Armidale is located in regional New South Wales (NSW), just under 500km away from Sydney to the south and the same distance from Brisbane to the north.
Based in the high country of New England, the city is surrounded by breathtaking mountainous landscapes and spectacular gorges and waterfalls, making it a nature-lover’s paradise.
There’s plenty to love indoors, too, as the area is famed for its vibrant food and winery scene supplied by fresh local producers and for its thriving arts and cultural events, which span everything from fascinating local museums to massive music festivals like The Big Chill.
To find out more about living in Armidale, we spoke to current international student Wasana Welikala. Originally from Sri Lanka, Wasana is currently studying Nursing at the University of New England (UNE)
Quick facts about Armidale
A small inland city, Armidale’s population is just 29,594 people as of June 2023. Armidale is Australia’s highest city, located almost 1,000 metres above sea level.
Being so high up, the city enjoys distinct seasonal changes in climate, including warm summers that rarely exceed 30°C and crisp winters that can sometimes drop to -10°C. This means you’ll have a better chance of seeing snow here than many other places in Australia!
Getting to Armidale
The fastest way to get here is to fly directly to Armidale Regional Airport. The airport is located only a six-minute drive from the centre of town and just eight minutes from UNE, where you’ll find great student accommodation in Armidale.
QANTAS and Link Airways operate regular flights between Armidale and the nearby major cities of Brisbane and Sydney.
If you’d prefer to take it slow, you can catch an XPLORER regional train, which runs daily from Sydney. The trip costs around $57 one-way and takes about eight hours.
Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Sydney or Brisbane to Coffs Harbour via Greyhound, then catch a Dorrigo Transit shuttle to Armidale. This option can take a lot longer than the others, and you’ll probably need to budget for an overnight stay during your journey.
Getting around Armidale
Once you’ve arrived, you might be wondering how to get around! Well, luckily, the city has its own local bus service, which is operated by Edwards Coaches. This includes a regular loop between Armidale and the nearby town of Uralla, making it a great destination for a fun day trip!
If you’d prefer a private ride, you can book a cab through Armidale Taxis or 13 Silver Cab. You can also arrange a rideshare through Uber.
Alternatively, the city has many walking and cycling routes, making these an easy and cost-effective way to get around!
Education providers in Armidale
Armidale is home to one university, the University of New England (UNE), which has been operating since 1938. Offering a huge variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across areas like business, IT, languages, health, law, sciences, agriculture and much more, you’re sure to find your perfect program here.
“Choosing UNE for my Bachelor of Nursing is one of the wisest decisions I have ever made,” says Wasana. “My chosen program allows me to explore new horizons and gives me the best international platform to exceed and stand tall in the field of nursing.”
The town is also home to the New England Community College and TAFE NSW, which offer vocational education and training (VET) through certificate and diploma-level courses.
Why study in Armidale?
Even beyond stunning natural beauty and a thriving cultural scene, Armidale has plenty to offer international students.
For one thing, the population of Armidale is small and multicultural. The locals are warm and welcoming to people from all over the world, making it easier for you to settle in and feel at home.
“Armidale offers a quintessential Australian experience, where the spirit of community and the beauty of the countryside converge in perfect harmony,” explains Wasana.
What’s more, with UNE on your doorstep, you can be sure of a high-quality education that will prepare you for success wherever your future takes you.
Plus, Wasana adds, the university is there to support you throughout your experience. “There are lots of supportive groups at UNE for academic and personal issues,” she says.
This includes support for international students, health and wellbeing, study skills, and financial hardship.
Discover more about Armidale
Ready to start your journey toward studying abroad in this incredible city? Discover more about life in Armidale to learn about accommodation and travel options in the city, and don’t forget to get the inside scoop with our article on everything you need to know before moving to Armidale!
