For international students, there are countless benefits of studying in regional Australia: a low cost of living, a close-knit sense of community, migration incentives and, of course, incredible scholarship opportunities.
One of the best scholarships for international students studying in regional areas is the Destination Australia Program, which provides recipients with AU$15,000 per year for up to four years. In exciting news, the Australian Government has announced that another round of the program will begin later this year to help students fund their studies in 2023.
Here’s what you need to know about the scholarship and studying in a regional area.
What is the Destination Australia Program?
The Destination Australia Program provides funds to eligible tertiary education providers to allow domestic and international students to study and live in regional Australia. Under this new round, tertiary education providers can apply for funding from 26 May 2022.
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the program is an excellent way of encouraging more students to pursue study opportunities in regional Australia.
“Since its launch in 2020, Destination Australia has supported more than 1,800 scholarship recipients, pumping more than $76 million into our regional economies, and this fourth round of funding will support around 480 new student scholarship recipients,” she said.
Who is eligible and how can I apply?
Both domestic and international students pursuing full-time course enrolment at a participating tertiary education provider are eligible for the Destination Australia Program. This includes all courses ranging from a Certificate IV (at TAFEs and VET institutions) to a PhD.
While the education providers must first apply for funding, students commencing their regional studies in 2023 can apply for these scholarships directly with approved institutions at the end of 2022.
Why study in regional Australia?
Scholarship opportunities are just one of the many benefits of studying in a regional area. In addition, you’ll also enjoy a lower cost of living, a laid-back lifestyle and excellent employment prospects. You’ll also become eligible for migration incentives, including an additional year on your Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and extra points on the Skilled Migration Points Test for permanent residency.
Learn more about what it’s like to study in regional Australia here.
