Do you dream of studying in Australia? In 2020, more than 878,000 international students enrolled in courses in Australia – with 45% of students coming from China and India alone.
The country offers a range of benefits for international students, including prestigious universities, multicultural cities, beautiful landscapes to explore, and more.
Let’s delve into everything that makes Australia a great study abroad destination:
Quality education
Did you know that Australia has one of the best education systems in the world? Australian universities and educational institutions have a great reputation, and are looked upon favorably by international students and employers alike. In fact, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, a number of Australian universities are ranked among the best in the world, including:
The University of Melbourne ranked at 13
The University of Sydney ranked at 18
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) ranked at 19
And the Australian National University at 30
The global university rankings take into account things like quality of education, fees, faculty and employer reputation – all important things to consider when deciding on a place to study.
Cost of living
Compared to other study abroad destinations, like the UK or the US, the cost of living in Australia is relatively affordable. The Australian Dollar is the currency in Australia. Keep in mind that $1 AUD is equivalent to about $0.64 USD, so your money is likely to go further here.
The cost of living varies depending on the city you live and the lifestyle you pursue. You can use the Course Search Tool to find out detailed tuition fee for your dream course and the Cost of Living Calculator to estimate the living cost.
Use of English
If you’re looking to master English, Australia is a great place to put your language skills to the test. About 73% of the population in Australia only speak English at home.
Australian slang – which many people consider part of their national identity – can be difficult for international students to grasp. But, learning the slang is all part of studying in Australia, mate.
A multicultural lifestyle
Australia is diverse and multicultural, which makes studying here a truly unique experience. Roughly 30% of the population is made up of immigrants; in 2019, people from every single country in the world lived in Australia! You can learn more about immigration trends in the country.
Beautiful landscapes
Australia boasts stunning cities, beautiful beaches and arid deserts. Students who study here have the opportunity to places like the Great Barrier Reef, the 12 Apostles, the famous Sydney Opera House – and so much more. What’s not to love?
Job opportunities before and after graduation
Most student visas in Australia allow you to work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks on an Australian student visa. Better yet, the minimum wage is $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week. This is a huge plus for people studying in Australia.
For students that want to work in Australia full time after graduation, the Australian government also offers temporary graduate visas. These allow students to remain in Australia to live and work temporarily – as well as bring their families with them.
Don’t forget to read our Australian student visa application guide.
Feeling excited?
PTE Academic can help you achieve your Australian study dreams. Our English language tests are fast, flexible, secure, and accepted by all universities in Australia.
Learn more about PTE Academic in Australia or book your test today.
Last updated 20 December 2024.
