What are Regional Areas in Australia?
Dreaming of studying abroad in a vibrant country like Australia but worried about the high living costs in bustling major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane? Fear not! You’ve come to the right place. We’re here to show you how you can strike a balance between your academic aspirations and financial concerns by exploring the option of studying in Regional Areas.
Studying in Regional Areas offer an alternative path to higher education that’s both enriching and economically sensible. According to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, Regional Areas are divided into two categories: Category 2, known as ‘Cities and Major Regional Centres’, and Category 3, which includes ‘Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas’.
Category 2, the ‘Cities and Major Regional Centres’, encompasses prominent cities like Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart. International students who choose to study in these areas are entitled to the following regional incentives:
- Priority processing of regional visas
- Access to the Regional Occupations List, which offers a wider range of job options compared to non-regional lists
- International the students with a bachelor’s or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution can extend their post-study work visa by an additional year
Meanwhile, Category 3, known as ‘Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas’, includes any other regional locations that are not prime cities or listed in Category 2. This category also offers the same benefits as Category 2, along with additional advantages for international students:
- International students with a bachelor’s or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution can extend their post-study work visa by an additional 2 years.
- Priority in negotiating region-specific Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)
In essence, Regional Areas in Australia can be defined as non-major city areas. The implementation of these areas aims to promote population growth and economic development in those regions. International students who choose to study in regional areas might be eligible for certain benefits. However, it’s important to note that the list of specific areas under each category may change over time. For the most up-to-date information on eligible Regional Areas, you can refer to the official Australian government page here.
Benefits of studying in Regional Australia vs Major Cities
You might be wondering, what are the advantages of studying in Regional Areas compared to major cities? Keep reading, and I’ll explain why choosing to study in Regional Areas could be your top choice!
Benefits | Description |
Opportunities for migration | With the priority visa processing times and access to Regional Occupational Lists, this allows international students to permanently set foot in Australia after completing their degree programme. Upon completing the programme, the students are able to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) visa and obtain additional migration points that can give them a high chance of getting permanent residency. |
More part-time employment opportunities | Students who attend universities in Regional Areas will have higher opportunities of obtaining a part-time job against the fierce job market in major cities. Additionally, the job prospect is equally competitive with major metropolitan areas with similar job packages. |
Affordable cost of living | Accommodation in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne can be extremely pricey. Regional Areas, on the other hand, come with a lower cost of living, including lower housing and living expenses costs. |
Relaxed lifestyle | Just like in major cities, you can also enjoy the same amenities and facilities in Regional Areas. What truly sets it apart is the opportunity to experience the relaxed Australian culture at its finest. Living in Regional Areas is less stressful, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of nature. |
Special scholarship | The Australian Government provides various scholarships, including the Destination Australia Programme, offering up to $15,000 per year for international students. International students who wish to be selected for this scholarship must:
You can view details here. |
Feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in studying in a regional area.
After graduating from a regional university, what comes next?
After completing your studies in Australia, you can either return to Malaysia or venture into other countries to pursue your career aspirations. However, if you are keen to stay and contribute your expertise to Australia, you can continue doing so by obtaining the needed visa. Below are five potential visa options for you!
Visa Type | Description |
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | This visa allows the students to stay in Australia for between 18 months to 4 years after they have finished their studies, depending on where they studied, lived, and did their qualification. There are two types of 485 visa:
These visas have various requirements. Make sure you apply for the right one. |
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) | Next on the list is the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), which allows the students to further live, work, and study in a certain Australian regional area. It is designed to attract skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa is part of Australia’s efforts to distribute population growth and economic opportunities more evenly across the country. This can be used to apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). After 3 years from the date this visa was issued, you can apply for permanent visas. |
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) | The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) is a visa pathway to permanent residency for those who have a certain temporary skilled visa and have lived and worked in designated Regional Areas of Australia. This visa enables individuals who have resided in designated regional areas of Australia on a valid visa to do so permanently. Additionally, it enables you to submit an application for Australian citizenship, be part of Australia’s Medicare public health care scheme, and sponsor your family’s stay with you in Australia. A valid subclass 491 or subclass 494 visa must have been held for at least 3 years before applying for this visa. There are no minimum income requirements for this visa. For 3 of the 5 years of an eligible visa, applicants must present notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (TXO) stating their income. |
Regional areas demand jobs
After obtaining the necessary visa to continue residing in Australia, you might be wondering how to sustain yourself without a legitimate job. Don’t worry, the Australian government provides a range of job opportunities for international students who have graduated in Australia, enabling them to work and remain in the country. Here are the occupations that are in demand.
- Registered Nurses
- Software and Application Programmers
- Database and Systems Administrators, & ICT Security Specialists
- Physiotherapists
- Chefs
- Generalist Medical Practitioners
- ICT Business and Systems Analysts
- Civil Engineering Professionals
- Electricians
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers
Kindly note that the job demand can change from time to time. For the latest information, you can refer to here to see what’s the next most-sought after job in Australia.
Regional Universities in Australia
Following are examples of regional areas Australia universities that you can consider studying at per state.
New South Wales (NSW)
University | Description | Faculties | Intake |
University of Wollongong (UOW) | Nestled between the mountains and the sea, UOW is known for its scenic campus and strong emphasis on innovation and industry collaboration. Its programme put great emphasis in sustainability and industries on coastal communities, offering students practical insights into various challenges and opportunities. |
| February, July |
Charles Sturt University (CSU) | Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a renowned Australian institution committed to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. CSU offers diverse learning opportunities to a wide range of students through its wide campus branch and online learning. The university’s strong focus on industry connections and regional engagement ensures the students are well-prepared for real-world challenges and contribute positively to their communities. |
| February, July, November |
The University of Newcastle (UON) | UON’s dedication to regional studies is firmly rooted in its presence in New South Wales. By focusing on regional growth, innovation, and involvement with communities, UON equips students to tackle local challenges and play a vital role in enhancing the development and well-being of nearby regions. |
| February, July |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
Victoria
University | Description | Faculties | Intake |
Federation University Australia | Federation University Australia is a premier higher education institution devoted to delivering world class education and cultivating innovation. With campuses spanning regional Victoria, the university provides a warm and inclusive atmosphere for students of various backgrounds to further their studies. Committed to academic brilliance and research, Federation University offers an extensive array of programmes in areas such as arts, sciences, health, and business. |
| February, July |
La Trobe University | La Trobe’s strong emphasis on real-world experience, industry partnerships, and global engagement ensures that the students are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields. The university’s programmes span various disciplines, catering to students’ diverse interests and career aspirations. La Trobe University’s dedication to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding contributes to producing students who are ready to tackle the challenges of the modern world. |
| March, July |
Deakin University | Deakin University provides a comprehensive range of education courses that are designed to equip the students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of education. Some of the key reasons to study education at Deakin University are the strong focus on practical learning, the range of specialisations, strong industry connections, and accreditation of the courses by the regulators. |
| February, July, October |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
Queensland
University | Description | Faculties | Intake |
Griffith University | Griffith University is a dynamic institution recognised for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. Griffith provides a vibrant and diverse academic experience to students of different nations. The university’s focus on innovative teaching methods and practical learning opportunities ensures that students are well-ready for the demands of the professional world. |
| March, July, November |
James Cook University (JCU) | James Cook University (JCU) is a well-regarded Australian institution known for its emphasis on tropical and environmental research. The university is known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, engaging students in practical experiences that align with real-world challenges. The university’s colourful campus life, diverse student community, and stunning natural surroundings make it an attractive destination for both domestic and international students seeking a quality education. |
| February, July |
Central Queensland University (CQU) | Central Queensland University (CQU) is an Australian dual sector university based in Queensland. CQU has strong industry partnerships and provides work-integrated learning opportunities to help students gain practical experience and pave their career prospects. CQU’s education courses are designed to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation, as well as practical experience through practicum placements in a range of educational settings. To ensure the students are prepared with the latest industry insights, CQU also places a strong emphasis on industry collaboration and partnership. |
| February, July, November |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
South Australia
University | Description | Faculties | Intake |
The University of Adelaide | The University of Adelaide is a prestigious university located in South Australia and they pride themselves on their outstanding academic programmes, coupled with hands-on research opportunities. The university is also part of the Group of Eight (Go8) that influences the development and delivery of long-term sustainable national higher education and research policy, and in developing elite international alliances and research partnerships. |
| February, July |
The University of South Australia (UniSA) | The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a prominent institution located in Adelaide, South Australia. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and practical learning, UniSA offers a diverse range of programmes to students from around the world. |
| February, July |
Flinders University | Flinders University is known for its innovative approach to education that focuses on interdisciplinary learning and research, aiming to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for the modern world. The university’s strong commitment to research and collaboration fosters a dynamic learning environment. With a dedication to social responsibility and community engagement, Flinders University prepares the students to make a positive impact on society and contribute to global challenges. |
| February, July |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
Western Australia
University | Description | Faculties | Intake |
The University of Western Australia | The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) institution, located in Perth, Australia. Renowned for its world-class education and research, UWA is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The Go8 recognition is a signatory to the prestigious Hefei statement, which links it to elite university groups around the world. |
| February, July |
Curtin University | Curtin University is known for its global reputation in education and research excellence. With a wide range of programmes across various disciplines, Curtin offers students opportunities to gain valuable skills and knowledge for their chosen careers. Through its cutting-edge research and international collaborations, Curtin University contributes significantly to advancements in various fields and prepares students for successful futures. |
| February, July |
Murdoch University | Murdoch University is known for its emphasis on sustainability and environmental research, with the university being awarded the 5-Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia for its sustainable buildings and infrastructure. The university’s education programmes are designed in a way to suit the students needs by offering a wide range of programmes that come with flexible study options. |
| February, July |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
Tasmania
University | Description | Faculties | Intake |
The University of Tasmania | The University of Tasmania, located in the stunning island state of Tasmania. Students at the University of Tasmania benefit from a supportive and collaborative learning environment, enriched by its strong ties to the local community and industry partners. With campuses spread across Tasmania, students have access to modern facilities and a unique learning experience that combines academic excellence with the natural beauty of the region. |
| February, July |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
Northern Territory
University | Description | Faculties | Intake |
Charles Darwin University | Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a dynamic and innovative institution located in the vibrant city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The university’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous knowledge is reflected in its approach to teaching and learning. CDU’s campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and its strong connections with industry partners provide students with valuable real-world experiences and opportunities for internships and research projects. |
| March, July, November |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Eric Chooi
A passionate and inquisitive writer, always looking for new ways to write. If you don’t see him writing, maybe he is hunting for some good food!
