If you’re excited by the idea of combining a world-class education with global travel, then opting for a degree course in Australia and New Zealand is well worth considering.
With English as their first language, both countries are a good match for UK students, but there’ll be plenty of exposure to new experiences, landscapes and culture, making it an adventure never to be forgotten.
Each university offers a very different experience so researching what’s on offer as well as the location is essential. There’s plenty of choice to suit all preferences though, and there’ll be a dream destination for everyone.
Australia
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world - about 32 times bigger than the UK – so it’s unsurprising that its landscape, climate and way of life can vary considerably depending on region and state.
The tropical climes of the north coast provide a very different experience to the arid, desert landscape surrounding Alice Springs or the cool temperate climate and rugged mountains of Tasmania. This goes for societal and cultural dynamics too – broadly speaking, the major cities of Sydney and Melbourne tend to be faster-paced and more cosmopolitan whereas the slightly smaller cities such as Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or Hobart have a reputation for being more laid-back.
Australia’s diverse landscapes also offer a fantastic opportunity to match a field of study with a location which gives a hands-on, immersive experience that really wows. For example, marine biology students could study conservation on the Great Barrier Reef or oceanography in the Antarctic.
Australia’s Universities
Australia is the fifth most popular destination for international students, according to the Institute of International Education (2023), with several prestigious universities rated highly in world rankings. In January 2024, there were over 3000 UK students enrolled on courses in Australia.
More recently, recognition for indigenous populations has been increasingly incorporated into course content across all programmes of study, adding a cross-cultural perspective to enrichment and learning. To give a flavour of options, universities include:
The University of Melbourne
Founded in 1853, Australia’s second oldest university consistently ranks as the nation’s highest-rated institution in global rankings (THE). Hosting students from over 130 countries and offering flexible courses covering 116 undergraduate major subjects, in 2026 it plans to open a brand-new world-class engineering and design campus for learning and research.
Monash University
Also in Melbourne, Monash is the largest university in Australia. It offers more than 6,000 courses including a wide range of double degrees (the study of two different degree subjects at the same time - not to be confused with a European double degree which involves a degree from two partner universities); the majority of undergraduate courses can be started in July (the second semester) as well as at the beginning of the academic year.
Melbourne regularly tops the world rankings as Australia’s most popular city for international students as well as coming in at a cool third for the most liveable city (EIU 2023). It’s full of music venues and art galleries and has fabulous beaches and trendy cafés.
The University of Sydney
With a strong pedigree – no fewer than eight Australian prime ministers attended the university – USYD is another highly-rated global university. The institution partners with over 85 leading business, government and community organisations, offering undergraduate students the opportunity to work on real-world projects in industry during their degree.
Sydney is Australia’s largest city and its financial hub. With so many iconic landmarks and museums, world-famous beaches and a thriving nightlife, it’s a real pull for tourists and students alike.
The Australian National University
Located in Canberra, this prestigious university has hosted five Nobel Prize-winners as well as two Australian prime ministers. It has a large number of international students who enjoy a flexible approach to their studies.
The University of Queensland
Around one third of UQ’s students come from overseas. Located in Brisbane, it’s one of Australia's leading universities for environmental science, conducting research into environmental areas such as coral reef ecosystems.
The University of Western Australia
This high-ranking university based in Perth offers scholarships to eligible high-achieving international students. Known for its agriculture and forestry, earth and marine sciences, health, engineering, and sports courses it produces highly-employable graduates.
The University of Tasmania
For the second consecutive year, UTAS has secured the top global ranking for contributions and commitment to climate action, and offers courses in marine and Antarctic science, sustainability and ecology.
Hobart is a historic port city and the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania. It’s set amongst spectacular scenery and pristine natural surroundings, and is a welcoming destination for overseas visitors.
Studying in Australia
The academic year at most universities follows a semester system comprising two main terms: the first commencing in late summer, typically February or early March, and the second starting in July. Full-time bachelor’s degrees in Australia typically take three years to complete and to graduate with honours it takes four years.
Be prepared to work hard in your first year and be mindful of the required attendance to pass the course.
Fees, funding and visas
University tuition fees in Australia are lower in comparison to universities in the UK, United States and Canada but still considered high. Universities set their own course fees, and these vary by subject too – as a rule, the more practical the course, the higher the cost. Although small in number, international undergraduate students may be eligible for a range of scholarships, grants and bursaries – these are usually offered based on academic merit.
All international students must apply for a student visa (Subclass 500) and purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in the country. Once you’ve graduated, you can stay and work in Australia for an additional two years on top of your two-year post-study visa (Subclass 485) if your qualifications are eligible and appear on the shortage occupations list.
Life in Australia
It might seem like an obvious point, but UK citizens need to be prepared for the seasons to feel very topsy-turvy. While it’s true that many Australians celebrate Christmas with a barbeque on the beach, traditional British decorations and symbols such as tinsel and Father Christmas are still commonplace. Some states do actually get pretty cold in winter though – don’t assume it’s always hot and sunny!
Like the UK, the cost of living can vary depending on where you live with the largest cities being the most expensive. You could save a few pennies (or Australian dollars) by opening an Australian bank account which avoids paying the additional exchange rate fees.
New Zealand
Just a little bigger than the UK in size, but with a population roughly equivalent to Scotland, New Zealand is considered to be a highly creative and innovative country.
Its tolerance and progressive attitudes make it a place which values diversity and community, and it’s very welcoming to international visitors; in fact, New Zealand was the first country to create a wellbeing strategy for international students.
Made up of two main islands, the North Island is warmer and more populated than the South, containing the largest city Auckland as well as the capital, Wellington. The larger South Island is less densely populated with a more rugged, glacial landscape. It attracts more than a million tourists each year and is a fantastic location for seeking that adrenaline rush or chilling out in equal measure.
New Zealand’s universities
Five of New Zealand’s eight universities are located on its North Island and the remaining three on the South - all are ranked within the world’s top 600 (3%) (THE 2024). They include:
The University of Auckland
New Zealand’s largest university and most highly ranked (THE 2024); over one quarter of students travel from overseas to study subjects such as geography, pharmacology, sports, and engineering.
Auckland University of Technology
AUT is a modern university, highly regarded for its health programmes and a top destination for sport science.
Auckland is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city surrounded by beautiful beaches, hills and volcanoes, and within striking distance of the country’s subtropical islands. It’s also the closest university city to the main international airport, useful if you don’t fancy onward travel.
University of Otago
In Dunedin on the South Island lies New Zealand’s oldest university and arguably the world’s most beautiful university campus. The University Otago reports very high satisfaction rates and encourages students to take part in volunteering and other social impact activities.
Dunedin, in the south of the South Island, is a haven for biodiversity and perfect for those who love the outdoors. It has a similar climate to the UK but not as much rain!
Lincoln University
The Southern Hemisphere's longest continuously operating land-based university, Lincoln University manages farms across New Zealand giving students hands-on, practical learning experiences; other course specialisms include tourism, and sport and recreation. It’s a small university but attracts one third of its student population from overseas.
The friendly town of Lincoln is a 20-minute drive from Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city and official gateway to Antarctica.
International students are also welcome at New Zealand’s polytechnics and institutes of technology which offer select degree programmes to international students. The government is currently undertaking vocational education reform and at the time of writing, advice would be to check individual institution’s future offers carefully.
Studying in New Zealand
Like Australia, full-time bachelor's degrees take three years to complete with graduates having the option to gain an honours degree with one more year of study. The two-semester academic year begins in late February or early March and ends in November (spring).
Fees, funding and visas in New Zealand
Universities set their own tuition fees, and these vary depending on the subject and the level of study - for example engineering and medicine are likely to incur higher fees; these are publicised on the university’s website. As well as tuition fees, some universities may also charge administration and student services fees.
Scholarships for international students are rare but it’s worth checking with individual universities to see what they offer, for example the University of Waikato and University of Auckland currently offer financial support to high-calibre overseas applicants. It’s common for students have a part-time job to help with living expenses - international students with a full-time student visa can work up to 20 hours during term-time and 40 hours during holidays.
You’ll need to buy health insurance before entering the country but be aware that routine appointments including dental check-ups aren’t included. You may also have to undertake a criminal record check and prove you have enough money to live on while you study and the return fare home.
Once you’ve graduated, if you love it so much you want to stay, a post-study work visa allows graduates from New Zealand’s universities to stay and work for up to three years.
Life in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand is slightly higher on the North Island than the South and it’s worth checking how daily living expenses compare in different areas – universities can help to guide you. If you plan to stay on over the holidays you’ll need to budget for extra expenses but finding a job is an option.
New Zealand is a perfect destination for adventure lovers with its stunning landscapes and seascapes. New Zealanders (or Kiwis) love their sports – both watching and competing – especially team sports such as rugby or netball, and outdoor activities or extreme sports such as triathlons, kayaking, climbing and bungee jumping.
If any of this floats your boat then you won’t be short of things to do. And if this isn’t you then there’s plenty of culture and heritage to soak up and more laid-back ways to enjoy the outdoors. It’s not a country known for its love of retail therapy though so do bear that in mind if it’s one of your favourite pastimes.
While you’re there, funds allowing cheap domestic flights will take you further afield giving you the chance to explore the islands in your free time; you could even hire a camper van and do a road trip.
Summary
If you’re seriously considering studying in Australia or New Zealand, most university websites offer a way of chatting with current international students about their experiences. These first-hand accounts can provide a valuable alternative perspective on what it means to take the plunge.
Travelling halfway around the world to live is not without its challenges, and it may take some time to get used to new idioms and customs, but that’s all part of the adventure. And if you have dreams of travelling to multiple countries, then studying in Australia or New Zealand could also open up travel to south Asia.
Whatever your reasons for studying overseas, both countries are popular choices and offer unforgettable experiences.
Helen Janota, April 2024
Helen is an experienced information and careers professional working as a freelance writer and trainer. She writes about careers and the labour market for a wide range of audiences and organisations and aims to produce easily accessible, informative content that reflects the current jobs and careers landscape.
