Australia is a popular study destination for Malaysians, thanks to their top notch education and proximity to Malaysia. However, studying in the land Down Under can be a costly affair, especially with the increasing flight ticket prices, cost of living, fluctuating exchange rates and escalating tuition fees.

But did you know that there are universities in Malaysia that offer Australian degree programmes, enabling you to enjoy a wholesome Australian education on home ground without compromising on the quality of your education?

Here are 5 reasons you should get an Australian degree right here in Malaysia.

#1. Spend less on an Australian degree

Pursuing an Australian degree programme locally would save you (and your parents) a lot of money, not only on tuition fees but also on miscellaneous expenses such as on student visa, international student insurance and flight tickets. You may even save on accommodation if you’re staying with your parents!

Case in point — annual tuition fees for an undergraduate degree in Australia can cost a whopping RM45,000 to RM98,000 (not including high value courses such as veterinary science and medicine!), while the fees are less in Malaysia, with prices varying between RM23,000 and RM36,000 per year, depending on your programme and institution.

Pursuing your studies within Malaysia also means that you won’t have to worry about the unpredictable exchange rates and the pricey cost of living, especially with reports indicating that many cities in Australia have become more expensive over the past year compared to the rest of the world.

#2. Enjoy the Australian experience without the dangers of the outback

Australia is home to some of the most dangerous creatures in the world — from deadly snakes to venomous spiders. Arachnophobes will be rattled to hear that eight-legged critters can often be found lurking in toilets, which is why visitors are encouraged to do a “flush check” before using the loo in the land Down Under.

Creepy crawlies aside, why leave the comforts of home when you can enjoy the same quality of education in Malaysia, minus the hair-raising animals lurking in the unlikeliest corners? After all, you can expect to enjoy the same syllabus as your Australian counterparts, including undergoing the same assessments and course contents.

Depending on your institution, you may also have access to resources and materials from the Australian university via your student portal and even attend virtual lectures presented in Australia without getting out of your pyjamas!

#3. The option to transfer to Australia is always on the table

If you’ve always wanted to study in Australia but can’t afford to pay 3 years of international tuition fees on top of your living expenses, then pursuing an Australian programme in Malaysia first is a cost-efficient way.

Most universities will allow you to sample a taste of studying in Australia through a myriad of transfer options, such as 1+2 (1 year in Malaysia and 2 years in Australia), 2+1 (2 years in Malaysia and 1 year in Australia), semester exchange or even a short 2 to 8-week summer programme.

To boot, if you suddenly find yourself unable to withstand the expenses abroad, you can still explore options to complete your degree locally.

#4. Graduate with an Australian degree on home ground

The best part about completing your Australian degree programme in Malaysia is that you will be awarded an Australian certification without going abroad.

Apart from saving yourself and your parents thousands of ringgit, you’ll also have the comfort of knowing that your curriculum is the same as students who studied in Australia. Not only will you get more bang for your buck, but you’ll also enjoy some bragging rights, especially if your certification is from a renowned institution.

#5. Pursue your postgraduate studies in Australia with ease

If you’ve always wanted to pursue your postgraduate studies in Australia, completing an Australian programme locally makes perfect sense as the transfer process will be easier, especially if your current institution has a partnership with the same Australian institution.

Additionally, depending on your institution and programme, you may also have the option to continue your studies to other countries such as New Zealand and the United States of America, subject to transfer policies and credit evaluation.

And there you have it! While an Australian certification has its appeals, whether or not you choose to pursue it also depends on your budget, duration of studies (some degrees, such as engineering, may take longer to complete) and course assessments.

Completing your studies locally doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re foregoing quality (or leaving your friends behind), so take the time to go through your options before signing on the dotted line!

Want to get a headstart on your Australian education? Check out our ultimate guide on 2 Australian pre-university courses — SACE International and AUSMAT.