Students can avail several benefits under new policies in Australia, says Rohit Sethi

Australia has traditionally been among the top study abroad destinations for students in India. The new rules effectively revised the definition of regional areas in the country. Following their implementation in the end of 2019, Regional Australia now includes all of the country with the exception of three areas — Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

It is an obvious fact that cities — epicenters of innovation and progress — provide a superior range of access, opportunities, and options. So, how does asking students to shift to regions that are comparatively less equipped with facilities and amenities be to their advantage?

While cities indeed represent a treasure trove of lucrative opportunities, the same also causes urban hubs to become overcrowded. This naturally results in the competition for said opportunities – be it educational or employment – to rise in intensity. By encouraging migration to Regional Australia, the Federal Government is providing students and migrants with the opportunity to avail more or less equivalent – if not superior – perks minus the stiff competition.

But that’s not the end of it. Top benefits that students stand to avail under the new policies

Favorable post-study work visa terms: As compared to those studying in cities, international students willing to study at regional universities stand to avail one extra year on their post-study work visa, as per the revised regulations.

Extra benefits in points system for PR: New rules also benefits in extra benefits in points  system which make them eligible for Permanent Residency (PR) to international students who choose to study at regional universities.

Special tertiary scholarships: Under the new policy, nearly 1,000 scholarships will be granted annually for the next four years to both domestic and international students applying for regional universities after November 2019.

The writer is director, ESS Global (Study Abroad Consultant)