Looking for entertainment on your long bus ride to campus? Keen to learn something new? Or just interested in Australian culture? It might be time to turn on a podcast.
With over three million podcasts out there in the world, it’s pretty hard to know where to start! Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. From history to news, comedy to conversations, let’s take a look at some of the best podcasts for international students in Australia.
The Daily Aus
Genre: News
Feeling overwhelmed keeping up with the news? The Daily Aus is a great place to start. This podcast breaks down major headlines into short, easy-to-understand episodes. It’s especially helpful for international students who want to stay informed about politics, culture, and current events in Australia without needing a background in local news.
SBS spice
Genre: Society and culture
SBS Spice is a podcast that explores identity, relationships, and life in Australia for young multicultural people. Family, dating, career challenges - no topic is off limits as the hosts and guests have honest conversations and tell stories that many international students and young migrants will connect with
Dr Karl Podcast
Genre: Science
Hosted by the beloved Dr Karl, Australia’s most famous scientist, this podcast asks and answers all kinds of fascinating (and silly) questions about the world. From space to health to everyday mysteries, Dr Karl explains complex ideas in a fun, engaging way.
Recent topics include ‘Is it bad to rub your eyes?’ ‘Why does the dancefloor get so sweaty?’ and ‘How high is the sky?’
Hack
Genre: Current affairs
Hack is a youth-focused news podcast that covers topics affecting young people in Australia, including study, work, relationships and social issues. Pop on an episode to hear real stories from people your age and learn about what matters to young Australians today.
Conversations
Genre: Australian culture
The ABC radio show, Conversations, has been running for fifteen years. Each weekday, presenters Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski interview an Aussie - either well-known or a regular local - who has done ‘amazing things’ and has a story to share. The fifty-minute podcast is intimate, eye-opening and, like all the entries on this list, free to listen to.
She’s On the Money
Genre: Finance and budgeting
Struggling with your budget while living overseas? This podcast is a must-listen if you want to get better with your money. It covers everyday financial advice on budgeting, saving and investing, and offers practical advice that’s easy to understand (and you can actually use).
If You’re Listening
Genre: News, history and international affairs
If You’re Listening looks into Australian and global politics. Hosted by journalist Matt Bevan, it breaks down big issues (elections, international conflicts, and policy changes) into clear, easy-to-understand stories. Tune in for a deeper understanding of the world.
Take 5 With Zan Rowe
Genre: Music
If you love music and love to discover new songs and artists, Take 5 is a must listen! Hosted by Australian radio legend Zan Rowe, each episode features a guest who shares five songs that are meaningful to them, along with the personal stories behind those choices. Recent guests include Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Aussie comedian Aaron Chen.
Word Up
Genre: Society, culture and language
Word Up is a short-form podcast by the ABC that celebrates the incredible diversity of Aboriginal Australian languages. Each episode focuses on a single word from a different Indigenous language, with guests sharing its meaning, cultural significance, and personal connection.
Hamish and Andy
Genre: Comedy
Hamish and Andy are a popular Aussie comedy duo who have been entertaining us since 2003. Their podcast is full of Australian lingo and silly inside jokes, allowing you to ‘switch off’ your ears and brain, and listen to some easy-going banter between two good mates.
Want to start your own podcast?
Has this list got you thinking about making your own podcast? If you have an idea that excites you, our advice would be to go for it! After all, anyone can start up their own podcast for free – and you could be educating or entertaining listeners in no time.
