Thanks to its world-class education system and diverse culture, Australia is a popular destination for international students. However, with many courses, deciding which is right for you can take time.

This blog will help you assess your goals and choose the right course to study in Australia.

How Do You Choose What to Study in Australia?

Exploring the option to study in Australia can be confusing and hard. You need to assess much information before you know what is right for you. What may have worked for someone you know will often not work for you. And you don’t want to make any mistakes that you will regret later because you wasted time and money.

We will discuss what is essential to asses, but the most important thing is Finances. How much you can spend and use to sustain yourself over the coming years in Australia will dictate your success.

Here is a list of popular courses for those wanting to study in Australia who are trying to stay for work or even migrate. These courses match Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and enhance the chances of obtaining a Permanent Residency through skilled migration.

1. Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Environmental)
2. Healthcare (Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy)
3. Information Technology (Software Development, Cybersecurity, Data Science)
4. Accounting and Finance (Accounting, Financial Planning)
5. Teaching (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Special Education)
6. Trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Chefs)

Why Study Trade Courses in Australia?

Trade courses are some of the most affordable and in-demand courses in Australia. They cost $10,000 AUD—$18,000 AUD per year, depending on the qualification and city you choose to study. Trade courses also lead to job opportunities, graduation visas, and pathways to skilled migration at a much lower cost than Degrees or Post-Graduate Studies. 

If you have completed undergraduate or postgraduate studies in your home country, you can still apply for trade courses in Australia, provided you meet the Genuine Student Requirement criteria.

Courses in Trades that Studyaway offers are:

• Automotive
• Commercial Cookery and Patisserie
• Welding and Fabrication
• Building and Construction

Employer Sponsorships and Other pathways

• Aged Care
• Early Childhood Education and Care
• Nursing

Set Your Goals and Make Decisions

1. Set Your Goals: Short-Term and Long-Term

• Short-Term: What’s your plan for the next few years? If you want to start working immediately, look for courses with industry links or internships.
• Long-Term: Dreaming of a global career or staying in Australia? Courses in high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, or engineering can help you land a job in Australia and pathways to stay further (graduate visas or even Permanent Residency)

If you wish to remain in Australia after you study, you will need to select a course that 

2. Follow Your Passion and Play to Your Strengths

Pick something you love! Think about subjects you excelled in—math, chemistry, or creative arts—and look for courses that align with your strengths.

3. Evaluate Your Skills and Academic Performance

Are you a numbers person or more of a creative thinker? Reflect on your academic successes. High marks in chemistry? Consider medicine or pharmacy. Need help? Universities offer quizzes to help match you to the right course!

4. Work Experience and Internships

This can guide your choice if you've already worked or volunteered in a field. Even a tiny internship or part-time job can help you decide if a course fits your career ambitions. For most who wish to stay in Australia after graduation, relevant work experience is incredibly important, or you will not qualify for a Graduate Visa, Employer Sponsorship or Skilled Migration. 

• Studyaway will keep you up to date on your course and occupation with a dedicated support team and access to a Migration Agent when you are ready for the next step in your journey

5. Mind Your Budget

Australia offers quality education, but tuition and living expenses can be high, especially in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. To succeed, consider relocating to areas with lower living costs or where you have support from friends or family. 

• Studyaway partners with education providers in major cities to help you find the best course in your preferred location.

6. Check Eligibility and Entry Requirements

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 500)

Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements (like IELTS or TOEFL). If not, pathway courses can help you get ready.

7. Pick the Right Location

Your course is essential, but so is where you study! Big cities like Sydney and Melbourne are buzzing with job opportunities but come with higher living costs. Smaller cities can offer a more affordable lifestyle and a more relaxed atmosphere.

8. Navigate the Application Process

Work Limitations (48 Hours/14 Days)

• Research universities and courses online.
• Gather documents like transcripts, test scores, and a personal statement.
• Apply directly through university websites or partner with an education agency
• After acceptance, apply for your student visa

9. Work-Study Balance

Many international students work part-time while studying. Ensure your chosen course offers flexibility so you can manage academics and your job and look into future job opportunities after graduation!

By reflecting on your goals, strengths, budget, and career plans, you’ll find the perfect course to set you up for success in Australia! Ready to leap? Let’s go!

Matching Your Study Goals to the Righ Australian Visa

1. The Foundation: Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The most common visa for international students is the Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to:

• Study full-time in a registered course.
• Bring eligible family members with you.
• Work for up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying.

Travel in and out of Australia during your visa validity.

2. Matching Your Visa to Your Goals 

Your visa conditions may vary based on your study program and long-term goals. Let's break it down: 

Short-Term Goals: 

• Improve English: If you want to improve your English language skills, your Subclass 500 visa will likely have conditions specific to your ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program.
• Gain Specific Skills: For short courses or vocational training, your visa will be tailored to the duration and nature of your program.
  

Long-Term Goals:

• Work and Stay in Australia: To work and settle in Australia, choose a course in a high-demand field like IT, healthcare, or engineering aligned with the Skilled Occupation List. This can help you access skilled migration visas after graduation.
• Global Career: To pursue a global career, choose a course with international recognition. Your Student Visa (Subclass 500) provides valuable experience in Australia and opens doors to worldwide opportunities.
• Return Home: If returning to your home country, choose a course that boosts your career prospects there, as your visa depends on your program's duration.

3. Other Visa Options

While the Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the most common, other visas might be relevant depending on your circumstances:

• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): If you're under 18, you might need a guardian to accompany you to Australia. This visa allows a guardian to live with and care for you during your studies.
• Training Visa (Subclass 407): This visa is for individuals who want to participate in workplace-based training to enhance their skills in their current occupation.

4. Seek Expert Advice

Navigating the visa process can be complex. An education agency like StudyAway can provide expert guidance to help you select the right visa and meet all study requirements.

Ready to start your study adventure in Australia? Explore your visa options to align them with your goals and get on track to achieving your dreams Down Under!