Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying in Australia
Over the years, thousands of international students are choosing Australia for their higher education for several reasons: World-class education, safe and friendly environment, English as its medium of instruction, diverse cultural experience, industrial research opportunities, beautiful country to live in, and the wonderful lifestyle it offers, among other reasons. Studying in Australia comes with many advantages, but students also face certain challenges like any other overseas student destination.
In this article, we have listed both the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Australia for the benefit of aspiring students. While some of the difficulties are to do with adaptability, it does help to know what to look out if you are planning to study in Australia.
Advantages of Studying in Australia
The following are some of the advantages of studying in Australia.
1. Quality Education
The Australian government has not left any stone unturned in their desire to become the premier destination for higher education for students all around the world. The government has ensured that it has worked out on all the aspects which make it easier for international students to afford education there. Some of the major factors which have had special influence in achieving the aforementioned are :
- Affordable Quality Lifestyle and special concessions for international Students
- Continuously improving rankings of the native universities
- Extreme focus on law and order and safety of international students
- Multiple research grants and scholarship options
- Good employment rates
- Overall lesser educational fee for the same level of quality education as the USA
Comparison of the average fees for Australia and USA
| Place | Australia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of graduation | 15000-33000$(AUD) | 39,000-50,000$(AUD) |
| Cost of post graduation | 20000-37000$(AUD) | 49,000-57,000$(AUD) |
2. Impressive Resume
Pursuing MS or graduation from Australia could do wonders for your career as the Australian graduate student tag holds a lot of value. The universities engage in multiple live projects with the corporate firms to ensure that the students get a better exposure too. Thus, an additional credential of professional experience gets added to the student’s resume in addition to the internships alone. Lastly, most courses and training undertaken by international students in Australia are covered by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which has got a high international reputation and presence.
3. Less Financial Burden
The Australian government has allotted a financial budget of 200 million for scholarships in order to encourage international students to complete their education. The universities also have provisions for students to take up part-time jobs within the campus so that the students can cover their expenses.
One can also take up part-time jobs outside the university too should they have enough time for it.
4. Easy Permanent Residency (PR)
Permanent Residency is another reason which makes Australia the preferred destination for International students. The Australian government offers a number of visa options for students to become a permanent resident.
You can also get Permanent Residency through work visas, where you can manage to work for substantial years and qualify for a PR visa. Up to two years of Post-Study Work Permit can be given to students which will help you in securing a job in your field. There are several job opportunities in the field of Agriculture, Aeronautics, Accounts and Actuaries, IT and Medicine.
Hence, if you are a student looking at settling down in Australia after completing your graduation or master’s, Australia is a great choice.
Disadvantages of Studying in Australia
The followings are some of the disadvantages or challenges you may face while studying in Australia.
1. Transportation Options
The public transport systems in Australia are inadequate and are not easily accessible. While all the modes exist, yet, either they do not cover the necessary stretch, or they are too expensive. Australia, as a country, relies mostly on the roads for transportation. The road network is hence exceptional, and given the extensive stretch of the land, the cost of road travel is on the higher side usually. An average student might not be able to afford that on a regular basis. However, the Australian government offers concessions for international students for commuting. You can use these concessions to make your travel costs affordable. Plus, in-campus accommodation is offered for most courses which will cut down your travel to a great extent.
This article will provide you with all the necessary information on transport and commuting options available in Australia for international students.
2. The Cultural Conundrum
Australia is a land of many cultures, yet there are fractions of local Aussies who are not as tolerant towards other ethnicities. Racism is not so uncommon in this country; hence the Australian universities have stringent guidelines to keep a check on any kind of discrimination. The law has no tolerance for racism; nevertheless, prejudices persist, and international students will be wise to stay away from radicals and mingle with a tolerant and open-minded group of students.
3. Extreme Weather Conditions
Australia is known for its climatic extremes during summers and winters. The country has very hot, dry and long summers in its central regions of desert, where the temperature goes up to 40°C. The very long and hot days are almost unbearable for students coming from colder regions, and you may end up staying indoors in the comfort of air conditioners. The winter in the higher regions of Australia experience below freezing point chillness, which is again extreme for students coming from tropical countries. However, students adapt to these climatic extremes overtime by wearing appropriate clothing and staying indoors when required.
4 Wild Life
Australia is known for its wildlife and it attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. However, the same thing can become a concern for the people who live there. It is not uncommon to come across coconut crabs right on your doorsteps or have a giant tarantula greeting you. The toilets are not safe either and there have been cases where pythons just came out of them. Snakes getting stuck in the AC duct are quite common too.
While this is not a disadvantage in terms of the educational requisites, yet one has to be extra cautious while studying in Australia. We feel that this might not be such a major inconvenience if you stay in a city or within the university campus.
5. The Internet
Australia is a developed country, and despite this, the internet connectivity is not as good as one would expect. One surprising reason for low internet speed is because broadband technologies are underdeveloped in Australia. This country is ranked 51 in the world for internet speed, which is at an average of 8.5 Mbps. If you are pursuing a course that relies on the internet, you may need to do thorough research before opting for the same.
Conclusion
Allggy international student destinations in the world have their own set of benefits and drawerrrtbacks. International students face pros and cons while studying in Australia too, some of which are common across other countries. This article carefully lays out the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Australia, which could come in handy while deciding where you wish to pursue your higher studies.