Regional Australia: Why You Should Consider Studying Beyond Major Cities

Indian students usually tend to look for studying in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane; however regional Australia has been a popular selection for students choosing a destination offering quality education, affordable cost of living and migration benefits! If you are a student finding the right course to study in Australia after 12th for Indian students, regional areas are a good option. Let’s look at why you might want to consider studying in regional Australia.

Why Choose Regional Australia for Higher Education?

If you’re wondering why study in Australia, one major factor is the variety of locations. While most study abroad students think of Sydney or Melbourne, studying in regional Australia has its own distinct opportunities and benefits to study in Australia for international students. Regional Australia includes smaller cities and towns that the Australian Government has recognized to promote educational and migration opportunities.

By choosing regional locations, students enjoy:

• Less competitive admission processes
• Lower tuition and living expenses
• Government initiatives for migration opportunities and post-study work opportunities

Those wondering how to study in Australia or why study in regional Australia may simply be more affordable, and there is a greater chance for permanent residency.

What is Considered Regional Australia?

Regional Australia encompasses cities and towns away from major metropolitan cities. If you are planning to study in Australia after 12th, it would be useful for you to understand these popular regional locations: 

• Adelaide (South Australia)
  
• Townsville & Cairns (Queensland)
  
• Hobart & Launceston (Tasmania)
  
• Toowoomba (Queensland)
  
• Ballarat & Geelong (Victoria)
  

These areas are encouraged by the government to attract international students, making it ideal for those to find and complete the best courses to study in Australia or simply to choose lower study-tuition options.

Why Study in Regional Australia After 12th Grade?

For Indian students planning to study in Australia after 12th, regional areas provide many benefits compared to big cities.

1. PR & Post-Study Work Benefits

The migration benefit is a primary reason students ask why study in Australia in regional areas. 

• More PR Points: Students are eligible for more Permanent Residency points for studying in a regional area.
• Extended Work Visa Length: Graduates can get longer post-study work visas than those who studied in a city.

If you are considering your future career or settlement, these benefits make studying in a regional area a worthwhile choice.

2. Affordable Living & Education

The cost of living in Australia is commonly inquired about. Cost of living varies greatly throughout Australia with regional areas offering much more affordable options than bigger, metro cities. 

• Lower Living Costs: Accommodation, transport, and day to day living expenses are cheaper.
• Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for international students studying in regional areas.

If you are working out how much money you will need to study in Australia or work out the study in Australia for Indian students from large metropolitan cities, regional options could save you lakhs of rupees.

3. Quality Education and Global Recognition

Regional Australian universities have reputable academic standards. 

• Reduced Class Sizes: More personalized learning experience.
• Work Industry Courses: Programs focused on areas of local industry demand, such as agriculture, marine biology, and health science.

When thinking about what course to study in Australia regional universities can provide multiple choices that are recognized around the world.

4. Student-Friendly Communities

Regions are known for being welcoming and supportive of students. International students, in particular, find it easier to socially/emotionally and academically integrate into the community. 

Top Regional Universities in Australia for International Students

Here’s a quick comparison for students planning to study in Australia for Indian students after 12th:

If you have been asking yourself, how much gap is accepted for study in Australia after 12th, most universities accept a gap of 1-2 years with supporting documentation and valid reasons. 

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

There are many benefits of studying in regional Australia, however its worth noting that students may be faced with: 

• Limited Part-Time Work: Use online university job boards or seek freelance work too.
• Transport Options: Stay on campus or use the campus shuttle where possible.
• Limited Entertainment Choices: Be active in the local community, participate in local events and use the outdoors for a balanced lifestyle.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Regional Australia?

If you are asking, what is the total money you need to study in Australia in Indian Rupees, here is an approximate figure:  

• Tuition Fees: AUD 20,000–40,000 a year (approx. ₹10–20 lakhs)
• Living Costs: AUD 18,000–23,000 a year (approx. ₹9–11 lakhs)  

This means that the total cost of studying in Australia from India is between ₹20–30 lakhs for the majority of undergraduate programs. When you factor in the price of living in Australia, there is no comparison in regional areas compared to main cities.

Conclusion

There’s more to studying in regional Australia than the academic aspect. Choosing to study in a regional area is also a lifestyle and career choice. Weighing up the low cost of living, cheaper tuition fees, globally recognised education, extended post-study work visa options, and better permanent residency options; regional areas provide options often unavailable in larger cities. For Indian students after 12th, these destinations provide the most balanced options for good education, and all-round affordability and future options in Australia.

FAQs

Ques. 1. Why should Indian students consider studying in regional Australia?

Ans. Regional areas offer lower tuition fees, affordable cost of living in Australia for Indian students, additional migration benefits, and access to the best courses to study in Australia.

Ques. 2. How much money is required to study in Australia for Indian students?

Ans. On average, the study in Australia cost for Indian students ranges between 20–30 lakhs, including tuition and living expenses.

Ques. 3. How much gap is accepted for study in Australia after 12th?

Ans. Most universities accept a gap of 1–2 years with valid justification.

Ques. 4. What are the best courses to study in Australia?

Ans. Popular options include Nursing, Engineering, Agriculture, IT, and Marine Biology.

Ques. 5. How to study in Australia?

Ans. Students can apply through official university websites or seek help from study in Australia consultants for guidance on admission and visa processes.