Study In Regional Australia

Are you looking forward to studying in Australia?  The Australian government announced in May 2019 that it would start offering up to 1000 regional scholarships to international and Australian students each year.

More exciting incentives for students in regional Australia have been announced, including an easier path to permanent residency. Upon graduation, students studying in regional areas may receive up to four years of post-study work (PSW) rights. It essentially guarantees that they can continue living, studying, or working in Australia for the stated duration.

What qualifies as regional Australia?

Regional areas are places outside Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, and there are about 25,000 regional places. Students will not entirely miss out on working and living in largely populated areas as some key cities and regional centers fall into this classification, including Adelaida, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart.

What are the other benefits of studying in regional areas?

If you choose to study in cities and regional centres within this classification, you’ll enjoy benefits such as priority visa processing and access to an additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa.

In other regional areas, benefits include access to more job options than in non-regional areas. Instead of the one year offered for major cities and regional areas, international students will access an additional two years on their post-study work visa.

What was the government’s motivation for offering regional incentives?

The skilled workforce in regional areas has been inadequate. Regional economies may benefit by having a more skilled workforce and an influx of new immigrants. Sydney and other large cities have also become overpopulated.

How can you take advantage of these new incentives?

Resisting the allure of big cities may seem like a major loss. In actuality, there is a lot to be gained:

1)     Quality lifestyle

Regional areas are less populated, and the lifestyle is more relaxed. You will likely find yourself surrounded by unspoilt nature. There’s no need to worry about long queues at supermarkets or traffic jams. You also find plenty of outdoor activities to do.

2)    Deeper sense of community

Regional towns have more closely-knit communities. There is a deeper sense of belonging. You will encounter people who want to engage and help make your stay in Australia more enjoyable. All the connecting and socializing will help refine your English.

3)    Life will be more affordable.

The cost of living in regional towns is considerably cheaper compared to big cities. Your saved up money can fund more extrusions or cater to the first security deposit on your next apartment when you start working in Australia.

4)  More areas to explore

Australia is a vast continent with plenty to see and experience.

5)   Smaller class sizes

Colleges with small class sizes provide better opportunities to connect and socialize with your classmates. Instructors are also more capable of offering individualized support.

Are there any drawbacks of studying regionally?

The inconveniences are few, for instance, reduced public transportation options. Regional places are not known for their vast entertainment options, but there will be enough bars and restaurants to keep you busy.

Universities in regional places

Western Australia:  Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Western Australia.

South Australia: University of South Australia

Northern Territory: Charles Darwin University.

Tasmania: University of Tasmania.

How to apply?

Consult with your local IDP education office to receive guidance on choosing the right regional option that’s best suited to your educational needs. What’s more, qualifying for a scholarship offers the opportunity to receive up to $15,000 annually for up to four years.