What are Regional Areas in Australia?
When considering the idea of studying overseas in a country like Australia, do you always assume that your only options are to study in big cities like Sydney or Melbourne? If so, you might be mistaken. In reality, Australia has numerous other regions where you can pursue your education. Let me introduce you to the Regional Areas of Australia – they provide not only similar educational experiences but also many one-of-a-kind advantages that major cities like Sydney or Melbourne lack. Curious to learn more? Keep reading!
Based on the Department of Home Affairs of the Australian Government, Regional Areas in Australia comprise two main 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’, refer to cities like Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart. International students who pursue their education here 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
- Internationally, 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
Category 3, on the other hand, is known as ‘Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas’, which includes any other regional locations that are not major cities or listed in Category 2. This category also provides the same benefits as Category 2, along with more 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 short, studying in the Regional Areas of Australia can offer a uniquely fulfilling and rewarding experience. If your plan includes settling in Australia after completing your studies, choosing a Regional Area for your education might provide an extra boost in future visa applications. Friendly note here, the above list of regional areas may change over time. For more updated information, don’t forget to refer to the official website here.
Benefits of studying in Regional Australia
So, I’ve been telling you that opting for education in Regional Areas could be the best decision for you. Don’t go anywhere, as I’m about to explain why!
Benefits | Description |
Migration Incentives | The Australian Government has offered some of the best incentives to encourage international students to study and live in Regional Areas. This includes priority visa processing and the direct access to the Regional Occupational Lists. Once the students finished their studies, they can opt in for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) visa that comes with 1 – 2 years of extra period in Australia and get additional migration points that can give them a high chance of getting permanent residency. |
Greater Employment Opportunities | Regional Areas are renowned for offering a diverse range of job opportunities across various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture. The job market in these areas is also less competitive compared to major cities, where everyone is vying for the same positions. |
Lower Living Expenses | The cost of living in big cities can be substantial, as they cater to a more premium lifestyle. However, in Regional Areas, students can enjoy a similar lifestyle with lower costs for accommodation, daily expenses, and transportation. |
Pleasurable Campus Experience | Universities in Regional Areas may not have as many students as those in big cities. With a smaller community, students can expect personalised and tailored learning experiences that can greatly enhance their learning journey. |
Special Scholarship | The Australian Government offers various scholarships to international students, including the Destination Australia Programme, offering up to $15,000 per year. 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.
Regional Area Universities
Here are instances of Australian universities in regional areas, categorised by state, that you might want to consider for your studies.
South Australia
University | Description | Faculties/Study Areas | Intake |
The University of Adelaide | The University of Adelaide is uniquely positioned to design and drive a prosperous, entrepreneurial future for the students, and it is built on knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. 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 an Adelaide-based university with metro, suburban, regional, and online facilities. UniSA has a balanced curriculum with a focus on applied and technical subjects. With 230,000 graduates and industry partnerships of more than 2,500 companies worldwide, UniSA offers degrees that are industry-focused and informed, and has become one of Australia’s largest online education providers. |
| February, July |
Flinders University | For over 50 years, Flinders University has been a hub of outstanding achievement: from their pioneering research and excellence in teaching that brings positive impact to the community that they served. The university also puts great focus on a strong network of external links that keeps the students’ work dynamic, enabling them to connect across barriers to create enterprising solutions for the future. |
| February, July |
TAFE SA | TAFE SA is located in South Australia that provides programmes in a wide range of fields, with a focus on collaboration with industry experts. The institution offers a range of support services to help students succeed, and is recognised nationally and internationally for its high-quality education and training. TAFE SA graduates are highly sought after by employers and go on to successful careers in their chosen fields. |
| January, July |
Torrens University | Torrens University Australia is a private university that prioritises innovation, industry engagement, and practical education. Torrens University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas such as business, design, health, hospitality, technology, and more. The university’s emphasis on industry connections and real-world experience aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. |
| February, June, September, 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!
Western Australia
University | Description | Faculties/Study Areas | Intake |
The University of Western Australia | The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a Group of Eight (Go8) prestigious institution, located in Perth, Australia and for the past 100 years, the university has contributed to the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of Western Australia, the nation, and to the world. The students at The University of Western Australia are able to take their learning beyond the books, at the cutting edge of knowledge creation, from passionate lecturers with real industry experience and connections. |
| February, July |
Curtin University | Curtin University is an innovative, global education hub known for its high-impact research, strong industry partnerships, and commitment to preparing the students for jobs of the future. The university is also ranked as the top one percent of universities worldwide in the highly regarded Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2022 that brings high-quality education alongside world-class research to students for all walks of life. |
| February, July |
Murdoch University | At Murdoch University, the university has been committed to conservation, social justice, and inclusion since their inception in the 1960s. The university is designed with the aim of being a place of learning and discovery through its leading academics, innovative courses, and ground-breaking research. The university offers a wide range of courses, and it comes with flexible study options that are able to help students to reach their career goals at their own pace. |
| February, July |
Edith Cowan University (ECU) | Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a modern and dynamic institution located in Perth, Western Australia. With a focus on practical education and strong industry connections, ECU offers a range of programmes designed to equip students with relevant skills for the workforce. ECU is committed to widening participation and breaking down barriers that restrict entry to education, and they are continuing the work on the enhancement and development of alternative entry pathways to higher education. |
| February, July |
Kaplan Business School (KBS) | Kaplan Business School is a globally recognised provider of higher education degrees, with programmes both in degree and master, covering areas such as business, accounting, information technology, marketing, management, tourism, entrepreneurship, health services, digital management, analytics, project management, and leadership. KBS focus on student-centric areas such as quality of teaching, student support, learner engagement, graduate outcomes, and employability. With that, KBS has been acknowledged in several Australian and global awards and rankings. |
| March, 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!
Victoria
University | Description | Faculties/Study Areas | Intake |
Federation University Australia | Federation University Australia is the nation’s first regional, multi-sector university. The university is rated as the number one university in Victoria for graduate full-time employment and skills development. The university has a great focus with industry partners that commit to co-operative education – education designed and delivered with industry – in every university degree and TAFE course. |
| February, July |
La Trobe University | La Trobe University is renowned for being an internationally recognised education leader in the area of high quality education and training that is designed to make a positive impact in the community. The university also put great emphasis to support access, diversity, and inclusivity while undertaking world-class research that aims to address the global pressing issues with feasible and viable solutions. |
| March, July |
Deakin University | Deakin University offers a personalised education experience to all students and it is enhanced by top-tier programmes, innovative digital engagement, and experienced faculty members. The university leads the way with industry partnerships by creating world-class opportunities to live and work in a connected and evolving world. |
| February, July, October |
Australian Catholic University | Australia Catholic University (ACU), a publicly-funded university with seven campuses across the country. ACU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including education, health sciences, theology, philosophy, social sciences, and business. The university’s educators are experts in their field, with many having extensive experience in education and research. ACU graduates are highly sought after by employers due to their practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and ability to engage with diverse communities. |
| 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!
Queensland
University | Description | Faculties/Study Areas | Intake |
Griffith University | Griffith University has consistently been ranked in the top 2 percent of universities globally with its degree programmes that are designed with industry in mind and future in sight. With more than 55,000 students, the community spans across five campuses in South East Queensland and complemented by a global alumni network of over 200,000 graduates that have access to world-class experiences and rewarding careers. |
| 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 also committed to internationalisation through the International Engagement Strategy that sets out on connecting JCU to the world and the world to JCU, which ensures that more internationalised benefits to the community. |
| February, July |
Central Queensland University (CQU) | Central Queensland University (CQU) is an Australian dual sector university based in Queensland. The university now offers more than 250 programmes, from short courses and certificates, undergraduate, postgraduate, to research degrees. The university also prides themselves on providing world-class, inclusive education, training, and research opportunities to the students, partners, and communities across Australia and internationally. |
| February, July, November |
Bond University | Established in 1989, Bond University has gained a reputation for providing innovative, industry-focused education across various disciplines. The university commitment to providing a supportive environment for students to excel academically and professionally has earned it a place among Australia’s top universities. Students at Bond University are able to experience quality learning from seasoned educators. That said, the university is ranked consistently in Australia for student experience and learner engagement. |
| January, May, September |
Southern Cross University | Southern Cross University is a dynamic Australian institution known for its innovative and student-centered approach to education. Since 1994, the university has offered a wide range of courses across various fields, including arts, business, health, and environmental sciences. With campuses in various parts of Australia, Southern Cross University provides students with a vibrant learning environment, modern facilities, and supportive faculty. |
| January, March, May, 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!
Tasmania
University | Description | Faculties/Study Areas | Intake |
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) | The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is Australia’s fourth oldest university. Studying at UTAS offers a whole different level of education experience with the concept of “Our whole island is your campus”. The campuses put the students in the heart of the bustling cities of Tasmania alongside industry and amongst a creative, diverse and welcoming community that foster inclusiveness. |
| February, July |
TasTAFE | TasTAFE is a not-for-profit government business that operates under the TasTAFE (Skills and Training Business) Act 2021. The university strives to groom graduates of success by providing an enriching learning experience that promotes pathways to employment and further study through accessible and innovative learning. TasTAFE has an ongoing commitment to meet Tasmanian community expectations and the needs of the students. |
| 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!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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!