The Best Regional Areas to Study in Australia
The Australian Government wants to encourage international students to study and live in designated “Regional Areas” of Australia. If you live and study in one of these Regional Areas for at least two years, you can gain an extra 5 points on the Immigration Points Tests, which may increase your chance of PR in Australia. There are also numerous other benefits to studying in regional areas that will be introduced in November 2019 including increased points for Regional State Nomination and an additional year on the graduate work visa.
However, there are plenty of other reasons to consider studying in a regional area including the cheaper cost of living and lifestyle.
Regional Areas have recently been reclassified to include every where in Australia Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Yes, The Gold Coast and Perth are now classified as regional areas by immigration!
The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of the largest and more appealing cities to live in Australia. The Gold Coast has some of the best beaches and a great night life for students. The rent and living expenses are relatively cheap compared to other major cities. The city also has the largest number of university, vocational and trade courses of any regional city.
- Automotive Mechanic
- Cabinet Making
- Heavy Diesel Mechanic
- Solid Plastering
- Wall & Floor Tiling
- Automotive Body Repair Courses in Australia
- Electrical Instrumentation
- Painting and Decorating
- Early Childhood, Primary & Secondary School
- TESOL
- Music Industry
- Environmental Management and Sustainable Operations
- Construction Economics
- Veterinary Nursing
- Boat Building
- Marine Habitat and Conservation
- Individual Support
- Scuba Diving Instructor
- Sports Coaching
- Social Work
- Software Development
- Cyber Security
- Health Administration
- Sustainable Operations
- Conservation and Land Management
- Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter
- Music Production
- Website Development
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Management
- Photography and Photo Imaging
- Building Design
- Event Management
- Business
- Screen and Media Animation
- Human Resources
- Early Childhood Teaching
- Leadership and Management
- Project Management
- Interior Design
- Mental Health
- English
- Telecommunications and IT Networking
- Nursing
- Commercial Cookery
- Carpentry
- Hospitality Management
- Strategic Leadership
- Agribusiness Management
- Training and Assessment
- Ageing Support
- Disability
- Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Masters of Engineering
- Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
- Masters of Cyber Security
- Travel and Tourism
- Portfolio Management
- Construction Management
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Master of Architecture
The Gold Coast is an iconic destination to visit, travel and if lucky enough, to live. With glorious glistening beaches, to luscious rolling hinterlands, as well as a thriving vibrant nightlife, the Gold Coast haven has something to offer everyone. The all year round tropical climate means you can spend your days lazing in the sunshine on the long white sandy beaches, learn to surf in world renown beaches. Or perhaps take a hike through the dense rainforest to one of the many beautiful waterfalls and swim in the gorgeous natural rock pools. In the evenings explore the many classy bars, hip eateries and fine dinning restaurants, with enough variety to suit any taste.
Many internationals are drawn to the Gold Coast for its laid back lifestyle, friendly community lower cost of living.
Population
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Trade Courses
Carpentry
Automotive Heavy Diesel
Painting and Decorating
Solid Plastering
Bricklaying
Boat Building
Engineering Fabrication
Automotive Mechanical
Automotive Electrical
Electrical Instrumentation
Wall and Floor Tiling
University Courses
Perth
The capital of Western Australia has recently been listed as a regional area for migration purposes. It would be an excellent choice for someone wanting to study in a regional are with a city feel.
- Solid Plastering
- Wall & Floor Tiling
- Bricklaying
- Patisserie
- Individual Support
- Sports Coaching
- Barbering
- Pathology Collection
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Management
- Youth Work
- Business
- Leadership and Management
- Project Management
- Dancing
- Mental Health
- English
- Work Health and Safety
- Yoga Teacher
- Telecommunications and IT Networking
- Commercial Cookery
- Carpentry
- Hospitality Management
- Master of Counselling
- Ageing Support
- Disability
- Bachelor of Community Services
- Masters of Engineering
- Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Automation Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering Civil and Structural
- Engineering Electrical Systems
- Engineering Industrial Automation
- Masters of Mechanical Engineering
- Travel and Tourism
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma of Building and Construction Management
- Master of Nursing
The opportunities for international students are quite large compared to other regional areas in Australia. One of the reasons there are so many job opportunities in Perth for international students & graduates is because of the recourse sector. The mining industry in Western Australia is large, and people from all over Australia move to Perth to pursue work in this industry. This then opens up a lot more opportunity for part time and causal work because most of the people who would normally take up those roles are working within the mining sector.
If that is not enough, Perth is closely located to many stunning locations with captivating views and soft sandy beaches to watch idyllic sunsets.
In just a 25 minute ferry ride, you could spend the day exploring the beautiful and unspoilt Rottnest Island. Or in a small 3 hour dive, find yourself in the Margaret River region, packed full with beautiful beaches, vineyards, and delicious foods.
Perth enjoys a mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers to explore the landscapes and cool wet winters to cosy up.
Population
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Trade Courses
Carpentry
Automotive Mechanical
Bricklaying
University Courses
Sunshine Coast
If you’re looking for lifestyle, opportunity, and a smart investment, Sunshine Coast is right for you. There may be a few times a year that it is overrun with tourists, but the rest of the year, you’ll be living in the place where most people want to vacation! Make it even better by working in a profession that thrives on this tourism.
- Wall & Floor Tiling
- Painting and Decorating
- Early Childhood, Primary & Secondary School
- Individual Support
- Social Work
- Cyber Security
- Marketing
- Photography and Photo Imaging
- Building Design
- Business
- Interior Design
- English
- Nursing
- Carpentry
- Hospitality Management
- Master of Counselling
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Primary Education
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Master of Nursing
People on the Sunshine Coast are Foodies! Locals and tourists alike are driving the biggest industry on the Sunshine Coast: Hospitality and Tourism. Chefs, Restaurateurs and Managers, and Hotel Staff are in-demand there. Some of the other in-demand jobs on the Sunshine Coast are Nursing and Health, Construction, Managers.
The population on the Sunny Coast is around 350,000, but this is spread out across the coast and inland, towards the mountains, meaning there is loads of opportunity and a thriving community without feeling like you are living like a sardine. People are catching on to this regional gem, and the population is expected to grow over the years, meaning this is the right time to make your move there.
Despite being about as Aussie as you can get in terms of lifestyle, almost 20 percent of the population was born overseas, with thriving British, Kiwi, Irish, Scottish, German and Italian communities. There are all sorts of fun events year-round, from music festivals to food and wine festivals, triathlon events and even a yoga festival. The Sunny Coast is about an hour to 90 minutes north of Brisbane, where you can get your dose of urban culture or easily catch a direct domestic or international flight.
Population
Sunny Coast is around 350,000 people
Job opportunities
Hospitality and Tourism (Chefs, restaurateurs, hotel staff, nurses, construction workers etc.)
Cost of living
Trade Courses
Carpentry
University Courses
Byron Bay
If you are someone who loves the sand and surf and a laidback lifestyle, Byron is the place for you. While it’s becoming an expensive place to live, there are plenty of small towns nearby to call home while Byron is just a short drive away. Work in hospitality and you’ll look forward to Schoolies Week.
The population in Byron Shire is only about 30,000 making it much smaller than the Sunshine Coast. Where it lacks in population, it makes up for in personality. The community is very diverse and attracts people from the UK, NZ, USA, Europe and Brazil. There are dozens of events in Byron, such as Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, and countless cultural and alternative events for interests of all sorts. Situated about an hour south of Gold Coast and the international airport there, you’re never too far from a weekend getaway or international travel.
Population
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Trade Courses
University Courses
Southern Cross University – Lismore
Adelaide
For those seeking a more sophisticated yet family-friendly urban lifestyle with natural beauty only a short drive away, along with a lower cost of living, various work opportunities, diverse culture, and of course, endless vineyards with some of Australia’s finest wines, Adelaide is for you.
- Automotive Mechanic
- Heavy Diesel Mechanic
- Automotive Electrician Course in Australia
- Painting and Decorating
- Patisserie
- Individual Support
- Social Work
- Horticulture
- Pathology Collection
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Management
- Youth Work
- Business
- Human Resources
- Early Childhood Teaching
- Leadership and Management
- Project Management
- Mental Health
- English
- Telecommunications and IT Networking
- Nursing
- Commercial Cookery
- Carpentry
- Hospitality Management
- Strategic Leadership
- Applied Blockchain
- Banking Services Management
- Agribusiness Management
- Ageing Support
- Disability
- Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Community Services
- Masters of Engineering
- Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
- Masters of Cyber Security
- Bachelor of Business
- Travel and Tourism
- Civil Engineering Draftsperson
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Agribusiness
- Graduate Diploma of Research Studies
- Graduate Diploma of Cybersecurity
- Graduate Diploma of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Adelaide has a metro population of about 1.3 million and like any city, it is much more diverse than the other regions on our list. The foreign-born population is about 30 percent, with various cultures represented, from Greek and Italian to Vietnamese and Chinese to Sri Lankan and Indian, meaning wherever you were born, you will feel a sense of connection and community in Adelaide. Adelaide has a major international airport, meaning you can find easy domestic and international flights.
Population
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Trade Courses
Commercial Cookery
Carpentry
University Courses
Cairns
If you are someone who likes to take in the natural beauty of the world while still being able to enjoy the finer things in life, Cairns is a great place for you to live. This tropical region offers a relaxed lifestyle with opportunities for a great career, especially in hospitality, construction and healthcare.
With a population of around 150,000, Cairns has all of the conveniences of a modern city but with multiple World Heritage Sites, the natural splendor of the region has been perfectly preserved. Cairns’ population is about as diverse as its scenery. Along with having a higher proportion of Indigenous Australians, there are many other cultures represented here. Many people from the UK, Japan, India, Korea, China, Italian and German now call Cairns home. Cairns also has an international airport with easy domestic flights as well as flights to shorter international trips (and a direct flight to Bali).
Population
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Trade Courses
Electro-instrumentation
Tasmania
If you enjoy the great outdoors, don’t mind the cold, and are budget conscious, Tasmania is the place for you. It is the most affordable place to live on our Regional Locations list, the lifestyle is great for nature-lovers and foodies alike and there are countless opportunities in various industries. Just don’t forget your winter-weather gear.
The population of the greater Hobart region, the capital city of Tasmania, is a little over 200,000. Though not as culturally diverse as other regions in Australia, Hobart is becoming a popular place to call home for people from the UK, Europe, and China. Hobart has an international airport, making it easy to get to the mainland for a visit or as a stop-over for longer international travel.
Cost of Living: Tasmania is quite wealthy considering how small it is and the average income is relatively high, while the cost of living is much lower than in mainland cities. Hobart was ranked as the most affordable capital province in Australia to buy a house.
Population
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Trade Courses
Automotive Mechanical
University Courses
Bundaberg
The affordability and lifestyle of Bundaberg make it possible to set up a great life for yourself and your family, where you might not be able to afford to live in other parts of Australia, making it a great place to call home for people born overseas and starting from scratch in Australia. If you’re an adventurous person looking for affordable living without sacrificing lifestyle and charm, Bundaberg is right for you!
Bundaberg is considered the Southern Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef as well as being the Number 1 Whale Watching Destination in Australia, which draws tourists year-round. This means that not only will you have plenty to do for weekend fun, but the CBD is designed to satisfy and impress, with great restaurants and pubs as well as outstanding markets featuring local tropical produce and authentic Aussie-made arts and crafts. Bundaberg also has stunning beaches and alluring forests in the hinterlands and is the access point to Lady Elliot Island, where you can swim with giant manta rays.
Bundaberg’s population has been slowly growing over the years and has reached nearly 100,000. It’s a popular place to call home for people from the Philippines, South Africa, Europe, China and the UK.
Population
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Trade Courses
Engineering Fabrication and Trade
Darwin
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory. Located on the coast in North Australia, it is less than an hours flight to many countries in South East Asia. With a population of approximately 200,000 people, it is also one of Australia’s most rapidly growing cities and there is a very big demand for skilled workers. Because of the shortage of workers, employees earn considerably more in Darwin compared to most cities in Australia.
Tradesmen in particular are in huge demand up north.
Darwin is a very modern city with a warm, pleasant and tropical climate and is surrounded by calming surf and lush greenery. You could spend your days exploring the greater area around the city, where there are wondrous stretches of desert, towers of natural monoliths, gorgeous fresh waterholes and other breathtaking natural sights like the Katherine Gorge, the world famous Uluru, Kakadu National Park and the Karlu Karlu Devil’s Marbles.
Darwin is also known for its incredible ecosystem and Australian wildlife. You could learn about the in-depth plant life, go on bird watching tours or even spot wild crocodiles in an unforgettable river cruise.
Since Darwin is home to a wealth of Indigenous culture, you could visit one of the many Aboriginal art galleries in the city centre or take a tour led by an Indigenous guide to learn about the local Larrakia people’s Dreamtime stories.
Many internationals are drawn to Darwin for its raw genuine Aussie experience, friendly community, breathtaking natural surrounds and laidback lifestyle.
Population
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Trade Courses
Electrotechnology
Commercial Cookery
University Courses
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