australia Archives - iSTUDENTglobal

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3rd October 2022

There’s nothing like Australia!

International students researching their options for study are faced with numerous – often confusing – options and factors to consider. Is the climate right for me? Do I want to live in a Central Business District or a coastal area? Which territory do I want to study in – Western Australia, Queensland or even the Australian Capital Territory? We’re here to help you answer such questions, and ensure that the process of choosing a path for study is smoother and more intuitive for students, parents and counsellors alike.

FEATURED CONTENT

FEATURED INSTITUTIONS

Looking for somewhere to study? Explore some of our featured institutions in Australia.

The Australian National University	Griffith University	University of South Australia
Bond University	James Cook University	University of Southern Queensland
Box Hill Institute	La Trobe University	Swinburne University of Technology
University of Canberra	Monash University	The University of Western Australia
Curtin University	Murdoch University	Western Sydney University
Deakin University	University of New England
Flinders University	RMIT University

STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA

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UNE: Welcoming Students Back to Academic Excellence

University of New England

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16th May 2022

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UNE: Welcoming Students Back to Academic Excellence

When Claire left China for the first time in her life, it was in search of self growth. She arrived in Armidale, Australia in 2018 to enhance her passion for numbers at the University of New England (UNE). In true UNE fashion, every angle was covered to guarantee her a smooth transition. Claire spent 10 weeks in its English Language Centre to improve her communication skills — an experience she easily summarises in just one word: precious. “The teachers in ELC were very professional and they were always ready to address language and academic issues for international students,” she says. “They were always happy to provide information and suggestions, which solved a lot of our daily difficulties. I also made lots of friends from various cultural backgrounds. They were very nice to me.” These connections remained strong well into her UNE accounting programme. After all, there was much to love about living in Australia — and most excursions involved quality company. Claire attends weekly church sessions to learn more about Christianity and meet friends. She plays on the UNE Volleyball team for serotonin boosts and some healthy competition. Winter is just as lovely. “I joined Christmas events twice in town,” she says. “People sang popular Christmas songs during the event. I also tasted traditional Christmas food. On Christmas Day, I was very grateful and happy to meet an old lady who was very similar to my grandmother, and I took a photo with her before leaving.”

Claire loves every memory she makes in Australia. Source: University of New England

Heartwarming narratives like hers are typical for those who choose to study in Australia. Little wonder why in the midst of a pandemic, many decided they would rather put their plans on hold than settle for anything less. Thankfully, the country had a strong public health response in place that comprised vigilant testing, tracing and quarantine measures. Today, since borders are officially open, more stories like Claire’s can be written. UNE is happy to assist every aspirant in the drafting process. This dynamic institution is a global leader in research and academic innovation. It is also the only Australian public university awarded the maximum five stars for “Overall Experience.” Most importantly, it is open to all. When international students choose it, they don’t just forge enduring connections with like-minded peers, but with an approachable faculty as well. Everyone who calls this historic Armidale campus home makes a commitment to strengthen the connected community UNE is known for housing. “Everyone from the qualified and friendly staff at the international student office to the IT desk and technicians in the laboratory exemplify the motto ‘we are here to help you’,” confirms Master of Science in Agriculture student Marlin. “They make me feel that I am in the right atmosphere. Furthermore, being a student at UNE helped me meet people from different parts of the world.” Together, they evolve into experts. UNE’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes span agribusiness; business and law; economics; environmental and rural sciences; health and nursing; and science and technology. There are over 140 courses on offer.

Enjoying life off campus and all of Australia’s lustre has never been easier thanks to the lifting of capped work hours for international students per fortnight. Source: University of New England

The best part? International students with their hearts set on UNE are eligible for the Accomodation Scholarship. Valued up to 11,000 Australian dollars, the award covers a single student’s housing fees for a maximum of two academic trimesters. Living quarters are fully-furnished and styled for learners — equipped with electricity, heating, water, free Wi-Fi, campus security, and Residential Student Support. Recipients get free airport or train station transfer within Armidale as well, and everything else an individual far from home could possibly need. Enjoying life off campus and all of Australia’s lustre has never been easier either, thanks to the lifting of capped work hours per fortnight for international students. This flexibility translates to ample opportunity for students to network with professionals, leave a lasting impression on employers, and prepare for further work opportunities during their studies. So what are you waiting for? Choose the University of New England and you’ll learn anything there is to know about taking on the rigours of work and a rapidly changing world with confidence. Future fit your life at the university known for producing satisfied students — click here to learn more. University of New England CRICOS Provider Number 00003G Follow the University of New England on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

Top 5 Reasons To Live and Study In Perth

Murdoch University

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6th December 2021

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Top 5 Reasons To Live and Study In Perth

Deciding where in Australia you should live and study? Here are 5 reasons why Perth should be at the top of your list.

1. Cost of living

Not only is Perth a great place to live, but it’s also affordable too! When compared to Perth, consumer prices in Sydney are 7.95% higher (this includes items like clothing and electronics), grocery prices are 4.82% higher, and rent prices are a whopping 91.32% higher. To put these numbers into perspective, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney outside the city centre will set you back $1956.54 a month. In Perth, it will cost you just $1028.86 a month. While not as expensive, by moving to Melbourne you can expect to pay rent prices 33.56% higher than in Perth.

2. One of the world’s most liveable cities

Paying substantially less for everyday items and rent doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from a great quality of life. Perth was ranked in the top 15 most liveable cities in the world in 2018 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which ranks cities across five major categories including infrastructure, stability, education, healthcare and culture and environment. Perth was also ranked the number two city in Australia in an annual survey on liveability and community values by realestate.com.au and market research group Ipsos. Residents ranked safety as the most important factor in determining a great place to live. This was followed by housing, high-quality health services and future job prospects.

3. Mediterranean climate

Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. With more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia (70% of the year you’ll experience clear blue skies), you’ll get to enjoy more time outside exploring your new home. In summer, Perth residents cool down by heading to one of our 19 beaches, including the world-famous Cottesloe Beach, which was voted Australia’s number 1 beach in 2019. In spring, you can head a few hours north to check out the incredible wildflowers, in one of the most spectacular flower displays in the world.

4. Cosmopolitan culture

While we’re known as the more chilled out city when compared to our east coast rivals, Perth has experienced a cultural renaissance in recent years. This includes the opening of Elizabeth Quay, a new waterfront precinct on the banks of the Swan River featuring a water park and numerous world-class restaurants and bars, the 60,000-seater Optus Stadium that has hosted everything from the Big Bash League and AFL finals to Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, and the $650 expansion of Crown Perth to construct Crown Towers. Some of the must-visit dining and entertainment precincts include Northbridge, which has finally been reconnected to the CBD as part of the new Perth City Link development (highlights include Palace Arcade, Hummus Club, Long Chim, Petition, The Flour Factory, and Market Grounds); the vibrant port city of Fremantle (Little Creatures Brewery, Sweetwater Rooftop Bar, Propeller, and Bread in Common); bustling Oxford Street in Leederville (Low Key Chow House, Pinchos, Kitsch, Bill’s Bar and Bites); and trendy Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley (El Publico, Zeus Street Greek, T he Flying Scotsman, and Si Paradis o).

5. Travel Opportunities

By choosing to live and study in Perth, you’ll be based in one of the most biodiverse and picturesque states in Australia. With over 12,000km of coastline, world-renowned food and wine regions and more than 100 national parks, there’s plenty to see and do. You can head south to visit the Margaret River region, named the top destination to visit in the Asia Pacific Region in 2019 by Lonely Planet; west to visit the quokkas at Rottnest Island like Chris Hemsworth; or north to snorkel with whale sharks at Exmouth, explore the ancient landscapes of Karijini National Park, or ride camels on the beach in Broome. If you’re keen on exploring the rest of Australia, Perth is just a 3.5-hour flight from Melbourne and a 4-hour flight from Sydney. Perth is also the perfect destination to explore South East Asia. We’re just 3.5 hours from Bali, and 5.5 from both Singapore and Kula Lumpa. Ready to take on your next big adventure? Learn more about becoming a student at Murdoch University, one of the top 100 universities in the world under 50.

Article written by Steph Jojart, International Marketing Coordinator at Murdoch University.

Top 5 Government Funded Scholarships for International Students

Content Team

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28th October 2021

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Top 5 Government Funded Scholarships for International Students

For many international students, government funding in the form of grants, bursaries and scholarships is the only way they can pursue their dream of studying abroad. So before you apply to your dream university overseas, find out what types of funding are available to you. Here are our top 5 government-funded scholarships for international students 2021/22. Chevening Scholarships (UK) Starting in 1983, Chevening has provided scholarships and fellowships to more than 50,000 people from around the world. Their aim is to provide outstanding scholars with the opportunity to study a one-year masters degree qualification at any UK university. What’s included?

Payment of tuition fees
Economy travel (flights) to and from your country of residence
An arrival allowance
The cost of an entry clearance (visa) application
A departure allowance
A contribution of up to £75 for TB testing, where is required
A travel top-up allowance
A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. The monthly stipend will depend on whether you are studying inside or outside London. These rates are subject to annual review.

Applications open in August and close in November each year. If successful, you will be asked to attend an interview in June and be given an offer in July. Studies will start soon after in September/ October. Find out more.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia is one of the best destinations for international students. It has a high standard of higher education, multicultural and welcoming student communities and some of the “most liveable” cities in the world (The Global Liveability Index 2021). Each year, Australia Awards Scholarships provides students from participating countries with full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. To be eligible, you must live in Asia, the Pacific, Africa or the Middle East. A full list of participating countries can be found here. What’s included?

Full tuition fees
Return air travel to and from Australia
Contribution towards accommodation expenses, textbooks and study materials
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Pre-course English (PCE) fees

Application opening and closing dates depend on your country of residence. Find a full list here. Find out more.

Fulbright Foreign Students Program (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides international students with the opportunity to study at a master’s or PhD level in America. Approximately 4,000 students receive these scholarships each year. Like other government-funded scholarships, Fulbright scholars are required to return to their home country after studying. Find out more. Applications are processed by bi-nation Fulbright Commissions or U.S Embassies so foreign students must apply through the Embassies in their home countries. A full list of these countries and bodies can be found here. What’s included?

Tuition fees
Living expenses
Return economy flights
Health insurance

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (EU)

The Erasmus Programme is an international student exchange programme, established in 1987. It’s a well known and supported scheme funded by the European Union. There are a wide range of opportunities available with Erasmus, including:

Each program has a different set of key selection criteria which are available in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide. Make sure you read through the guide carefully and allow enough time to prepare your application. What’s included?

Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Participant costs
Travel
Health insurance

Open and close dates for applications depend on each program. Find out more.

New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarships

New Zealand offers a wide range of scholarships for international students looking to study at bachelors, masters or PhD level. These scholarships are fully-funded and for students living in commonwealth countries. These scholarships give international students a chance to improve their knowledge and help their country of origin to grow its talents. Priority will be given to students looking to study subjects that are most relevant to the developmental needs of their home country. What’s included?

Full tuition fees and a living allowance (NZ$491 per week)
An establishment allowance (NZ$3000)
Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand
Travel to and from your own country
Travel insurance

Applications close in Feb/March each year. Find out more.

Top 5 Student-Friendly Cities in The World

Content Team

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11th September 2021

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Top 5 Student-Friendly Cities in The World

You’ve chosen the subject you want to pursue. You have a good idea of what job title you want to nail after graduation. You’ve always dreamed of living and learning in a different country. All that’s left now is to pick the city you want to study next. Here’s a list of the top 5 student-friendly cities in the world. Each can offer you valuable study opportunities, career options and unforgettable life experiences.

1. London, UK

Why study in London? In London, you’ll find some of the best universities and colleges in the world, with Imperial College London and University College London ranked in the world’s top 10 (QS Top Universities 2021). When you’re not busy studying and you want to unwind during term time, you can explore London’s top attractions such as the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard’s observation deck and discover London’s history at the London Dungeons.

2. Montréal, Canada

Why study in Montréal? As soon as you arrive, friendly locals will greet you with warmth all year-round – yes, even if it’s winter! Regardless of the climate you’ve been used to in your home country, Montréal will open a whole new world for you, where the beauty of winter will be the main character. No matter if you travel to Canada for a one-month study abroad experience or to study for a three-year Bachelor’s degree, you must definitely try out ice skating at least once and all the festive markets held in Vieux-Montréal.

3. Berlin, Germany

Why study in Berlin? Regarded as one of the coolest urban hubs of Europe, Berlin promises students an unforgettable living and learning experience at decent prices. The low cost of living combined with a colourful nightlife transforms Berlin into one of the most welcoming cities for international students. It offers endless travelling opportunities in every direction. So, why not wake up early on a Saturday, rent a car and drive around Europe with your new uni friends.

4. Sydney, Australia

Why study in Sydney? With exhaustive English-language programmes for non-English speakers and home to some of the best universities in Australia, Sydney is the dream city for every international student. The best part of coming here is that with the student visa, you are also granted permission to work up to 40 hours every two weeks. And that applies throughout your whole academic year! With an amazing climate, iconic landscapes and, not to mention, Sydney’s Taronga Zoo daily Koala Encounter sessions, Sydney will quickly become a holiday resort for your studies.

5. Seoul, South Korea

Why study in Seoul? Who could say no to a global city with a 24/7 vibe, ranked one of the best in the world for employer activity? Plus, the quality of education in Seoul is beyond exceptional. This comes at a very decent price since everything from accommodation to food is very cheap. The modern skyscrapers, Buddhist temples and countless food markets prove that Seoul is a must-see city. And what better way of discovering it if not by living and studying there? Visit The Trickeye Museum, Lotte World, and Everland (South Korea’s largest outdoor theme park). So, where are you heading to next?

Why Study Social Work in Australia?

Australian Association of Social Workers

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6th August 2021

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Social work is a complex and wide-ranging profession, covering a variety of roles, environments and issues. However, all of these roles have one thing in common: they maximise the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole. Social workers consider that individual and societal wellbeing is underpinned by socially inclusive communities that emphasise principles of social justice and respect for human dignity and human rights.

Why Study Social Work in Australia?

With a high demand for social workers, Australia offers a variety of social work courses across the country. Thirty Australian universities offer four-year bachelor degrees in social work, with some universities also covering social work in postgraduate qualifying, advanced and doctorate courses.

What Will You Study?

A social work degree is great for students wanting a balance between academic study and practical work. You will study social and behavioural sciences, with modules in psychology, sociology and mental health. Australian universities also have fantastic opportunities for placement and fieldwork, giving students the chance to gain first-hand experience in social work.

Degree Requirements

Most universities do not ask for qualifications in a specific subject, just that you have recent secondary education qualifications. Universities will also ask for English speaking abilities, with most accepting results from IELTS and TOEFL. There are also options to study a masters degree in social work if you have an undergraduate degree, either in social work or in a related discipline.

Choosing the Right Course

When choosing your course, it is vital that you choose one that is recognised and accredited. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is responsible for accrediting university degrees in social work. The AASW is a body nominated by members, Universities and Higher Education Providers and the broader professional community, to set and maintain standards of professional conduct for social workers educated and/or seeking to work in Australia. The Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) set out the principles, standards and graduate attributes for social work education in Australia. The standards are used as the criteria for the accreditation of a professional social work course with the AASW. By studying an accredited program, students are eligible for student membership of the AASW. Once graduated from an accredited program, students will be eligible for full membership including the new graduate membership category. A list of AASW-accredited social work courses can be found on our website by clicking here.

Career Prospects

A career in social work can be extremely rewarding, with opportunities to change lives on individual and systemic levels. These are just some of the fields you could go into with a social work degree from Australia:

Mental health
Child protection
Family violence
Education settings
Hospital settings
Aged care
Disability
Refugees and asylum seekers

Enjoyed this article? Read these next:

Our essential guide to studying in Australia

Student Visas to study in Australia

Australia – Essential Guide for International Students

Content Team

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21st June 2021

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Australia – Essential Guide for International Students

International students researching their options for study are faced with numerous – often confusing – options and factors to consider. Is the climate right for me? Do I want to live in a Central Business District or a coastal area? Which territory do I want to study in – Western Australia, Queensland or even the Australian Capital Territory? We’re here to help you answer such questions, and ensure that the process of choosing a path for study is smoother and more intuitive for students, parents and counsellors alike.

This guide will prepare all international students for living and learning in Australia. Find out everything you need to know about studying down under such as living costs, student visas, top universities, things to do and much more. Let’s start with the basics.

General Information

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) (1.45 AUD to every 1 USD) Language: English Capital: Canberra Population: 25,399,300 Geography: South of East Asia

Annual Costs (approx.)

Study Australia predicts that your 12-month costs will be: Undergraduate Bachelor Degree (AUD): 20,000 – 45,000 Postgraduate Masters Degree (AUD): 22,000 – 50,000 Cost of Living (AUD): 21,041 Total (USD): 42,093 Want to know more? Use this Cost of Living Calculator to work out how much money you’ll need for your accommodation, transport, food and lifestyle.

Top Universities

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, these are the top 5 universities in Australia.

University of Melbourne – Melbourne
= Australian National University – Canberra
= The University of Queensland – Brisbane
Monash University – Melbourne
University of Sydney – Sydney

Visas

If you want to visit Australia to explore or attend a university Open Day, you will need a visitor visa. This will allow you to look around your chosen universities and get a proper feel for what it’s like to live and learn in Australia. This is also an excellent opportunity to look for housing or visit different neighbourhoods to see what your options are for accommodation. Once you apply for a place at university and are accepted onto a course, you can apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa. This visa costs AUD630 and will allow you to study in Australia for the duration of your course, up to five years. It also allows you to work alongside your studies for a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight. To explore your options and for more information, visit the Australian Government website.

Things you HAVE to do

Great Barrier Reef – Rent a scuba diving kit and prepare to be amazed by the Great Barrier Reef. It is insanely beautiful, vast, varied, and totally alien to anything else you would have ever seen. The perfect activity to do on your own or go exploring with your new friends.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria – The road trip of a lifetime. Rent a car and drive along this 150-mile stretch. It’s a very popular activity and a must-do for any tourist hoping to make the most of their time in Australia.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory – Australia is known for its unique and amazing wildlife. Kakadu National Park is the home to so many different kinds of birds and reptiles found solely in Australia and the tours are very highly rated.
Red Centre, Northern Territory – The backdrop to so many Hollywood blockbusters, the Red centre embodies that classic Aussie outback. Let out your inner Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and take a hike around the beautiful red sands and rocks.
Bondi Beach – One of the world’s most famous beaches, and the epicentre of surfboarding. A beautiful beach surrounded by quiet secluded coves, white silky sand and clear blue sea.
Sydney Harbour Bridge, New South Wales – Climb over the bridge for a fantastic view of one of the most iconic cities in the world. Going over at night promises a breathtaking view of the city with a light show.

Useful links:

Enjoyed this essential student guide to Australia? Read these next:

Click here for our essential guide to Hong Kong.
Click here for our essential guide to the UK.
Studying Marine Biology in Australia

Why Study Marine Biology in Australia?

Content Team

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20th June 2021

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With the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep and hundreds of opportunities to conduct your own marine research, Australia is one of the most exciting places to study marine biology.

Why study Marine Biology?

Marine biology (or marine science) is the study of aquatic life – the animals, plants and microorganisms that are found in our oceans. We can tell a lot about our world from what happens underwater. As a marine biology student, you’ll explore the impact of climate change on marine life such as rising water temperatures and rising sea levels. You’ll also study the impact of human actions on our sea life, such as overfishing and plastic pollution. By doing your own research, you can come up with new ways for us to protect our oceans and help to reverse the effects of climate change. This is a course for those who want to change the world.

Why study Marine Biology in Australia?

On-campus courses

Australia has the benefit of being surrounded entirely by sea, and so there will be plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. You’ll join a large community of students and academics from around the world that are conducting world-leading research. In Australia, you won’t be restricted to learning in a classroom. You can explore your course hands-on through regular diving trips and research cruises.

Great Barrier Reef

Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living thing! It’s 2,300km long and is made up of thousands of reefs and hundreds of islands. Home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 215 species of birds and 6 species of turtles, it’s the perfect place to live and learn about marine life. The closest state to the Great Barrier Reef is Queensland, so look into studying here if you’re particularly interested in diving.

Save the turtles

Australia is home to many Turtle rescue centres. Here, turtles that are sick and hurt are taken care of until they are fit enough to return to the sea. This is an excellent opportunity to find volunteer work alongside your studies and get experience working with marine animals.

Australia is the epicentre of Marine Biology

Australia boasts some of the world’s best marine biology courses. It’s also home to some of the biggest employment opportunities in the world. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, the best universities in Australia for geology, environmental, earth and marine sciences are:

Enjoyed this article? Read this next: How to Save the World on a Student Budget

Why Study Psychology in Australia?

Flinders University

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12th May 2021

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There are a number of good reasons why you should study Psychology in Australia. The first is that there is a uniformly high standard of research being done across most departments of Psychology in Australia.

High-quality research

In the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, 22 of the 27 assessed departments had research at or above world standard. Good quality research is highly correlated with good quality teaching – those academics who are doing cutting-edge research are passionate about the areas that they research and this passion and enthusiasm transfers into their teaching. Also, students get hands-on experience of research, right from their first year, first as participants in research projects, and then in working with academics and postgraduates to conduct research.

Accreditations and constant reviews

Secondly, the content of teaching for many departments of Psychology in Australia is regulated by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and so you can be sure that in those departments the course content will cover the essential building blocks you need to ensure that you get a broad and comprehensive education in Psychology. Accreditation has to be achieved every five years, which involves extensive review and evaluation of what is taught in order for a department to achieve accreditation. This process ensures that every department is maintaining high-quality teaching.

Fantastic support from universities

Thirdly, Australian universities tend to offer a lot of support for students, and this includes peer support through Psychology Students’ Associations. For example, at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, our Psychology Students’ Association works with academics and professional staff in the department to offer statistics workshops and career information days. They also have an activities team that create events that add fun to the university year, allowing students from all year levels to interact with undergraduate, postgraduate and faculty, so students feel a sense of belonging to the School of Psychology. The committee also has an important role in participating in reviews of the school and ensuring that the student voice and opinion are represented. Finally, Australia is a great place to live! For example, Adelaide was ranked as the third most liveable city in the world in the EIU 2021 Global Liveability Index. Throughout Australia, the climate is great, we have safe communities, wonderful food, and unique and entrancing animals. Article contributed by Professor Tracey Wade, Dean of the School of Psychology at Flinders University in Australia.