Tips on choosing the right university for your children to study abroad

From the locations to program options, you might be wondering, "How do I find the perfect university and course for my children?"

Choosing a suitable university for your kids to study aboard can be one of the hardest decisions to make for many parents. From location to program choice, there's a lot to consider, so how do you navigate all options and find the perfect university and course for your children? 

The parent of an RMIT graduate may have the answers you're looking for! 

Amriyati flew to Melbourne from Jakarta, Indonesia to attend her son Raffa’s graduation ceremony. At Marvel Stadium, she celebrated this overjoyed moment together with Raffa, who graduated from RMIT with a Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication)

Here, Amriyati uses her own experience as a parent and shares tips on how to choose the right overseas university for your children. 

#1: Pick a safe study destination  

Safety is always a priority when it comes to choosing the right university for your child to study abroad.  

RMIT is located in the heart of Melbourne, which is ranked Australia's best student city1 and the 9th safest city in the world2. RMIT provides a range of safety and security services to ensure students and staff are studying and working in a respectful and safe place. 

Amriyati says safety and distance from her home country are part of the reasons why she chose Melbourne as the overseas study destination for Raffa. 

“I wanted to make sure that I was leaving him in a safe country,” she said. 

“[Melbourne] was close to Indonesia, which personally as a parent I would prefer. I [wanted] to be able to check up on him once in a while, and having the country nearer would greatly help that. Not to mention, it’s easier with time zones as well; the difference in time is not that bad.” 

Indonesia student raffa and his mom at graduation

Raffa Pratama - 2022 RMIT graduate

From student support services and work placements to lifelong friendships, 2022 graduate Raffa made the most of his time as an international student at RMIT.

#2: Consider university reputation and rankings

A highly ranked university with a great reputation means that students have access to world-class teaching and research, state-of-the-art facilities and more networking opportunities.  

As a global university of technology, design and enterprise, RMIT is ranked in the top 2% of universities globally3. Additionally, 10 of RMIT’s subject areas are ranked in the top 100 in the world, including an outstanding ranking in Art and Design, which remains #1 in Australia and #19 globally4.  

RMIT Green Brain building

#3: Check graduate employability 

Many parents want to help their children by providing them with a new set of skills, knowledge and giving them the tools to get a great job. 

RMIT is renowned for its work-integrated learning and industry connections. The University offers a range of internships, placements and work experiences to help international students prepare for the workplaces of the future. 

Amriyati says, “One of the things that impressed me about RMIT is how easy it is for graduates to be able to secure a job after university. When I heard about it, I [was] more confident and assured.” 

She also appreciated the connections Raffa made from studying at RMIT. 

“A lot of Indonesians go to RMIT, and a lot of my friends' kids went there as well. This is nice because that means that even though he’s going far away from home, he can create connections that can last when he’s back in Indonesia.” 

#4: Calculate the cost of living  

The cost of living and tuition are some of the biggest factors to consider when your child leaves home to study aboard. Amriyati suggests that parents should be proactive and determine an estimation of how much everything will cost so there are no financial surprises.

At RMIT, the tuition fees can differ depending on the program your child is going to study. The same goes for the cost of living, which can vary from person to person based on factors like lifestyle and family size. Study Australia provides an online calculator that can help you determine the weekly cost of living for your child living in Melbourne5.

The good news is that RMIT offers a range of scholarships to support your child’s cost of living and education while they study in Australia. International students are also eligible to find part-time jobs to reduce living costs and gain overseas working experience.  

#5: Put your child's best interests first  

Start a conversation with your child to find out what fields interest them the most and what goals they want to achieve. 

International student parent, RMIT “It’s not you who is going to university, it’s your kids." Amriyati said.

“It’s not you who is going to university, it’s your kids. Parents shouldn’t dictate what their kids’ interest[s] are – we can only guide them,” Amriyati said. 

“At the end of the day, it’s up to them.” 

While discussing her son’s graduation, Amriyati said that she can sum up her feelings into one word – joy. 

“I know that it takes a lot of hard work, time, and dedication to be able to finish university. I’m happy that he was able to finish it. [He] makes me so proud.  

“Being a single mom, it does [feel] quite challenging at times, but see[ing] my kids graduating means that I should give myself a pat on the back.” 

1Best student cities 2023

2Safe Cities Index 2021

3QS World University Rankings 2023

4QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

5Study Australia. “Cost of Living Calculator”. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/live/living-costs

 

Story: Gavin Gan

 

 

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.