The Future Student Podcast

Choosing Your Uni 👍
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The Future Student Podcast is the podcast for professionals who support prospective students on their journey to uni in Australia. Whether you're a Future Students professional, school careers advisor, or a member of the careers/higher education ecosystem, the Future Student Podcast dives into the news, trends and people who make this industry just so impactful.

  1. 5h ago

    Going Back to Uni: The Honest Truth About Returning to Study (And How to Actually Survive It)

    Thinking about heading back to university after years—or maybe even decades—away from the classroom? If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and absolute terror, you are not alone. Your future is too important to leave to guesswork, and glossy university brochures don't always give you the full picture. That is why in this episode of Choosing Your Uni, host Rob Maliki cuts through the marketing noise to bring you raw, honest, and incredibly practical insights from a panel of real students at Australian Catholic University (ACU) who have actually been in your shoes. Whether you didn't finish high school, are balancing a career, or are raising a family, this episode is your ultimate survival guide for making a successful transition back to study. What We Cover in This Episode: The "Multiple Doors" In: You don't need a recent ATAR to get into university. We break down legitimate, highly supported pathways like foundation studies, diplomas, the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), and specialized veterans entry programs.The "Free Money" Left on the Table: Learn about the massive pool of scholarships available (ranging from $1,000 to $166,000 at ACU alone) and why so many go unallocated every single year simply because people forget to apply.The Reality of Hands-On Degrees: If you are looking into nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, or allied health, we discuss the non-negotiable reality of in-person labs, intensive clinical placements, and how to manage the logistics before you enroll.The Master Skill of Time Management: Hear candid student stories on how to balance life, family, and work. Discover why dropping to part-time study is sometimes the smartest decision you can make, and learn the critical warning about prerequisite subjects.Tackling Your First Assignments (Without Cracking): Tips on how to break intimidating essays into bite-sized pieces, why university librarians are your secret weapon, and how to conquer referencing.Your On-Campus Support Network: An overview of the free academic skills workshops, proofreading services, mentors, and casual on-campus jobs that are designed specifically to work around your class schedule. The Key Takeaway: Returning to university as a mature-age student is one of the bravest decisions you can make. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. The students who succeed are the ones who plan ahead, ask questions early, and aren't afraid to put their hands up for help. Ready to explore your options further? For independent, no-nonsense guidance to help you find the right path, check out the free resources at expo.choosingyouruni.com.

  2. 3d ago

    Small Campus, Big Opportunities: Inside Avondale University

    Are you stressing over university rankings, assuming that "bigger always means better"? What if we told you that the university with the #1 graduate employment rate in all of Australia is a hidden gem that most people on the street have never even heard of? Your future is a big deal, and making the right choice matters. In this episode of the Choosing Your Uni podcast, host Rob Maliki breaks down the incredible story of Avondale University. With only 1,500 students—fewer than many high schools—Avondale has managed to outperform every single major institution in the country on graduate employment. How do they do it? We unpack the actual data and reveal the secrets behind their success so you can apply these lessons to your own university search. What We Cover in This Episode: The Power of Being Known: Why Avondale’s student satisfaction rate sits at a massive 89.7% (beating the national average and prestigious institutions like the University of Melbourne), and what a 1,500-student campus actually feels like.The 97.7% Employment Formula: How a laser-focus on high-demand, specialist degrees like nursing and education—paired with extensive, built-in practical placements—guarantees career readiness.The Rankings Trap: Why traditional global ranking systems ignore what actually matters to your education (like teaching quality and student support) and how you might be missing out on great options by only looking at prestige tables.Is Avondale Right for You? (The Honest Truth): Avondale is a faith-based, Seventh-day Adventist institution. We discuss who will thrive in this supportive environment, who it might not suit, and the specific programs they offer (education, nursing, counseling, business, ministry, and theology).The Super-Network: How a tight-knit, niche alumni network can give you a massive professional head start in your career.Other Alternatives to Compare: We look at comparable options to add to your shortlist, including the University of Notre Dame Australia, the University of Divinity, Australian Catholic University (ACU), and the University of Newcastle. Ready to design your future?Don't choose your path blindly. This episode was adapted from a session presented at the Choosing Your Uni National Virtual Expo. For completely free, independent, and personalized guidance to help you find the right university for your unique goals, check out our resources at expo.choosingyouruni.com.

  3. Jul 24

    Australia’s Newest Uni is Already Ranked 82nd in the World! Meet Adelaide University

    Are you trying to figure out where to spend the next few years of your life? We know how overwhelming it is to choose a university when your entire future is on the line. That is why we are breaking down everything you need to know about Australia's newest higher education powerhouse: Adelaide University. In this episode, host Rob Malicki unpacks a historic moment in Australian higher education. At the start of 2025, two major, well-established institutions—the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia (UniSA)—merged into one massive powerhouse. The result? A brand-new university that instantly landed at number 82 in the world on the QS rankings in its very first year! But is a high global ranking enough to make it the right fit for you? We are diving deep into the pros, the realities, and the comparisons you need to make before submitting your application. Here is what we cover in today’s episode: A New Breed of University (The DNA Fusion): Discover what happens when you combine a prestigious, research-intensive, Group of Eight sandstone institution (University of Adelaide) with a dynamic, highly innovative, industry-connected university (UniSA).Where the Money & Attention Flows: We explain the strategic importance of Adelaide University's five signature research themes (including Defense, Health, Food/Agricultural Sustainability, and Creative & Cultural Strategy) and why this matters for your future career. We also look at the massive advantage of having the Australian Institute for Machine Learning right on campus.The Cost of Living Advantage: Why studying in Adelaide might save you thousands compared to Sydney or Melbourne, while still keeping you right in the heart of the city center.Degrees Built for the Future: How Adelaide University’s unique "stackable" qualification design and formal exit points give you a safety net and career flexibility.The Reality of a Transitioning Campus: We give you the honest, unfiltered truth. Merging two massive universities takes time. Find out what it means to be part of an early cohort where you have the power to help shape the university, but might have to deal with some things being "rough around the edges."By the Numbers: We compare Adelaide University's impressive 77.8% student satisfaction rate against heavyweights like the University of Melbourne and UNSW. Plus, we explain how to look past general graduate employment statistics to find the truth about your specific field.The Alternatives: Don't put all your eggs in one basket! We share how Adelaide University stacks up against Flinders University, the University of Queensland, and the University of Newcastle so you can make a truly informed choice.This episode draws on insights presented at the Choosing Your Uni National Virtual Expo. Your future is too important to leave to flashy marketing—get the independent, practical guidance you need right here.Listen now and take control of your university journey! Need more help comparing your options? Access free, independent resources at expo.choosingyouruni.com.

  4. Jul 21

    The $72K Head Start: How Studying at ANU Hacks Your Career

    What actually makes the Australian National University (ANU) distinctive, and is it worth relocating for? In this episode, host Rob Malicki dives into what sets ANU apart from other Group of Eight institutions. We break down the surprising reality behind their impressive $72,000 graduate median starting salary and how its proximity to the Australian public service shapes career pipelines. We also explore: The "Small Uni" Advantage: Why having only 24,000 to 25,000 students fosters a close-knit campus culture and how that impacts global rankings.Academically Ambitious Degrees: A look at the unique Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB) that offers one-on-one research supervision from day one.A Different Philosophy of Education: How ANU’s flexible double degrees compare to the "Melbourne Model".On-Campus Living: The truth about Canberra's residential college ecosystem. Whether you are drawn to policy, international relations, deep research, or are just curious about what Canberra has to offer, discover if ANU is the right fit for your academic journey. This episode draws on a session from the Choosing Your Uni National Virtual Expo. For more independent guidance, visit expo.choosingyouruni.com.

  5. May 22

    Studying Law at Bond University: Small Classes, Practical Assessments, and Real Career Support

    What’s it actually like to pack up your life, move 12,000 kilometres, and start law school in a country you’ve never even visited? In this episode of the Choosing Your Uni podcast, Rob Malicki sits down with Kiran, a law student at Bond University who moved from Vancouver, Canada to the Gold Coast to chase her goal of becoming a lawyer. She shares the real story behind the leap, the moment the homesickness hit, and why the Bond experience feels so different to studying at a massive university back home. Kiran talks candidly about the things that surprised her most, from lecturers knowing her name (and genuinely checking in when life gets hard), to a learning environment that’s designed to feel practical, personal, and supportive. If you’re curious about law, considering Bond, or just trying to figure out what kind of uni experience will actually suit you, this is a proper inside look from someone living it. Why Kiran chose Bond from Canada, including Bond’s Canadian connections and what stood out during her research and first contactSmall class sizes and student support, including feeling “known” by staff, not just another numberBond’s student experience, from facilities and wellbeing support to what “student satisfaction” looks like in real lifePractical law training, including skills-based assessments, moots, and learning courtroom-style communicationCareer outcomes and internships, including how career support can bridge uni study to real job offersPathways and entry options, including alternatives if your ATAR or grades are not where you want themSocial life at Bond and on the Gold Coast, including clubs, campus events, and lifestyle changes (yes, early mornings)This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university. Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them. You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠podcast@choosingyouruni.com

    Studying Law at Bond University: Small Classes, Practical Assessments, and Real Career Support

  6. May 2

    TAFE vs University: Which Is Better?

    We unpack one of Australia's most common education questions — TAFE vs university — and explain why it's the wrong question to ask. This episode covers the real differences in cost, duration, and employment outcomes, and reveals how the two pathways connect in ways most people don't realise. Want to compare all your uni options? Join us at the National Virtual Expo from May 10-17th. Register free at expo.choosingyouruni.com for Extended Access to all of the sessions.

    TAFE vs University: Which Is Better?

  7. May 1

    TAFE to University Pathways in Australia

    Many people assume TAFE and university are separate tracks, but the TAFE-to-university pathway is one of the most well-established routes into higher education in Australia. This episode breaks down how the pathway works, how credit transfer can save you years of study, and who benefits most from starting at TAFE before moving into a degree. Want to compare all your uni options? Join us at the National Virtual Expo from May 10-17th. Register free at expo.choosingyouruni.com for Extended Access to all of the sessions.

    TAFE to University Pathways in Australia

  8. Apr 30

    Should You Take a Gap Year Before University?

    Is a gap year a smart move or a risky detour? In this episode, we dig into what Australian gap year students actually do, what the research says about outcomes, and how to decide whether taking time off before university is the right call for you. We also cover how deferral works and what to do if your gap year wasn't part of the plan. Want to compare all your uni options? Join us at the National Virtual Expo from May 10-17th. Register free at expo.choosingyouruni.com for Extended Access to all of the sessions.

    Should You Take a Gap Year Before University?
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About

The Future Student Podcast is the podcast for professionals who support prospective students on their journey to uni in Australia. Whether you're a Future Students professional, school careers advisor, or a member of the careers/higher education ecosystem, the Future Student Podcast dives into the news, trends and people who make this industry just so impactful.

Information

  • Creator
    Choosing Your Uni 👍
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Choosing Your Uni 👍
  • Show Website
    The Future Student Podcast