4 rising stars of Australian education

27 Feb 2017

This country may only have a population of 23 million, but it’s still one of the most popular study abroad destinations among international students. Yep, it’s the beautiful land of Australia, well-known for being a global powerhouse in education. In fact, five out of 30 of the world’s best student cities come from the land Down Under, and it’s really not difficult to see why, as these vibrant metropoles offer a combination of high living standards and an excellent education.

The country is often favoured among students for its wide range of institutions that offer world-class courses in virtually every academic field, giving students plenty of options when it comes to making a suitable study choice. To top it off, the country’s institutions are featured in the top 50 world universities in study areas like the arts and humanities, engineering and technology, life, physical and social sciences, and more.

For students seeking an elite education alongside that laid back Australian vibe, you have a wealth of available choices in cities across the country. But it takes more than rankings and reputation for students to settle on where to go…and if you’re in need of a little extra help, here’s some things to look out for when choosing where to study:

Student Experience

Image courtesy of La Trobe University

It’s important to remember that your university will be your second home for the next few years, so it’s incredibly important for you to feel comfortable as you study and live on campus. If a particular university catches your eye, seek feedback from current students to get a sense of the institution’s overall culture and atmosphere. The last thing you want is to feel miserable when you’re supposed to be starting an exciting new chapter of life!

Partnerships with the industry

In a competitive job market, graduates need to have more than a degree to attract the attention of employers. One way to stand out among a sea of applicants is to display work placement or internship experience on your CV, showing that you have the right experience and skills needed for the job. Many universities offer industry placement as part of their courses to help students find relevant experience that will make them employable after graduation. Therefore, attending a university with strong industry links can greatly boost your chances of finding suitable work upon completion of your course.

Excited about taking the next step in your education? Here are four universities that offer students a wonderful academic and social experience, on top of so much more…

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY

As one of Australia’s pioneering institutions, La Trobe University has offered ground-breaking degree programs for almost 50 years, and celebrates its 50^th Anniversary in March. A qualification from this respected university equips a person with the expertise needed to tackle the big issues of our time and make a real difference to the world. Ranked 48 in the 2016 Times Higher Education 50 Under 50 and with 82 per cent of their research areas rated ‘above or well above world class’ La Trobe is a smart choice for anyone looking to make their mark in their chosen discipline. The University provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in several areas, including arts and communications, business and commerce, health sciences, IT and engineering, law and criminology, sciences and psychology and teaching and education.

Image courtesy of La Trobe University

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s northern suburbs, La Trobe is renowned for offering an especially welcoming and accessible on-campus environment. Students love the extensive parklands and waterways, the village vibe, world-class sports facilities and its proximity to unique Australian experiences – close encounters with residents of the local Wildlife Sanctuary are not uncommon!

At La Trobe, there’s a focus on providing opportunities for work placements and students can take part in hands-on industry-based projects. Additionally, the institution gives students the chance to learn directly from industry experts (Professors of Practice) and gain work experience with industry partners such as Deloitte, the Australian Synchotron and BMW. On top of that, there are a number of mentoring, volunteering and career-planning programs designed to help students achieve their dream careers.

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY

Image courtesy of Flinders University

Established in 1966, Flinders University is a modern, dynamic institution that places importance on innovation and excellence in its academic programs and research. Offering a vibrant and stimulating study environment, the University boasts a long-held reputation as a friendly and accessible ‘student university’. If you are particular about the quality of student experience, you’ll be pleased to learn that over 90 percent of students have expressed satisfaction overall when it comes to their time at Flinders. Here, Faculty believe in a student-centred culture that includes practical experience, professional placements and cutting-edge facilities built to meet your study needs.

Students at Flinders are spoilt for choice as the institution offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in: Arts, Business, Commerce and Management, Computing and Mathematics, Creative Arts and Media, Culture and Communication, Education, Engineering and Design, Government and International Relations, Health, Law and Criminology, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Psychology, Science and Environment and Social Work. In addition, students are encouraged to develop proficiencies that employers are looking for in graduates through a unique WorkReady Program created by the University.

CURTIN UNIVERSITY

Ranked in the top two percent of universities worldwide by the 2015 Academic Ranking of World Universities, Curtin University offers a well-rounded education that equips them with the knowledge needed to solve tomorrow’s complex issues. Students also benefit from award-winning teaching staff, modern facilities and extensive support services. Curtin is also home to nearly 16,000 international students, making it one of the world’s most global universities of 2016. Here, students are offered industry-relevant courses that relate to the changing global market.

Image courtesy of Curtin University

The University promotes undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Agriculture, Environment and Sustainability, Architecture and Construction, Arts and Creative Industries, Business, Management and Law, Culture, Language and Indigenous Studies, Education, Engineering and Mining, Health, IT and Computing and Physical Sciences and Mathematics. With many of its degrees backed by national and international accreditation, students graduate with the skills employers increasingly look for. Plus, students get to see their ideas come to life within the institution’s contemporary facilities, whether it’s witnessing stock trading in the Curtin Business School Bloomberg Trading Room, or joining the research efforts against the spread of chronic disease in the CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct.

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY

As the leading University for the tropics, James Cook University (JCU) offers a unique education that sets it apart from any other university in the world. With campuses in Cairns and Townsville that are close to the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, students study in a ‘living laboratory’ that brings education to life. At JCU, courses foster a practical focus where students get to work on real-world projects with business, industry and government organisations, or otherwise take part in field trips in the natural environments of northern Queensland, the Asia Pacific and beyond.