If Australia is your dream destination to pursue education abroad then you’ve made the right choice. There are several reasons why Australia is a preferred choice among international students. One of the main reasons is Australia’s consistently good performance in world rankings. The value of its courses is recognized worldwide, and the visa process is hassle-free. The country is vibrant in its culture and attracts students from across the world who look forward to a cosmopolitan experience

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   Australian National University  

Popularly called ANU, the university is considered among the world's leading universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, it ranked number one in Australia. By the Times Higher Education rankings, it ranked second. 

Located in Canberra, Acton, the university comprises seven institutes, apart from various academies. Established in 1946, it is the only university in Australia to have been created by the Australian Parliament. 

ANU offers undergraduate degree programs, postgraduate degree programs, and professional degree programs. Admission to the university is highly competitive and its faculty and alumni include six Nobel laureates, 49 Rhodes scholars, two prime ministers, 30 current Australian ambassadors, and several bureaucrats serving the nation.  

Apart from its qualitative education and world-class research, the university is also known for ample student accommodation, study spaces, and facilities.  

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   The University of Melbourne 

The University is a public institution, founded in 1853. Australia's second-oldest university is also the oldest in Victoria. The University is renowned for its excellent standards of academics, curriculum and teaching methodology, and research while offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The primary campus is located in Parkville with other campuses located across Victoria.  

The university is one of the best universities in Australia for international students as it offers good options for student accommodation. The colleges are also in the vicinity of each other. There are 12 Residential Halls and Colleges either on campus or within short walking distance. Most Colleges offer decent accommodation as a single furnished room with common bathrooms.  

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   The University of Sydney  

Ranking 50th in the QS Global World Ranking, the University of Sydney is the oldest in Australia. Its campus is counted among the world’s ten most beautiful university campuses. There is a wide range of courses on offer, the widest in comparison to any Australian university. It also boasts of one of the best placement records.  

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   The University of New South Wales 

Located in Kensington, UNSW is one of the best universities in Australia. Its Bachelor of Law is the most competitive course. It also offers the best courses in Civil & Structural Engineering, Psychology, Materials Science, and Accounting & Finance. The University is best known for its international exchange and research partnerships across the world.  

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   The University of Queensland 

Popularly called Sandstone University, the University of Queensland is located in Brisbane. It is the fifth-oldest university in Australia. Some promising credentials of the University: 

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  A Founding member of edX - the online higher education platform  

• Member of Go8, McDonnell International Scholars Academy of Washington University, and the global Universitas 21 network. 

UNSW is the top choice for engineering courses. It offers the widest range of engineering degrees in Australia where study programs are designed in sync with career opportunities across the globe.  

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   Monash University  

A public research university located in Melbourne, Monash University is best known for its career-focused degrees, excellent research, and academic records. It is credited as the largest university in Australia and is also a member of Go8.  

The students are offered a wide range of subjects, research projects, and international exchange and internship opportunities that promise to enrich their experience and solder a robust career. 

If you are an on-campus resident you will be part of an inclusive community with the aid of several support teams making your stay convenient. 

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   University of Western Australia 

A public research university, UWA’s main campus is in Perth, with another campus in Albany. It boasts of an exceptional placement record and is known for excellent academic-industry partnerships that provide students with an edge in networking.  

The university is particularly known for its courses in agricultural sciences, psychology, education, and earth and marine sciences. Its alumni comprise several globally recognized scholars including Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall. 

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   University of Adelaide 

Known globally for its research-intensive programs, the University of Adelaide has ranked 111th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. It prides itself in being a member of the prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities. The university can offer its international students an excellent learning environment that is high in quality and progressive. One of the oldest surviving institutions, the University of Adelaide was established in 1874. Its thriving multicultural community brings together bright minds from the world over who learn and research together to disrupt the world and bring about a positive impact. 

Its world-class research focuses on discovering new knowledge, pursuing innovation, and instilling leadership skills. Entry into the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program at the University of Adelaide is highly competitive. Courses in Psychology and Engineering are also world-renowned courses here.  

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   University of Technology Sydney 

UTS stands at 9th position in Australia - at 133 in the QS World University Rankings 2022. The university was founded in 1988 and comprises 9 faculties and schools. It offers a number of courses among which it is popular for Nursing, Art & Design, Library & Information Management, and Sports-related Subjects. UTS is one of the best universities in Australia for international students owing to its multicultural environment.  
 

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    University of Newcastle 

Another Public University, UON is situated in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1965, it is mostly known for its courses in medicine. It offers several undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees in a variety of subjects. The campus and the teaching environment are vibrant and encourage innovation through international collaboration with industry and academia alike. The university also offers more post-work opportunities as compared to other universities.  

When do you need to apply for a basic health insurance when studying in The Netherlands?

• The Dutch Health Insurance is obligatory for residents of The Netherlands. Students who are temporarily visiting are an exemption, but the moment you're working or getting paid for an internship or voluntary work this might change.
• If you're an International student and you are just here to study you usually don't need a basic health insurance.
• The moment you take on a (part time) job you need to get a health insurance however. You can choose any insurer.
• When you're doing your internship in The Netherlands, you only need to get a health insurance when you're getting paid more than the minimum wage (so it's usually not the case).
• If you're an independent worker (zzp'er/freelancer) the rules are less clear, and you'll be asked to check with the SVB to do a WLZ check to know if you are obligated to get the basic health insurance.

Can I apply for care allowance (zorgtoeslag) as an International Student?

• If you are required to get the basic Dutch Health Insurance (basisverzekering) you can also apply for the care allowance.
• Usually this will cover most of the costs of your monthly insurance payment.

When to apply for private health insurance for your time in The Netherlands.?

• When you are here for a temporary stay and not getting paid for a part time job, there are still situations when you would like to get a insurance.
• This can be the case when your own health insurer doesn't cover (enough of) the costs in The Netherlands.
• You can then apply for a Student Insurance, such as the OOM Studying in The Netherlands insurance.
• This insurance is not a basic health insurance, so you can't apply for the care allowance. Usually the prices of these insurances are between 20 and 30 euros a month.

Where can I find more information about this?

• www.insurancesinthenetherlands.nl
• www.studyinholland.nl (general information)
• www.svb.nl (wlz scheme)
• www.nuffic.nl (general information)