home country. If you accept a study abroad place, you will pay fees to your Australian institution. See Study abroad and student exchange for more information about your options.
Online and distance education in Australia
Online and distance education is a great option if you can’t move to Australia due to commitments such as work or family. This means that you can study the same high-quality courses that are offered at Australian campuses, but without leaving your home country.
Online and distance education courses are available at universities, TAFE institutes and private colleges. You can study online or by distance in most fields of study, although certain subjects require face-to-face instruction so there may be some limitations. There are various methods of course delivery, including studying completely online or having course materials mailed to your home. Combining your studies at home with visits to study centres or partner institutions, or with face-to-face sessions with Australian teaching staff, is another option.
Further information
You can find more information about your study options by contacting Australian institutions using the Studies in Australia enquiry form. This allows you to get information directly from institutions, including details of course costs and scholarships, entry requirements and accommodation options. You can also explore your options by reading through the Types of education section.
