Home to some of the world’s premier universities, Australia continues to attract international students thanks to its minimal entry barriers and work opportunities.
Home to some of the world’s premier universities, Australia continues to attract international students thanks to its minimal entry barriers and work opportunities.
Australia continues to cement its standing as the preferred destination of Indian students seeking international higher education opportunities.
Australia’s position is bolstered by the perceived ease of entry and absence of barriers such as the requirement for GRE or GMAT scores. This makes it the leading choice for Indian students.
Regulations also permit visiting students to engage in part-time employment for up to 48 hours in a fortnight. During active academic sessions, they are even allowed to work full-time.
Ahead of a roadshow in Hyderabad on September 9, Dr. Monica Kennedy, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Mumbai, highlighted Australia’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of international students.
Dr. Kennedy emphasized how Australia has established specific regulations to ensure that universities are held responsible for addressing student-related concerns and are required to offer necessary support.
Australia boasts a total of 43 universities, with a significant number of them holding positions in global rankings, she said. The country is channeling investments into education infrastructure to attract a larger influx of international students.
A considerable number of students opt for three-year undergraduate courses or two-year master’s programs, with Indian students showing a keen interest in courses such as information technology, management, health, education, humanities, and emerging technologies.
Dr. Kennedy, however, observed how the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in the number of students selecting Australia as their education destination. But with the trend rebounding, the student count is now poised to approach the 100,000 mark.
The cost of living and studying in Australia
Living and studying in Australia isn’t cheap, however. Program costs typically range from AU$20,000 to AU$30,000 per year.
But universities provide students the opportunity to engage in part-time work. The minimum wage stands at AU$21 (~US$13) per hour.
Some universities also provide free accommodation for the first year, resulting in substantial savings. Moreover, diverse student support programs in the form of bursaries are also available.
Roshen Paul, director, trade and investment at Austrade, said that intakes for students are scheduled in July, September, and February.
The roadshow will serve as a platform that facilitates interaction between parents, students, and representatives from Australia’s education sector. The event will include discussions about fees, popular intakes, in-demand courses, and the student experience in Australia.
