For international students aiming for long-term settlement, studying at a regional university in Australia has become one of the most strategic pathways to securing permanent residency (PR). The Australian government actively incentivises regional education to distribute talent outside of congested major metropolitan hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. By choosing a designated regional campus, graduates unlock critical migration advantages, including extra points on the skilled migration test and extended post-study work visas, making it an incredibly efficient route to building a long-term career and life in Australia.
Advantages of Studying in Regional Australia
1. Extra Points for Migration
If your end goal is to apply for permanent residency in Australia, choosing to study at one of the regional universities will get you 5 extra points under the skilled category and priority processing. You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for a PR; however, competitive profiles applying for an Australian PR get somewhere between 80 and 95 points, which is why you will need every point you can get.
2. Extended Post-Study Work Visa
Students who study in regional universities receive an extended year or two for their post-study work visa. This will allow students to live in Australia longer and gain a competitive edge when applying for a PR.
3. Lower Living Expenses
The monthly living costs for an international student in one of the main metropolitan areas could range from AUD 2800 to AUD 3000, depending on the city and expenses. Whereas, if you choose one of the regional cities to study and live in, you will find that the costs are AUD 1500 – AUD 2000.
4. Discover the Real Australia
Studying in regional Australia offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s diverse natural beauty, ranging from tropical rainforests and beautiful beaches to majestic mountain ranges. It offers a more relaxed, authentic Australian lifestyle than bustling metropolitan hubs. This environment allows international students to fully immerse themselves in local communities, offering a genuine taste of Australian culture and outdoor living.
5. Excellent Facilities
Despite being outside major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, regional universities and towns boast world-class healthcare, modern entertainment venues, and vibrant culinary scenes with excellent cafes and restaurants. Students enjoy the same high-standard infrastructure and academic facilities found in metropolitan areas. The distinct advantage is a close-knit, welcoming community vibe where you feel valued rather than lost in a massive crowd.
6. Specific Regional Scholarships
To encourage students to live and study in these areas, the Australian Government and local universities offer dedicated financial incentives, such as the Destination Australia scholarship program. These grants provide substantial financial support to help cover tuition fees and living costs for international students and are explained below.
Top Universities in Regional Areas
|
Top Universities |
Location
|
QS World University Rankings |
Best For |
| Deakin University | Geelong, Victoria | 207 | Sports Science, Nursing, and Medicine |
| University of Wollongong | Wollongong, New South Wales | 195 | Engineering, Materials, Law, etc. |
| James Cook University | Townsville and Cairns, Queensland | 438 | Earth and Marine Sciences |
| University of Tasmania | Hobart, Tasmania | =314 | Marine and Arctic Science, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences |
| Charles Sturt University | Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Orange | 951 – 1000 | Agriculture, Veterinary Science, etc. |
| University of Newcastle | Newcastle, New South Wales | 227 | Nursing, Engineering, Mining, etc. |
| University of New England | Armidale, New South Wales | 1201-1400 | Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Studies |
Top Scholarships to Study in Regional Australia
|
Scholarship Name
|
Description |
|
Destination Australia Scholarships |
· Offered by: Australian Government
· Description: Specifically designed to encourage students to study and live in regional Australia. · Award Value: Up to AUD $15,000 per year (for up to 4 years). · Eligible Levels: Certificate IV through to Doctorate level. · How to Apply: Students apply directly through eligible regional universities and tertiary education providers |
|
Australian Government Research Training Program |
· Offered by: Australian Government Department of Education
· Description: Available at participating universities, this program funds both domestic and international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees (Master’s by Research or a PhD). Many top-tier regional universities offer these RTP spots to attract high-performing researchers. · Award Value: Covers full tuition fees, a stipend to assist with living costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
|
Charles Sturt University (CSU) |
· Offers various International Student Scholarships—such as the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship—which can cover 100% or 50% of tuition fees for high-achieving students, studying at campuses like Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, or Port Macquarie. |
|
Federation University |
· Offers Global Excellence Scholarships and Regional Accommodation Grants, giving students up to 16%–25% off tuition fees at campuses like Ballarat, Gippsland, and Berwick. |
|
University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) |
· Provides various International Student Merit Scholarships to reward academic excellence, giving eligible students up to a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their degree. |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | · Offered by: Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
· Description: Highly prestigious, fully-funded scholarships targeted at individuals from developing countries (particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, Africa, and the Middle East). While applicable country-wide, recipients can choose to study at regional campuses to build specialized skills. · Award Value: Full tuition fees, return airfares, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), and health insurance |