Are you considering pursuing your higher education in Australia? Choosing the right university is the most crucial step towards it that can shape your entire academic and professional future. But with so many options available, how do you make the best decision? Don't worry, we have got you covered!
Have you ever wondered about the importance of academic excellence? Or the prospects of the in-demand jobs in Australia for international students right now? Or even the fact that your identity while studying abroad is that of an international student? Well, a university's reputation and quality of education are very closely related to all of these factors.
So, in this blog, we will walk you through the key factors of choosing a university in Australia. Now, if you are ready to make an informed decision and get started on your university journey, then keep on reading!
Choosing an Australian University: 7 Key Factors to Consider
Choosing a university is a big decision, especially with countless options available. There are many factors to consider, such as the university's reputation, location, cost, and programs offered. So, in this segment, weI have reduced everything to seven key reasons why you should select a university in Australia for your higher education. So all you are left to do - is make a decision!
Area of Strength:
Each university excels in specific fields, so you should always ensure that the coursework you are choosing is a strong point of that university.
In fact, you can look up the subject-specific ranking or the popular courses offered to international students in Australia to get a better idea of that department. Some popular resources providing more accurate and researched subject-specific ranking include -
-
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
-
QS World University Rankings
-
Academic Ranking of World Universities
University Rankings:
If you aim to study at one of the reputed universities, university rankings are most helpful. Australia is home to some of the best universities in the world. Bear in mind, though, as these are also the most competitive to get into.
Universities are mostly ranked based on a number of criteria like quality and reputation, employment and salary prospects, career impact, etc. Some of the higher-ranked universities in Australia for international students, based on the QS World University Rankings 2023, have been listed below:
| University |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
|
The University of Sydney
|
44
|
|
UNSW Sydney
|
45
|
|
The University of Western Australia
|
90
|
|
The University of Adelaide
|
109
|
|
University of Technology Sydney
|
137
|
|
University of Wollongong
|
185
|
Entry Criteria:
The entrance requirements vary across Australian universities, thus, it is best to check with the university for their exact requirements. However, there are some minimum requirements for studying in Australia for all international students, which we have presented below -
| Programs |
Entrance Requirements |
|
Bachelor’s Degree
|
TOEFL: 90+
|
|
Master’s Degree
|
GMAT: 580-600+
TOEFL: 90+
|
University Website:
The best resource to understand what the course describes and its career prospects, there’s no better resource than the university website itself! So have a look at the websites, you will find endless resources there for making this decision a bit easier for yourself.
University Size:
Australia offers eligible professionals huge career opportunities for research. However, selection for these opportunities is based on merit and a proven record of academic excellence is essential. And this is important when you are considering the student population in particular universities. Below we have presented a table depicting the huge international population enrolled in Australian universities -
| University |
Total Enrollment |
Percentage of Total Enrollment |
|
RMIT University
|
26,590
|
46.3%
|
|
The University of Sydney
|
22,140
|
38.2%
|
|
Curtin University
|
15,598
|
32.3%
|
|
University of New South Wales
|
13,132
|
25.1%
|
|
University of Wollongong
|
12,360
|
40.5%
|
|
Macquarie University
|
10,069
|
26%
|
|
University of Technology Sydney
|
10,054
|
26.7%
|
University Location:
The university location completely depends on your personal preference. Studies in regional and city areas have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Students from all over the world come to universities in the cities. In the cities, however, living standards can be higher. At the same time, students can work better while balancing their studies. On the other hand, regional universities might be a better fit for you as it exposes you to the true culture of Australia. But most importantly, studying in regional areas adds 5 points to your permanent resident application if you plan to settle in Australia. And if nothing else, this should be one of the main reasons for you to study in Australia!
Scholarship opportunities:
In comparison with the United States or Great Britain, Australia is relatively new to attracting foreign students. However, this vast country offers huge financial assistance to its international students which you might also receive if you apply for the scholarships available in Australia. Some of the scholarships that are being offered by Macquarie University for international students right now have been listed below -
-
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship
-
Macquarie University $5,000 Regional Scholarship
-
Faculty of Science and Engineering Women in STEM Scholarship
-
South Asia $10,000 Early Acceptance Scholarship
-
Macquarie University UAC International Scholarship
-
Macquarie University College $3,000 Scholarship
Opportunities for employment:
International students are now reaching Australia which is offering more jobs than ever, across multiple disciplines. Besides, work permits are issued for working part-time jobs in Australia for international students, now that the government is working proactively in attracting international students.
Conclusion
Now that you are well informed on the most significant variables for choosing a university in Australia, you have already accomplished the first stage in making a good decision. And if you are looking for more information on how to choose the right university or how to navigate through the Australian visa process, consult with our experienced agents here at PEFC Global, and start achieving your goals!
Please reach out to us at 01730785457 or 096 09 800 300 for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the admission requirements for universities in Australia?
Answer: High school, diploma or equivalent, English language proficiency, good academic grades, and program-specific prerequisites.
Are there any scholarships available for international students in Australia?
Answer: Yes, and these scholarships are offered by individual universities and specific organizations.
Can I work while studying in Australia as an international student?
Answer: Yes, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
What are the English language requirements for international students in Australia?
Answer: The scores mostly range from - IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5, TOEFL score of 60 to 90, CAE score of 169 to 176, and PTE Academic scores of 50 to 64.
Can I transfer credit from my current university to another institution in Australia?
Answer: Yes, and each university has its own policies and procedures.
