Things to know before studying Abroad in Australia: Pros and Cons of studying in Australia 2022

When we think of Australia, beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs, and some heart-hacking wildlife comes to mind. There are certainly more interesting things to know about this country. If you are thinking of studying abroad in Australia, it’s crucial to know important details about this island nation, including food, culture, history, and social norms. To make things easier for you, here we have created a list of things to know before studying Abroad in Australia and some of the pros and cons of studying in Australia.

Things to know before studying abroad in Australia

1. Requirement of a student visa

If you are planning to study in Australia for more than three months then you will require a student visa. The student visa process is very easy and you can even get it from the comfort of your couch by applying online, which means you don’t need to visit the embassy as it is virtually linked to your passport. The visa application fee is quite expensive, and can impact your savings a bit! However, if you are going to Australia to study for less than three months, you will be able to go on a regular visitor visa, saving you from making a hole in your pocket.

2. Get your health insurance in advance

If you are going to study abroad for any educational program in an Australian university then you’ll be needing health insurance. Particularly, the Australian government asks all international students to obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to be eligible to study in Australia. There is a wide range of insurers, providing different OSHC products that you may need when you sign up for a plan suitable for your selected coverage.

3. Choose the best-suited place to study

From studying abroad to vacation trips, Australia has so much to offer for everyone. There are a lot of top-ranking universities or institutions in Australia, offering top-class certified programs and courses. However, it is best to choose a place that is suitable for you. This decision is based upon several factors, including the type of course, city, location, food, climatic conditions, and so on.

4. Jet lag is a real thing

Most international students face this common real problem in Australia, i.e., Jet lag. The time difference between Australia and the Americas is quite intense. For instance, if you arrive in the morning then it would be great if you force yourself to stay up all day. However, if you arrive at night then you must convince yourself to go to bed. This is the only idea to dive into your new time zone. After some time, when you finally overcome the initial jet lag, you’ll then be faced with finding out the perfect time to talk to your loved ones back home.

5. Australia is huge

Australia is a huge country, which includes many historic yet attractive spots for tourists, including Uluru, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, Outback, and so much more. It is also a tourist hub so if you are expecting to see all the exciting spots in the country then this is nothing but more likely a fantasy unless you have a lot of bank balance and time to burn. Therefore, it is better if you choose to explore places close to your studying point. In such a way, you will be able to see heart-stealing destinations in a less expensive manner.

6. Australia is expensive

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Melbourne and Sydney generally make the top ten lists of the world’s most expensive cities. From accommodation to regular groceries, prepare yourself with money management skills, and thus make sure to have a good chunk of change preserved for emergencies. It’s better for you if you make a monthly budget in advance to avoid any extra expenses in the middle of the month.

7. Make sure to study up on the country

It is wiser to read up significant details about Australia before you head out to study abroad there. You must know general yet important information related to the country, including its capital, currency, rules, policies, etc. Besides having knowledge about the study abroad program, you must also keep track of other details about the country such as local food, streets, restaurants, hotels, etc. This will not only help you stay updated about the country but also help you communicate with local people.

8. The grading system is different

If you are looking forward to pursuing any course in Australia, then you must have knowledge about its grading system. Unlike other countries where A is considered to be an over-the-top grade, D is considered to be the best grade in Australia. Therefore, you must not worry if you get a D grade in your examinations. Most Australian universities use HD (High Distinction), D (Distinction), C (Credit), P (Pass), and F (Fail) as their grading system.

9. There are plenty of work opportunities in Australia

Studying in Australia can be very expensive for international students. However, you can easily earn your living expenses by working part-time in any field related to your interest. The typical study visa in Oz will permit you to work a certain amount of hours each week. You can earn a fortune just by giving a few hours a week. In such a way, you can also save some cash for your travel and other expenses.

10. Open a bank account

If your course length is more than 6 months then you must open a local bank account in Australia. By doing this, you can save yourself from paying extra fees when you draw money from your home bank. Some of the Australian bank accounts have a great interest rate that can also help you save some money.

Pros and cons of studying in Australia

Over the years, thousands of international students are choosing Australia for their higher education. The reasons are multiple. From a safe and friendly environment, and world-class education to diverse cultural experience, and industrial research opportunities; Australia has so much to offer. Here are some of the pros and cons of studying in Australia:

Advantages of Studying in Australia

• Less Financial Burden

To give financial flexibility to international students, the Australian government has allowed a financial budget of 200 million for scholarships. This, in turn, helps them continue their higher education in the country without any financial troubles.

• Excellent quality of education

Australia is well known for its quality of education. From highly professional teachers to world-class infrastructure; Australian universities offer students with top-class educational facilities.

• Easy Permanent Residency (PR)

Another advantage of studying in Australia is that here students can easily get a permanent residency.

• Reputed job opportunities

The Australian universities are already engaged in several live projects with corporate firms that can help international students get better exposure too.

Disadvantages of Studying in Australia

• Extreme Weather Conditions

Australia is well known for its extreme climatic conditions during winters and summers. However, over time, students get familiar with these climatic extremes by wearing suitable clothing or staying indoors when required.

• Fewer Transportation Options

In Australia, the public transport systems are inadequate and are not easily accessible.

• Inadequate Internet connectivity

Australia is a very well-developed country, but despite this, the internet connectivity is not as good as one would expect.

All international student destinations have their own set of pros and cons. Studying abroad and adapting yourself to the country’s surroundings is not an overnight task. This may require several months or maybe a year. With the above-mentioned lists, you will get familiar with Australian culture in the quickest manner possible, just make sure to remember those unmissable things. If you need more help regarding the same, you can directly contact us at D – Vivid Consultant. Read more about: SOP for Australia from India.