8 Easy-to-Follow Steps to Study Abroad in Australia
Everyone will tell you that studying abroad is a must-do on the college bucket list. It’s an opportunity to take a break from the same old people and campus and discover an entirely new culture. It’s the chance to travel, make new friends, and create memories that will last forever.
So you spin your globe and the realization sets in: the world is gigantic! How will you ever narrow it down and pick the perfect place to study abroad? Learn the steps to study abroad in Australia, whether in high school, college, and beyond!
Let’s do this. And by “this,” we mean, live your best life as you study in Australia!
We’ll make it easy for you. See that island-continent down south, floating between the Indian and Pacific Oceans? Well, it’s a pretty magical place. They say the coasts feature golden beaches where you can find the perfect waves and coral reefs, and if you travel your way inward through lush rainforests, you’ll find the world’s largest monolith in the Red Centre.
The land is teeming with diverse wildlife—cute, cuddly kangaroos and deadly crocs—and the cities are a haven for international travelers. The education system is world-renowned, so you can enroll in excellent universities while having the adventure of a lifetime.
Australia is the perfect study abroad destination for every student and traveler. So how do you get started? Keep reading to know how to study abroad in Australia, which details to narrow down first, and which questions you need to ask yourself.
When do you want to study abroad in Australia?
How much time you got? Study abroad programs in Australia range from a couple weeks to a couple years, so best to consider your time commitment before diving into program specifics.
- Summer study abroad programs in Australia are perfect for those wanting a short-term course during the holidays. If you’re traveling form the northern hemisphere, just keep in mind you’ll arrive in Aussie winter. While you may be imagining stereotypical Australian sunshine, anywhere south of Queensland will have you bundled up in a coat and scarf, so be prepared!
- Semester study abroad programs are popular, as they allow you to settle into Aussie culture for several months, perfect your slang, and gain credits that can contribute to your studies in your home country. If you have the time and it won’t set back your graduation, this may be the best option for study abroad in Australia.
- Academic Year study abroad programs in Australia allow long-term options for those who want to make Oz feel like home. Take a year for university, enroll in an extended language course, or combine study with an internship placement in the land down unda’.
What type of study abroad program do you want to do?
What you should *not* be doing in class
What is pushing you to study abroad? Want to learn a new language or earn a degree? There are heaps of programs available for different types of studies. Here are a few:
- Exchange programs in Australia are the most common study abroad experiences. Take a semester, or even a year, off from your home university and gain credits overseas while in Oz! It’s your chance to experience “uni” life while you study in Australia. If you’re on the younger side, high school exchange programs are also available, both short- and long-term.
- Language courses in Australia are perfect for non-English speakers who want to learn the native language with an Aussie twang. Enroll in an intensive English course where you’ll study with excellent ESL teachers, and put your skills to the test as you explore and meet other international travelers.
- Master’s degrees in Australia are another option if you want to pursue your higher education while living overseas. If you can commit to a couple years abroad, consider getting a specialized degree while settling in like a local.
8 tips on how to study abroad in Australia
Now that you know the basics, let’s get started on how to study abroad in Australia with eight easy steps!
1. Set your goals.
What exactly do you want to accomplish by studying abroad in Australia? The first step is to set goals for yourself. Think about what you hope to get out of the experience. Do you want to gain insight into international business? Perfect your surf skills? Work on your Aussie accent? Ask yourself how you’ll make this happen while studying abroad in Australia.
Along with the fun questions, ask yourself about the logistics. How much are you willing to budget, and how much time do you have to commit to the program? While it may not be fun to work out the nitty gritty, it’s better to start with it so you have the right expectations going in.
New favorite activity: walking along the promenade at sunset before hitting the books for a long study sesh.
2. Choose a city based on what you want to do.
Australia’s best cities are spotted along the coastlines, but each offers a different vibe. Which one do you want to call home while you study in Australia?
- Sydney is Australia’s most iconic city. Featuring famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach, this big city in New South Wales will give you the realization that you truly are on the other side of the world. You’ll never be bored with busy streets, lively bars, and constant festivals, but there’s so much more to Sydney than its city life. With top-notch schools, students abroad can get a top-notch education.
- Melbourne, known for its art, culture, graffitied-laneways, and excellent cafes, also features some of the top-ranked universities in Australia. Spend your days studying at the world-renowned University of Melbourne or La Trobe University, and in your spare time explore quirky suburbs, get lost in beautiful museums, or indulge in international cuisines.
- Brisbane is one of Australia’s most underrated cities. Nestled between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in southern Queensland, Brissy is one of Australia’s more relaxed cities, featuring the classic Aussie endless summer. Study at the University of Queensland, ranked fourth in the country, and spend your weekends soaking up the sun at South bank, relaxing in the botanic gardens, or road tripping to gorgeous beaches.
- Perth is Australia’s best west coast city. While it’s much more isolated than the other big cities on the East Coast, Perth is another excellent place to study in Australia. With smaller international schools, the city can cater especially to overseas students. Even better: in your free time you can explore rugged Western Australia or dive into the art and culture scene in the city.
3. Shop for programs.
Okay, now for the fun part: shopping for your program! There are many programs to choose from for studying abroad in Australia. Consider using GoAbroad’s online advisor or signing up for MyGoAbroad for advice based on your goals, and check out some of these top-rated programs for study abroad in Australia:
I. CISabroad
Study abroad on the Gold Coast at Bond University with CIS Abroad. With study abroad options available all year round, there’s plenty of flexibility to plan a semester abroad in Australia on a highly ranked university right next to some of the country’s most gorgeous beaches and thriving nightclubs.
II. ISA (International Studies Abroad)
ISA is another top-rated program specializing in study abroad in Melbourne, one of the world’s most livable cities. Study at University of Melbourne or La Trobe University for a semester or a whole year. With ISA, you’ll have accommodation, meals, and excursions all included in the tuition costs, with access to excellent study programs in the arts.
III. AIFS Study Abroad
Want to study on Australia’s West Coast? Go abroad with AIFS Study Abroad to study abroad in Australia for a semester or a year at Murdoch University. With students from over 90 countries, you’ll feel at home in this international community with a reputation for excellent research, teachers, and student satisfaction.
IV. IES Abroad
Study abroad at Sydney’s Macquarie University, University of New South Wales, or University of Sydney with IES Abroad. You’ll have endless courses to choose, from art history to engineering. And the best part? In your free time, you can join excursions to performances at the Opera House, climb the Harbour Bridge, or do the famous coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi Beach.
4. Apply for your program.
So your research is done: you’ve chosen your dream city, talked to alumni, and read heaps of reviews on the programs available. You’ve worked out the logistics, like when, where, and how much it’ll cost. Now it’s time to apply, apply, apply!
If the 12 Apostles aren’t on your bucket list, they should be now!
This is your time to shine like a star and show these program providers what you have to offer. Set aside time so you don’t make mistakes on the application process. Once your application is in, it’s time to sit back, relax, and daydream about sandy feet and an ocean breeze.
5. Stockpile your savings.
Australia is expensive, we won’t lie, so how will you fund your study abroad in Australia? Hopefully you’ve already considered the costs for your program, living expenses, and travels, but now is the time to focus on budgeting. After all, you’ll want a little extra padding so you can splurge on that trip to the outback, skydive on the beach, or go on an East Coast road trip post-studies with your new mates.
In the months leading up to your study abroad program in Australia, make a budget and stick to it. Get a job and put every spare penny in your savings, look into scholarships, and consider fundraising if you’re still trying to make ends meet.
6. Prep for your travels.
Nearly there! Next on the list is to prep for your travels, and this means more than making a bucket list of all the things you want to do and places you want to see while abroad in Australia. Make sure your passport is valid and that you leave plenty of time to apply for your visa. But that’s not all: you need book flights, purchase travel insurance, sort out your bank details and spending money, and let’s not forget pack! Making a checklist can help you here.
Think of all the magic that awaits if you study abroad for a year in Australia—or even just a summer in Australia!
7. Brush up on your Aussie lingo.
Who told you they speak English in Australia? The native language may technically be English, but throw in the strong accent, constant abbreviations, and ridiculous slang and you’ll seriously be asking, “Do you speak my language?”
Learn the language before you go. Remember that abbreviations are key – a cup of coffee becomes cuppa, McDonald’s becomes Macca’s, afternoon becomes arvo, football becomes footy…you get the point. Buy a slang book and before you know it, you’ll be throwing around the Aussie lingo like a local in ‘Straya.
8. Take advantage of every adventure!
You made it! The application is done, bags are packed, and your seatbelt is fastened on the long flight to the Land Down Under. Remember you goals, and keep in mind that your savings are there to be spent. Say yes to every opportunity during your study abroad program in Australia and seize every adventure!
Ready to hop in? Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Australia for FREE!
You’ve got the inside scoop on how to study abroad in Australia
These Australia study abroad tips will help you enjoy the sweet life.
Whether you’re an animal lover, beach bum, adventure junkie, or art enthusiast, studying abroad in Australia lets you do it all. With gorgeous coastal cities and heaps of programs to choose from, every student can tailor the experience to suit their goals.
What are you waiting for? Take our study abroad in Australia tips and get ready to experience the wonderful world of Oz!
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