Attractive opportunities and trends in choosing dual majors in Australia

(NLDO) – The Australian Government's increase in quotas for international students in 2026 has caused many Vietnamese students to change direction.

Under the new policy framework, Australia will have 295,000 places for international students in 2026, an increase of 9% compared to 270,000 places in 2025. In particular, Australia is promoting the implementation of new measures to attract students from Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries.

Secrets to "hunting" for Australian scholarships

Participating in the Australian study abroad exhibition recently, Phuc Nguyen, a 12th grade student at Phu Nhuan High School (HCMC), proactively researched and asked questions to experts about engineering and aviation. Nguyen revealed that he had no plans to study abroad. Only when his IELTS score was higher than expected did he plan to "hunt" for a scholarship to study abroad.

"My dream is to become a pilot. However, I want to study aeronautical engineering at university first. Once I have a solid foundation, I can study to become a pilot to find better development opportunities," Nguyen said.

Although he had searched for information online, Nguyen still wanted to meet experts in person and ask more questions about the aerospace engineering industry.

High school students in Ho Chi Minh City proactively seek training programs and look for opportunities to "hunt" for Australian scholarships.

Minh Anh, a student at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted, said she had planned to study abroad in Australia since grade 10. "When the Australian Government announced good news for international students, I became more confident in "hunting" for scholarships. If I get a good scholarship, I will greatly reduce the economic pressure on my family, I won't have to worry about working part-time but can just focus on studying" - Minh Anh confidently said.

Ms. Thao Pham, senior education consultant - Duc Anh Study Abroad Consulting Company, said that Vietnam is in the top 5 countries with the largest number of international students in Australia. Although Australia is a "generous" country, with many scholarships for international students, not all candidates can easily "hunt".

"In addition to high GPA, SAT, IELTS scores, candidates also need to show that they have many other academic achievements, have contributed to society or community projects. Besides, choosing an experienced study abroad company will also help shorten the time and support in applying for the best scholarship" - Ms. Thao Pham added.

The Australian government maintains an attractive support policy, allowing international students to work up to 48 hours within 2 weeks. In addition, graduates have the opportunity to stay and work from 1.5 to 5 years (depending on the level of study and area of ​​residence).

Trend of choosing double major

Ms. Tiffany Pham, in charge of admissions at Curtin University (Australia) in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said that the school is implementing four main scholarship programs, applicable to undergraduate and master's degrees: 20% and 40% full-course scholarships, English scholarships worth more than 7,000 AUD and a 10,000 AUD scholarship program (for students who fail the 20% and 40% scholarships but have good academic achievements at university).

Parents learn about scholarship support programs at Curtin University

"Vietnamese students studying at the school enjoy the same benefits as local students. The school has 6 training facilities worldwide, students can flexibly change training facilities to experience many different cultures" - Ms. Tiffany Pham informed.

According to study abroad experts, Vietnamese students have shown a significant change in their thinking when choosing a major. Instead of choosing only traditional business (engineering, business), students are prioritizing interdisciplinary majors and double majors (business information systems, business analytics, business and artificial intelligence, engineering and artificial intelligence). These are open majors, so it is easy to find a job.

Additionally, there has been a surge in interest in creative content, design, and health sciences, which shows that parents and students are becoming more open to choices based on their passions and personal interests.

During his recent working trip to Vietnam, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite stressed that Australia always considers Vietnam an important partner. The Australian Government always welcomes Vietnamese students and researchers to study in this country. Australia is ready to expand cooperation in capacity building training and knowledge sharing in areas of strength.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/co-hoi-hap-dan-va-xu-huong-chon-nganh-hoc-kep-tai-uc-196251102130223392.htm