Study in Australia: complete guide for international students
If you’re looking to study in Australia as an international student, it’s possible you may find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed in the initial stages of planning.
It’s true that there’s a lot to consider – is Australia the right fit for you, what city should you choose to move to, and how will you find work, may be some of the questions on your mind. But there’s also a lot to be excited about!
At Kaplan Business School you have the unique opportunity to choose from six campus locations – Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney – with the option to transfer campuses if you ever consider a move interstate down the track.
To help with your research, we’ve created a free ebook that will take you through all the valuable information you need to know about studying in Australia, including:
- Pre-arrival checklists
- Settling in on arrival
- Top facts and perks for the capital cities of Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
ARE YOU CONSIDERING STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA?
Although the planning required for the move may seem overwhelming, we've got you covered!
Or continue reading for more information on what you need to know:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: ABOUT AUSTRALIA
Australia has developed a strong global reputation as a popular and rewarding study destination due to its excellent education system, high standard of living, friendly community, laid-back lifestyle and vibrant city life.
Whether you're chasing the buzz of living in a large, metropolitan city or prefer a more laid-back, smaller city that offers amazing outdoor adventures, Australia has the right place for you.
TOP REASONS TO STUDY IN AUSTRALIA
There are many great reasons to study abroad and here are 6 top benefits of choosing Australia as your destination:
1. Unforgettable sights and natural beauty
Australia’s stunning natural beauty and unique flora and wildlife are world-renowned.
There are over 11,000 beaches dotting the coastline. You’ll be able to visit iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Bondi Beach, learn about Aboriginal culture and heritage in Uluru, and explore a diverse range of landscapes from coastal rainforests and mountain ranges to deserts (Australia is, after all, the driest inhabited continent in the world!).
Australia is also home to several World Heritage sites, such as Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory.
2. Great work opportunities
International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight in Australia, which means more time for fun nights out with friends or day trips and holidays around the country.
After successfully completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree, you may be eligible to apply for a two-year or three year post-study work arrangement in Australia.*
Many Australian institutions offer work experience or internship programs that will allow you to gain hands-on industry experience and grow your professional network while you study.
At KBS, our Academic Internship program thoroughly prepares students for entering the workforce or upskilling in a role or industry. In fact, 1 in 3 of our students are offered ongoing employment with their host employer.*
* Based on ‘Your Academic Internship Experience’ Survey Responders 20223. Receive the highest quality of education
Graduates from Australian higher education providers are highly sought after due to the impressive international reputation of the Australian education system.
The Australian Qualifications Framework allows countries around the world to recognise your qualification and issue comparable qualifications for local use. All our courses are accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, a national agency closely regulated by the Australian government to ensure you are receiving the highest quality learning experience.
International students are also protected under Australian law through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. This framework sets out the standards that Australian institutions must meet in offering education and training services.
The learning environment in Australian universities and private institutions encourages creative thinking, discussion and independent self-study. Many of the tutorials and workshops are interactive, where you work in a team to strategise and implement solutions. The teaching style is designed to help you develop skills high in demand by employers such as interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills.4. Experience-rich culture
Cultural diversity is another distinguishing aspect of life in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), more than 7.6 million people living in Australia were born overseas in 2020, which equates to 30% of the resident population. For international students, this diversity of cultural influences means you’re sure to experience a lively and welcoming environment that will allow you to step outside your comfort zone to expand your thinking with new ideas and perspectives.
5. Enjoy a high standard of living
Did you know that Australia is the 8th most liveable country in the world!*
Australia’s capital cities are consistently ranked as some of the most liveable in the world due to various factors including a high quality of education, healthcare, transport, open spaces, infrastructure and government services.
* Human Development Report, UN, 2020
6. Affordable cost of living
Australia is a friendly and affordable country that enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Living costs include accommodation, transport, food, entertainment and study-related costs and these will vary according to a student’s lifestyle and personal requirements.
Below is an approximate guide of costs associated with living in Australia, which can vary depending on your study location.
*Human Development Report, (UN), 2020
*For more information, please visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au.
*Based on students placed in academic internships during Trimester 1, 2021
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: BEFORE LEAVING
Moving abroad for study takes time and preparation.
To make sure your move and transition are as smooth as possible, we’ve created two checklists to assist with your planning and packing. Feel free to download them. They are also available in our Study in Australia e-book.
TO-DO LIST
PACKING LIST
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: ON ARRIVAL
Once you arrive in Australia, the real adventure begins!
It’s good to research accommodation and work options ahead of time, as well as how to set up some of the practical aspects of your life in Australia such as your phone and internet services, and banking.
Just as important will be the social aspect of settling in – making sure you feel supported and starting to build up a support system of friends in your new city.
Here's our top advice for settling in on arrival:
PHONE AND INTERNET
It’s best to purchase a SIM card or Australian mobile number when you arrive in Australia, as using your home phone number may incur high costs. You can choose from:
- Prepaid
A prepaid service gives you flexibility because you control how much you spend and can stop using the service at any time. Pre-paid SIM cards are sold in many shops and supermarkets, as well as by mobile phone providers. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone are some of the most popular ones that allow for the most coverage across Australia. After an easy set-up process with the provider, you can simply top up credit as you need it either online or at a range of retail outlets.
- Contract
If you will be using your mobile a lot and planning to be in Australia for a fixed period for study, a contract might be a cheaper option. You can choose from a range of phone plans where you can get the handset with little (if any) up-front cost and then pay a fixed price per month for a certain amount of calls, text messages and data. Before going in-store, it’s a good idea to call ahead and find out what documentation you will be required to provide to set up your service.
- Internet
Many internet providers in Australia are also mobile or fixed phone carriers, and they offer pre-paid or contract internet plans like the above. If you choose a contract service, you will receive a modem, and pay each month for a certain data allowance. It's always worth comparing providers.
If you live in a rental property, you may need to set up an internet connection by yourself. If you have housemates, it’s normal to share the cost of the internet bills. If you live in student accommodation, check with your provider to see if the internet is included in your rent.
BANKING
The main Australian banks (Westpac, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB) all offer account options that are tailored specifically to international students. There are a variety of other providers however so make sure you shop around for the best option. This guide may help you: www.finder.com.au/bank-accounts/student-bank-accounts.
Setting up an account is a straightforward process and can be started online before you arrive or in person at a bank branch store.
You will need to have with you:
- Photo identification (such as your passport)
- Proof of Australian address
- Proof of Enrolment
ACCOMMODATION
There are a variety of accommodation options available across all major Australian cities, depending on your needs:
- Managed student accommodation
Want to live in accommodation where you’ll be able to socialise with other students? These are purpose-built accommodations where the entire block is dedicated to the housing of 100-400 students. There are single or twin rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen.
The price includes all utilities such as electricity and internet, a furnished bedroom, 24-hour security and on-site staff support, social events and activities, communal laundry facilities as well as recreation areas like cinema rooms, gyms, table tennis, gaming, television, BBQs, etc.
UniLodge and Scape are two large providers of managed student accommodation in Australia.
- Student hostels
Student hostels offer you an affordable housing option where you’ll be responsible for preparing your meals and sharing the cost of utilities such as gas, water and electricity. Most hostels include a furnished bedroom (either private or shared) with access to communal facilities such as bathroom, laundry, kitchen and lounges.
- Private rentals
If you’d like to be more independent, you can rent a property either on your own or rent a room in a private property. Living here, you’ll be responsible for all utility costs (or sharing them) and preparing all your meals. Though you can find fully or partially furnished private rentals, usually you are responsible for providing your furniture.
Popular websites where you can search for private rentals in Australia include:
- Flatmates
- Gumtree
- Domain (choose rent or share)
- Realestate.com.au (choose rent or share)
WORK
Find a Job
Australia offers strong employment opportunities, and the hospitality, finance, and construction industries, in particular, are always hiring. As an international student, you are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight on your student visa.
Websites such as Seek, Indeed and CareerOne are very useful for job hunting, or you can enlist the help of a recruitment agency in your city. Your education provider’s career service is also a great place to search out opportunities either via a job listing board or by speaking to one of the career advisors.
It’s important you’re aware of your rights and responsibilities to work in Australia. As a worker you have rights around minimum pay, leave entitlements, and workplace health and safety. You can visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for more information and advice.
Get a Tax File Number (TFN) To be successfully registered to pay tax in Australia, you’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN). Your employer can provide you with the paperwork for this once you commence employment. If you haven’t started your job yet, you can apply for a TFN online at the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website.
To apply, you’ll need your passport, address in Australia, a phone number and a valid email address.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Moving to a new country is exciting but it also means losing your close support system and having to adapt to a new education system, home, and culture. It’s important to be aware and make use of support services offered by your education provider.
At KBS, here are a few key services available for free to all students:
- Student Experience Team
A Student Experience Officer (SEO) is your on-campus guide and the first point of contact to help you settle into campus life.
They’re there to help you make the most of all our facilities, organise your class schedule and sort out any logistical problems. Outside of the classroom, your SEO can help you with essential admin tasks such as setting up a bank account, sorting out accommodation and giving insider tips on your bucket list of things to see, do and experience.
- Academic Success Centre
Located in the library of each campus, our team of Learning Advisors can provide support for your studies via additional workshops, lectures and one-on-one sessions. They can also assist with your assignments, referencing, essay and report writing, presentation delivery, academic language skills, and more!
Students are also able to access a free network of over 500 online tutors who provide help on a range of study skills and subjects.
- Careers Central
Our globally recognised Careers Central team can help you navigate the job search process, enhance your employability and build skills to future-proof your career.
The Career Advisors can assist you in securing internships and regularly run campus and online workshops on topics such as crafting the perfect resume and job interview skills that will get you hired.
It’s also a lifetime service meaning that you can access the service even after you graduate!
- Student Counselling
Student welfare is our number one priority at KBS. That’s why we have dedicated student counsellors at all our campuses to ensure our student’s mental health and wellbeing are proactively looked after.
STUDENT DISCOUNTS
Here’s a list of student discounts and offers that can help offset some of the bigger expenses that you’ll need to cover when studying in Australia.
1. UNiDAYS
Sign up for free and receive exclusive student discounts on fashion, tech, food and more! Simply download the app on your phone, verify that you’re a student, and you’ll get access to discounted prices on brands such as ASOS, the ICONIC, and even Apple.
2. Student Beans
Like UNiDAYS, Student Beans also offers a range of exclusive student discounts for brands including Specsavers, Pandora, and Lorna Jane.
3. Student Edge
This is another great free platform that partners with several brands to offer student discounts in Australia, from online bookstore Booktopia to air travel.
4. Entertainment
As a student, keep an eye out for special student discounts on a range of entertainment. At Event Cinemas, you can enjoy student rate tickets on Mondays-Thursdays via a free Cinebuzz account. Gyms like Fitness First provide cheaper memberships for students, and Spotify offers one month free and cheaper subscription rates when you sign up for Spotify Premium as a student.
5. Telecommunications
Major players in the telecoms space in Australia, such as Optus and Telstra, offer discounted SIM plans for students so make sure you ask about student discounts when speaking to any provider.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Sonder
Sonder is a multilingual safety and wellbeing service app that KBS offers to all students. The Sonder team consists of a network of professionals including registered nurses, emergency response specialists, mental health first aiders and psychologists.
The app connects you with the Sonder Support Team for any issues such as safety, health issues, medical needs, mental health issues, worries or concerns. You can access the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Emergency services
It’s important to know what to do if you experience or see an emergency. In Australia, you can call 000 for free and be connected to police, fire, and ambulance services. If you’re not sure which one you need, just tell the operator the situation and they will help guide you. If you don’t feel confident explaining in English, tell the operator your language and you will be connected to a translator who can help.
Stay safe outdoors
Australia offers many beautiful natural landscapes to explore, but to ensure you have an enjoyable time, it’s important to follow a few critical safety rules:
- Only swim at beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers, and in patrolled areas marked by red and yellow flags. If you need help, stay calm and wave your arm to attract attention.
- Before entering rivers, lakes or the ocean, take note of any warning signs and watch out for obstacles, strong currents and dangerous animals such as jellyfish, sharks or crocodiles.
- Before going hiking or bushwalking, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return and take the correct equipment. Research the area you are travelling to and check for dangerous conditions expected, such as potential fires or slippery tracks.
MAKING FRIENDS
Follow these 7 simple tips, and you’re sure to make some new friends in your new city in no time at all!
1. Attend orientation activities
Attending orientation activities at your college or university is a must! Not only will it help you prepare for starting your study, it’s also a unique chance to meet your new classmates, Student Ambassadors and join a Peer Mentoring Program. It’s also worth getting involved in orientation activities for new international students in your city. For example, in Adelaide, you can check out the Welcome Dinner Project, where you can meet locals over a delicious meal.
2. Be proactive in organising group plans
Taking the initiative to organise fun activities is a great way to bring people together. If you’re having dinner at your apartment on a Friday night, you can invite people that you meet in class to come over. Or, if you’re going to the beach or having a picnic, you can arrange a get-together and introduce your new friends to each other!
3. Join a club, society or sports team
Every education provider has a range of different clubs, societies and sports teams that you can join so make sure you’re putting yourself out there and getting involved.
For example, at KBS each trimester we hold several free internal and external events designed to be interactive and inspiring for all our students. They include guest speakers, expert panels, kindness week, multicultural days and much more.
4. Follow your interests to meet like-minded people
Are you really into indie music, yoga or dancing? Have a look online to find out where you can go to concerts, events or take classes in things that interest you. Facebook is often a good place to start for listings of local events, while Weekend Notes also has suggestions of things to do in each capital city. It’s a great way to meet locals and make friends in a community where you already have something in common.
5. Form a study group
Studying together not only helps you learn, but it’s a great excuse to hang out. Why not form a study group with a few of your classmates? Arrange to meet once a week at a café or bar, and studying will become a whole lot more fun.
6. Explore Facebook and WhatsApp groups
Social media platforms are another way to make connections in Australia. There are many diverse groups you can join and attend events organised by the group admins or members.
7. Volunteer for a cause you care about
Finding an organisation or cause to volunteer for is not only a worthy way of spending your time, it's also a great addition to your resume and a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people. For example, Responsible Runners is a not-for-profit organisation that runs weekly 30-minute beach and waterway cleanups in various locations around Australia.
