Are you planning to study and live in Australia? If yes, you might be imagining yourself in one of the major capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.

But what if we told you that the regional area that includes all the towns and small cities that lie beyond the capital cities can be another option for you — an option that is considered by many international students.

Interested to know why? Read on!

What are the benefits of studying in regional Australia?

Many international students have taken this option as an opportunity for many reasons, including:

Quality lifestyle

Benefit from a quality lifestyle in a quieter, lesser populated city. There’s hardly any traffic congestion, no long queues to get where you need to be, allowing you to enjoy hobbies, shopping, and eating out in a more relaxed way.

A Deeper sense of community

Enjoy a stronger sense of community. People are friendly and take the time to get to know one another in the community. This can help you develop confidence in your English and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and build a strong support network.

Lower cost of living

Rent, cost of dining out, and regular living costs are considerably lower. Enjoy being able to save extra dollars for your future in Australia.

Smaller class sizes

International students enjoy smaller class sizes, allowing them to build a strong network with students and teaching staff. In addition to the more individualized attention and the opportunity to ask more detailed questions about career opportunities.

Extra points for migration

One of the main reasons international students choose to study in regional areas is the benefit of getting 5 extra points. These 5 points can be vital when applying for permanent residence.

Where should I study in regional Australia?

The Australian Government wants to encourage international students to study and live in regional Australia. If you live and study in one of the regional areas for at least 2 years, you can gain 5 points on the Immigration Points Tests, which may increase your chance of PR in Australia.

Thinking about the 10 top cities for studying in regional Australia? Check the below:

  • Perth

  • Gold Coast

  • Adelaide

  • Canberra

  • Hobart

  • Wollongong

  • Newcastle

  • Darwin

  • Cairns

  • Geelong

It’s tempting to study anywhere in regional Australia; however, you should ensure that you’re studying a course that is aligned with your future career aspirations.

If you’re hoping to get a pathway to permanent residency, ensure there is employment availability in the area you will work in. Your local IDP counsellor will be able to help guide you through the options.

Best universities in regional areas of Australia

  • Charles Darwin University (CDU)

  • University of Tasmania (UTAS)

  • Edith Cowan University

  • Murdoch University

  • Southern Cross University (SCU)

  • University of Adelaide

  • James Cook University (JCU)

  • University of Southern Queensland

  • University of South Australia (UNISA)

  • Griffith University

How does Australia benefit from international students?

Australia’s benefits from hosting international students are immeasurable. The relationships subsequently forged at government, business, and social levels all play a part in ensuring Australia continues to have strong global ties and influence.

Also, the Australian economy benefits from students spending beyond tuition fees in areas like housing, food, and services. They pay rent and bills, buy food, and use public transport.

Not to mention their friends and family coming to visit as tourists.

That’s why Australia has always been successful in maintaining its reputation as one of the best study destinations in the world.

Jobs in regional areas in Australia

It’s exciting to know that regional Australia has grown and developed to become home to many well-paid employment opportunities in highly demanded industries as displayed below:

  • Agriculture

  • Dentistry

  • Business

  • Education

  • Accounting

  • Law

  • Medicine

If you want to study hard, we’ll make it easy

Want to fulfil your dream of studying in regional Australia? Make use of IDP services and get in touch TODAY with your IDP international education specialist to help make your dream come true.

Take the first step towards reaching your aspirations and get our support to start your course at one of the best universities there!