Choosing the Right Course Matters More Than Choosing a “Popular” Course
When planning to study in Australia, the choice of a course is not only a decision based on university rankings and tuition fees but also on future careers and the overall experience. You should be able to explain how your course fits into your education and career plans and understand the financial and other motivations for studying in Australia.
This is especially relevant as the Genuine Student (GS) requirement in Australia is a test of the applicant’s proposed study and their understanding of their education provider, course and life in Australia. Candidates are also required to give an explanation of the advantage that the course will bring to them.
So students from Sri Lanka should seek a study path which is a realistic, logical and career-oriented rather than one that claims a “guaranteed” visa.
This guide will outline areas of study that are in high demand in Australia and the process for assessing the areas of study prior to a Student visa application.
What Makes a Course a Good Choice for an Australian Student Visa?
The Australian Government does not have an official list of courses that have automatic visa approval for Students.
It is not just a matter of whether a course is in demand. The Department of Home Affairs will consider the applicant’s personal situation, such as previous education, proposed education course, future career prospects, economic considerations, and applicant’s reasons for studying in Australia and the reason for the specific education provider.
Choosing a good course should therefore satisfy a number of criteria:
- Where appropriate, it should be linked to your past learning/experience.
- You should be able to articulate your choice of it.
- Should be a logical choice for the future career.
- It is important to be familiar with the course design and study needs.
- The qualification should be of value to the learner in education and/ or in their chosen career pathway.
- Course and provider should be appropriately registered, as appropriate.
To verify international institutions and courses, students should check on CRICOS, the official register of Australian Government of institutions and courses offered to students on student visas.
1. Nursing and Allied Health
Healthcare is one of the more appealing fields of study for those who are looking for a career related to the health sector in Australia.
Why consider healthcare courses?
Australia has a well-institutionalised healthcare education system which provides qualifications in nursing and allied health and related health fields.
A biology student from Sri Lanka who has a background in science or healthcare may find a scientific or healthcare-related degree more relevant to their studies than a completely unrelated one, just because it’s thought of as being popular.
Possible study areas:
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Medical laboratory science
- Radiography and medical imaging
- Public health
- Health services management
Students need to differentiate, however, between learning a health course and being able to apply for a position in a regulated health profession in Australia. Occupational requirements may include professional registration, accreditation, English-language requirements and other qualifications.
2. Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Data
IT continues to be one of the most popular study areas for international students, as it has a significant impact on all Australian industries.
Students from a mathematics, computing/technology background may find the following fields suitable for Sri Lankan students:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Software Development
- Data Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Information Systems
Why is IT attractive?
The financial, healthcare, retail, telecommunications, professional services and government services are all sectors where technology skills are applicable.
But students must refrain from choosing an IT course just because it is thought “IT means PR” or “IT means visa approval”. Immigration outcomes will vary by case and the rules as they exist at the time.
A more effective strategy is to choose a particular technology career and then choose a course which offers knowledge and skills that are relevant to that career.
3. Engineering
For those interested in technical and problem-solving skills, engineering is another main subject of study at school.
Potential fields include:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
Why choose engineering in Australia?
Australian engineering education includes many technical fields and engineering qualifications can open up opportunities in many areas of infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, construction, technology and other industries.
For applicants who are from Sri Lanka, the best application is usually one which connects the proposed engineering course logically within the past academic experience and a well-defined career goal is stated.
Students should also see if a specific engineering credential is accredited or recognized for the career they are interested in.
4. Construction and Built Environment
The construction and infrastructure industries are sources of demand for a variety of technical and professional skills in Australia.
Students might want to take classes in:
- Construction Management
- Building and Construction
- Quantity Surveying
- Civil Construction
- Project Management
- Surveying
- Architecture and Built Environment
Courses may apply to those students interested in infrastructure, property development, construction operations and project delivery.
What should Sri Lankan students consider?
Avoid choosing a construction-related course just because it is labeled as a “visa friendly course.”
Rather, ask yourself if the qualification is related to your experience and realistic career goals, and your prior education.
A study pathway is more effective than picking a course because of the information on social media that promises visa success.
5. Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Students who are interested in working with children, schools and learning environments will find education to be another important field of interest.
Suggested study areas are:
- Early Childhood Education
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Educational Leadership
- Special Education
- Education Support
Students need to be aware that work in the education sector may require certain qualifications, registration and professional requirements.
If you are interested in a career in teaching, you should find out what you need to do to teach in the Australian state or territory where you wish to work before selecting your course.
6. Accounting, Finance and Business
Business continues to be a popular option for international students but is not the best course to choose for a Student visa application.
Examples of study areas are:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business Analytics
- Economics
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
When can business be a sensible choice?
If a business course is taken in conjunction with previous training or work experience and is linked to a specific career objective, it can make sense.
A student who has had prior commerce and accounting coursework may have been able to describe a logical sequence to an advanced accounting or accounting qualification.
It’s not just about picking the most ubiquitous business degree, it’s about picking a relevant one and making it have a real career purpose.
7. Social Work and Community Services
Social work and similar community-service qualifications are suitable options for students who are interested in community wellbeing and social services and support programs.
Possible areas include:
- Social Work
- Community Services
- Youth Work
- Disability Services
- Community Development
- Counselling-related studies
Care should be taken by students to ensure that their chosen career is regulated and if so, that they meet the requirement for qualification or registration.
In addition, for a Student visa application, applicants may be required to provide reasons why the course is suitable for them.
8. Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology
The technology industry has a special need for cybersecurity.
With the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure in business, cybersecurity experts are active in multiple fields, including:
- Network security
- Cloud security
- Risk management
- Security operations
- Digital forensics
- Governance and compliance
Cybersecurity could be a targeted path to a more general IT course for students who have a keen curiosity about computing, mathematics or technology.
It is important to note that students should research what the specific subjects, practical, entry criteria and career outcomes are of individual courses, and not just the course title.
How Does Your Course Choice Affect the Genuine Student Requirement?
This is one of most vital areas for people who are studying Australian Student visas.
Applicants must provide evidence under the Genuine Student requirement that they are a genuine applicant for entry and maintenance of status as a Student visa subclass 190 applicant in Australia and that studying in Australia is the reason for the application for entry and stay as a Student visa subclass 190 applicant.
The application requires applicants to provide answers to questions such as:
- Their current circumstances.
- Why they want to study the selected course in Australia.
- Why they selected the particular education provider.
- Their understanding of the proposed course and studying and living in Australia.
- How completing the course will benefit them.
The Department also takes into account the student’s prior academic training, work experience, home country conditions, economic conditions and what the proposed course will add to the student’s future prospects.
This means course selection should tell a consistent story.
For example:
Previous education → Proposed course → Skills gained → Career objective
An advanced accounting qualification for a student who has studied commerce might have a rationale that is readily understandable.
If a student decides on a new course mid-academic career and the reason for the change is not directly related to the subject, he/she should be ready to articulate why he/she is taking the subject and how it will benefit his/her studies.
Are High-Demand Courses More Likely to Get Student Visa Approval?
Not automatically.
This is one of the most common fallacies that students should know.
Nursing, IT, engineering and some other courses are regarded as “high demand” but Australia does not just stamp a Student visa on the applicant’s passport because they have been selected for a course in that field.
The Genuine Student assessment is individual. The Department takes into account the following: the applicant’s situation, prior study, proposed course of study, future benefit, immigration status and relevant matters.
Therefore:
A high-demand course can support a logical study and career plan, but it does not guarantee Student visa approval.
This is especially crucial when considering information from education agents, social media websites and online discussion boards.
How to Check an Australian Course Before Applying
Students should not solely rely on advertising and social media suggestions.
International students can use the official CRICOS Course Search to find courses offered in Australia by state, course name, course type and field of education.
When making a comparison of courses, look for:
- Course title
- CRICOS course code
- Education provider
- Qualification level
- Course duration
- Entry requirements
- English requirements
- Tuition fees
- Course subjects
- Practical or work components
- Professional accreditation where relevant
- Location
- Potential career pathways
This research can help you prove you have an understanding of the course you’re going to study.
Final Thoughts for Sri Lankan Students
It is important to note that the visa decision is a secondary concern when making a decision on a course for an Australia visa. When choosing a course for an Australia visa, it is important to remember that it is a step in an education and career plan, not a visa plan. It’s not just about finding a course that will secure your visa. The aim is to have a course that you can really justify, be able to complete and actually build your future on.
Please be aware that Australian visa requirements and education policies may change. Students should refer to the most recent information provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, as well as course verification using CRICOS prior to making an application.
If you are a student from Sri Lanka, talking to a study abroad expert in Colombo can assist you in comparing various courses, universities, and entry requirements, as well as career paths, depending on your academic background and career aspirations. Professional assistance can also help you understand the Student visa process and ensure that your visa application is properly made.
