Uncovering the realities of studying in Australia for international students: From cost of living to policy uncertainty
Studying in Australia can be a dream come true for many international students, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Choosing the right course and institution can be a difficult task, and for many parents from India, it is a big investment to send their children to study in Australia. The cost of living in Australia, especially in the major cities, is one of the main challenges for international students.
According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average weekly expenditure for a single student in Australia is around $335. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. However, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the location. For example, the cost of living in Sydney is significantly higher than in regional areas of Australia. This means that international students studying in Sydney may have to budget more than those studying in other parts of the country.
One of the biggest challenges that international students face while studying in Australia is the cost of accommodation. Finding a suitable place to live can be a daunting task, and the costs can vary greatly depending on the location. For example, the average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney is around $450, while in regional areas such as Townsville or Bendigo, it can be as low as $150 per week. This means that students studying in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane will have to budget more for accommodation than those studying in regional areas.
The pandemic has also created additional challenges for international students studying in Australia, particularly during the tenure of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. His government’s decision to ask international students to handle their own finances during the pandemic left many feeling let down, and contributed to the uncertainty surrounding policy-making for international students in Australia.
According to a survey conducted by the International Education Association of Australia, around 20 per cent of international students reported experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic. Additionally, around 12 per cent of international students reported that they have had to reduce their course load or take a leave of absence due to financial difficulties.
For international students, the cost of living in Australia’s major cities can be a significant barrier. However, with proper planning and budgeting, students can make the most of their time in Australia and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in their future careers
The uncertainty of policy making is a big issue, as Australia has a four-year term for federal governments and this increases the uncertainty. With a change in government, there can be a change in policies and regulations that can affect international students. This can make it difficult for students and their families to plan and budget for their education in Australia.
Despite these challenges, Australia remains a popular destination for international students. According to official figures, nearly 600,000 international students attended courses at Australian universities in 2022, an increase of five per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.
The top five countries with the most students in Australia that account for 58 per cent of the international student body include: China (26 per cent), India (16 per cent), Nepal (9 per cent), Vietnam (4 per cent) and Colombia (3 per cent). Other countries of origin include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Australia is known for its high-quality education system and world-class universities. Many international students choose to study in Australia because of the diverse range of courses and institutions available, as well as the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through internships and co-op programs.
In conclusion, studying in Australia can be a valuable and rewarding experience for international students, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. The cost of living, especially in major cities, can be a significant barrier for many students and their families. Additionally, the uncertainty of policy making is a big issue. However, with proper planning and budgeting, international students can make the most of their time in Australia and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in their future careers.
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