Top 6 Regional Areas to Study in Australia in 2024
Choosing the best regional areas to study in Australia is quite daunting, and many students get confused about what regional area they should choose. Let’s delve together to find out the top universities, courses, and job opportunities these regions offer to international students. Here, I’ve shortlisted the top regional areas for studying in Australia.
New South Wales (NSW)
Tasmania-Hobart
Adelaide-South Australia
Perth-Western Australia
Gold Coast-Queensland
Sunshine Coast
1. New South Wales (NSW)
With over 260,000 students from 160 countries, New South Wales (NSW) is a popular choice for international students. It is one of the largest economies in Australia or may be greater than Singapore and Malaysia. New South Wales (NSW) provides a multitude of options for students to study, work, and explore various cities and regions of the state.
Why Choose NSW for Studying?
Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) NSW are the famous educational institutions in the state. If you choose to pursue higher education, the state also offers a wide variety of universities and educational institutes, as well as well-regarded independent and government secondary schools. Explore the top universities and courses offered by New South Wales (NSW).
Top Universities
Australian Catholic University, Charles Sturt University, Macquarie University, Southern Cross University, University of New England, University of New South Wales, University of Newcastle, University of Sydney
Top Courses
Nursing, Communication, Environmental Science, Health and Education.
2. Tasmania-Hobart
It is one of the best regional areas to study in Australia. The economy of Tasmania depends heavily on the tourism and hospitality sector. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world because of its isolated location in the Southern Ocean, away from other land masses. It is the most affordable option to study in Australia. Tasmania offers a quality lifestyle for those who love calm and peaceful places, which is why it is on the hit list of visitors.
Job Opportunities in Tasmania
Moreover, Tasmania offers a number of job opportunities in a wide range of sectors. If you are an IT expert or have completed education in electrical engineering, this is the best option for you. Construction and trade are two more important in-demand sectors.
Why Choose Tasmania for Studying?
The University of Tasmania and Tas Tafe are the top educational institutions in Tasmania that offer quality education in nursing, health, information technology and design. After completing your studies, you can also get an extension on the second temporary graduate visa (Subclass 485) for an extra year or two, depending on the postcode.
3. Adelaide- South Australia
Adelaide is fourteen percent cheaper as compared to other major cities in Australia and it provides discounts and concessions on public transport to international students. With a metro population of over 1.3 million, Adelaide is far more diverse than the other areas on the regional areas list. Approximately 30% of the population is foreign-born, and the cost of living is significantly low. Moreover, there is a higher demand for employment opportunities in areas including chefs, IT professionals and mechanics.
Why Choose Adelaide for Studying?
It offers perks of city life with a quality lifestyle and efficient public transportation. Adelaide is at the top of the list of best regional areas for PR due to its robust economy, high life standards and peaceful environment. In 2017, Adelaide was listed as the fourth most desirable regional area to study in Australia for international students.
It is the home place of top South Australian universities. Among them, the University of Adelaide is highly regarded both in Australia and internationally and is also a member of the Group of Eight. Let’s gain insights into the academic excellence of Adelaide by exploring the top universities and courses;
Top Universities
Flinders University
University of South Australia
The University of Adelaide
Top Courses
Creative Arts and Media, Nursing and Midwifery, Business, Engineering, Law and Criminology, Innovation and Enterprise, Environment and Social Sciences
4. Perth- Western Australia
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is ranked as the best regional area to study in Australia. It is a great option for international students, allowing them to extend their visa for three years after graduation. Western Australia is a safe and welcoming place for students, with over two million residents from a diverse range of cultures.
Why Choose Perth for Studying?
There are 193 educational institutions located in Perth that offer 2030 courses and more than 140 study areas. Western Australia is the biggest state in Australia, making up 33 percent of the country’s total area, with a land mass of 2,529,875 square kilometers. Therefore, it offers a wide range of job opportunities to local and international students. The mining sector in Western Australia is very large, and people from all over Australia travel to Perth to pursue work in this industry. Below is the list of educational institutions and courses available in Perth.
Top Universities
Murdoch University
University of Notre Dame
Edith Cowan University
Curtin University of Technology
The University of Western Australia
Top Courses
Engineering, Science, Nursing, Education and Aboriginal studies, IT, Finance: Build Environment and Business Management
5. Gold Coast- Queensland
Gold Coast is famous for providing quality education, affordable living, and a diverse student community. It is the fifth largest state in Australia and offers cost-effective accommodation as compared to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. That’s why it is one of the best regional areas to study in Australia.
Why Choose Queensland for Studying?
It is home to more than 32,000 international students from more than 130 countries. The tourism sector is booming rapidly, thus providing many employment options for international students in restaurants, hotels, and tourism operators. This city offers plenty of prospects in sectors including construction and healthcare. Let’s discover the famous institutions and programs available in the Gold Coast region.
Top Universities
Griffith University
Bond University
Southern Cross University
Top Courses
Hospitality, Cookery, Tourism, Design, and IT
6. Sunshine Coast
If you’re searching for an advanced lifestyle, wise investment, and plenty of opportunities, the Sunshine Coast may be the place for you. The living cost is significantly higher than other regional areas including Tasmania and Bundaberg. However, it is the best regional area to study in Australia due to the exceptional academic standard and better living style.
Why Choose Sunshine Coast for Studying?
The University of the Sunshine Coast is regarded as one of the greatest institutions in Australia due to its high caliber of education. Since tourism accounts for the majority of the region’s GDP, there are plenty of options for prospective restaurateurs, chefs, and hotel employees. Nonetheless, certain fields, including nursing, healthcare, business management, and construction, are also expanding.
Top Universities
CQ University (CQU)
University of Sunshine Coast
Top Courses
Social Science, Business, Tourism, Education, Humanities, Communication, Creative Industries, Law, Health, Design, Science, and Technology.
