Pros And Cons of Studying in Regional Australia

Since November 2019, the Australian government has classified any area outside Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane as regional.

This includes cities such as Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart. Studying in these regional locations offers international students the opportunity to earn an additional 5 points towards their permanent residency (PR) application.

New South Wales

Regional NSW offers a rich and uniquely Australian educational experience with its stunning landscapes, welcoming communities, and top-notch educational institutions. Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, and Armidale are among the top regional areas in Australia for international students. Major employment sectors in Country NSW include education, healthcare, agriculture, retail, construction, and more.

Studying in regional NSW

Considering study in NSW? Charles Sturt University has regional campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga or Orange; each with a unique offering. The Albury campus has a strong environment focus and course options include Environmental Science, Health and Education. At Bathurst, study options include Nursing amongst others. Other institutions in NSW offering the Destination scholarship include SAE institute, TAFE NSW, the University of New England and the University of Wollongong.

Victoria

Country Victoria provides students with a world-class education set against diverse and stunning Australian landscapes. From vibrant coastal towns to sunlit river cities, these regional and rural areas are all within 1-5 hours of Melbourne. They offer friendly communities, active sports clubs, and access to remarkable natural attractions and wildlife. Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Shepparton, and Warrnambool are some of the top regional areas in Victoria for international students.

Studying in regional VIC

Looking to study in regional Victoria? La Trobe University has a wide course range including Business, IT, Education, Health or Science. La Trobe has regional campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton. Federation University has a strong network of regional campuses including Ballarat, Gippsland and Wimmera. Explore their extensive course range including undergraduate and post-graduate options in Health, Commerce, Arts, Education, IT and Accounting.

Queensland

Queensland, Australia’s second-largest state, is affectionately known as the Sunshine State due to its warm climate, golden beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and friendly locals. It boasts numerous educational institutions in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, and Townsville. Additionally, there are campuses in regional towns such as Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Toowoomba.

Studying in regional QLD

There are numerous universities with regional campuses offering this scholarship in Queensland. Central Queensland University (CQUni) has the largest regional network of universities in Australia. Campus locations include Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville. CQ Uni pride themselves on smaller class sizes with focused individual learning. Other universities offering the scholarship include James Cook University, the University of Queensland, Sunshine Coast and Southern Queensland.

Western Australia

Western Australia offers an outstanding quality of life, a dynamic lifestyle, expansive outback, and stunning coastal landscapes. Perth’s status as a regional city provides students with opportunities to gain additional migration points, family sponsorship, and extended post-study work rights, enabling them to stay longer in Western Australia.

Studying in regional WA

Explore Western Australia's impressive universities including Curtin University in Kalgoorlie, Edith Cowan University in Bunbury, the University of Notre Dame in Broome and the University of Western Australia in Albany. Curtin university in Kalgoorlie has a strong focus on Engineering and Science with new laboratories. Notre Dame’s campus in Broome has a strong environmental research focus, and course options include Nursing, Education and Aboriginal studies.

South Australia

Adelaide, renowned as one of Australia’s most liveable cities, is often described as the city designed for life. Its reputation is partly due to its lower cost of living, making it a more affordable option for studying compared to other Australian capital cities.

Studying in regional SA

Consider course opportunities with the University of South Australia in their regional campuses of Mount Gambier and Whyalla. Course options include Nursing, Social work, Early Childhood Education and Primary Education.

Northern Territory

Studying in Australia’s Northern Territory offers a high-quality Australian education along with genuine employment opportunities. You'll experience a warm, relaxed, and affordable lifestyle in a welcoming community. The Northern Territory embraces international students and provides a chance to connect with like-minded individuals.

Studying in NT

Charles Darwin University is ranked fourth in Australia for undergraduate employment outcomes. It has four campuses in the Northern Territory. Explore a range of exciting courses in fields such as Nursing, Education, Community Services, IT, Accounting, and Engineering.

Tasmania

Tasmania boasts a long history of excellence in education, offering high-quality teaching across all levels—students can benefit from foundation programs, pathway options, and various scholarship opportunities. Tasmania also provides diverse career prospects in fields such as engineering, IT, construction, hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, teaching, and more. Additionally, many Tasmanian companies offer graduate programs specifically for international students.

Studying in Tasmania

The University of Tasmania has 3 locations in Burnie, Hobart and Launceston and focus on preparing their students to join the workforce. Explore exciting course options including Nursing, Education, IT, Health, Design or STEM.

How to apply?

Consult IDP to find the regional option that best suits your needs. Your local IDP counsellor can guide you through the application process for your chosen university and assist you in securing the right scholarship.

Discover the advantages of studying in regional Australia with expert insights from Amrita Chauhan. Tune into the IDP Real Talk Podcast for a deep dive into challenges, financial support, and quality of life, tailored for international students.

Lifestyle

Benefit from a quality lifestyle in a quieter, lesser populated city. There’s hardly any traffic congestion, no long queues to get where you need to be, allowing you to enjoy hobbies, shopping and eating out in a more relaxed way.

Deeper sense of community

Enjoy a stronger sense of community. People are friendly and take the time to get to know one another in the community. This can help you develop confidence in your English and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and build a strong support network.

Lower cost of living

The cost of living is lower in a regional city, rent and cost of dining out are considerably lower. Enjoy being able to save extra dollars for your future in Australia.

Escape to the great outdoors

Appreciate being close to the great outdoors. Explore the nature, walking tracks and nearby beaches on weekend adventures.

Smaller class sizes

International students enjoy smaller class sizes, allowing them to build a strong network with students and teaching staff. More individualised attention is a benefit and having the opportunity to ask more detailed questions about career opportunities is also a plus.

Government incentives & post-study work opportunities

The Australian government offers various scholarships and grants for students choosing to study in regional areas. Plus, graduates from regional areas often receive extended post-study work rights, allowing them to stay and work in Australia longer.

Public transport

Public transport can be limited in a regional area. A way around this is to secure your accommodation closer to public transport options. If you need to travel to a major city for specific services, events, or additional education, it can be time-consuming and costly.

Less entertainment & amenities

There is less entertainment in a regional city in comparison to a metro one. Instead of having many pubs, restaurants and bars to choose from, there will be a smaller selection. This also depends on the city you go to.

Fewer educational options & limited job opportunities

Regional areas may have a more limited range of courses and specialisations compared to major cities. There might be fewer part-time work opportunities or internships available for students in regional areas.

Recommendations for living in regional areas

Ensure you can find the course you wish to study. Whilst the 5 points for studying regionally is tempting, you should ensure that you’re studying a course that is aligned with your future career aspirations.

If you’re hoping to be a pathway to permanent residency, ensure there is employment availability in the area you will work in. Your local IDP counsellor will be able to help guide you through the options.

How do I claim 5 points for regional study in Australia?

To claim 5 points for regional study in Australia, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Study in a designated regional area: Complete your study at an institution located in a regional area. As of November 2019, regional areas are defined as locations outside of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

2. Study requirement: You must have completed at least two years of study (92 weeks of registered study) in a full-time course that leads to an Australian degree, diploma, or trade qualification.

3. Visa application: When applying for a skilled migration visa (e.g., Skilled Independent visa, Skilled Nominated visa), you can claim the additional 5 points on your visa application through the points test.

4. Proof of residency: Provide documentation that proves you lived in the regional area during your study period. This can include lease agreements, utility bills, and other relevant evidence.

What is considered regional Australia?

Regional Australia is defined as any area outside the major metropolitan cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. As of November 2019, the Australian government reclassified regional areas to encourage migration and study in less populated locations. This includes both regional centres and smaller cities. Some of the key cities and areas considered regional include:

• Perth

• Adelaide

• Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast

• Canberra

• Newcastle/Lake Macquarie

• Wollongong/Illawarra

• Geelong

• Hobart

Which regional area in Australia is best for international students?

The best regional area in Australia for international students depends on individual preferences, study goals, and lifestyle preferences. Here are some top regional areas known for their quality education and student-friendly environments:

1. Adelaide, South Australia: Known for its affordability and high quality of life, Adelaide offers a wide range of courses and strong post-study work opportunities. It’s also home to several top universities, including the University of Adelaide and Flinders University.

2. Gold Coast, Queensland: Offering a relaxed lifestyle with beautiful beaches, the Gold Coast provides international students with access to top institutions like Griffith University. It’s also a great spot for students interested in tourism and hospitality.

3. Perth, Western Australia: As a vibrant city with growing industries, Perth offers students a balance of urban and regional experiences, with excellent job prospects in mining, engineering, and healthcare.

4. Hobart, Tasmania: Known for its scenic beauty and affordable living, Hobart provides international students with access to high-quality education at the University of Tasmania. Tasmania is also known for offering various scholarships to attract international students.

5. Wollongong, New South Wales: Just an hour south of Sydney, Wollongong offers a quieter lifestyle with access to top institutions like the University of Wollongong. It’s ideal for students who want to be close to Sydney while still benefiting from regional advantages.

Each of these regions offers lower living costs, additional migration points, and a welcoming environment for international students.

What are the advantages of studying in a regional area in Australia?

The advantages of studying in a regional area in Australia include:

1. Extra Migration Points for PR Pathway: International students studying in regional areas are eligible for an additional 5 points toward their skilled migration visa application, increasing their chances of permanent residency.

2. Extended Post-Study Work Rights: Graduates from regional institutions often receive extended post-study work visas, allowing them to stay and work longer in Australia after completing their studies.

3. Lower Cost of Living: Regional areas typically offer more affordable living costs compared to major cities, including lower rent, transportation, and daily expenses.

4. Smaller Class Sizes and Personalised Attention: Regional universities often have smaller class sizes, enabling more one-on-one support from lecturers and a more personalised learning experience.

5. Community-Oriented Lifestyle: Regional areas provide a close-knit community environment, offering a relaxed and supportive atmosphere for international students.

6. Government Incentives and Scholarships: Many Australian states offer special scholarships and financial incentives for students choosing to study in regional areas, making education more accessible.

7. Job Opportunities in Specific Industries: Certain regional areas are hubs for key industries like agriculture, mining, healthcare, and education, offering students unique career opportunities in these fields.