Studying overseas sounds great; new experiences, a shiny degree, and hopefully a few café pics to flex when you come home.
But let’s be honest: the research part? Not so fun. You’re stuck between university websites with way too many tabs open and your cousin telling you to “just go lah, it’s fun.”
So here’s everything you need to know. Plus, we’ll keep it real, with legit info along with stats.
1. “Can I Work While Studying There?” — Yes. And It’s Not Unpaid ‘Experience.’
In Australia, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester, and unlimited hours during breaks. Basically, that’s 20–24 hours/week, enough to earn, survive, and still have time for a cheeky nap between lectures.
The pay? AUD 24.10/hour minimum (2024 rate). That’s around RM68/hour and no, that’s not a typo. Even if you work 15 hours a week, that’s RM1,000+ a month.
Fact: More than 50% of international students in Australia work part-time (Source: Australia’s Department of Education, 2023).
Popular jobs students actually do:
- Retail
- Barista work
- Admin assistant on campus
- Internships that actually pay you
Pro tip: Start slow. Don’t take on three jobs and cry during finals. We’ve seen it. Don’t be that person.
2.“After Graduation, Do I Have to Fly Back Immediately?” — Nope. You Get to Stay (Legally!)
Here’s what makes Australia stand out: you can stay after you graduate to work, legally.
It’s called the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). And here’s how long you can stick around:
- 2 to 4 years if you studied in a major city (like Sydney or Melbourne)
- Up to 5 years if you studied in a regional area (like Adelaide or Hobart) or did a PhD
That means after you graduate, you can:
- Apply for a job (or try out multiple!)
- Build a career before deciding to stay or return
- Gain experience that makes your resume shine brighter than your MUET results
Stat: In 2023, over 130,000 graduates were granted post-study work rights in Australia. It’s a tried-and-tested route, not some hidden shortcut.
So no, you won’t be flying home with your scroll in one hand and stress in the other. You’ll actually have time to figure things out.
“Am I eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa?” — Most Likely, Yes!
You can speak to AUG to know more about your eligibility and how to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa.
3. “Which City Should I Go To?” — Depends on Your Personality (And Budget)
Australia has options and no, it’s not just Sydney or “the one with the opera house.”
Each city has a personality. Here’s a friendly breakdown according to Study Australia:
| City | Best For | Living Cost/Month |
| Sydney | Fast-paced, big job market, big everything | AUD 1,800–2,500 |
| Melbourne | Arts, culture, strong student vibes | AUD 1,500–2,200 |
| Brisbane | Laid-back, sunny, up-and-coming | AUD 1,400–2,000 |
| Adelaide | Chill, budget-friendly, regional visa bonus | AUD 1,200–1,800 |
| Perth | Quiet, nature-focused, growing tech scene | AUD 1,300–2,000 |
Fact: Melbourne ranked #5 in the world for best student cities (QS 2024). It’s also home to more cafés per capita than any city on Earth. Coffee > sleep?
4. Housing Is Manageable, As Long As You Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Accommodation depends on your lifestyle. Here are your main options, according to Study Australia:
- Uni dorms: Easy, but sometimes pricier. Good for first-year students or if you want to be near campus.
- Shared apartments: Most common, especially if you want to split rent and utilities with housemates.
- Homestays: Live with a local family. Great for new students who want extra guidance.
- Private rentals: More freedom, but you’ll have to sort bills, WiFi, and who takes out the trash.
Rent ranges from AUD 270–700/week, depending on the city and setup.
Fact: Suburbs like Box Hill (Melbourne), Haymarket (Sydney), and Sunnybank (Brisbane) are full of Asian grocers and Malaysian food. If you’re wondering whether you can survive without sambal, you won’t have to. (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics)
5. “What If I Need Help?” — They’ve Got You Covered
Aussie unis are actually really big on student support. Whether it’s your mental health, study struggles, or general “I-don’t-know-what-I’m-doing” energy, there’s someone to help.
What you’ll find:
- Free mental health and counselling services
- Career centres to help you find jobs, fix your CV, or prep for interviews
- Academic workshops on writing, referencing, and more
- Student mentors who can help you settle in
Stat: According to the International Student Barometer, 87% of international students in Australia were satisfied with their uni’s support system (2023).
What seniors always say: Don’t wait until you’re stressed. If you’re confused, ask for help. Australians are generally super approachable, lecturers included.
6. “Will I Be the Only Malaysian There?” — Lol, No.
You’ll definitely hear some ‘lah’, ‘wei’ and ‘syok’ floating around campus. Malaysians are everywhere in Australia and the community is strong.
Most unis have a Malaysian Students’ Association (MSA) and they’re not just there for the group photo. They organise:
- Malaysian Students’ Associations (MSA) at almost every major uni
- Raya gatherings and Merdeka events
- Potluck dinners with food that somehow tastes just like home
- Seniors who’ll give you “I wish someone told me this earlier” advice
Stat: Over 16,000 Malaysian students are currently studying in Australia. So whether you’re homesick or just want to find someone who understands the struggle of missing Gardenia bread, the community’s there for you.
Want to Figure It All Out in One Go? Head to AUG’s GO! Australia Education Fair
If you’re still wondering:
- “Which uni is best for my course?”
- “Can I get a scholarship?”
- “What’s the visa process like?”
- “Can I survive on Mi Goreng every day?”
Then come to AUG’s GO! Australia Education Fair.
You’ll get to:
- Chat with reps from top Australian universities
- Learn about scholarships, visa processes, and housing
- Compare cities and costs
- Ask all your “is this a dumb question” questions (spoiler: it’s not)
- Win a Grab voucher worth up to RM100* just for showing up (terms and conditions apply)
Best part? It’s free. And you don’t have to commit to anything, just come, ask, and see what clicks.
Event Details
📍 Sunway Lagoon Hotel
🗓️ 17 May 2025 (Saturday)
🕐 1 PM – 6 PM
📍 Le Meridien KL Sentral
🗓️ 18 May 2025 (Sunday)
🕐 1 PM – 6 PM
Interested? Just register here and ask everything you’ve been wondering about:
And if you’re wondering what happens after you land, don’t worry.
AUG has five offices across major cities in Australia, ready to help you out whenever you need support, advice, or even just a little guidance to settle in. Wherever you go, AUG’s got your back.
