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If you dream of studying in Australia, be prepared to learn some slang. Aussies are known for their use of informal language. Many consider it part of their national identity.

As this article by two Monash University linguists points out, Australia’s attachment to slang actually goes all the way back to some of the earliest English settlements in the country. 

 So, what slang words should you know before traveling “down under”? Here are 12 popular Australian slang words to get started: 

1. Arvo

“Arvo” means afternoon. According to the Australian National Dictionary Centre, the word was first recorded in 1920. In Australian English, an “-o” is commonly added to shortened words. Two examples are “ambo” (ambulance driver) or “rello” (relative) – but there are many more. 

How to use it: I’m meeting my sister in the park on Sunday arvo.  

2. Barbie

“Barbie” is a short form of barbeque. In Australian English, “-ie” is also added to lots of abbreviated words. The word “selfie” is a good example of this; it was coined by an Australian man in 2002!  

How to use it: We’re having a barbie tomorrow – do you want to come?  

 3. Chucking a sickie 

“Chucking a sickie” means to take a sick day from work when you are not sick – or without a proper reason. Look, there’s that “–ie” again. 

According to a 2018 study, nearly half of Australians who take off sick are actually chucking a sickie.  

How to use it: I’m going to chuck a sickie on Monday to spend an extra day with my family. 

4. Give someone a bell

“To give someone a bell” simply means to call someone on the phone. It’s a term used both in Australia and the U.K.  

How to use it: I’ll give you a bell tomorrow when I’m out of class. 

5. Hard yakka

“Hard yakka” means work hard. The word “yakka” – which first appeared in the 1840s – derives from the word for work (yaga). It comes from Yagara, an Indigenous language in Australia. 

In fact, many Australian English words derive from Indigenous languages. Take a look at some more examples on ABC Learn English. 

How to use it: Studying for my final English exam was hard yakka, but worth it.  

6. Macca’s

“Macca’s” is a nickname for Mcdonald’s. If you used the term Macca’s in the U.S. or Canada, you’d get some funny looks. But the term is very common in Australia. In fact, McDonald’s changed its name to Macca’s at stores across the country for Australia Day in 2013 – and still refers to itself as Macca’s today.  

How to use it: I’m craving a cheeseburger. Where’s the closest Macca’s?  

7. Mate

“Mate” is a popular word for friend. And while it’s used in other English-speaking countries around the world, it has a special connection to Australia. In the past, mate has been used to address men,  but it can be gender-neutral.  

In Australia, you’ll also hear mate used in an ironic sense. If someone is upset with an athlete’s play, for example, they might yell at the T.V.: “maattee!”  

How to use it: G’day mate, how are you doing? 

8. No worries 

“No worries” is a common way to say that something is no bother – or even to say you’re welcome. It’s often used to assure people that everyone will be alright, and not to worry.  

How to use it: “Thanks for taking that shift at work for me!” – No worries, I don’t mind at all.  

 9. She’ll be right

“She’ll be right” is an optimistic way to say that everything will turn out okay in the end.  

Now, why is the pronoun she used? “Australian English often uses the feminine pronoun she where standard English would use it. For example, instead of ‘it’ll be right’ Australians say ‘she’ll be right’,” explains the Australian National Dictionary Centre.  

 How to use it: I’m worried about applying to a university abroad. But I know if I work hard, she’ll be right.  

10. Uey

A “uey” is a U-turn. When you say it, it sounds like “You E”. Instead of saying make a uey, you’re more likely to hear an Australian say chuck a uey.

How to use it: We’re going in the wrong direction! Chuck a uey up ahead to turn around.  

 11. Uni

“Uni” is an abbreviation for – you guessed it – university. The word uni is used in both Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.; and while it’s not very common in Canada or the U.S., most people would still understand you if you said it. There are 43 unis in Australia – you can take a look at them here. 

How to use it: My best mate from uni just had a baby. She looks just like him!  

 12. Veggo

A “veggo” is a vegetarian. About 3% of the population in Australia say they’re vegetarian, while just 1% are vegan. But if you’re a veggo, you won’t have any issues shopping. There are lots of meat and dairy-free options available in supermarkets and restaurants.  

How to use it: My brother is a veggo. He cooked some amazing veggie burgers on the barbie last weekend.  

There’s a lot to love about living in Australia. The country boasts beautiful landscapes, multicultural cities, and one of the best education systems in the world. Many people who hold an Australian work visa want to stay in Australia for the long run and decide to apply to become a permanent resident.

In this guide, we’ll take a look into what the process entails. By the end you’ll have all the information and online resources you need to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia:

What does it mean to be a permanent resident in Australia?

With an Australian permanent resident visa, you can remain in the country indefinitely. If you secure a permanent resident visa you’ll also be able to:

• Work and study in Australia

• Receive healthcare benefits

• Sponsor relatives for their permanent resident visas

• Apply for citizenship

Keep in mind that until you become a citizen, you cannot:

• Hold an Australian passport

• Vote in Australian elections

• Access student loan benefits

How to apply

There are multiple ways to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia. It will depend on how and why you are eligible. Most commonly, people commonly apply through a family, work, or business stream.

A family-stream permanent resident visa

A family member can sponsor you for a visa. You can do this if you are the partner, child, parent, or dependent of an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. You can also be sponsored for a permanent resident visa if you need to move to Australia to care for a family member long-term. You can apply from both inside and outside Australia for this type of visa.

To learn about how to apply through the family stream and all the different visas available, check out this questionnaire on the Government of Australia website.

A work-stream permanent resident visa

You can be sponsored by an Australian employer for a permanent resident visa. Likewise, you might also be able to apply through a skilled workers program. You will qualify for this if you have skills the country views as valuable – such as chemistry, agricultural engineering, or carpentry. The skilled occupation list outlines all the jobs in Australia that are in high-demand.

Keep in mind that for some work-stream visas, you must be nominated by an employer or Australian government agency to apply.

Discover the different work-stream permanent resident visa options on the Government of Australia website.

A business or investment permanent resident visa

If you own or manage a business in Australia, or invest in the country, you can apply for a permanent resident visa. This will allow you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

People are also eligible to apply for permanent resident visas in Australia for a range of different reasons. For example, if you wish to retire or are a former resident of the country. You may also apply if you have a “distinguished talent” – which means you have made an outstanding achievement in a certain field – or are a refugee. For each visa, you’ll also have to check if you qualify. Every situation is different and you can explore every visa option on the Australian Government website.

Fees and processing times

Expect to pay $2,890 AUD for an investor visa, $4,770 AUD for a skilled visa, and $9,095 AUD for a partner visa.*

Processing times also range. Some permanent resident visas take a few months, while others can take more than two years to be granted. This makes it extremely important to do your research and plan ahead.

*Please note these fees are correct at the time of writing. Please consult the government website for up-to-date information.

Many permanent resident visas always require you to take an English language test, so you’ll have to study for this in advance. Our secure, computer-based English exam PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian government for all visa categories – including business and investment permanent resident visas. And the good news? Once you’ve written the test, you get the results within 48 hours.

Learn more about PTE Academic for Australia.

Plan ahead

Applying for a permanent visa anywhere can be a long (and sometimes complicated) process. So, it really does pay to do your research ahead of time. You’ll need to save up, prepare your application, and plan your move ahead with lots of time to spare.

Want to learn more about living, working, and studying in Australia? Check out all our articles on our blog.

We are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Last updated 20 December 2024.

Do you want to study in Malaysia?

If you are an international student wanting to study in Malaysia, you may need to take an English test.

International students are required to meet the English language competency requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Do you need to take an English test?

If you are an international student who meets all academic qualifications but have not met the English language requirement for admission you may receive a conditional offer.

You will then need to complete an English language preparation program within 12 months at the respective private college or university and pass the language test requirement. Only then will you will be able to commence your course.

Who is exempt?

You do not need to prove your English language skills if you are an international student that:

• is from an English-speaking country

• has an academic qualification from an institution that uses English as the medium of instruction

• has completed their education in Malaysia and has decided to further their studies to a higher level

Where is PTE Academic accepted?

Since April 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has accepted PTE Academic as proof of the English language skills for international students wanting to study at a private higher educational institution in Malaysia.

There are a growing number of Malaysian Universities that now recognize PTE Academic such as:

• Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT)

• Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

• Asia School of Business

• Asia e University

• Berjaya University College

• Curtin University (Sarawak)

• Cyberlynx International College

• Disted College

• Education Malaysia Global Services

• Despark College

• First City University College

• HELP University College

• Heriot Watt University Malaysia

• Inti International College Subang

• Malaysia University of Science and Technology

• Monash University Malaysia

• Multimedia University

• MAHSA University

• Pintar College

• Segi University

• Sunway College

• Sunway University

• Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak)

• Taylor’s University

• The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

• UCSI University

• University of Reading Malaysia

• University of Southampton Malaysia Campus

• Xiamen University (Malaysia Campus)

We are constantly expanding the number of Malaysian Universities that accept our scores, explore our full list of institutions in Malaysia who accept PTE.

You can take PTE Academic at test centers around the world and at 6 locations in Malaysia. Ready to take PTE Academic? Book now!