Hobart may be Australia’s second smallest capital city, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to education and lifestyle for students. The University of Tasmania (UTAS) has been ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide and its students are lucky enough to be surrounded by Tasmania’s 17 beautiful National Parks. Here are six reasons why you should consider making Hobart your home.
Enjoy a lower cost of living
If paying rent in Sydney and Melbourne is a little out of your budget, Hobart could be a great option. Locals enjoy a high standard of living and lower accommodation costs than other Australian capital cities, with the average house in the centre of Hobart going for $450 per week compared to $760 in Sydney. Your degree may also cost less in Tassie, as UTAS also offers The Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS) which provides eligible international students with high grades a 25% reduction in tuition fees.
Embrace Australian culture
Hobart is a friendly and welcoming city, and if you choose to study there you will have lots of opportunities to practise your English skills and meet new friends. UTAS has a lower proportion of international students than Australia’s other major universities, meaning you will have the chance to experience typical Australian student life. But don’t worry, there is still plenty of support available to help you settle in if you need it.
Make the most of your time
Tasmanians are proud of the lack of traffic jams and safe streets of their capital city, and most students in Hobart choose to live in between the city centre and the university campus so all the essentials are within walking distance. (Hobart has one of the lowest rates of crime of any of the Australian capital cities.) This laid-back lifestyle leaves students more free time to dedicate to getting ahead in their studies or career development. Breathing in the cleanest air in the world doesn’t hurt, either.
Study Earth and marine science at UTAS
Tasmania’s natural wilderness isn’t just pretty, it is also an important part of the research at UTAS. The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017 placed the university amongst the best in the world for Earth and Marine Science, ranking in the top 50. UTAS also placed in the top 100 in the world for Agriculture and Forestry and the top 150 for in Art and Design. Thanks to the UTAS Australian Maritime College, the national institute for maritime education, training and research, there is also growing interest and opportunities in the maritime, defence, marine and offshore sectors in Hobart.
Make your mark in the workplace
Another advantage of studying in a small city like Hobart is the close-knit relationships that form within industries. With a population of only 220 000, young professionals in Hobart are able to make a splash in their chosen field. According to the 2016 Census, the largest and fastest growing employer in Tasmania is the healthcare sector, but other industries are booming as well in recent years. This growth is largely driven by young people moving to Hobart, attracted by housing affordability.
Improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident
Students hoping to become permanent residents after graduation have a better chance in Tasmania, where state nomination can provide you with additional points to help you meet the Department of Home Affairs’ points test when applying for a visa. Plus, in Tasmania, there is no occupation ceiling on the Skilled Occupations List, so there are hundreds more options for potential migrants. Then, after living and working in beautiful Tassie for two years, you may be eligible for state-sponsored permanent residency.
