The Future Student Podcast

All through high school, you’ve probably been told the same thing about AI: don’t touch it. So what if I were to tell you there’s a uni where, the moment you get your student ID, you’re handed the keys to a Ferrari? In this episode, Rob Malicki heads to Armidale, on Anaiwan land, to sit down with Aaron Driver, UNE’s Chief AI Officer, which might just be the coolest job title in Australia. UNE is t...

Rob Malicki explores what makes Queensland University of Technology a standout choice, from its industry-embedded courses and creative industries strength to why Brisbane is one of Australia's best student cities. This episode covers QUT's key study areas, campus life, entry pathways, and graduate employment track record.

Rob Malicki explores why hands-on learning at university matters more than you might think — from closing the gap between theory and real-world capability, to transforming job interviews, to surprising examples in wildlife hospitals and holographic anatomy labs. Drawing on a session with Sam Clark from Southern Cross University at the CYU National Virtual Expo.

Ranked sixteenth in the world among universities under fifty years old, and most school leavers still just think of it as "the one near the beach." That gap between reputation and reality is exactly what this episode digs into. Here's what stood out. Government survey data has historically placed Wollongong around fifth nationally for employer satisfaction, second in New South Wales....

What does entrepreneurship really mean, and why might it be the most valuable thing you do at university — even if you never start your own company? Drawing on a session with Sam Brew, cybersecurity founder and Chief Student Entrepreneur at UNSW, this episode explores how university startup ecosystems work, why failure is your best teacher, and why the soft skills of entrepreneurship matter more t...

Rob Malicki explores the hidden dangers of AI tools — from hallucination and sycophancy to delusion spirals — and shares three practical techniques every student needs to use AI safely and effectively. This episode draws on a session with Aaron Driver, Chief AI Officer at the University of New England, recorded at the Choosing Your Uni National Virtual Expo.

Rob Malicki explores why pathway programs, diplomas, and alternative entry routes into university aren't consolation prizes — they're often the smarter starting point. Drawing on a session with Sam Clark from Southern Cross University at the Choosing Your Uni National Virtual Expo, this episode unpacks the surprising evidence that pathway students frequently outperform their peers, and why...

Rob Malicki explores how to get intentional about your career direction, drawing on a session with careers coach Kellie Wade from the Choosing Your Uni National Virtual Expo. From the hidden job market to the trap of motion versus action, this episode unpacks practical frameworks and surprising insights to help you stop drifting and start designing a career you actually want.

Rob Malicki unpacks the most common misconceptions about applying to university as a mature age student, from using old ATARs to the limits of TAFE diplomas. Drawing on a session with Beth Downey from the University of Sydney, this episode covers what qualifications actually count, how the mature age entry scheme works, and the practical research you need to do before committing to a pathway.

Rob explores why the best business ideas come from everyday frustration, not genius — and why waiting to feel ready is the biggest trap for aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing on a session with business launch coach Tori Tucker, this episode covers practical first steps for validating an idea, the micro-step approach to building a business alongside study, and what parents can do to support entreprene...

Are you an international student planning to study at an Australian university? Standardized English tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE can get you through the door, but do they actually prepare you to survive—and thrive—in a fast-paced academic environment? In this episode of Choosing Your Uni , host Rob Maliki breaks down a game-changing secret to academic success: why studying English in Australia...

Are you feeling the pressure to choose a university degree just because everyone else is doing it? When it comes to life after high school, the default conversation usually centers around university campuses, degrees, and ATAR scores. But what if university isn’t the only—or even the smartest—pathway for you? In this episode of Choosing Your Uni , host Rob Maliki breaks down how apprenticeships an...

Choosing where to spend your university years is easily one of the biggest decisions of your life. It is not just about getting a degree; it is about finding a place that aligns with your values, challenges your perspective, and actually helps you launch a meaningful career. If you are a Year 11 or 12 student trying to cut through the noise of typical campus brochures, this episode is your ultimat...

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...

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 br...

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 educati...

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...

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 ho...

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...

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 Nat...

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...

Rob breaks down the real data on masters degrees in Australia — from salary gains and employment rates to when postgrad study makes strong financial sense and when it doesn't. A practical guide for anyone weighing up whether to take the plunge. 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...

Many Australian scholarships actively favour mature age applicants — yet most eligible students never apply. This episode breaks down the financial support already built into the system, the types of scholarships available through universities and external organisations, and practical tips for making your application stand out. Want to compare all your uni options? Join us at the National Virtual...

Online degrees have become the go-to option for mature age students in Australia, but how do you know which provider is right for you? This episode breaks down the quality of online qualifications, highlights the best providers for adult learners, and covers exactly what to look for when choosing an online degree that fits around your life. Want to compare all your uni options? Join us at the Nati...

Thinking about going to university as a mature age student? This episode breaks down how mature age entry works in Australia — from how applications are assessed, to the most common pathways in, to why the data says older students often thrive. Practical, honest, and encouraging. Want to compare all your uni options? Join us at the National Virtual Expo from May 10-17th. Register free at expo.choo...