Study Biology in Australia
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Biology in Australia
To study biology in Australia means to be surrounded by leading experts in the field of biology, benefit from the world-changing research and development that is offered in Australian universities, and gain hands-on experience through course work and internships. Australia’s well-developed education system has managed to produce graduates who have become innovators of their field. In addition to this, Australia has a high standard of living which together with the quality of education make studying and living in Australia a more than appealing decision.
Reasons to Study Biology in Australia
Excellent Higher Education System
First and foremost, the most important reason why one should study in Australia is its higher education system. Australia is known for having one of the best education systems in the world and this is one of the reasons that attracts thousands of international students to study biology in Australia. This system has already created a great study environment for its students, be they national or international students.
Experience Growth Through Challenge
Although earning a degree in biology may not be as easy it will definitely be rewarding. Australian universities offer a challenging study environment to all their students. This is done with the intention of helping students evolve into adaptive and purposeful careers once they are finished with their studies. The challenging environment in these universities will only prepare you for the challenges you will face once you graduate.
Extend Your Knowledge in Your Field of Interest
Studying the field of biology in Australia means that you will not only be able to study the field generally while pursuing your undergraduate degree. But, it means that you will be able to extend your undergraduate specialization and develop skills that are specific to your chosen field. So, in Australia, you will build on your Bachelor of Science degree, and you will also increase your knowledge through different fieldwork and research. In addition to this, you will be supervised by lecturers with great expertise in the field of biology.
Top Universities to Study Biology in Australia
Some of the best universities in Australia for Biology are:
- University of Melbourne
- University of Queensland Australia
- Monash University
- University of New South Wales
- University of Sydney
- University of Western Australia
- Australian National University
- University of Technology, Sydney
- University of Adelaide
- Macquarie University
Requirements
To study biology in Australia you must at least meet the essential requirements for admission that your chosen university has set. These requirements include:
- Have a high school diploma
- Minimum scores in chosen subjects (chemistry, physics, etc)
- Be fluent in English (submit TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English test scores.
- Have a bachelor’s degree in biology or in a related field (for a postgraduate degree)
- Have work experience
- Write a personal statement
- Submit academic reference letters
Note that each university may have specific requirements. The above-mentioned requirements are only some of the general requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible to study in Australia.
Application Process
The application process to Australian universities is more or less the same as it is in many other countries around the world. In Australia, the procedure that most international students follow when applying for a degree in biology includes the following steps:
- Find the university that best suits your career goals
- Carefully check if you are eligible to apply (meeting the requirements of your chosen university is crucial for admission)
If you meet the requirements, start preparing your application by:
- Preparing the supporting documents
- Filling out the application form and applying.
Applications in Australian universities are sent directly to students’ chosen universities. This is usually done by either applying online through the website of the university or by sending the application via mail.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Biology in Australia?
In Australia, the field of biology is offered as a three-year major. As postgraduate degrees, Master’s and Ph.D.’s in the field of biology are offered in one to six years of full-time study. Master’s degrees take one to two years of full-time study to complete, while Ph.D.’s can take from three to six years of full-time study.
In Australia, you can also do a double major, which means adding another specialization in a different discipline (science or non-science). While studying biology in Australia you will be able to study different areas starting from molecular and cellular biology, physiology, to oceanography and animal behavior.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Biology in Australia?
Tuition fees are one of the many obligations that you will have to pay once you decide to study abroad. In Australia, the cost of a degree in biology is around AU$50,000 (US$36,680) per year. Of course, the cost of tuition is not the same in all Australian universities. That is why you are strongly advised to always check with your university about these fees.
You will also need to consider the living costs once you move to Australia. As an international student, you will need around AU$27,000 (US$19,911) per year to cover the living expenses while you study in Australia. You can choose whether you wish to live on-campus or rent privately. Normally, on-campus accommodation is cheaper than renting privately.
Biology Career Prospects in Australia
A biology major in Australia has many job options including working as an agricultural farming specialist, anatomist, biochemist, biotechnologist, botanist, environmental scientist, life scientist, marine biologist, microbiologist, physiologist, zoologist, etc. Majoring in the field of biology means that you also work as a teacher in elementary schools, or even in higher education institutions.
Biologists in Australia can earn a yearly salary of AU$88,000 (US$64,731), which is the lowest salary a biology graduate can earn in Australia, while the highest salary can go up to AU$295,000 (US$216,997) per year. Knowing the great reputation of Australian universities and their internationally recognized qualifications, you can choose whether or not you want to remain and practice your profession in Australia or in your home country.
