Introduction
Australia is home to some of the world’s top universities, attracting students from across the globe. While major cities like Sydney and Melbourne often receive the most attention, an increasing number of international students are choosing to study in regional areas. These locations offer a unique set of advantages that can make studying in Australia even more rewarding.
Stay longer in Australia after graduation
If you study in a regional area in Australia, you can apply for a 485 visa (Temporary Graduate Visa) to stay longer in Australia after graduation.
Normal stay under a 485 visa:
The length of your 485 visa will depend on the course that you have completed in Australia.
- Vocational Study (if your qualification is on the Skilled Occupational List): 18 months
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended) – 2 years
- Masters (research) – 3 years
- Doctoral degree – 3 years.
If you graduated from a regional institution:
If you have graduated form a regional higher education institution, you can apply for “Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream”, which allows you to stay further in Australia for 1 or 2 years after your first 485 visa expired.
- If you study and live in Regional Area Category 2 (e.g., Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Adelaide…), you can still further in Australia for 1 year
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – 3 years
- Masters (coursework and extended) – 3 years
- Masters (research) – 4 years
- Doctoral degree – 4 years.
If you study and live in Regional Area Category 3 (e.g., Toowoomba and Gatton) , you can still further in Australia for 2 years
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- Bachelor degree (including honours) – 4 years
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- Masters (coursework and extended) – 4 years
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- Masters (research) – 5 years
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- Doctoral degree – 5 years.
Migration Benefits
If you study and stay in a regional area, you will earn additional points when applying for a Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190 and 491)
For 189 and 190 Visas
If you complete at least two academic years of full-time study in a designated regional area, you can claim 5 additional points.
For 491 Visa
If you receive a nomination from a regional state/territory government or are sponsored by an eligible family member in a regional area, you get 15 points (instead of just 5 for subclass 190).
Other benefits
The education quality of regional Higher Education Institutions
The quality of education institutions in Australian regional areas is still as good as those located in the Metro cities. They are still ranked in the Top Universities in the world.
For example, ANU (Australian National University) and UoA (University of Adeliade) are in the Group of 8 Best Universities in Australia and ranked in the top 100 best universities worldwide.
Lower cost of living
Living costs in Australia’s major cities can be quite high, especially when it comes to rent and daily expenses. In contrast, regional areas offer a more affordable lifestyle, allowing students to save money while still enjoying high-quality education. Accommodation, transportation, and food expenses are significantly lower, which makes studying in regional areas a financially attractive option.
Requirement to be considered as study in a regional area Australia
To be considered studying in a regional area in Australia and receive the stay and migration benefits, you must:
- Enroll in a at least 2 years course (full-time) in an education institution located in a designated regional area
- Live in the regional area during your study
If you only enroll in a course in the regional area, but still stay in a metro city, then you will not be considered for the above benefits.
Wish to study in a Regional University in Australia? Contact SOL Edu and Migration for Free Admission Process.