Are you thinking of studying in Australia? While cities like Sydney and Melbourne are popular choices for international students, have you ever considered the many benefits of studying in regional Australia? With its lower cost of living, better work opportunities, and the chance to experience a more laid-back lifestyle, regional Australia offers unique advantages that can make your educational experience more rewarding.
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes studying in regional Australia a great choice and why you should consider it for your studies.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
What is Considered Regional Australia?
Before we dive into the benefits of studying in regional Australia, let’s first define what “regional Australia” means. It’s important to understand the areas that qualify as regional to fully grasp the advantages of studying in these regions.
What qualifies as Regional Australia?
In simple terms, regional Australia refers to areas outside of the major metropolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. While these big cities are known for their bustling student life, regional Australia has a charm of its own with benefits that larger cities often can’t match. The Australian Government has categorised regional Australia into three types:
- Category 1: Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, which are not considered regional.
- Category 2: Cities and major regional centres such as Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Canberra.
- Category 3: Smaller regional centres and other areas such as Geelong, Hobart, and Newcastle, which are more rural or less densely populated areas.
The Australian government offers incentives for people who choose to study and live in these regional areas, from visa extensions to increased chances of securing permanent residency. Understanding where regional areas are located helps you see the full picture of what studying in these locations can offer.
Now that you know what qualifies as regional Australia, let’s look at why it’s an excellent option for international students. In the next section, we’ll explore the specific benefits of studying in regional Australia, from cost savings to career opportunities.
Benefits of Studying in Regional Australia
Studying in regional Australia is not only a cost-effective choice but also a decision that opens doors to various opportunities, both during and after your studies. Regional areas offer unique advantages, whether you’re seeking financial relief, a relaxed lifestyle, or better job prospects.
1. Lower Cost of Living
One of the biggest draws of studying in regional Australia is the lower cost of living. Rent, food, and everyday expenses are generally much more affordable in regional areas compared to cities like Sydney and Melbourne. This can help you save money, so you can focus more on your studies and less on financial strain. From more affordable housing to cheaper public transport, regional areas offer a student-friendly budget without compromising on lifestyle.
2. Better Work Opportunities
Unlike large cities where the job market can be highly competitive, regional areas offer more accessible job opportunities, especially in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, and education. Many businesses in these areas are looking for workers and are willing to employ international students, often with more flexibility in terms of working hours and conditions. This makes it easier for you to gain valuable work experience while studying.
3. Tighter Community Bonds
Regional areas tend to have a stronger sense of community than big cities. The smaller population means it’s easier to make connections and build relationships. Whether it’s with other students or locals, you’ll find that regional communities are more welcoming and supportive. This can make your stay in Australia much more enjoyable and fulfilling.
4. Access to Government Incentives
The Australian government offers several incentives for international students who choose to study in regional areas. These include priority processing for visas, access to the Regional Occupation List, and eligibility for a second Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) if you graduate from a regional educational institution. These incentives make it easier for students to extend their stay and continue their work experience in Australia.
5. A More Relaxed Lifestyle
Regional areas offer a much slower pace of life compared to the busy cities. You can enjoy nature’s beauty, engage in outdoor activities, and live in an environment that is less stressful and more connected to the natural world. This relaxed lifestyle can have a positive impact on your overall well-being, helping you maintain a healthy study-life balance.
From lower living costs to better work opportunities, regional Australia offers many benefits that make it an attractive option for students. But the advantages don’t stop after your studies. Let’s explore the post-study benefits of living and working in regional Australia, including the potential pathways to permanent residency.
Post-Study Benefits of Regional Australia
So, what happens after you complete your studies in regional Australia? The good news is that the benefits continue even after you graduate. With opportunities to extend your stay and pathways to permanent residency, regional areas offer long-term advantages for international students.
1. Post-Study Work Opportunities
Once you graduate, you could be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which lets you work in Australia for up to two years. If you graduated from a regional institution, you may even qualify for an additional year of post-study work, giving you more time to gain work experience and enhance your career prospects. This gives you an edge in building a successful future in Australia, especially in areas where there’s high demand for skilled workers.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency
For international students who want to stay in Australia permanently, studying in a regional area can provide a clear pathway to permanent residency. Under Australia’s regional migration program, those who have studied and lived in regional areas are given priority for skilled migration. You can earn additional points for permanent residency applications if you have lived in a regional area, helping you get closer to your goal of making Australia your permanent home.
3. Access to More Job Opportunities
Graduates who studied in regional areas often find that there are more job opportunities waiting for them after they finish their studies. This is especially true in industries like agriculture, healthcare, engineering, and information technology. Regional Australia’s growing economy, combined with the government’s focus on boosting skilled migration to these areas, means there is a high demand for qualified workers, which can make it easier to land a job in your field.
4. Community Support for Graduates
Living in a regional area gives you access to close-knit communities, which can be helpful as you start your career. Many regional areas have mentoring programs, networking events, and community groups designed to help recent graduates succeed. With less competition for positions and greater community engagement, you’ll have a better support system to help you thrive.
Living and working in regional Australia post-study brings numerous benefits, including more time to build your career and a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Final Thoughts
Studying in regional Australia is an excellent decision for anyone seeking a balanced, affordable, and rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking to lower your living costs, gain valuable work experience, or explore your path to permanent residency, regional areas offer a wealth of opportunities.
If you’re ready to study in regional Australia, now is the perfect time to explore the many opportunities available. From the supportive community to the long-term benefits for your career, studying in a regional area could be the ideal choice for you. If you have any questions about how to get started or need help finding the right programme, Knowbal is here, feel free to reach out to us today! Let’s make your Australian study adventure a reality.