Australia is a great place to study abroad. There are many universities and colleges in Australia that offer quality programs to students from around the world. In this article, we will show some of the common challenges you may experience while studying in Australia.
Studying abroad in Australia is not difficult, depending on the institution or course of study you are pursuing. Certain programs are straightforward, but others might be challenging, and some institutions can be more costly than others, depending on the curriculum.
Studying in Australia, on the other hand, is possible without encountering too many difficulties. Therefore, with the correct materials and knowledge, you may make your education in Australia simple and feasible for yourself.
Finding ease in your study in Australia depends on different factors which include the type of university you choose and the city or region in which you study or live. Different people have their programs and school easy while others don’t. You want to choose a straightforward program to find ease in your studies.
However, if you are interested in difficult programs, you should prepare for them and bring your best so that things don’t take you by surprise.
How easy you find your studies in Australia also depends on the level of degree you want and how well you can balance your academic workload and social life. Some students find it hard to achieve this balance so one aspect affects the other. You should be able to find this balance while studying at any level.
Let’s take a look at some information about studying in Australia such as the educational standard, cultural differences, and how you can overcome these challenges regardless of where you are coming from.
Education Standard
The Australian standard of education is similar to that of the United States of America but still defined by Australia’s wonders and high urbanization.
Quality teaching is defined by the Australian University Teaching Criteria and Standards Framework (AUTCSF). This is a realistic and adaptable tool for defining what constitutes quality teaching in Australia. Since its creation in 2014 as an Office of Learning and Teaching Project, this document has had a substantial impact on the quality of higher education instruction across the country.
There are over 50 universities and colleges in Australia, many of which are located in student-friendly areas. Students from countries where English is not the first language must provide proof of language proficiency.
In most cases, having a high score on an English proficiency test is considered standard. All Australian colleges use IELTS as the primary criterion for determining an applicant’s level of English language ability.
A language proficiency exam is required for all applicants in Australia. Fortunately, you may choose from four different types of tests which include the internet-based TOEFL iBT, academic IELTS, C1 advanced, and the Pearson PTE Academic.
This English certificate is not required for students from some countries, so you should check to make sure you’re not on the exemption list.
To enroll for Master’s studies in Australia, you should have an internationally recognized bachelor’s degree that has lasted for at least 4 years or matches with the Australian graduate programs.
Alternatively, you should have 16 years of education with a good academic background. The degree should be officially recognized by your state and can either be from a public or private institution.
You should also have graduated with at least 65%-70% in your bachelor’s degree to qualify for a master’s degree in Australia.
A doctorate in Australia can last up to 3 years. However, you need to have a master’s degree to be qualified to take a doctorate degree in Australia.
Cultural Differences
Australia is a multi-cultural country with a wide range of ethnicities. It is possible to move outside of your regular comfort zone and experience something exciting, but it is also possible to have a feeling of belonging in a multicultural context due to the different cultures that are there.
Australia is a multi-cultural country with a wide range of ethnicities. It is possible to move out of your comfort zone and experience something exciting, but it is also possible to have a feeling of belonging in a multicultural context due to the sheer number of different cultures that are there.
For example, amazing culinary selections, public international holidays, and the opportunity to learn a new language are all advantages of living in a diverse culture.
Australians can be welcoming, and courteous to new people. Don’t be surprised if strangers come up to you, and initiate a conversation in a way that you’re not used to due to where you are coming from.
English is the official language in Australia so you will find a good number of people speaking English. As a result, it will not be difficult to communicate if you are from an English-speaking country. However, if you live in smaller cities you may find people speaking other languages different from English.
Cost of living/Financial barrier
Your Living cost in Australia according to the Australian government should be around $14,642. This includes your basic needs and other amenities that you may need to live in Australia.
Your biggest living expense is usually your rent and this can be curtailed by looking for inexpensive houses or having a shared apartment. Some schools have residents for students which are often shared so you don’t have to pay so much for your rent.
Renting a house in places such as Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane are good examples of cheap cities to live in as an international student. This will help you cut costs and invariably your living expenses since accommodation determines your overall living cost.
The Study in Australia guidelines recommend budgeting as low as $61 per week for your accommodation depending on your city and the number of people you are living with. Most students studying in Australia have said that living in a shared apartment on campus is the cheapest accommodation you can get studying in Australia.
You can also cut costs on transportation by using public transport which is mostly free. For example, buses are free for school students in some regions in Australia such as the Nothern Territory.
You only need to present a valid student card which you will already have as a student in Australia. Other regions such as New South Wales offer discounts on bus fares for international students.
When it comes to feeding, you can cut costs by getting groceries in low-cost markets and cooking your meal at home rather than eating in restaurants. This way you will spend little on your feeding and still have more to get you through some days.
Best Practices While Studying in Australia
- You should keep an open mind while studying and living in Australia. To make the best out of your stay in Australia, expect things to be done differently than you were used to. When you keep an open mind, you will not experience too much culture shock and you will be able to embrace the Irish culture with ease.
- Another way to make things easy for you while living and studying in Australia is to make Australian friends or friends from your country who are now used to the Australian culture so they can hint you on the best ways to behave. You can also stay observant by watching them and from continuous interaction with them, you will be able to catch up fast.
- Try to live in your school’s hall of residence as there will be many students like yourself in there and you’ll be able to relate freely with time.
- Seeking counseling from the school is also a good way to get by. The school understands that you are new and are always welcoming to new or international students who need help.
- Watching more Australian shows or movies before coming to Australia can help. You get to see how things are done and how people behave and react to certain things.
- Ask questions and be polite. When you are not sure about what to do or say, you are free to ask people and they’ll be happy to help.
- Australians are fluent in English, which makes it simple for most overseas students to communicate and be understood in the country. The lingo, on the other hand, may take a bit longer to learn! Try asking someone to clarify the slang to you if you’re having trouble following the conversation. You’ll be astounded at the number of versions that Australians have come up with.
- Ensure that you are familiar with Australian quarantine regulations. For the protection of Australia’s agricultural sector and environment, strong quarantine regulations are in place, making it critical that you understand exactly what you can and cannot bring into the country.
- Some products must be declared if you are bringing them into Australia from another country so you should ensure you do this before coming to Australia.
Many international students studying in Australia have been able to blend in the society and culture so you can do so too by following these guidelines and staying positive.
