Australia is the seventh most popular destination for U.S. students, and there is no surprise as to why. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, from the outback to the ocean reefs, there is no shortage of good views—and its diverse culture and delicious meat pies are sure to draw you in.

Whether you already booked a study abroad program in Australia or are just interested in how to prepare for this journey, you’ve come to the right place. Committing to a study abroad destination is a life changing decision, so it’s important to research what you should know about a country prior to departure.

Studying abroad can be an exciting-yet-intimidating period of your life, leading you through an unforgettable academic journey. Students may find themselves underprepared for such cultural differences, but these tips for studying abroad in Australia will help you make the most out of your trip!

15 best tips for studying abroad in Australia

1. Understanding Indigenous culture is vital

One of the best study abroad in Australia tips would be to educate yourself on Indigenous culture. This is a vital part of understanding and acknowledging Australia’s history. There are a plethora of art galleries, heritage sites, and museums around Australia that can tell you all about the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander people.

The Australian Museum in Sydney offers a collection of indigenous art, artifacts, and a deep insight into the origins of Australia’s first inhabitants.

2. Attend the vibrant festival scene

No, not the electronic music festival scene…(although that exists here too). There are many different local and annual events held around major cities. These events highlight Australian food, art, music, and more.

Celebrate the Sydney festival and learn about Australian artists, or visit the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival for a taste of some amazing dishes. Research the time and place that you will be studying abroad in and plan for local events!

3. Embrace your outdoorsiness!

Australia is packed full of amazing landscapes, from pristine beaches, to green rainforests, to the vast emptiness of the outback. Take advantage of this variety of scenery and embrace your inner athlete!

Were you looking to spend time taking surfing classes on Bondi Beach, or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef? Or maybe you’re looking to hike and camp in one of their many beautiful national parks!

You can also visit hotspot destinations like the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, or even the Whitsunday Islands to experience breathtaking views. Do whatever your heart desires, but just get out there and enjoy that open air!

4. The grading system is not the same

Grading tends to look a little different in Australia compared to the United States. The U.S. grading system follows a simple rule where every 10% decrease from 100% corresponds to a letter grade decrease until the failing grade of 50%. In Australia, however, a 50% is considered a “passing” grade. So don’t get stressed because D’s get degrees!

5. Respect coral reefs!

If you’re going to study abroad in Australia, tips will naturally involve protecting the iconic reefs that surround the country. For example, did you know that certain chemicals found in big sunscreen brands are toxic to our oceans?

Popular sunscreen companies sell sunscreen that is not reef-safe so at the beach, try to avoid using certain sunscreens that may be harmful to Australia’s Coral Reefs. Be sure to research reef-safe sunscreens to ensure the safety of Australia’s beautiful reefs.

6. Get familiar with “tutorial” classes

The classroom culture in Australia has a different structure than you may be familiar with. Most universities have lectures and tutorial classes depending on the course you take. Lecture classes are pretty self-explanatory, as they are just formal presentations in a larger group setting.

A tutorial, however, is much like a seminar. These are smaller group classes that require participation. This may come in the form of student presentations, class discussions, problem solving coursework, and more.

These lectures and tutorials aim to prepare students for one big test or paper at the end of the unit. Otherwise, coursework is light and students are more than capable of having a balanced personal life!

7. Relaxation is the Aussie way

Aussie life can be vibrant and casual so adapting to this lifestyle can be easy. Outings to the beach or the local markets will help you adjust your work-life balance. You’ve probably heard of the famous Barbecues held year round, so maybe organize one with some local friends and fully immerse yourself in the laid-back culture of Australia!

8. You can get a discount on public transportation

Wherever you are studying abroad, make sure you know how to get around! Most cities are bike-friendly and have bike lanes and sidewalks all around. If you don’t have a bike, research if your city-of-study offers a concession!

Students are eligible for discounts or a concession fare in most big cities in Australia so make sure to get that money off. But if you’re in need of a quick trip, rideshare apps such as Uber, Ola, and Didi are popular all over Australia.

9. Budget WISELY

Relative to the United States, living expenses, eating out, and store-bought items can be more expensive. You can use websites like Numbeo to compare prices of goods in Australia to that of the U.S.

Make sure to budget wisely while you study abroad and try organizing and tracking your spending. The best advice for studying abroad in Australia includes knowing how to minimize costs: buy second-hand textbooks or take advantage of student discounts.

10. Tipping is a kind gesture

But unlike in the U.S, the act of tipping is not so ingrained in Australian culture. Tips are usually seen as a generous bonus and not an expectation like in the United States. If you’d like to tip, you can use the general 10-15% rule.

11. Watch out for wildlife

Conservation is held in high respect in Australia, so some advice on how to protect their wildlife while studying abroad could be useful! Most beaches post signs on what to look out for, whether that be safety information on jellyfish or sharks, or just general information about how to protect marine life.

Queensland is home to some of the most important turtle nesting sites and it’s important to protect these vulnerable babies! If you plan on driving, make sure to be extra careful at dawn or dusk. You might see these signs everywhere as a reminder that it’s important to look out for crossing animals or otherwise risk getting into an accident.

12. Join clubs!

Universities are home to a heaping number of extracurricular activities which can be a great way to meet new people. Try to participate in a student-run organization or an intramural sport! Popular sports include cricket, football, rugby, and soccer, so get out on that field and indulge yourself in Australia’s lively sports culture.

13. Visit iconic landmarks

Immerse yourself in the history of Australia by visiting its most memorable landmarks. Choosing which city you want to study abroad in is difficult when there are so many great options. Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth hold a number of Australia’s most treasured places.

Some ideas include the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or the popular Sydney Opera House, but wherever you go you are sure to be surrounded by landmarks that you can enjoy.

14. Practice sustainability

It’s important to practice sustainability in a country with rich biodiversity. There is a natural beauty present and it is important to respect local wildlife and their environment. If you plan on camping on your off days, make sure to read up on National Park regulations.

A common rule is to always leave the campground better than when you arrived! You can also adopt sustainable practices such as minimizing plastic use; carrying a water bottle and reusable bag with you can make a huge difference in the waste you may produce!

15. Social etiquette isn’t so different

Although most Australians’ first language is English, there are certain slang words and social customs and greetings you should read up on. Interacting with locals and your peers may be intimidating, but you can navigate with ease if you know the social norms.

Start with a casual conversation and don’t put so much pressure on yourself to use formal language. We guarantee that you’ll be saying “mate” by the end of your trip!

Next steps to study abroad in Australia

• Choosing the right institution and program: Research some of the best study abroad programs in Australia. Choose from a wide range of universities you can select and do some online tours. Remember you don’t have to choose courses only related to your major! Look into the course options that are provided by your university and choose what you are interested in.
• Understanding the visa process: Student Visa applications sound scary, but the instructions are really well structured. Look into the requirements, application timeline, and necessary documents before starting. Apply online at the official Australian Immigration website and remember to start this application process long before the start of your trip (keep in mind that most applications take up to four weeks to process).
• Think about your pre-departure arrangements! Important tasks to figure out prior to your departure include setting up health or travel insurance, accommodations (if not included in your program), and organizing your finances. Finally, it’s important not to stress yourself out and just get excited about participating in a life changing experience!
• Talk to your university: Don’t forget to have all your cards in order and let your current university know about your plans. Talk to a study abroad advisor about specific advice for studying abroad in Australia. They can help you take your next steps and figure out how credits may be applied to your home university.