If you are planning to migrate to Australia for study purposes, there are various options for you to choose from. Like if you want to live and study in a busy metropolitan area, you might want to consider studying in one of Australia’s remote districts. But if you are low on budget or enjoy natural beauty and landscapes, consider Regional Areas to study in Australia.
Studying in Regional areas provides you with a cost-effective and stress-free environment so that you can easily focus on your studies. Moreover, in this fast-paced and digitally-driven world, regional areas act as an antidote to the burden and relentlessness of technological overload.
“Time spent in nature is the most cost-effective way to counteract the burnout and sort of depression that we feel when we sit in front of a computer all day.”
Richard Louv
So, if you are seeking to travel to Australia, you must be aware of the best regional areas to study in Australia. Australia has always had a scattered labor force, with the majority of skilled workers concentrating in its three largest cities, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The regional Governments have provided relaxation on immigration policies to lessen the burden on these major cities and to attract international students. This step has encouraged highly educated individuals to relocate to regional areas of the country and foster economic development in these areas.
Before heading to find which are the best regional areas to study in Australia and why you should choose these areas for studying purposes, let’s first understand what are the top regional areas in Australia.
What are Regional Areas in Australia?
The Meeting and Events Australia (MEA) defines regional membership as any center with a population of more than 500,000 people and the areas outside of major capital cities. So, we can say that areas, towns, and small cities located beyond the boundaries of major capital cities are regional areas. The Australian government intends to promote standard of living and studying in Australia’s designated “Regional Areas” for international students.
For this purpose, they are granting almost 1,000 regional scholarships and a unique scholarship (Destination Australia) worth approximately AUD 15,000 to support foreign students. Moreover, you can gain five extra points on Immigration Points Test after completing your education and residing in the country for at least two years. This might improve your chances of getting permanent residence in Australia. But before deciding the regional area, you must know the difference between major cities and regional areas.
Best Regional Areas to Study in Australia
Choosing the best regional areas to study in Australia is quite daunting, and many students get confused about what regional area they should choose. Let’s delve together to find out the top universities, courses, and job opportunities these regions offer to international students. Here, I’ve shortlisted the top regional areas for studying in Australia.
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Tasmania-Hobart
- Adelaide-South Australia
- Perth-Western Australia
- Gold Coast-Queensland
- Sunshine Coast
1. New South Wales (NSW)
With over 260,000 students from 160 countries, New South Wales (NSW) is a popular choice for international students. It is one of the largest economies in Australia or may be greater than Singapore and Malaysia. New South Wales (NSW) provides a multitude of options for students to study, work, and explore various cities and regions of the state.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) NSW are the famous educational institutions in the state. If you choose to pursue higher education, the state also offers a wide variety of universities and educational institutes, as well as well-regarded independent and government secondary schools. Explore the top universities and courses offered by New South Wales (NSW).
| Top Universities | Australian Catholic University, Charles Sturt University, Macquarie University, Southern Cross University, University of New England, University of New South Wales, University of Newcastle, University of Sydney |
| Top Courses | Nursing, Communication, Environmental Science, Health and Education. |
2. Tasmania-Hobart
It is one of the best regional areas to study in Australia. The economy of Tasmania depends heavily on the tourism and hospitality sector. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world because of its isolated location in the Southern Ocean, away from other land masses. It is the most affordable option to study in Australia. Tasmania offers a quality lifestyle for those who love calm and peaceful places, which is why it is on the hit list of visitors.
“To write about business, one should be in business, just as in writing about Tasmania, one should visit Tasmania.”
James Cook
Moreover, Tasmania offers a number of job opportunities in a wide range of sectors. If you are an IT expert or have completed education in electrical engineering, this is the best option for you. Construction and trade are two more important in-demand sectors.
The University of Tasmania and Tas Tafe are the top educational institutions in Tasmania that offer quality education in nursing, health, information technology and design. After completing your studies, you can also get an extension on the second temporary graduate visa (Subclass 485) for an extra year or two, depending on the postcode.
3. Adelaide- South Australia
Adelaide is fourteen percent cheaper as compared to other major cities in Australia and it provides discounts and concessions on public transport to international students. With a metro population of over 1.3 million, Adelaide is far more diverse than the other areas on the regional areas list. Approximately 30% of the population is foreign-born, and the cost of living is significantly low. Moreover, there is a higher demand for employment opportunities in areas including chefs, IT professionals and mechanics.
It offers perks of city life with a quality lifestyle and efficient public transportation. Adelaide is at the top of the list of best regional areas for PR due to its robust economy, high life standards and peaceful environment. In 2017, Adelaide was listed as the fourth most desirable regional area to study in Australia for international students.
It is the home place of top South Australian universities. Among them, the University of Adelaide is highly regarded both in Australia and internationally and is also a member of the Group of Eight. Let’s gain insights into the academic excellence of Adelaide by exploring the top universities and courses;
| Top Universities | Flinders University
University of South Australia The University of Adelaide |
| Top Courses | Creative Arts and Media, Nursing and Midwifery, Business, Engineering, Law and Criminology, Innovation and Enterprise, Environment and Social Sciences |
4. Perth- Western Australia
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is ranked as the best regional area to study in Australia. It is a great option for international students, allowing them to extend their visa for three years after graduation. Western Australia is a safe and welcoming place for students, with over two million residents from a diverse range of cultures. There are 193 educational institutions located in Perth that offer 2030 courses and more than 140 study areas.
Western Australia is the biggest state in Australia, making up 33 percent of the country’s total area, with a land mass of 2,529,875 square kilometers. Therefore, it offers a wide range of job opportunities to local and international students. The mining sector in Western Australia is very large, and people from all over Australia travel to Perth to pursue work in this industry. Below is the list of educational institutions and courses available in Perth.
| Top Universities | Murdoch University
University of Notre Dame Edith Cowan University Curtin University of Technology The University of Western Australia |
| Top Courses | Engineering, Science, Nursing, Education and Aboriginal studies, IT, Finance: Build Environment and Business Management |
5. Gold Coast- Queensland
Gold Coast is famous for providing quality education, affordable living, and a diverse student community. It is home to more than 32,000 international students from more than 130 countries. It is the fifth largest state in Australia and offers cost-effective accommodation as compared to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. That’s why it is one of the best regional areas to study in Australia.
The tourism sector is booming rapidly, thus providing many employment options for international students in restaurants, hotels, and tourism operators. This city offers plenty of prospects in sectors including construction and healthcare. Let’s discover the famous institutions and programs available in the Gold Coast region.
| Top Universities | Griffith University
Bond University Southern Cross University |
| Top Courses | Hospitality, Cookery, Tourism, Design, and IT |
6. Sunshine Coast
If you’re searching for an advanced lifestyle, wise investment, and plenty of opportunities, the Sunshine Coast may be the place for you. The living cost is significantly higher than other regional areas including Tasmania and Bundaberg. However, it is the best regional area to study in Australia due to the exceptional academic standard and better living style.
The University of the Sunshine Coast is regarded as one of the greatest institutions in Australia due to its high caliber of education. Since tourism accounts for the majority of the region’s GDP, there are plenty of options for prospective restaurateurs, chefs, and hotel employees. Nonetheless, certain fields, including nursing, healthcare, business management, and construction, are also expanding.
| Top Universities | CQ University (CQU)
University of Sunshine Coast |
| Top Courses | Social Science, Business, Tourism, Education, Humanities, Communication, Creative Industries, Law, Health, Design, Science, and Technology. |
How Can The Migration Help You?
Undoubtedly, regional areas provide relaxation with the immigration process, but still, there are higher chances of visa cancellation or rejection. This is because many of the applicants are not aware of the basic visa application process and the key requirements related to a specific visa. Each case is unique and must be processed according to certain requirements, so you must seek professional help to assist you in the process.
The Migration is a registered organization that provides affordable and authentic consultation to its clients. At The Migration, we understand the challenges and complexities that come with different visas. Therefore, we provide services according to the client’s individual circumstances and needs. So, trust us and schedule an appointment to allow us to help you turn your dreams into reality. Your journey towards your dream destination starts now.
Related Articles
Discover Which State is Easy to Get PR in Australia in 2024?
5 Best Australian Regional Areas with Low Cost of Living!
FAQs
Which region is the easiest to get permanent residency in Australia?
South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory are known as the easiest regions to get PR in Australia. They offer supportive and seamless nomination criteria, thus making them the best options for applicants who want permanent residency in Australia.
How can you gain five points for studying in a regional area?
The key benefit for international students studying in regional universities is that they may earn an extra five points on the Immigration Points Tests if they reside and study in one of these regional areas for at least two years. This could improve your chances of being granted permanent residence in Australia.
Why should you prefer Perth instead of Melbourne to study in Australia?
Perth has a lower cost of living than Sydney and Melbourne, which means you can save money on entertainment, food, and accommodation. This financial independence allows you to fully enjoy your time as a student and arrange your budget.
Final Thoughts
Studying in regional areas in Australia offers a lot of benefits. The cost of living is less, the job opportunities are wide, and the scholarship options are numerous. On top of that you’ll gain five extra points after completion of your studies. So, why wait longer? Choose your favorite destination from the best regional areas to study in Australia, and have a wonderful time ahead. In case you need any help regarding visa processing, contact us for more information.
