• Universities in Newcastle are some of the most diverse in Australia, notably the University of Newcastle that boasts international students from more than 113 countries
• Students are allowed to work part-time of about 4 to 5 hours a day to supplement their allowance and gain work skills
• Newcastle is a vibrant city with multiple events and music festivals that unfold throughout the year
• Students aged at least 16 years with an accredited course provided by Australian school may apply for your student visa via the Australian immigration website

The first thing comes to mind when thinking about studies is the quality of education that you are going to get. This is obviously important as international students have to spend a lot on housing, food, clothing and other domestic needs. Without a quality education and lifestyle in a reputable university, all of this seems futile. Without a quality education and lifestyle in a reputable university, all of this seems futile. However, you need not worry about Newcastle as its universities are well established and offer a wide range of courses. One notable institution is the University of Newcastle, established in 1951. The university offers about 150 undergraduate and graduate courses to 7,000 international students from more than 113 countries. Other reputable universities like Tighes Hill campus is known for courses in business, hospitality and various trades. It also helps that Australia on a whole is known for welcoming international students with open arms. Australia has the highest number of institutions appeared in the 'QS Top 50 under 50'.

Playing host to numerous students from different parts of the world and diverse cultures ensures that there is a chance to network and interact. This offers a great atmosphere of diversity and harmonious living. Newcastle is a hub of various events and festivals including Newcastle Regional Show, Mattara festival, Newcastle Jazz Festival, etc. Additionally, the Newcastle Museum offers an eclectic work of arts for perusal related to local history, culture, industry, and science. The city has a vibrant music scene with University of Newcastle constantly supporting local bands and large underground music scene. The pleasant climate of Newcastle is another plus point with its moderate winters and long summers. This makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. The climate is perfect for socialising, relaxing and even studying.

‘’Newcastle is a hub of various events and festivals including Newcastle Regional Show, Mattara festival, Newcastle Jazz Festival…’’

Part-time jobs are a lifeline to international students living in a foreign country. It is important not merely to cover living costs but also in the development of your skills. However, it is essential to check the terms and conditions on your visa. According to the rules of student visa, he or she is allowed to work maximum up to 40 hours per 15 days during a semester that is, 4-5 hours per day and work full time during holidays. Opening an account in any of the banks in Perth is also beneficial as the employer can pay a student easily. Before applying for a job, a tax file number (TFN) is required which can be easily obtained from the Australian Taxation Office. Some of the popular job search websites are Seek, Adzuna, and CareerOne. In order to be informed about your rights as an employee, visit Fair Work Ombudsman. Retail, hospitality and service are some of the sectors suitable for a part-time job.

The multitude of international students studying in this city has given a multicultural identity to Newcastle. There is not a country in a world from where you will not find its people here. The diversity ensures that there is no lack of familiar people in a foreign land. This is consoling for the students who find it difficult to immerse themselves in local culture. The culture can be intimidating to many people despite its diversity. In such circumstances, it is important to learn about the place beforehand. Culture shock can lead to social isolation which is the worst thing happening to an international student. However, the people of Newcastle are as playful as they are friendly which has made the area favorite among people from Sydney who Visits in order to escape the whirlwind of big city.

Food often becomes an issue for an international student especially if the culture is completely different to his or her own culture. However, thanks to Newcastle's multiculturalism, the city boasts of every kind of cuisine that the world has to offer. Multiple small cafes and eateries make it cheaper to eat out for students on budget. The groceries and markets are another viable option if you prefer to eat in. Newcastle is said to be cheaper in comparison to other cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Wineries at the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie are perfect for the wine connoisseur in you.

The most dreaded word for international students is visa. Most of the students spend sleepless nights over it. In order to get over such fears, it is necessary to have proper knowledge about the whole procedure and guidelines of getting a student visa. Ensure that you have all your documents ready including medical records and IELTS result. Australian student visa is quite accommodating as it let students study and work for the duration of the course and holidays. You can package multiple courses with the same visa. Unless sponsored/ part of secondary exchange, visa fee starts from AUD 550 and can be paid directly on Australian immigration website. In order to get your visa approved, student visa needs to be combined with an accredited course provided by some Australia’s schools. Confirmation of enrolment (COE) identifies the beginning and ending of the date of the course, this will be sent to you electronically. A student must be above 16 years of age to apply for student visa. You should send your application for a visa at least 12 weeks before your start date. Your application will be allocated a unique Transaction Reference Number (TRN) by the Australian Government, which you may find out about the application status online.