Intergate Emigration operates out of South Africa and Germany. We have a number of licensed immigration agents for both Australia and New Zealand. You enjoy the peace of mind that comes from being helped by qualified and experienced experts.

10 Best universities in Australia (2023)

best universities in australia

best universities in australia

The Australian National University ranks number 30 on the 2023 QS World University Rankings.

Do you know how many universities were included in the ranking? Just over 1,400!

That means the Australian National University is in the top 2% of universities globally.

Here’s more about Australia’s best university and the nine other universities that made up Australia’s top 10 in the QS rankings:

1. Australian National University (ANU): Canberra

  • Ranking: #30
  • Undergraduate Programs: 574
  • Postgraduate Programs: 146

The Australian National University (ANU) is consistently Australia’s highest-ranking university. The university is renowned for its exceptional teaching, research, and small classes.

More about the Australian National University (ANU)

  • ANU has seven academic colleges that house several schools and research centres that specialise in a range of disciplines:
    • Arts and Social Sciences
    • Asia and the Pacific
    • Business and Economics
    • Engineering and Computer science
    • Health and Medicine
    • Law
    • Science
  • Australia’s top university has more Nobel Laureates among staff and alumni than any other university in the country.
  • ANU is in Canberra, but the university also has other campuses in the ACT, New South Wales and the Northern Territory that support the university’s teaching, learning and research.
  • Some examples of ANU’s research programs include:
    • Environment and Sustainability: Biodiversity, climate change, earth and environmental sciences, energy alternatives, and resource and environmental management
    • Health and Medicine: Combating diseases and conditions, health policy, mental health and cognition, and population health
    • Future Security: Food security, resilience and adaptation, secure networks, security policy, and strategy and defence
    • See the complete list of programs on ANU’s website
  • ANU has 150 cultural, social, and educational clubs, including a chess society, cooking, dance and debating clubs, a science revue and a sign language collective.

2. University of Melbourne: Melbourne

  • Ranking: #33
  • Undergraduate Programs: 207
  • Postgraduate Programs: 204

The University of Melbourne educates around 65,000 students, including 30,000 international students from over 130 countries worldwide.

More about the University of Melbourne

  • The University of Melbourne is Australia’s leading research university and offers degrees in:
    • Arts
    • Biomedicine
    • Commerce
    • Design
    • Fine Arts
    • Music
    • Science
    • Agriculture
    • Oral Health
  • The University of Melbourne’s curriculum includes ‘Breadth Study’, which allows you to go beyond your study area. You could, for example, learn a new language or how to play an instrument.
  • Student life at the University of Melbourne includes various cultural activities, over 200 clubs and societies, and superb sports facilities.

3. University of Sydney: Sydney

  • Ranking: #41
  • Undergraduate Programs: 95
  • Postgraduate Programs: 228

The University of Sydney prides itself on its excellence in research and teaching and offers the broadest range of academic programs in Australia.

More about the University of Sydney

4. University of New South Wales (UNSW): Sydney

  • Ranking: #45
  • Undergraduate Programs: 116
  • Postgraduate Programs: 127

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) educates over 60,000 students from 130 countries and prides itself on being known for “innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education with a global impact”.

More about the University of New South Wales:

  • UNSW has seven faculties:
    • Arts, Design and Architecture
    • Business
    • Engineering
    • Law and Justice
    • Medicine and Health
    • Science
    • UNSW Canberra
  • The university’s main campus is in Kensington, Sydney, with two more campuses in the city and a campus in Canberra.
  • UNSW ranks third in Australia and 27th in the world for graduate employability
  • The university fosters a culture of innovation and is “world leaders in solar power, sustainable materials and quantum computing.”

5. University of Queensland (UQ): Brisbane

  • Ranking: #50
  • Undergraduate Programs: 116
  • Postgraduate Programs: 209

The University of Queensland is known for “excellence in teaching, learning and research”.

It’s not just empty words!

In 2021, UQ ranked in the top 50 in the U.S. News Best Global Universities Ranking and the Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities, and in the top 100 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities and the Times Higher Education World Rankings.

More about the University of Queensland:

6. Monash University: Melbourne

  • Ranking: #57
  • Undergraduate Programs: 127
  • Postgraduate Programs: 214

Monash was founded in 1958. In the 64 years since then, Monash has grown from a single campus to a world-renowned university with a presence on four continents.

More about Monash University:

  • Monash has three international teaching locations, six campuses, and more than 100 partner universities
  • The university has over 150 active fields of research in areas as diverse as drug development and domestic violence, and more than 4,700 Higher Degree by Research students
  • Monash has 10 faculties offering numerous study areas:
    • Art, Design and Architecture
    • Arts
    • Business
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Information technology
    • Law
    • Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
    • Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • Science
  • Monash offers students the opportunity to start their degree in Australia and continue it at any of their 100 international partner institutions.

7. University of Western Australia (UWA): Perth

  • Ranking: #90

The University of Western Australia is not only one of the world’s top universities but also a massive part of Perth’s cultural scene. The UWA is the founder of the Perth Festival, and its campus is home to several galleries, museums, and theatres.

More about the University of Western Australia:

  • The University of Western Australia has over 25,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students
  • UWA achieved five stars in the Good Universities Guide 2021 for Teaching Quality, Student Demand, and Student:Teacher Ratio.
  • The university has 22 schools and 12 study areas:
    • Agricultural, Environmental and Biological Sciences
    • Architecture, Design and Planning
    • Business and Commerce
    • Data and Computer Science
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Health and Biomedical Science
    • Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Law
    • Music and Fine Arts
    • Physical Sciences and Mathematics
    • Psychology
  • The university also has 39 research centres and institutes and published 5,901 research publications.
  • UWA is the best university in Australia for on-campus events and activities, according to the International Student Barometer Survey. The university has:
    • State-of-the-art gym and sports facilities and equipment
    • Over 160 clubs and societies
    • Australia’s most active Student Guild
    • Numerous campus cafés, plus a grocery store, pharmacy, ATM, and more

8. University of Adelaide: Adelaide

  • Ranking: #109
  • Undergraduate Programs: 360
  • Postgraduate Programs: 198

The University of Adelaide prides itself on being a university with world-class degrees “infused with cutting edge research and technology that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication.

It’s not all talk, either! The University of Adelaide has produced 109 Rhode Scholars, 5 Nobel Laureates, and 130 Fulbrights Scholars.

More about the University of Adelaide:

  • The University of Adelaide has over 23,000 students from more than 100 countries, including China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.
  • The University has three faculties, each with a number of schools and disciplines:
    • Arts, Business, Law and Economics
    • Health and Medical Sciences
    • Sciences, Engineering and Technology
  • Researchers at the University of Adelaide have contributed to game-changing inventions throughout history. Today, the research areas at the university include:
    • Agriculture
    • Food and Wine
    • Creativity and Culture
    • Defence
    • Cyber and Space
    • Energy, Mining, and Resources
    • Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change
    • Health and Biotech
    • Societal Wellbeing
    • COVID-19
  • Most of the university’s research is rated as ‘Above or Well Above Standard’ by the Australian Research Council’s Excellence in Research Australia program.
  • The university is recognised in South Australia as a significant contributor to the state’s health, wealth, and cultural life.

9. University of Technology Sydney (UTS): Haymarket

  • Ranking: #137
  • Undergraduate Programs: 184
  • Postgraduate Programs: 124

The University of Technology Sydney is a public university of technology, part of the Australian Technology Network (ATN) of universities. Its purpose is to ‘advance knowledge and learning through research-inspired teaching, research with impact and partnerships with industry, the professions and community.

More about the University of Technology Sydney:

  • The University of Technology Sydney offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses across 13 course areas:
    • Analytics and Data Science
    • Business
    • Communication
    • Design, Architecture and Building
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Health
    • Health (GEM)
    • Information Technology
    • International Studies and Social Sciences
    • Law
    • Science and Mathematics
    • Transdisciplinary Innovation
  • UTS has exchange agreements with 185 universities worldwide so that UTS students can study at any of these universities during their degrees.
  • The university’s research centres are world-class, and its research focuses on six areas:
    • Health
    • Future Industries
    • Sustainability
    • Infrastructure
    • Communities
    • Transdisciplinary innovation

10. University of Wollongong: Wollongong

  • Ranking: #185
  • Undergraduate Programs: 458
  • Postgraduate Programs: 158

The University of Wollongong has 10 campuses and is one of the 20 best modern universities in the world.

More about the University of Wollongong:

  • UOW has four faculties offering a wide range of study areas:
    • Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities: Communication and Media; Creative and Performing Arts; Education; Geography; Humanities and Human Inquiry; International Studies; Liberal Arts; Literature and Language; Psychology and Human Behaviour; Social Sciences and Advocacy
    • Business and Law: Accounting, Finance and Economics; Business, Marketing and Management; Law
    • Engineering and Information Sciences: Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology; Mathematics and Statistics; Physics
    • Science, Medicine, and Health: Environmental and Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Health; Medical Science; Nursing; Science
  • Aside from its Australian campus, Wollongong also has campuses in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. UOW also has a presence in China and Singapore and established partnerships with numerous international education institutions.
  • UOW has global sports programs that invite promising talent to Wollongong. These individuals benefit from professional coaching while gaining an education at one of Australia’s best universities.
  • The university has world-class sports facilities and more than 60 sporting teams, from water polo to rugby.
  • UOW has eight research institutes and facilities solving some of the world’s biggest challenges:
    • The Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS)
    • Molecular Horizons
    • Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI)
    • Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI)
    • Early Start
    • Smart Infrastructure
    • Sustainable Buildings Research Centre
    • Global Challenges Program

Choose Australia for an excellent education!

It’s evident from the 2023 QS World University Rankings that Australia is a great place to study.

Narrow down at which university you’d like to study by choosing a course, considering the activities you’re interested in, and deciding where in Australia you’d like to live.

It’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong with so many great universities – no matter where you choose to study!

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FAQs: Immigration to Australia

immigration to australia

immigration to australia

Do you have questions about immigration to Australia? We bet you do! That’s why we’ve decided to answer the questions we often get from our clients.

Go ahead – bookmark this page immediately. Then start reading!

1. Can anyone immigrate to Australia?

No, it is not anyone who can move to Australia. You must be eligible for an Australian visa to immigrate to Down Under.

2. What are the different types of visas for Australia?

Australia offers visas that enable migrants to do the following:

3. Can a 50-year-old immigrate to Australia?

Yes, Australia has visa options for people 50 or older:

4. What do I do if I want to work in Australia?

To work in Australia, you must qualify and successfully apply for one of Australia’s work visas. You can also work in Australia as the spouse, partner, or fiancé of an Australian or eligible New Zealander.

5. What skills does Australia need?

Australia needs skilled workers in hundreds of occupations in various fields ranging from education to health. These occupations appear on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, of which there are four:

  • Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Regional Occupation List (ROL)
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)

You can speak with our licensed advisor to find out if your occupation is on a skilled occupation list and if you qualify for a work visa.

6. Can I move to Australia as a tiler/nurse/architect/etc.?

Your ability to immigrate to Australia depends not only on your occupation – even if that occupation is on a skilled occupation list.

You’ll also have to meet Australia’s other immigration and work visa requirements. That’s why it’s critical to do an eligibility assessment to see if you can immigrate to Australia to live and work there.

7. How do I start a business in Australia?

As a foreigner hoping to immigrate to Australia as an entrepreneur, you must qualify for a Business Innovation Stream (Provisional) visa (subclass 188).

The subclass 188 visa is a pathway to permanent residence. If you meet the requirements, you could go on to apply for PR through the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888).

Everything else you need to know, from how to choose a business structure to the taxes you have to register for, can be found in this blog post.

8. What’s the first step if I want to immigrate to Australia?

The first step is always an eligibility assessment to see if you qualify to live in Australia. The assessment will show if you’re eligible for a visa and will also detail the next steps.

While there are free online assessments available, it’s wise to get a licensed advisor to do your assessment. An advisor that’s licensed and registered with MARA is up to date on all immigration regulations and accountable for the advice they give.

9. What are the costs to consider when moving to Australia?

There are various costs to consider. These include but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Visa application fees
  • Immigration advisor fees if you work with an advisor
  • Flights to Australia
  • Relocation costs, including your household goods and pets

You must also consider these costs:

  • Australia’s cost of living
  • Housing – compare renting vs buying a home
  • School fees if you have children
  • Banking costs
  • Healthcare if you don’t qualify for Medicare
  • Buying a car if you’re not shipping yours

10. How long will it take to process my application?

The answer to this question depends on the visa you’re applying for. External factors such as the number of applications in the system might also affect your application.

Our advisors will be able to give you time estimates once it’s clear for which visa you qualify.

11. Can my parents immigrate to Australia?

Yes, your parents are allowed to join you in Australia subject to them meeting the immigration requirements. Australia’s parent visa options are:

Please be aware that the processing times of some of these visas are extraordinarily long.

12. Can I take my pets?

You’ll be glad to know that you are allowed to take your furry friends to Australia. However, a short list of cats and dogs are unfortunately not allowed into Australia.

Those dogs and cats that can enter Australia must have the following:

  • Pet import permit
  • Microchip
  • Compulsory treatments and blood tests before departing for Australia
  • Rabies vaccination within one year of entering Australia – other vaccinations may also be necessary

You can read more about taking your pets to Australia on our blog.

13. Can a medical condition stop me from immigrating to Australia?

Yes, medical conditions could stop you from immigrating to Australia. If you’re concerned about a medical condition, it’s best to get advice from our licensed advisor.

14. Can I immigrate to Australia with a criminal record?

You must be of good character to live in Australia and remain of good character. Unfortunately, you might not be able to immigrate to Australia if any of the below applies to you:

  • You have a substantial criminal record.
  • Your past and present criminal or general conduct show that you are not of good character.
  • There is a risk that while you are in Australia, you would:
    • engage in criminal conduct;
    • harass, molest, intimidate or stalk another person;
    • vilify a segment of the Australian community;
    • incite discord in the Australian community or a part of it; or
    • be a danger to the Australian community or a part of it.
  • You have been convicted, found guilty or had a charge proven for one or more sexually-based offences involving a child.

You can get all the visa character requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.

15. How long before I can get Australian citizenship?

Permanent residents are eligible for Australian citizenship after living in the country for four years. The main requirements are that you have been:

  • Living in Australia on a valid visa for the past four years (at the time of your application).
  • A permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen for the past 12 months.
  • Away from Australia for no more than 12 months in total in the past four years, including no more than 90 days in total in the past 12 months.

You can read more about Australia’s citizenship requirements on the Home Affairs website.

Didn’t see your burning questions about immigration to Australia?

Our blog is the perfect place to get answers to your questions. It covers various topics related to immigration to Australia. Alternatively, book a consultation call to speak directly with our licensed advisor.

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DAMA: Your pathway to PR

Are you looking for a pathway to becoming an Australian permanent resident? DAMA could be the solution.

It’s not as straightforward as skilled migration, though. You must also be willing to work in designated regional areas.

DAMA does have a huge advantage, however. Some applicants under this agreement could qualify for concessions, making it easier to be eligible for a work visa.

What is DAMA?

DAMA is not a visa subclass. It is an agreement signed between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority.

The DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) enables the local authority to nominate and sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for specific occupations.

Furthermore, DAMA occupations are a broader range than is available through the standard skilled visa programs, as DAMA agreements support each regional area’s unique circumstances and labour market needs.

Why should you consider DAMA?

There are three reasons why you should consider DAMA as someone who wants to live and work in Australia:

1. DAMA is a pathway to Permanent Residence

Under DAMA, you’ll apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482). You can then apply for PR through the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186), subject to meeting the qualifying criteria. Usually, you’d have to have worked in your occupation for two to four years.

2. DAMA occupations are broad

The Australian Government and local authorities negotiate DAMAs to address identified workforce shortages in a region, which means DAMAs cover additional occupations not on the skilled occupation lists of the Subclass 482 visa.

3. Lower entry requirements than standard migration programmes

DAMA agreements often allow concessions to standard visa requirements. These may include concessions to age, salary, work experience, or English language ability criteria, making it easier to qualify for a work visa under DAMA.

Here are some examples from DAMAs that are in place:

  • The age limit for visa and PR applicants is raised from 45 to 55 for occupations with Skill Level 1 to 4, and up to 50 years old for Skill 5 occupations.
  • IELTS scores of 5.0 overall, and a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 for individual bands, are accepted. For skilled migration, you must achieve an overall IELTS score of 7.0
  • The identified market salary of a DAMA position must be at least the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT), but concessions could mean that the remuneration could be less. For instance, one concession from the Northern Territory DAMA stipulates workers must earn no less than 90% of the Northern Territory’s TSMIT.
  • You only need 1 year of relevant work experience as opposed to 2 years as it’s usually required with a Temporary Skill Shortage visa.

How do you apply for a work visa under DAMA?

To apply for a Subclass 482 visa under DAMA, you must have nomination and sponsorship from an endorsed employer in a DAMA regional area.

1. Employer requirements

For the employer to be able to nominate and sponsor overseas workers, it must:

  • Enter into an individual labour agreement under the conditions of the relevant DAMA
  • Demonstrate efforts to recruit qualified and experienced Australians before recruiting candidates from overseas
  • Meet salary and employment requirements

2. Visa applicant requirements

You must meet the following criteria:

  • Be nominated in an occupation that’s on the relevant DAMA skilled occupation list
  • Get a formal offer of employment from your employer, and your salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) unless there is a concession in place
  • Meet the English language requirements unless there is a concession in place
  • Have the qualifications and experience necessary to work in your nominated occupations

How many DAMAs are there?

Australia has 12 DAMAs in place across six of its states and territories:

1. South Australia

2. Western Australia

3. Queensland

4. Victoria

5. Northern Territory

6. New South Wales

Get assistance with your DAMA application

The major drawcard of DAMA is that it’s a pathway to PR – and that you could qualify even if you’re over the age of 50.

You shouldn’t wait until you’re 50 to start a visa application under DAMA, though. Do it today!

Take the first step by booking a consultation call with our licensed advisor. You’ll find out if you meet the requirements to live and work in Australia. You’ll also learn more about the visa application process itself, including the costs.

Our advisor is licensed and registered with MARA, so you can rest assured that you’ll get advice you can trust!

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Australia vs Germany: How do the countries compare?

australia vs germany

australia vs germanyAre you considering a move from Germany to Down Under? Then you’re going to want to read this article where we explore how Germany compares to Australia.

We’ll do that by looking at data from some of the world’s renowned organisations and publications to see what life is like in each country. Of course, we’ll also share some basic facts worth knowing.

1. Snapshot comparison, courtesy of the OECD

For a side-by-side comparison of Australia and Germany, we’ll use each country’s scores on the latest OECD Better Life Index:

 AustraliaGermany  
Life Satisfaction: Happiness and well-being7.58.1
Health: Life Expectancy and Health9.3

Life expectancy at birth in Australia stands at 83 years. 		7.1

Life expectancy at birth in Germany stands just above 81 years.
Income: Household disposable net income5.9

The average household net adjusted disposable income per capita is USD 37 433 a year. 		4.8

The average household net adjusted disposable income per capita is USD 38 971 a year.
Jobs: Employment figures8.6

Roughly 73% of Australians between the ages of 15 to 62 has a paid job, and Australians earn USD 55 206 per year on average. 		8.9

Roughly 77% of Germans between the ages of 15 to 62 has a paid job, and Germans earn USD 53 754 per year on average.
Work-life Balance: The ability to combine work, family commitments, and personal life4.4

In Australia, about 13% of employees work very long hours in paid work and spend 14.4 hours per day on average on their personal life. 		8

In Germany, about 4% of employees work very long hours in paid work, and full-time workers devote 15.6 hours of their day on average to personal care and leisure.
Education: Quality of and access to education8.6

The average Australian student scored 499 in reading literacy, maths and sciences.		7.6

The average student in Germany scored 500 in reading literacy, maths and sciences.
Community: Social networks and a sense of community7.7

93% of Australians believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need. 		6.2

90% of Germans believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need.
Safety: Personal security7.4

About 67% of Australians say that they feel safe walking alone at night.		8.3

About 76% of Germans say that they feel safe walking alone at night.
Housing: Housing conditions and affordability8.27
Environment: Local living environments8.97.7
Civic engagement: Voter turnout and broader public engagement8.95.3

2. Australia’s cost of living is higher than that of Germany – but its purchasing power is higher

According to Numbeo, your cost of living will be higher in Australia. For example, consumer prices are 20.30% higher, rent is 36.27% higher, and groceries cost 47.16% more.

However, Australia’s purchasing power is higher, so you’ll get more bang for your buck when living Down Under.

Let’s compare some everyday costs by looking at Sydney and Berlin. To keep things equal, we’re using USA dollars for our comparison:

Groceries:

 SydneyBerlin  
1L Milk1.251.07
Loaf fresh white bread2.271.48
12 Eggs3.582.88
1kg Cheese8.7613.58
1kg Chicken Fillet8.268.08
1kg Apples3.002.56
1kg Bananas2.451.80
1kg Tomatoes4.643.36
1kg Potatoes2.231.74
Lettuce2.031.32

Rent:

 SydneyBerlin  
1-Bedroom apartment in the city centre1,782.991,254.12
3-Bedroom apartment in the suburbs2,223.711,610.97
Basic utilities for 85m² apartment128.28304.84

3. Australia has four of the world’s most liveable cities, according to The Economist

The 2021 Global Liveability Report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) includes 140 cities from around the world, and Australia has four cities in the top 10:

  • Adelaide (3rd)
  • Perth (5th)
  • Melbourne (8th)
  • Brisbane (9th)

Cities had to do exceptionally well in their quality of life assessments to rank in the top 10 positions. The EIU looked at each city’s stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, infrastructure, and – unique to 2021’s report – how COVID-19 affected its quality of life.

4. Australia is the 12th happiest country in the world – Germany is the 14th

The World Happiness Report uses global survey data to report how people evaluate their own lives in more than 150 countries.

Australia scored 7.162 and Germany 7.034, placing the countries at numbers 12 and 14 overall on the Report.

Respondents were quizzed on happiness factors such as social support, the freedom to make life choices, and freedom from corruption.

5. Australia and Germany are two of the safest countries in the world

Australians and Germans live in countries free from domestic and international conflict, and both countries have high levels of societal safety and security. That makes Australia and Germany two of the safest countries globally, as illustrated in the Global Peace Index.

In the latest Index, Australia ranked as the world’s 16th safest country, while Germany ranked in 17th place, tying with Croatia.

6. Both countries offer free healthcare

Australia and Germany offer free healthcare. Here’s how each healthcare system works:

 AustraliaGermany
Public healthcare systemAustralia’s Medicare and public hospital system provides free or low-cost healthcare for Australians. Germany's free healthcare scheme is called GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherun), and Germans who work and earn less than EUR64,350 a year must take part in it.
Who qualifies?Medicare is available to:

- Australian and New Zealand citizens
- Permanent residents
- Temporary residents covered by a Ministerial Order
- People from countries with reciprocal agreements
Available to all residents. Non-residents must have private insurance coverage to access healthcare.
What does it cover?Medicare covers part or all of the following services:

- Seeing a GP or specialist
- Tests and scans, like x-rays
- Most surgery and procedures performed by doctors
- Eye tests by optometrists
- Some medicines

Medicare doesn’t cover:

- Ambulance services
- Most dental services
- Glasses, contact lenses and hearing aids
- Cosmetic surgery

GKV covers:

- Primary care with registered doctors
- Hospital care
- Basic dental treatment

GKV does not cover consultations with private doctors, private rooms in hospitals or:

- Alternative or complementary treatments
- Dental implants
- Glasses and contact lenses for adults
Private health insuranceAustralia has private health insurance cover in addition to Medicare. There are two kinds of cover:

1. Hospital cover for some or all of the costs of hospital treatment as a private patient
2. General treatment cover for some non-medical health services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, physiotherapy and optical services.

Australians are allowed to have either hospital cover or extras cover as well as both together. The Government provides a means-tested rebate to Australians to help with the cost.
Germans can choose to opt out of the state insurance plan and take out private health insurance cover but only if they:

- Earn more than EUR64,350 a year
- Is self-employed
- A civil servant or other public employee

Private health insurance covers a much wider range of medical and dental treatments than GKV.
More about each country's health care - Australia has a Telehealth service through which you can see a health professional by videoconference or telephone if you can’t go to their office

- You are free to choose your own doctor
- Public health insurance covers children until the age of 18
- Vaccinations for children in Germany are free
- Employers in Germany contribute up a to maximum of EUR317.55 a month to private health insurance fees

Further reading: www.expatica.com; www.health.gov.au; www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

7. Australia is MUCH bigger than Germany

Do not underestimate how big Australia is. Australia stretches across nearly 7.7 million square kilometres, making it the sixth biggest country in the world.

Germany, in comparison, takes up only 350,000 square kilometres – and can thus fit into Australia 22 times.

Let’s add some perspective, shall we? Driving from Hamburg in Germany’s north to Munich in the south will take you 7 hours and 51 minutes. But a road trip from Perth on Australia’s west coast to the Gold Coast on the east coast is estimated to take you nearly four days!

8. But Germany’s population is bigger than that of Australia

You might be surprised to learn more people live in Germany than in Australia. Roughly three times more, to be exact.

According to the Federal Statistic Office, Germany is home to 83.2 million, while there are 25.750 million living in Australia, according to the latest estimation of the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

That might seem strange due to the size difference between the countries but keep in mind that large parts of Australia are dry, arid and almost entirely uninhabitable.

In summary

Your quality of life is not going to be affected by moving to Australia. It might even improve as Australia is home to some of the most liveable cities in the world.

Let’s not forget, too, that Australians are a happier bunch than Germans. That might also have to do with laid-back “No worries, mate” Aussie attitude.

If that’s enough to convince you to immigrate, contact us to find out how you can make this dream a reality.

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Australia’s capital cities: Where’s it cheaper to live? (April 2022)

australia cities living costs

australia cities living costs

Understanding how much it costs to live in a country is an integral part of the decision making process for people who want to immigrate.
To help you understand Australia’s living costs, we’ve researched the costs of everyday expenses like rent, groceries and school fees.
You’ll see where it’s most affordable to live so that you can give your family the life you’ve always wanted to.
Please note: All costs are averages and in Australian dollars.

1. Rent

Many of us spend a considerable chunk of our salary on rent each month, so let’s start there, shall we?

1-bedroom Apartment in the city centre

Let’s assume you’re a single person or a couple, and you love the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll see that a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is most affordable in Hobart, Tasmania’s capital.

On mainland Australia, it’s Adelaide that offers the most affordable accommodation option.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbaneDarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

1-bedroom Apartment in the city

1,667.10

2,591.79

1,975.00

2,120.00

1,700.00

1,544.00

1,233.33

Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection (85m² apartment)

207.11

196.99

174.10

310.00

190.98

311.29

302.38

Internet (60 mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)

76.89

72.22

75.27

85.57

77.36

71.64

106.43

Total

1,951.10

2,861.00

2,224.37

2,515.57

1,968.34

1,926.93

1,642.14

3-bedroom Apartment in the suburbs

You’re immigrating as a family, and you want a 3-bedroom apartment in the suburbs.

In this instance, Hobart is also the most affordable city Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth also offer accommodation options under AU$2,000 a month.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbaneDarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

3-Bedroom apartment in the suburbs

2,150.00

3,110.00

1,991.67

2,773.33

1,904.55

1,864.29

1,730.00

Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection (85m² apartment)

207.11

196.99

174.10

310.00

190.98

311.29

302.38

Internet (60 mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)

76.89

72.22

75.27

85.57

77.36

71.64

106.43

Total

2,434.00

3,379.21

2,241.04

3,168.90

2,172.89

2,274.22

2,138.81

2. Groceries

To give you a good idea of what you’ll spend at the shops, we selected 11 items that all of us buy regularly.

Your groceries will cost the least in Hobart. Perth and Brisbane are the second and third most affordable cities.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbane DarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

1L Milk

1.68

1.74

1.71

1.55

1.77

1.56

1.60

Loaf of white bread


3.04

3.20

3.28

2.82

2.48

2.55

2.70

12 Eggs

5.29

4.84

4.76

5.57

4.92

5.04

5.22

1kg Local cheese

13.07

11.95

10.38

10.75

10.71

10.45

10.36

1kg Chicken fillets

10.70

11.31

11.38

12.00

10.78

10.69

10.08

1kg Beef round

18.52

19.33

18.23

23.50

17.65

21.61

14.00

1kg Rice

2.64

2.75

2.89

3.20

2.49

3.07

2.66

1kg Apples

4.05

4.29

4.28

5.20

4.70

4.20

4.59

1kg Bananas

3.39

3.46

3.56

4.35

3.93

3.92

3.17

1kg Tomatoes

5.03

6.13

5.79

3.50

4.93

5.84

5.50

Lettuce

2.81

2.71

2.60

3.62

2.21

3.20

2.70

1kg Potatoes

3.28

3.10

3.10

4.33

2.95

3.25

3.68

Total cost

73.50

74.81

71.96

80.39

69.52

75.38

66.26

3. School fees

Going to public school in Australia is free, although schools can charge ‘voluntary contributions’ for some items and events.

Let’s say, however, that you choose to send your child to a private institution. In this case, Adelaide has the lowest monthly preschool fees while primary schools are least expensive in Hobart. Darwin comes in as the city with the second-most affordable primary school fees.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbane DarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

Private preschool (or Kindergarten) - Full day for one child

2,658.08

2,419.85

1,885.00

2,600.00

2,059.23

1,628.57

3,250.00

International primary school annual fee for one child

22,612.50

20,268.75

12,257.14

11,166.67

15,562.50

19,424.88

4,666.67

4. Getting around

To go about your daily business in Australia, you can either take public transport or buy a car.

Taking public transport

Darwin is the clear winner when it comes to the cost of public transport. Your one-way ticket is going to be AU$3 while a monthly pass will cost you AU$86.96.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbane DarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

1-way Ticket on local transport

4.57

4.55

4.60

3.00

4.25

5.00

3.10

Monthly pass

161.00

217.39

198.00

86.96

142.00

105.00

91.45

Buying a car

You’ll notice that there aren’t massive variances between new car prices across the seven capitals. The same is true for the cost of a litre of petrol, but we all know those cents add up quickly when filling up a car.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbane DarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or equivalent new car)

30,245.00

32,000.00

30,000.00

28,000.000

30,000.00

35,000.00

27,370.00

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new car)

27,702.53

29,210.69

27,249.09

25,536.67

27,463.56

30,222.22

22,850.00

1L Petrol

1.91

2.00

1.95

1.98

1.98

2.00

2.00

5. Going out for a meal

Enjoying a meal with friends is a favourite pastime for many of us. You get to unwind, catch up on each other’s lives, and have a good laugh or two.

Lunch at your local restaurant

Adelaide is cheapest for local, laid-back restaurants and a simple meal. Your meal and two drinks are only going to set you back AU$29.65 as opposed to in Darwin where your bill will come to AU$36.17.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbane DarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

Restaurant meal at an inexpensive restaurant

20.00

20.00

20.00

25.00

21.50

18.00

18.00

500ml Draught beer

10.00

8.00

9.00

8.00

10.00

8.00

9.00

330ml Coke

3.38

3.43

3.63

3.17

3.62

3.65

3.44

Total

33.38

31.43

32.63

36.17

35.12

29.65

30.44

3-course Dinner at an up-market restaurant

Sometimes we like to treat ourselves and go to a restaurant with all the trimmings. Let’s imagine it’s your birthday. You want a three-course meal with a good bottle of wine. Your birthday dinner is going to cost the least in Adelaide.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbane DarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

3-Course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

95.00

80.00

80.00

Bottle of wine

18.00

15.25

15.00

17.00

15.00

15.00

15.00

Total

118.00

115.25

115.00

117.00

110.00

95.00

102.50

6. Your morning coffee run

Grabbing a coffee on the way to work is such an integral part of our lives. Hobart is the most affordable city for a cappuccino and that bottle of water you grab to go with it. On mainland Australia, your coffee run is going to be most affordable in Sydney.

 MelbourneSydneyBrisbane DarwinPerthAdelaideHobart

Cappuccino

4.56

4.40

4.73

5.04

4.72

4.84

4.97

Bottle of water

2.85

2.95

2.79

2.92

3.47

2.86

2.33

Total

7.41

7.35

7.52

7.96

8.19

7.70

7.30

In conclusion

Overall, Hobart offers the most affordable cost of living – if you’re willing to live in Tasmania.

But if you’re not, Adelaide is a good bet for individuals, couples and families who are looking for affordable rent. Adelaide is also the cheapest for dining out.

However, Adelaide’s grocery costs are the second highest out of all the capitals. The most affordable mainland capitals for grocery shopping are Perth and Brisbane.

When it comes to school fees, Adelaide comes out tops for preschool but Darwin’s primary schools are most affordable. Darwin also offers the lowest public transport costs – even lower than that of Hobart.

In the end, your lifestyle and priorities will determine where you choose to settle.

Note: All of the costs were taken from Numbeo, April 2022.

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Immigration News: March 2022

The biggest news in March is that the Australian Government has announced its Migration Program numbers for 2022-23!

Further to this, South Australia and Tasmania provided updates on their Skilled Migration Program. Both states are close to meeting their quotas for nomination. Unfortunately, Tasmania won’t make more places available in the 2021-22 Skilled Migration Program.

Australia’s 2022-23 Migration Program numbers confirmed

On 29 March, details for the 2022-23 Migration Program were announced during the Federal Budget Speech.

The 2022-23 Migration Program will focus on skilled migration, with a return to a pre-pandemic composition of roughly two-thirds/one-third across the Skill and Family streams.

The Skill stream

The Skill stream will increase to 109,900 places, more than 30,000 places above 2021-22 planning levels:

  • Within the Skill stream, the categories of Employer Sponsored (30,000 places), Skilled Independent (16,652 places), and State and Territory Nominated (20,000 places) have all been increased from 2021-22 planning levels.
  • Regional visas will more than double to 25,000 places to support growth in regional Australia.
  • Business Innovation and Investment (9,500 places), Global Talent (8,448 places), and Distinguished Talent (300 places) categories will ensure that Australia remains a favoured destination for the world’s best and brightest individuals and entrepreneurs.

Based on advice from the National Skills Commission, the government will review and update occupation lists early in the 2022-23 Program year to reflect labour market changes.

Migration Program Planning Levels 2022-23

  • Employer-Sponsored visas up from 22,000 to 30,000 places
  • Skilled Independent visas up from 6500 to 16,652 places
  • State & Territory Nominated visas up from 11,200 to 20,000 places
  • Regional visas from up 11,200 to 25,000 places
  • Business Innovation & Investment visas down from 13,500 to 9,500 places
  • Global Talent (Independent) visas are down from 15,000 to 8448 places
  • Distinguished Talent visa up from 200 to 300 places

The Family stream

As part of the Government’s migration program, the Family stream will provide an estimated 50,000 places to support family reunion.

The Partner and Child visa categories are estimated to deliver 40,500 and 3,000 visas, respectively (delivery of Partner and Child visas will be subject to demand and visa processing requirements), while 6,000 places will be available for Parent visas (up from 4500 places), and 500 places for Other Family visas.

From 2022-23, Partner visa processing will move to a demand-driven model.

Granting Partner visas on a demand-driven basis will provide the flexibility to meet the demand for Partner visas in a given program year and assist in mitigating future growth in the Partner visa pipeline while maintaining immigration integrity.

South Australia close to meeting its quota

South Australia is close to meeting its quota of Subclass 491 visas under its General Skilled Migration state nomination Skilled Migration Program for 2021-22.

While Skilled and Business Migration continues to assess applications, the demand for state nomination will exceed South Australia’s annual allocation of nomination places.

To ensure the nomination of highly skilled applicants who can best contribute to South Australia’s
economic prosperity and skills needs, Skilled and Business Migration is taking the following measures:

  • Prioritising the assessment of Subclass 190 applications
  • Prioritising the assessment of applications for candidates with a subclass 485 visa expiry date
    within this 2021-22 program year
  • Prioritising highly skilled onshore applicants with demonstrable work experience who are
    working full-time hours in their nominated occupation for a South Australian employer

Tasmania also nearing the limit of its nomation quota

Since our last update, Tasmania has used more of its nomination quota for the 2021-22 program year.

Tasmania has now used:

  • 1,415 of its available 2,200 places for the Subclass 491 visa, and
  • 871 of the 1,100 places for the Subclass 190 visa.

Unfortunately, Tasmania won’t get additional places in the 2021-22 program year.

Managing the remaining quota

Tasmania still has to decide more than 1,480 applications for nomination, including more than 610 for Subclass 190 and 860 for Subclass 491.

Migration Tasmania will continue to process applications from oldest to newest but will prioritise
candidates who are employed in a role directly related to their skills assessment.

All current applications which have not been processed by 30 June 2022 will be held over until the
2022-23 program year. Migration Tasmania will consider those applications against the requirements and the assessment standards that were in place when the application was lodged.

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Does Australia have a good quality of life?

quality of life in australia

quality of life in australia

The short answer to whether or not Australia have a good quality of life? Absolutely!

Time and again, Australia performs well in quality of life reports. Even during times of hardship, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let’s look at four recent indexes and reports that measure the quality of life to see how Australia performed compared to other countries around the world:

1. Better Life Index – OECD

The OECD Better Life Index measures the well-being of societies by looking at 11 topics. These topics reflect what the OECD identified as essential to well-being in terms of material living conditions and quality of life.

The 38 countries that form part of the Index are all OECD members and include the world’s most developed economies and several emerging economies, plus Brazil, Russia and South Africa.

What is the OECD?

The OECD is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and it’s an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. The OECD’s goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity, and well-being.

Here’s how Australia performed:

Australia performs well in many dimensions of well-being relative to other countries in the Better Life Index. Australia outperforms the OECD average in income, jobs, education, health, environmental quality, social connections, civic engagement and life satisfaction.

  • Disposable income: Australia’s average household net adjusted disposable income per capita is USD37,433 a year, more than the OECD average of USD30,490 a year.
  • Employment: Roughly 73% of Australians between the ages of 15 and 64 have a paid job, compared to the OECD employment average of 66%
  • Education: The average Australian student scored 499 in reading literacy, maths and science in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). This score is higher than the OECD average of 488.
  • Health: At birth, Australians enjoy a life expectancy of around 83 years, two years higher than the OECD average of 81 years.
  • Social Connections: There is a strong sense of community in Australia. A total of 93% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need.
  • Life satisfaction: When asked to rate their general satisfaction with life on a scale from 0 to 10, Australians gave it a 7.1 grade on average. This grade is higher than the OECD average of 6.7.

2. The Global Liveability Report 2021 – The Economist Intelligence Unit

The Global Liveability Report ranks 140 global cities for their urban quality of life based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure assessments. In 2021, the Report measured how COVID-19 affected liveability worldwide.

Who is the Economist Intelligence Unit?

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The Economist newspaper. The EIU has a global team of economists, industry specialists, policy analysts and consultants.

Here’s how Australia’s cities performed:

The 10 most liveable cities in the world in 2021 were as follows:

  1. Auckland, New Zealand
  2. Osaka, Japan
  3. Adelaide, Australia
  4. Wellington, New Zealand
  5. Tokyo, Japan
  6. Perth, Australia
  7. Zurich, Switzerland
  8. Geneva, Switzerland
  9. Melbourne, Australia
  10. Brisbane, Australia

As you can see, Australia’s Adelaide is in the top three. The city scored full marks for healthcare and education.

Three more Australian cities – Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane – appear in the top 10. Both Perth and Brisbane also got perfect scores for healthcare and education.

It might sound strange, but Australia’s outstanding performance was mainly due to its tight border controls that allowed Australians to live relatively normal lives.

3. Quality of Life Index 2022 – Numbeo

Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index is an estimation of the overall quality of life. It considers purchasing power, pollution, house price to income ratio, cost of living, safety, healthcare, traffic commute time, and climate.

Who is Numbeo?

Numbeo is the world’s largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide.

Here’s how Australia performed:

Australia is in 5th place on the latest Quality of Life Index from Numbeo. The rest of the top 10 are Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Iceland, Germany, Austria, New Zealand and Norway.

When looking at the indices, Australia came in third place for purchasing power, which means your money will go further in Australia than most other countries. Australia also scored well in healthcare and property price to income ratio, coming in at 7th and 14th place.

4. Quality of Life Ranking – US News

The Quality of Life Ranking from the US News measures the quality of life in 78 countries worldwide. The Ranking considers a variety of factors, ranging from the state of the job market to how family-friendly a country is.

Who is US News?

US News & World Report is a digital media company dedicated to helping consumers, business leaders and policy officials make important decisions. They use world-class data and technology to publish independent reporting, rankings, journalism and advice.

Here’s how Australia performed:

According to the Quality of Life Ranking from the US news, Australia has the fifth-highest quality of life globally. This ranking placed Australia above the Netherlands, Finland, Germany and New Zealand in the top 10. The top three places went to Canada, Denmark and Sweden.
Australia scored particularly well for:

  • Being family-friendly
  • Having a good job market
  • Being economically stable
  • Being politically stable
  • Its well-developed public education and health systems
  • Being a safe country to live in

Why is Australia’s quality of life important?

Your quality of life matters because it directly affects your physical and mental well-being.

Someone who lives in a clean, safe and thriving country with quality healthcare, access to education and jobs, a stable economy, and plenty of opportunities will be much happier than a person living in a country that misses the mark on some or all of these indicators.

Thus, you want to ensure that when you move to another country it offers an enviable quality of life. You don’t want to be worse off than where you are – you want to maintain or improve your and your family’s quality of life.

As we saw, Australia’s quality of life is among the best in the world. When you live Down Under, your overall well-being will benefit tremendously!

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6 Questions to ask yourself before moving to Australia

Immigrating is not as easy as deciding to do it and hopping on a plane. It’s a massive undertaking that demands your full attention and commitment.

You can ensure that you’re ready as can be before doing any of the admin by asking yourself the right questions. The answers will reveal if you’re ready to move and if you’re making the best decision for you and your family.

1. Why do I want to move to Australia?

You might already know the answer to this question. Perhaps it’s to further your career or to give your children more opportunities in life.

Whether you know the answer or not, it’ll still be worth your while to pause for a bit and think about why you want to move.

When you’re clear on your reasons for moving, you’ll be able to make choices along the way that support your goals and dreams.

You’ll also quickly realise if you’re moving for the wrong reasons. Don’t move to run away from something. You’ll find that problems tend to follow you wherever you go, and they’re more difficult to manage with the added stress of a adapting to a new country.

2. What are my visa options?

It’s best to explore your visa options as early on in the process as possible. You definitely want to do it before making any financial commitments to your move!

You’ll find that Australia offers many visa options once you start doing research, ranging from work visas to visas that allow you to set up a business in Australia.

Furthermore, each visa category has its own restrictions and eligibility requirements, while offering either temporary or permanent residency.

If you struggle to makes sense of all the visas on offer, speak with a licensed immigration advisor.

Advisors are experts who can assess your visa eligibility, assist with your visa application, and give advice on the immigration process.

3. Can I afford to move to Australia?

Moving abroad is expensive! You’ll have to make sure that you have enough money to move to Australia or give yourself enough time to save up before getting the ball rolling.

The typical costs to budget for are flights, visas, and insurance. You’ll also have to pay for international movers if you’re moving your furniture, as well as storage if you’re planning on keeping some things in your home country. Remember that if you have pets, you’ll also have to include international pet movers in your costs.

It’s more than just the cost of the move, though.

You’ll also have to be able to afford Australia’s cost of living on what you earn in Australia. Start by looking at typical wages in your industry and occupation. Also compare salaries between states and territories – perhaps even between cities.

Once you have an idea of how much you could earn, look at the cost of everyday living expenses, such as:

  • Groceries
  • Rent or house prices
  • Schools
  • Daycare or aftercare
  • Clothing
  • Car prices
  • Public transport
  • Entertainment

You can also expect surprise costs, whether it’s while organizing your move or settling into Australia.

Make sure you can navigate these unexpected expenses by having an emergency savings account. It’s up to you how much money you keep in this account, but it’s advisable to keep the equivalent of up to three months’ salary.

4. Will I qualify for Medicare?

Medicare is Australia’s national healthcare insurance. You’ll qualify for Medicare if you’re on of the following:

You can also enrol for Medicare if you’re a citizen or permanent resident of any of these islands:

  • Norfolk Island
  • Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  • Christmas Island
  • Lord Howe Island

Should none of these categories cover your personal circumstances, and you want to be covered for medical expenses, you’ll have to consider taking out private health insurance.

Even if you qualify for Medicare, you might want to get private health insurance. Your private health insurance can help pay for healthcare costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, such as physiotherapy.

What medical costs do Medicare cover?

Medicare helps with the following medical costs:

  • Seeing a doctor:
    • GP visits
    • Seeing specialists
    • Tests and scans
    • Most surgeries and procedures performed by doctors
    • Eye tests performed by optometrists
  • Getting medicines:
    • Over-the-counter medicines
    • Prescription medicines
  • Accessing mental health care:
    • Seeing doctors or mental health professionals
    • Seeing a social worker
    • Getting support when you’re pregnant
    • Support for people caring for someone with a mental health disorder

5. Where will I live?

Knowing where you’ll live is a big part of moving overseas, and it’s important to find somewhere to settle before you relocate.

The first step is pinpointing two or three cities you’re eager to move to.

The second step is exploring neighbourhoods in each city, taking into consideration factors such as location, cost, available amenities, proximity to schools, and access to public transport.

Finally, it’s time to decide if you want to own or rent a home.

You might find that it’s easier to start out with a rental home. Many people also stay in AirBnB accommodation when they arrive in a new country, and then find a more permanent home.

Renting on AirBnB gives you more freedom and flexibility, and it’s easier to organize from abroad.

6. When do I want to move?

It’s important to have a plan in place when you’re moving countries; it makes life so much easier!

What you want to know is look at the most important dates around which you’ll have to plan your immigration. For instance, the start of a new job or a new school year. These are both factors that affect most singles or families when moving overseas.

Once these dates are on a piece of paper, you can start planning your move backwards. The aim is to be realistic with timelines to allow yourself as much time as possible at each step of your immigration.

It’s crucial to take visa timelines into consideration when doing your planning. You won’t be able to enter Australia without a valid visa, in fact. That includes not being able to work without a work visa or sending your children to school without the appropriate study visas.

In summary

It’s important to ask yourself some tough questions to ensure that you’re moving to Australia for the right reasons – and that you can afford to immigrate. You’ll have to consider a host of everyday costs, ranging from housing to school fees and private health insurance.

Just as important is considering where you’ll live, down to the suburb, and putting together a timeline that’ll enable you to make the move to Australia successfully and without too much unnecessary stress.

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Immigration News: February 2022

Tasmania and Queensland recently provided updates on their Skilled Migration Programmes.

Tasmania has limited quota left and is focusing on priority cases first, while Queensland is unlikely to open to offshore applicants this financial year.

Tasmania’s 2021-2022 Skilled Migration Program update

Tasmania has announced it has a limited quota remaining in its Skilled Migrant Program.

Tasmania had 2,200 places for the subclass 491 visa, of which it has used 1,274 places. There were 1100 places available for the subclass 190 visa, of which Tasmania has used 731 places.

There are thus less than 1,300 places remaining and Tasmania has received around 1,000 new applications since December 2021. Tasmania also still has to finalise around 300 applications, which means that it is likely that the state will significantly exceed its available quota.

Tasmania to focus on three priorities when managing its quota of places

To manage its limited quota, Tasmania has decided to focus on the following three priorities:

  • Candidates with employment and a skills assessment related to critical roles, such as health, allied health, infrastructure, and engineering, and directly in line with that role
  • Candidates with employment and a skills assessment related to the Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List
  • Candidates with employment directly related to their nominated skills assessment

Any remaining applications that are deemed suitable will be ranked competitively and considered for any remaining nomination places.

Outcomes for applicants who are not in the three priority areas may not be available until later in the program year, which ends on June 30, 2022.

Please note these employment criteria

Employment as mentioned in the priority areas listed above is defined as employment with a well-established Tasmanian business that has been operating in Tasmania for at least 12 months.

Tasmania define a ‘well-established business’ as one that actively operates in Tasmania with:

  • Permanent business signage
  • Active/ongoing online presence, advertising and marketing
  • A Tasmanian address as a registered business location
  • A local landline contact number
  • An ongoing office space (not a residential address) that is not ‘casual’ or ‘virtual’ (including corporate/co-shared offices)
  • Permanent representation of employees at the stated business location

Further to this, the employment must be full-time for the Working in Tasmania categories but it can be part-time (a minimum of 20 hours) for Tasmanian Graduates, if that employment has been of at least 3 months’ duration.

Update on Queensland state nominations in the 2021/2022 Migration Program Year

Due to the current high number of applications for Queensland State Nomination from temporary migrants onshore who are living and working in Queensland, it’s unlikely that Migration Queensland will open to offshore skilled applicants this financial year.

This does not include business applicants – Migration Queensland is still open and processing business applications from offshore.

Want to stay up to date with immigration news out of Australia? Sign up for our newsletter!

Join our monthly newsletter if you want to stay up to date on Australia’s immigration changes. It’s as simple as clicking here and submitting your email address. We don’t share your details and you can unsubscribe at any stage (but we don’t think you will).

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Australia is reopening to fully vaccinated travellers on 21 February 2022

Almost two years after Australia closed to the world, its international border will reopen to those who are fully vaccinated. The new border rules will come into place on 21 February.

Reopening to tourists and other international travellers to secure Australia’s economic recovery

In a media release, Minister of Home Affairs Karen Andrews announced that Australia is reopening to fully vaccinated visa holders, welcoming the return of tourists, business travellers, and other visitors from 21 February.

Unvaccinated visa holders will still have to apply for a travel exemption to travel to Australia. Those who get permission to enter Australia will have to undergo hotel quarantine.

Minister Andrews said that reopening to tourists and other international travellers is necessary to secure Australia’s economic recovery.

The NSCC (National Security Committee Cabinet) agreed to reopen the borders in response to improving health conditions in Australia, including a recent 23 per cent decline in hospitalisations due to COVID.

Great news and much-needed clarity for Australia’s tourism industry

Minister Andrews said that the announcement of the border reopening would give certainty to Australia’s tourism industry, and allow them to start planning, hiring, and preparing for visitors.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said to ABC News that the announcement is “fantastic news for our people and our customers.”

He continued, “We will be looking at our schedules to see if we can restart flights from more international destinations sooner or add capacity to those routes we are already flying. We have the flexibility to ramp up flights in response to demand.”

Western Australia still closed to most of the world

Western Australia has implemented hard border settings in response to Omicron, the latest COVID-19 variant.

Under these border settings, Westeran Australia only allows approved travellers meeting strict requirements into the state.  That includes travellers arriving from other parts of Australia!

Please keep these border settings in mind when making travel arrangements to Australia. If you need advice or assistance with visa or exemption applications, get in touch with our team. Our licensed advisors are happy to help.

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