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sydney

Cheapest courses for a Student visa in Australia

Are you looking to study in Australia or is your current visa expiring soon? Save a ton of money with these special offers and pick one of these cheap diploma courses or bachelor degrees for international students in Australia.

Update (September 2024): Here are the cheapest courses in Australia for international students in 2024

What’s changing for international students in 2024?

We have several changes to discuss, among which one of the most significant is the heightened English Language requirement and the introduction of the Genuine Student requirement for Australian Student visa applications. Don’t forget to also double-check the current financial capacity requirement (commonly known as ‘show money’ for Australian Student visas). This blog article is here to give you all the details on when these changes kick in and share other recent developments that have piqued our interest.

TIP: Save hundreds of dollars on the mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Compare all eligible providers and purchase the cheapest one here.

Cheapest Student visa courses from Study Anywhere

As all the costs are rising, it now makes more sense than ever to look for affordable courses when you want to study in Australia. You can save thousands of dollars just by enroling in the right college or by choosing a little less popular city. So are you ready to find out what’s the cheapest course for international students in Australia?

TIP: No idea how to apply for the Australian Student visa? Just send us a message and we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. You can also check our article about how to successfully apply for a Student visa in Australia.

1. Cheapest Student visa courses for international students in Sydney

Cheapest courses for international students in Sydney

We mentioned that tuition fees for international students are usually lower in less popular cities. However, let’s start with Sydney because we know many of you can’t wait to hit the waves at Bondi Beach. The cheapest CRICOS registered courses for international students in Sydney are offered by ELC Career College (formerly SELC). You can choose from courses in Business, Leadership and Management, Project Management, or Marketing and Communication, all for just $1,250 per term ($5,000 / year). Shorter or longer durations are available, and this pricing is valid ~~until the 31st of January 2024.~~

Update (15th of April 2024): This promotion has now ended; however, ELC continues to offer their courses at a reasonable price of $1,500 per term ($6,000 / year). Contact us to enroll without the $250 enrollment fee. This offer is valid for both onshore and offshore enrollments. Additionally, ELC Career College has been risk-rated as an Evidence Level 1 college, which increases the chances of success for your visa application.

All the cheap Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma courses at ELC are eligible for a Student visa and we can even combine some of them into a course package for you. That’s handy if you’d like to study in Australia for a bit longer and apply for up to a 4-year Student visa with us.

Update (30th of December 2023): For more convenience, your quarterly instalments can now be split into two ($625 each) if you prefer.

To enrol, just send us a message and we’ll help you both with your enrolment and our migration agent also with your visa application.

Tip: Australian Student visas are typically granted for a duration slightly longer than the actual course period. Find more information in our FAQs.

These are the cheapest diploma courses in Australia for international students right now

A popular college for international students – the Australian College of Business Intelligence (ACBI) has introduced its end-of-the-year promotion. You can now choose several Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma courses in Sydney and study each of them for just ~~$1,200 per term ($4,800 / year).~~

Update (28th of February 2024): The promotion has ended; however, ACBI still offers very attractive pricing starting from $1,400 per term ($5,600 per year). See details below.

ACBI in Sydney offers some of the cheapest Student visa courses in Australia right now:

Certificate III in Entrepreneurship & New Business ($1,400 / term)
Certificate IV in Business – Sustainability ($1,500 / term)
Diploma of Business – Digital Analytics ($1,600 / term)
Diploma of Project Management ($1,400 / term)
Diploma of Leadership & Management ($1,600 / term)
Advanced Diploma of Leadership & Management ($1,700 / term)
Certificate IV in Health Administration ($1,500 / term)
Certificate IV in Marketing & Communications ($1,500 / term)
Certificate IV in Design ($1,600 / term)
Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management ($1,600 / term)

The second cheapest college for international students in Sydney is…

…Lloyds International College. They’ve unfortunately raised prices, however, you can still study for a reasonable amount and choose from a variety of interesting and flexible courses in Sydney:

Certificate II in Workplace Skills (1 year)
Certificate III in Business (1 year)
Certificate IV in Business (1 year)
Diploma of Leadership and Management (1 year)
Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (1.5 years)
Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication (1 year)
Diploma of Marketing and Communication (1 year)
Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication (1.5 years)

Update (8th of November 2023): Lloyds International College has revised its prices but is maintaining discounted rates at $1,400 per term ($5,600 per year) for 2024. This pricing will be in effect until December 31, 2023. However, starting from 2024, a $40 material fee per term will be introduced, and the enrolment fee will increase to $250.

2. The absolute cheapest course in Australia for international students

Cheap diploma courses for international students on the Gold Coast

If you’re looking for something even more affordable, consider heading north to the Gold Coast or Brisbane, where Greenwich College offers a pretty good range of courses. Not only will you save on your tuition fees, but the cost of living in Queensland is also more affordable compared to Sydney.

These are the cheapest courses for a Student visa in Australia in 2024:

Certificate IV in Business (40-44 weeks)
Diploma of Business – Digital Transformation (48-52 weeks)
Diploma Leadership and Management (48-52 weeks)
Diploma of Project Management (48-52 weeks)
Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication (40-44 weeks)
Diploma of Marketing and Communication (48-52 weeks)

You can study any of these courses for just $900 every two months ($4,500 – 5,400 per course) + a $230 one-off enrolment fee. When we combine them into a package for you, you’ll be able to apply for up to a 3-year Student visa in Australia. Send us a message for more information. If you are onshore already, a 50% discount on the first term applies which means your total amount for a one-year course in Brisbane or Gold Coast would be just $4,050. When you enrol onshore with Study Anywhere, you won’t even pay the enrolment fee.

Update (20th of January 2024): Specials at Greenwich College are back and the same promotion is now ~~valid until March 31, 2024.~~

Update (29th of March 2024): Greenwich College is extending this promotion until the 30th of June 2024 and it now includes courses in Adelaide too.

3. Cheapest diploma courses if you are already in Australia

Cheapest courses in Australia if you are onshore already

Onshore specials are always worth exploring. Are you eligible? Yes, if you are in Australia at the time of your application. Whether you’re transitioning from a Working Holiday (or Work and Holiday) Visa to a Student Visa in Australia or holding another visa, such as a Visitor/Tourist visa, or applying for another Student visa while onshore, you’re eligible. Just ensure to verify whether your visa Grant Letter includes a “No further stay” condition. If not, you’re good to proceed.

Currently, NVR Education in Sydney is offering the most enticing onshore promotion. The cheapest Diploma Courses, Certificate IV, and Advanced Diploma courses at NVR are priced at just $1,400 / every three months ($5,600 per year). Why should you consider this offer?

NVR Education provides an extensive array of courses in Marketing, Business, Leadership and Management, and Human Resource Management. HR courses for international students in Australia are often scarce and typically come at a higher cost. At NVR Education, you can pursue HR Management for 1-4 years.

Sounds interesting? Reach out to us for free assistance with your enrolment and Student visa application, provided by a registered migration agent.

4. Cheapest Bachelor degrees for international students in Australia

Would you like to unlock yourself an opportunity for a 2-year Graduate visa after you complete your studies?

Look no further than AIBI (Australian Institute of Business Intelligence) because they currently discounted their Bachelor of Cyber Security, Bachelor of International Business, and Bachelor of Enterprise Management Systems programs by a whopping 30%. Yup instead of $65,000 for a 3-year program, it will now cost you only $45,500 with instalment plans available.

Update (29th of April 2024): AIBI has extended its promotion for the most affordable Bachelor degrees for international students in Australia. You can enrol for September 2024 intake in both Sydney and Melbourne to qualify for the scholarship. If you are already in Australia, you can enjoy additional savings with a 40% discount.

Up to 35% scholarship for international students in 2024

If you are interested more in Early Childhood Education, Counselling and Psychotherapy, or Arts Therapy programs, you need to check Ikon Institute of Australia. Enrol with Study Anywhere for any 2024 intake and receive a 25% scholarship for Early Childhood Education Programs, or an even greater 35% discount when enroling in Arts Therapy & Counselling and Psychotherapy Programs. Choose to study in Sydney or Melbourne. The 4-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Ikon now costs only $15,000 per year. While it may still sound like a lot, don’t forget that this degree will give you the opportunity to stay in Australia for 2 years after graduation and also possibly 4 years or longer with the change to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.

Check other affordable courses

Update (September 2024): Here are the cheapest courses in Australia for international students in 2024

Still haven’t found your course for a Student visa? Try the Study Anywhere website! We have a dedicated category where you can browse the most affordable courses for international students in Australia.

So that’s it for the cheapest courses for a Student visa in Australia in 2024. All prices in this article are in Australian Dollars (AUD). Please note that when you are applying for an Australian Student visa, you will also need to pay a fee to the Department of Home Affairs and also to get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Get your free quote for the whole package here or reach out to us via Messenger to speak with one of our colleagues. You can join students from 60+ countries who study in Australia with Study Anywhere.

Cheapest courses for international students in Australia

4 cheap courses for a Student Visa in Australia

Renew your visa in Australia or score a discounted course fee for the next year. Check out our current special offers and save thousands of dollars on your tuition fees.

Is it worth applying now?

~~While Australian borders are still yet to be re-opened~~, many people from abroad are in Australia with nearing visa expiry dates looking for affordable courses to enrol in. One of the reasons may also be that many international students can now work full-time in Australia. We’ve also seen more and more offshore applicants being interested in securing a discounted tuition fee for the next year. Many Australian schools are offering special promotions due to the pandemic, so why not take advantage of it?

Update (September 2024): Here are the cheapest courses in Australia for international students in 2024

Update (February 2022): What’s changing for international students in Australia in 2023? Check the summary of the biggest Student Visa changes here.

Update (November 2022): See the cheapest courses for international students in Australia here.

Update (10th of January 2022): Are you looking for cheap courses for international students in Sydney or in Melbourne? In this article, you can find tips reflecting price changes from January 2022.

Update (20th of December 2021): Australian borders are open again and international students are now allowed to come to Australia. Please check the self-isolation or quarantine requirements for each state here.

TIP: Learn more about how to successfully apply for Australian Student Visa in this article.

Cheapest courses for international students from Study Anywhere

Are you on a tight budget – e.g. when moving from a Working Holiday Visa, but still want to study in Australia and apply for a Student Visa? These are some of the cheapest courses you should consider right now.

TIP: Are you wondering what exactly is the Student Visa application process? We’ve got you covered. Check How to successfully apply for the Australian Student Visa.

1. A course with the lowest upfront fees in Sydney

Cheapest course for international students in Sydney

$250 AUD. That’s how little you’d need to pay upfront if you choose to study at the Australian College of Business Intelligence (ACBI) with us. You can choose any intake you’d like and any course you’d like. You will get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for just $250. The college will then charge you quarterly tuition fee instalments depending on the course you choose. The cheapest ones for $1,200 / every three months ($4,800 / year) are:

~~Diploma of Leadership and Management (1 year)~~
~~Diploma of Business & Digital Analytics Training (1 year)~~
~~Certificate IV in Environmental Management and Sustainability (1 year)~~

Update (15th of July 2021): With wintertime in Sydney ACBI discounted its prices even further. The college also fulfilled the request of many students and changed the way how they charge the fees. If you decide to enrol now, your tuition fees will be due every 6 weeks (8 payments per year instead of 4 quarterly instalments). The most affordable courses for international students at ACBI in Sydney now are:

Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication (6 months)
Diploma of Business & Digital Analytics Training (1 year)
Diploma of Leadership and Management (1 year)
Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (1 year)
Diploma of Project Management (1 year)
Advanced Diploma of Program Management (1 year)
Diploma of Enterprise Resource Planning (1 year)

Each of these courses only costs $500 AUD / 6 weeks which is just $4,000 AUD per year.

Morning and evening timetables are available depending on the intake you choose. If that sounds interesting, please send us a message. One of our colleagues will gladly assist you with all the details of your enrolment. When you enrol with Study Anywhere, our registered migration agent will also help you to prepare your Student Visa application for free.

~~Update (20th of April 2021):~~ ACBI is offering free enrolment and free materials for the Diploma of Business and Diploma Leadership and Management. When you enrol with Study Anywhere now, you will only pay $1,000 for your first term and $1,200 for the following terms. The college is also offering a 10% discount for Certificate IV in Environmental Management and Sustainability course.

Update (2nd of November 2020): There is an additional discount available for:

Diploma of Business focused on Digital Marketing and Digital Analytics (1 year)
Diploma of Leadership and Management (1 year)

Update (5th of October 2020): The $1,200 / term promotion has ended for most courses and the college increased its prices to $1,300 / every three months ($5,200 / year).

TIP: Save also on your OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) when applying for a student visa in Australia. Compare and get the cheapest student insurance on the OSHC Australia page. You can save hundreds of dollars.

2. Cheapest course with a weekend timetable

Cheapest course for international students with a weekend timetable

Are you considering studying in Australia, but you are worried about going back to school, because it may be too time-consuming? How about if you can get your studies done in one day per week? If Saturdays work for you, we’ve got you covered. Your tuition fee will only be $750 / every two months ($4,500 / year).

You can choose a variety of courses at Greenwich Management College in Sydney and Melbourne:

Business/Digital Marketing
Leadership and Management
Project Management
Marketing and Communication.

Spending your Saturdays in a classroom may not sound like the best idea, but some students really like it. Especially clients moving from a Working Holiday Visa to a Student Visa often look for a course to study over the weekends so they have more flexibility during the rest of the week.

Sounds like this is for you? Just let us know and we can assist you step-by-step.

3. Cheapest course eligible for a Graduate Visa

Cheapest course for a Graduate Visa in Australia

Would you like to stay in Australia even after you finish your course, but you don’t want to study for an expensive Bachelor’s or Master’s degree?

485 Graduate Visa may be your opportunity to stay for another ~~18 months~~ 24 months (updated in January 2022) with full-time work rights. Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is our cheapest pathway towards this visa with the potential for multiple other visa pathways after your Student and Graduate Visa. Australian Learning Group is the most popular school among our students willing to study Childcare. Enrol with Study Anywhere and you can choose a payment plan of $2,190 / every three months or $795 per month.

Update (12th of October 2021): If you enrol in the January 2022 intake, you will also receive a $500 discount off the enrolment fee (normally $595).

You can study this course at Australian Learning Group in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide.

Please keep in mind that there are additional requirements when applying for a 485 Graduate Visa but our migration agent can help you and assess your case for free. Contact us for all the details.

4. The absolute cheapest course for international students in Sydney

The last course in our roundup of the cheapest courses for international students in Australia is Travel and Tourism offered by one of our schools in Sydney. If you want to save on your tuition fees as much as possible and the Travel and Tourism industry interests you, let us know. You can study for as low as $4,000 / year ($1,000 / every three months). Various course durations are available and you can apply for up to a 2.5-year Student Visa with this course.

Check other affordable courses

Still haven’t found your course for a Student Visa? Try the Study Anywhere website! We have a dedicated category where you can browse the most affordable courses for international students in Australia.

Don’t forget to also check our newer blog article about t he cheapest courses in Australia for international students in 2024.

All prices in this article are in Australian Dollars (AUD). Please note that when you are applying for an Australian Student Visa, you will also need to pay a fee to the Department of Home Affairs and also to get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Is your visa expiring in December? Here’s what you need to know.

Is your visa going to expire any time from now until the end of this year?

As we are heading towards the end of the year and the holiday season is just around the corner, it’s good to plan ahead and be organised.

If your visa is going to expire any time soon, don’t leave it to the last minute. Many schools will close for the Christmas holiday and come back at the beginning of January. If this is your case, start the visa process as soon as possible in order to avoid the stress of getting everything done on time.

We still have some special offers for different courses, that you can find interesting. Among them some Black Friday promotions and we’re also still accepting enrolments for our most affordable course for international students in Sydney.

Just contact us and we will be in touch with all the details and we can also check if you are eligible. If you are not sure or have any questions, feel free to have a chat with us on Facebook Messenger.

If you decide to go ahead, our registered migration agent will help you for free with your Student Visa application and you can join students from 43 countries who are already studying with Study Anywhere.

Our biggest promotion ever. Study in Sydney for $4,000 per year!

We have some great winter news to share with you as we’ve just launched our biggest ever promotion in Sydney. You can now enrol in Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication and start your course either in July or in August 2019 for only $1,000 / every three months.

Yep, that’s $4,000 for a one year course + $200 enrolment fee. Prices are in Australian Dollars. This is our cheapest course in Sydney for international students.

Longer course packages are also available (2 or 3 years). If you don’t want to miss out, just contact us and we will be in touch with all the details and we can also check if you are eligible. If you are not sure or have any questions, feel free to have a chat with us on Facebook Messenger.

This is a great opportunity especially for those of you, who’s current visa is expiring anywhere between June and October 2019.

If you decide to go ahead, our registered migration agent will help you for free with your Student Visa application and you can join students from 43 countries who are already studying with Study Anywhere.

Find out more about our most affordable course for international students in Sydney for late 2019 / early 2020 in this article.

November 2020 update: See 4 of the cheapest courses for international students in Australia.

Peninsula Livin’

The article is written by Rebecca Todesco

For those of you studying in Melbourne, there’s plenty in the city to keep you occupied. But if you’re looking to leave the skyscrapers behind and escape to the coast for the weekend then here’s a couple of places you should consider.

Sorrento

The limestone buildings that line the main street are a hat tip to Sorrento’s history. Sorrento beach offers white sand and shallow water, perfect for the littlies to get their feet wet and have a paddle.

Sorrento’s main road is lined with enough boutiques, restaurants and cafes to keep you entertained for the day. Be sure to make a stop at Just Fine Food and sample their famous vanilla slice. If vanilla isn’t really your taste, then there are plenty of other scrumptious desserts for you to try.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR2968.

Rye
Rye really comes alive during the summer holiday seasons. Rye beach offers a large stretch of fine, white sand and shallow water. The Rye pier is a popular nighttime fishing location. Even if you’re not much of a fisherman (or woman), hanging around the pier and watching other peoples’ fishing success is a lovely way to pass the time.

The main strip of Rye, running parallel to the beach, is home to shops, restaurants and ice cream and gelato stores. Speaking of gelato: an after-dinner trip to Vulcano Gelato is an absolute must! You can find it by following the line of people waiting their turn to be served. Don’t be put off by the line though: it is well worth the wait!

The annual summer Rye carnival happens in the beach car park and is usually around in the months of December and January. There is no better way to spend an evening than walking along the pier – gelato in hand – watching the carnival lights reflect off the water.

Arthurs Seat

The Arthurs Seat State Park rises above the Mornington Peninsula and provides fantastic views of the surrounding area. There are plenty of hiking and walking tracks through the park for the more adventurous to lose themselves on.

A popular spot is the Arthurs Seat Summit, where visitors can stop and enjoy a picnic or barbeque while being treated to spectacular views.

The Arthurs Seat Eagle is the perfect opportunity for braver souls to get their adrenaline pumping. This attraction is a state of the art gondola ride that flies you over the forest to the highest point of the peninsula. The ride takes about 14 minutes (one way).

Carnival

Mornington

There is plenty to see in Mornington. You can visit Victoria’s oldest courthouse and adjacent lockup or even take the steam train ride on the Mornington Railway.

The main street of Mornington boasts a large number of boutiques and shops to peruse and find the perfect beachy souvenir to take home. If, after a long morning of shopping, you want to give your weary feet a rest, there are plenty of fantastic places to satisfy your hunger pangs.

The Mornington Main Street Market is on every Wednesday. Stalls line the street, selling an array of items from handcrafted soaps to locally grown produce, homemade cakes to handmade jewellery and everything in between. The market has been up and running for over thirty years, making it the state’s longest running street market.

Hot Spring

Peninsula Hot Springs
The Peninsula Hot Springs is a hidden sanctuary tucked away on the peninsula. You can almost feel your stress and worries disappear as soon as you don the fluffy white robe and begin your bathing experience. I would recommend setting aside an entire day at the springs because once you’re there, the hours seem to fly.

The Peninsula Springs water carries a range of minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium. The temperature of the pools ranges between 37 and 43 degrees Celsius and the water runs untouched from the source directly to the pools.

The springs have two facilities: the Bath House and the Spa Dreaming Centre.

The Bath House offers more than 20 bathing experiences, including a Turkish steam room, plunge pool, reflexology walk and a sauna. Be sure to make the journey to the very highest pool and you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

If you’ve got a bit of extra money to splurge, then head to the Spa Dreaming Centre for massages and beauty treatments.

Top 5 YouTube Vids By Expats About Life in Australia

The article is written by Bernadette Sanfilippo

They say experience is the greatest teacher of all so, in this list, we’re counting down 5 outstanding YouTube videos made by expats residing in Australia, that are certain to help prepare you for a move to the land down under.

#5. Adjustments as an American in Australia – Brittany Bryant

In this video, Brittany Bryant is a relatively new arrival to Australian shores. As she recounts her initial 12 days in the land down under, she exhibits that relatable twang of nervousness that typically accompanies any foreigner adjusting to life in a foreign land. Her observations about life in Australia are not necessarily atypical or groundbreaking, but her retellings are sympathetically honest and sentimental, and her skittish nature serves to remind us that, no matter how abnormal we may feel in an unfamiliar cultural setting, we are not alone.

#4. 6 Things I Wish I Knew About Australia Before Moving Here – Ashley Kristina

If what you’re seeking is the emotional realities of living abroad, then look no further. Ashley Kristina delivers a video that summarises a number of hard truths, coupling her worded experiences with the utmost of careful sensitivity. Choosing to steer away from debunking Australian stereotypes, she discusses the difficulties of living vast distances from family, carving out new interpersonal relationships in a contrasting culture and the hefty price tag that accompanies the Australian way of life. Be warned, Ashley shatters any illusions you may have of Australia’s iconic landmarks, kindly pointing out that most pictures are usually given the heavy Photoshop treatment.

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#3. 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving To Sydney, Australia! – Lauren Meisner

Lauren Meisner’s almost 17-minute long video offers highly detailed depictions on subjects such as the housing market, working conditions and the national health care system. While her advice is practical and noteworthy, it should be noted that, as the title of the video suggests, significant portions of the content are specific to the metropolitan areas of Sydney and do not necessarily reflect life in neighbouring states or wider Australia. This is particularly true of the rental price figures she quotes, as these really are only a reflection of what you could expect to pay living in the central suburbs of Sydney, not in the greater suburban areas. That being said, this is a wonderfully insightful, well-researched video, highly beneficial to anyone looking to live long-term in New South Wales.

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#2. 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before…Moving To Australia – Elizabeth Beemer

Elizabeth Beemer proves she is a well-versed, seasoned traveller in this humorously light-hearted, entertaining video. Elizabeth exhibits a relaxed, laid-back level of honesty as she provides practical guidance and cleverly debunks several Australian stereotypes. At one point, she ingeniously describes the country as the lovechild between the USA and UK and makes some compelling statements regarding weather, social habits and the general cost of living in the land down under. Though this video was filmed and uploaded on April 1^st, rest assured that the content is sincere, genuine and a highly reliable account of life in Australia!

#1. 11 things I didn’t expect about Australia – Mai’s Journey

Kicking things off with a brief dance number, Mai’s video tops this list, due primarily to its laugh-out-loud humour, honesty, integrity and Mai’s ability to capture the quintessential Australian spirit. While the content speaks specifically about Melbourne, the vast majority can easily be associated with surrounding states, broader Australia and the national way of living. Mai’s persona is fun and relatable and her counsel is offbeat, quirky and totally amusing. This video offers a fantastic insight into Australia’s worded slang, verbal anomalies, cultural diversity and daily realities, with a delightful dose of foreign observation and reflection.

Fun Indoor Activities to try in Sydney this Winter!

This article is written by Sachithri Kodagoda

Look, in all honesty, I am the biggest advocate for staying indoors and binge-watching cooking shows for all of winter, because let’s be honest winter really and truly is the worst. However, getting outside and being meeting your friends really is the better option for both your social life and your mental health. So here are 5 fun INDOOR activities that you can do during the winter time to try and stay warm, while also making sure your social calendar isn’t looking like a great big sandy desert with tumble-weed rolling across.

1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq (Alexandria)

This cool little fun house is jam-packed with cool activities that’ll keep you and your buddies entertained for hours. It’s got bowling, dodgem cars, laser tag and all kinds of arcade games. Bonus there’s cute little cocktail bar that is designed after a carnival where you can get the most extravagant boozy milkshakes.

2. Sky Zone (Miranda and Alexandria)

Sky Zone will have you bouncing off its walls. Literally. This indoor trampoline park is filled with over 100 interconnected trampolines that’ll leap all over the place. It’s also got a pretty neat little climbing area, for you to live your mountaineering dreams. So, grab your bestie and bounce away!

3. Ice Zoo (Alexandria)

Okay, this one is a little cold. But get yourself all rugged up because it’s definitely worth a visit. This indoor skating is open 7 days a week and focuses on entertainment, fun and safety. You can choose to go for a full-on ice skating class or join in during the public skating hours. Bonus tip makes sure to check the timetable to see when the ‘Ice Disco’ sessions are on to have a fun boogie with your pals on the ice.

4. Break the Code Escape Room (Sydney CBD)

This venue has 4 super cool themed rooms to choose from so you and your buddies can play detective. You and your team are locked in a room with just 60 minutes to figure out all the clues to find your escape, so channel your inner Indiana Jones and set the clock, you got this!
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5. Spitfire – Indoor Paintball & Go Karts (Concord West)

If you’re an adrenaline junkie this is the perfect indoor activity for you. Fire up some healthy competition and race against your mates, through wide lanes, long straights and tight bends. This venue also has some epic paintball fields to plan strategic attacks with state of the art equipment, so get you and your pals a session to get that blood pumping!

SYDNEY EXPLORED: YOUR HIGHLIGHT GUIDE TO VIVID 2018

The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

Sydney’s Vivid Festival is back! From May 25 – June 16, Sydney will light up as Australia’s biggest art and culture festival transforms the city into an array of colour and sensory experience. The best way to explore Vivid is by foot. Here’s a guide to some of this year’s must-see locations.

SEE:

Harmony Valley – Rainbow of Peace & Trees of Friendship
The Rocks
I’m guilty of having already selfied with this site prior to the official Vivid Launch, but once you set eyes on this masterpiece of warm-and-fuzzy’s, you’ll understand why.

The piece by numerous Australian, Iranian and Asian artists represents harmony, joy and happiness through a set of large inflatable sculptures. The Japanese ‘kawaii’ references are obvious, as are feelings of youthfulness, friendship and vulnerability.

Event organisers are encouraging visitors to interact with the sculpture by forming a human chain that connects with each end of the rainbow. The sculpture responds to this show of connection with sounds, animation and pulsing light.

Hidden Art
Kings Cross
Created by TAFE NSW students, Hidden Art takes visitors on an augmented reality journey through the imaginative worlds of some of Australia’s greatest sculptors and visual artists.

Simply visit the Fitzroy Gardens and open up your Vivid Sydney app to unlock Hidden Art. The stories behind the new-age, media sculptures will come alive as users scan the area.

Installations change weekly throughout the Vivid Festival.

Lighting of the Sails: Metamathemagical
Circular Quay
To celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Vivid Festival, Australian artist Jonathan Zawada has transformed the Sydney Opera House sails into a series of kinetic digital sculptures.

Zawada’s inspiration for the concept came from imagery inspired by the Australian environment. Everyday objects and natural specimens will undergo metamorphosis in Zawada’s creation, featuring alongside a canon of Australian artwork.

Skylark
City and Surrounds
There’s little chance you’ll miss this installation by Iain Reed of 32 Hundred Lighting. Skylark incorporates interactive lighting of the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay skyscrapers. For the first time this year, a fully interactive custom-built laser has been incorporated into the installation.

Every 30 minutes the beacon, skyscrapers, pillars of light and the Harbour Bridge put on a two-minute sky show.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
City and Surrounds
The iconic Australian characters of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are celebrated in this year’s event, on their hundredth anniversary. Australian’s are familiar with May Gibbs’ famous children’s characters, who dropped out of a gumtree to a world of adventure.

Gibbs’ work is celebrated on the façade of Sydney’s 1845 Customs House.

Tumbalong Lights
Darling Harbour
Tumbalong Lights features four under-the-sea-themed, interactive-play installations. This year’s installation is all-inclusive, meaning that people with disabilities have full access to interact with the displays.

The display features the following works: ‘Beneath the Sea’ by Matt York; ‘Enchanted Garden’ by Lucka Slatner; ‘In the Scale of the Sea’ by George Buchanan and Govinda Webster; and ‘Ride into the Night’ by Antony Neeson and Mark Vincent.

Virtual Vibration
The Rocks
Fans of modernism should head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia to view the evolving light display created by the Spinifex Group in collaboration with Australian artist Jonny Niesche and composer, Mark Pritchard.

The display transforms the exterior façade of the MCA, lighting up the building with a psychedelic, sensory experience, accompanied by a mesmerising score.

All light installations begin at 6:00pm and finish at 11:00pm from May 25 – June 16.

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EAT:

The Squire’s Landing
Circular Quay, The Rocks
Take in the sights and sounds of this year’s Vivid Festival at the newly opened, The Squire’s Landing. The microbrewery and bar is the latest venture by a master brewer, James Squire. Offering striking views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, The Squire’s Landing serves up an array of on-tap beer and fresh food.

For a limited time only, The Squire’s Landing is home to the world’s oldest surviving beer, The Wreck Preservation Ale. The beer is crafted using 220-year old yeast discovered upon the wreckage of Australia’s oldest merchant shipwreck, the Sydney Cove.

Your quick guide to student accommodation

This article is written by Suka Junin

Student accommodation seems like the dream: you’re abroad, you meet new like-minded people, and who can forget the frequent social gatherings and parties? You’re at home away from home, and definitely not as alone as you think you are.

Of course, with those amazing highlights comes to some lowlights to living in student accommodations. Before diving headfirst into a tenancy application, here are some of the pros and cons you should consider before moving into a student accommodation.

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Pro: It’s super convenient

As much as it’s expensive, it’s also extremely convenient. Living so close to campus with little to no commute time, it can be worth paying a slight premium for it. It also comes in handy when you have long breaks in between lectures and tutorials.

Student accommodations also tend to be located in close proximity to transport, food and shops, which makes day-to-day needs very easy. You should never have to feel lazy to get groceries or have an excuse to miss dinner.

Con: It’s expensive
Rent is generally expensive in Australia, especially if you’re coming from a country where a standard of living costs is lower. But student accommodation is very expensive when compared to living in a normal unit or house.

Generally, most students opt to share their flat or room and the rent is lower compared to having your own private studio room. However, considering the room size and general areas like the kitchen and living area, you will be paying a lot of money for very little space.

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Pro: You get to meet so many new and different people
There’s a high flatmate turnover at student accommodations and because of this, there’s a high chance you’ll meet someone new every few months. More often than not, you’ll be surprised as to how much you learn about the different cultures and places your flatmates come from.

It’s not only the people you share a flat with but you get to mingle with others in the residence, too. Most student accommodations organise weekly gatherings like nights out on the town, barbeque weekends, and movie nights.

Con: Living with other student flatmates can be difficult
Most students staying in these types of accommodations are international students and there can often be differences in the way we live, which can prove to be challenging. This isn’t always the case and most students understand shared responsibilities like cleaning.

Because you aren’t friends at first, it can be difficult to speak out if there is an issue (playing loud music, never cleaning up after cooking) but you have to stand your ground because you pay rent and expect certain conditions. If it does get out of hand, always let one of the accommodation representatives know.

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Pro: You can make the best out of what you get

And what you get is plenty. Student accommodations like Urbanest and Iglu have shared facilities like a gym, study areas, as well as around the clock security. Make the most of these as they’re not so common in non-student housing.

Con: Once locked in, it’s hard to leave

You would probably never want to leave your student accommodation, but if you choose to end your lease early, it can be tricky to get out of it. Make sure you plan and know how long you intend to stay, otherwise you’ll end up struggling to find another student to take over your contract (yes, it has to be a student!).

Before agreeing to anything, make sure to have a viewing of the place. Some flats won’t look like the photos shown on the website and you could be given a false impression, so it’s essential to check the accommodation out in person.

For every downside to living in a student accommodation, you should use these facilities to your advantage because where else will you find a more comfortable student life when you’re new to Australia?

SYDNEY EXPLORED: CRONULLA AND THE SUTHERLAND SHIRE

The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

Australia’s most populous city is a goldmine for adventurers. While most visitors stick to the Sydney Harbour, CBD, and Bondi areas, Sydney is actually made up of 658 suburbs, 40 local government areas and 15 contiguous regions. So much of Sydney’s beauty is outside of its main tourist hubs, and with a little research and insider knowledge, you can experience an authentic Sydneysider experience.

The Sutherland Shire is located 26 kilometres south of the CBD and borders Australia’s oldest national park, the Royal National Park. The seaside town of Cronulla is a real highlight of this region, combining white, sandy beaches and lively restaurants and cafes. Cronulla can easily be explored in a day by rail from Central Station using the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line.

ESPLANADE
Grind Espresso – Shop 4/15 Surf Road, Cronulla.

Start your adventure early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise from the Cronulla Esplanade. The 4.5km paved walkway showcases Sydney’s longest stretch of beach. Grab a coffee from local favourite, Grind Espresso, and begin your journey at South Cronulla beach, walking southward. Stop along the way at Bass and Flinders Point to take in the scenery across the ocean at Bundeena and the Royal National Park and make sure to take a dip in the sparkling water at Salmon Haul or at one of the many ocean pools dotted along the coastline.

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BLACKWOOD PANTRY
Blackwood Pantry – Shop 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla; Next Door – 2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla; Pilgrim’s Cronulla – 97 Gerrale St, Cronulla; Ham Harry & Mario – 3/17 Gerrale St, Cronulla; LOAF Sandwiches – 89 Cronulla St, Cronulla.

Cronulla truly has something for everyone when it comes to food. Grab your appetite and head up to Cronulla Mall to check out the options.

If you’re after a brunch option that will be sure to appease your Instagram followers, hit up Blackwood Pantry and try out their all-day menu offering. The Surf Lane venue delivers food that tastes as colourful as it looks. Menu highlights include the smashing pumpkins and miso glazed Atlantic salmon. Other noteworthy cafes include Next Door, Pilgrim’s, Ham and Loaf Sandwiches.

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GREENHILLS
One of the best things about Cronulla is the vast array of beaches on offer. If you’re after a quieter spot to try your hand at surfing or just to relax on the sand, Greenhills Beach is the perfect place. The beach can be reached by following the Esplanade north or by car. Greenhills and neighbouring Wanda are also great locations to watch local surfers when the swell is up. Those feeling a little more adventurous might wish to follow the path from Wanda Reserve towards the sand dunes. The natural dunes are believed to be 15,000 years old and are a great workout for those willing to climb them.

CAPE SOLANDER
Just north of Greenhills is Cape Solander, one of Sydney’s best whale watching spots. Stunning, white-rock cliffs and panoramic ocean views surround the lookout point. Cape Solander is located in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park so car entry is recommended. Park entry fees apply.

HAZELHURST GALLERY
Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre – 782 Kingsway, Gymea.

For those seeking a little more culture, the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre is the hub for art in the Sutherland Shire. Featuring works from local and international artists, the gallery is set on tranquil gardens and is easily accessible by rail to Gymea Station (also on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line).

CRONULLA RSL
Cronulla RSL – 38 Gerrale St, Cronulla; Northies Cronulla Hotel – Kingsway & Elouera Rd, Cronulla; Brass Monkey – 115A Cronulla St, Cronulla; Fusion Nightclub – 84 Cronulla St, Cronulla; Sting Bar – 3-7 Kingsway, Cronulla.

There’s no better way to end a day of sun and sand then with a beer or cocktail overlooking the ocean. Head to the historic Cronulla RSL and grab a courtyard table for an unbelievable sunset. The RSL offers food but for those looking to broaden their horizons, Low & Loftys, Alphabet Street, Eat Burger, Queen Margarita and Beach Burrito all put on great dinner offerings.

If you’re keen on continuing into the night, Northies Cronulla Hotel and neighbouring Old Joes are sure to get you in the mood for dancing. If live music is more your thing, hit up the Brass Monkey. Finish your night off at Fusion Nightclub or Sting Bar, just in time for the final train back to Central Station.

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