If you want to study in a location which offers a stunning combination of great scenery, amazing cities, friendly people and some institutions which boast an impressive international academic reputation, Australia is the place to go! Here we give brief details of ten locations in the country which provide some of the best student experiences you’ll get anywhere.
1. Melbourne
Arguably the coolest city on the planet, Melbourne’s laid-back, cosmopolitan vibe is enormously appealing. The city has seven universities to choose from, many of which rank in the top few internationally in their specialist subject areas. The University of Melbourne, for example, is ranked Number 1 in Australia and within the top 35 globally! With a large student community, plenty to do and a rich culture, there are few better options than studying in Melbourne.
2. Sydney
Across the country, Sydney is the place to go if you love the ocean and green spaces. Showcasing iconic attractions such as the opera house and Bondi Beach, Sydney is also culturally diverse, with a large number of international students. There are 35 university campuses in Sydney, several of which are ranked in the top fifty academic institutions internationally.
3. Brisbane
If you love beach life at the same time as also wanting the benefits which a big city has to offer, Brisbane could be right for you. Only about 70km from the Gold Coast, Brisbane has two universities of its own, as well as four campuses from other universities. Multi-cultural and a tourist centre, Brisbane is on par with many other big cities.
4. Canberra
The country’s capital, Canberra, is home to two universities: the University of Canberra (UC) and the Australian National University (ANU). Canberra is a green city. Its compact size means that travelling around it is straight-forward, and with the hills and open space which surround it, there are plenty of opportunities to get out in the fresh air. Recent figures suggest that around 20% of students at Canberra universities are from overseas.
5. Perth
Perth is located on the western coast of Australia. With eight universities to choose from and an overseas student population of around 35,000, it’s a great location for people visiting from abroad to study. Beaches and riverside parks give an open, spacious feel to the city. Rich in culture and with plenty to do, Perth’s unique setting offers an attractive student choice.
6. Adelaide
Adelaide’s location enables residents to enjoy the beach as well as venture into the hills to enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits. The city is well-known for its easy-going ambience. There are three universities in Adelaide and over 38,000 overseas students. About 25% of Adelaide’s population was born overseas, which results in a considerable degree of diversity.
7. Hobart
If you fancy saving on living costs whilst still enjoying a great student experience, studying in Hobart could be the perfect solution. Hobart has one university, the University of Tasmania. This ranks in the top 50 globally, ensuring it’s a good academic choice. Around a quarter of the students that attend the university are from overseas. With a temperate climate and known for its wine and great food, it’s a good option.
8. Gold Coast
If you want a high-end student experience, then Bond University on the Gold Coast could be right for you. Bond University is noted for the calibre of the student experience, with students rating the university highly. Bond’s proportion of overseas students is fairly small in comparison with some of the universities elsewhere in the country. Students enjoy the beach lifestyle which is a key part of living on the Gold Coast.
9. Wollongong
Wollongong is located in NSW, down the coast from Sydney. Home to the University of Wollongong, in general the cost of living is slightly lower than you can expect in Sydney. If you like outdoor activities, Wollongong could be right for you – easy access to the hills and beach mean everything from surfing to hang gliding is available. There are around 12,000 overseas students at the university, which is about 30% of the total student population.
10. Bathurst
Charles Stuart University, in Bathurst, NSW, is ranked in the top 30 universities in Australia. About a fifth of the student body is from overseas. Home of the Mount Panorama racing circuit, Bathurst also plays host to attractions such as the National Motor Racing Museum and the impressive Machattie Park. The city itself is the oldest inland settlement in Australia. With a population of less than 40,000, this is a compact, friendly place that’s easy to navigate.
Despite its small size, it’s an exciting, cosmopolitan place to live and study. With plenty of historical buildings and sites, the city also benefits from its geographical position in Australia’s tablelands: a perfect base from which to enjoy stunning scenery, Bathurst is an attractive, culturally rich location.