Australia is the top choice of destination for Sri Lankan international students. It has plenty to offer from excellent education standards to beautiful beaches and quality cricket clubs. If you’re considering a move from Sri Lanka to Australia for your studies, here are 6 reasons why it’s such a popular – and smart – choice.
Why Study Abroad in Australia?
Quality of education
Australia is home to a number of globally ranked higher education institutions, including the University of Melbourne (#34), Monash University (#44), the University of Queensland (#53) and the University of Sydney (#54).*
Australian universities offer a wide range of courses and programs of study that are globally recognized, and most courses are taught in English. Australia’s education system is known for its focus on innovation and research, its flexibility and its promotion of hands-on and practical learning.
Cultural diversity and a warm welcome
Australia is one of the world’s most culturally diverse countries, with its cities being particularly multicultural. For instance, Sydney is currently* ranked the third most diverse city in the world (with 45% of its residents foreign-born) and Melbourne is fifth (41% of residents are foreign-born).
Immigrants tend to be treated with acceptance and respect, and on the whole the country offers a very safe and welcoming environment for international students. Australia’s biggest universities are located in its larger cities, so there’s plenty of opportunity to study in a multicultural, cosmopolitan environment, where it’s easy to create a sense of home.
Quality of life
Australia is considered one of the best countries in the world for a good quality of life – sitting at #7* on the OECD Better Life Index.
The country is famous throughout the world for its laidback lifestyle, incredible nature and wildlife, and surfers’ paradise beaches. It’s a perfect choice of study destination if you like to explore, play outdoor sports, or just take in some natural beauty in your free time.
According to OECD, it also outperforms the average for education, health, jobs, income, social connections, and life satisfaction.
Work opportunities
If you need to work to support yourself while studying, Australia is a great choice. During holiday periods, you’re free to work as many hours as you wish, and in term times you can work up to 40 hours a fortnight.
As an international student, you will have the same workplace protections as everyone else working in the country and you’ll receive at least minimum wage, whichever job you’re doing.
Throughout most of the country, you’re likely to find plenty of job opportunities in retail, hospitality, administration, cleaning and care services. In certain areas, you will also find seasonal work in fruit picking and farming.
You are also likely to be eligible to apply for a 2-4 year working visa once you’ve completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, via the Post-Study Work Stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). You can find more information about this and other pathways to a working visa, plus information on your possible path to citizenship in Australia, on the Australian Home Affairs website.
To learn even more read also this blog on how international students can benefit from Australia’s workforce gaps.
English language immersion
Having strong English language skills can open many doorways, both for continued study and professionally.
English is Australia’s majority language and most courses of study are taught in English. So, studying here will give you the chance to immerse yourself in the language and massively improve your skills. There’s no better way to become fluent in a language than to surround yourself with native speakers.
And cricket!
Being from Sri Lanka doesn’t guarantee you must love cricket – but there’s certainly a fair chance you do. If you’re a big cricket fan, then you’ll love living in Australia, where it’s the national game.
If you love watching the sport, you’ll find plenty of pubs and bars that play it and plenty of friends to watch it with. If you’re a player, with nearly 4,000 cricket clubs across the country, you’re bound to find somewhere nearby to get involved with the sport.
Transferring Money Between Australia and Sri Lanka
If you’re studying and working in Australia, you may want to regularly send money back home. Or perhaps your parents would like to be able to contribute towards your studies? Whatever the reason, if you want to transfer money internationally, it’s easy, convenient and reliable with Western Union.
