Australia is a large country with a range of diverse and beautiful landscapes. The country is divided into six states (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia) and two territories (the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory). Each state and territory has its own distinctive character, climate and attractions.
In each of Australia’s states and territories, there is a capital city as well as smaller regional cities and towns. All of Australia’s capital cities provide the vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle and multicultural society that you would expect, but each city has its own special character and charm. Remember, there is at least a one-day drive (sometimes much longer) between each capital city and in some instances over four hours of air travel. Away from the hustle, bustle and excitement of the capital cities and their surrounding suburbs, you will find charming regional cities and country areas, which are known for their close communities and relaxed lifestyle. Education institutions can be found in both capital cities and regional cities.
- the tropical north of Australia, with its lush green foliage and relaxed outdoor lifestyle
- the ‘red center’, with its extensive ‘outback areas and vast desert landscapes
- natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, beautiful bushland, magnificent gorges and breathtaking sunsets
- unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world
- stunning sandy beaches and surf, and plenty of water activities
- skiing and snowboarding in the mountains during the winter months.
Why Study In Australia
Choosing to study in Australia will provide you with wonderful opportunities and experiences, as well as world-class education. Here are four reasons why you should consider Australia as your study abroad destination.
Globally Recognised Courses And Institutions
Courses offered by institutions in Australia, from preparatory level to postgraduate programs, are flexible and equipped with global perspective. In 2014, areas such as engineering, accounting and health sciences ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Australian universities also receive good ratings for teaching quality, research and graduate employment.
Lively And Multicultural Lifestyle
Australians are kind and friendly, with an immense passion for sport, food and entertainment. Just like on campus, you will meet people from different cultures and faiths across Australia. If you wish to experience bustling city life, big cities like Melbourne and Sydney are great examples of a fantastic contemporary lifestyle, from modern art museums and cafés to beautiful city parks. Enjoy food festivals such as Perth’s Margaret River Gourmet Escape and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and visit one of the 60 designated wine regions across the country. You can also experience Indigenous culture across Australia.
Reasonable Study Costs
Study costs in Australia are considerably lower than other major destinations such as the United States and United Kingdom. Fees for secondary schools in Australia start from $AUD7800 and can reach around $AUD30,000 per year. An undergraduate program can cost you from $AUD15,000 to $AUD33,000 per year and postgraduate tuition fees range from $AUD20,000 to $AUD37,000 annually. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) courses start at around $AUD4000 while fees for foundation studies start from $AUD15,000 per year. Planning to take up an English language course? These courses start from only $AUD300 per week depending on the course length.
Beautiful Weather And Landscapes
Australia has diverse landscapes, beautiful coastlines, vast outback and modern cities, as well as unique marsupials such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats and quokkas. Studying in Australia is a ticket for you to visit natural attractions, including the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Rottnest Island in Western Australia. A great benefit of studying in Australia is being able to experience the sunny weather and laid-back attitude for which Australia is well known.
If you are getting ready to begin your study abroad journey in Australia, Studies in Australia is the best place to start. Explore our site for further information, such as the support services available, accommodation options and international student testimonials.
Education System
Australia offers a wide range of options for students. There are many pathways for students to take to reach their desired qualification, whether you’re straight out of high school, furthering your tertiary education or changing your career direction. Use the sections below to guide yourself through the Australian education system and discover the possibilities for study and what you will be required to do to undertake courses at different institutions. You will find a wide range of useful information to ensure you have everything you need to get started and be successful.
Every year, many international students take advantage of the pathway options available to enter their preferred course. In fact, data from Australian Education International shows that most international students study in more than one educational sector during their time in Australia, with many using study in one sector as a pathway into a higher sector.
Some students complete a pathway course in order to meet the academic and English language requirements for Vocational Education and Training (VET) or higher education study at undergraduate or postgraduate level (they might complete secondary education, an English language course or a foundation course in order to gain entry to a higher education degree, for example). Other students decide to progress to a higher qualification after completing their first course in Australia (advancing into a higher education degree after completing a course in the VET sector, for example).
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) regulates all Australian qualifications and makes it easy to progress from one qualification to the next. It makes it possible to enter a course with lower entry requirements and work your way up to more advanced courses. For example, you could complete a VET diploma, followed by a bachelor degree, and then progress to a postgraduate degree. In some cases, you may even be awarded credit for the study you have already completed, which reduces the total time it will take to complete your qualification. Not all pathways will be accepted by all institutions, so check with your institution to find out which pathways they recognise for entry to your chosen course.
As well as preparing you for the academic and English language requirements of higher-level tertiary study, pathway study also gives you extra time to settle into your new city in Australia, practise the English language and become familiar with the Australian culture and education system before commencing further academic study. It will also give you a new set of skills and knowledge that will be an advantage in your future study experiences and your career.
Educational Cost
Here we provide an estimate of the study and living costs that you can expect in Australia. Australia’s high-quality courses, supportive institutions, liveable cities and excellent lifestyle make it an economical option for international students.
Tuition Fee
Please note that the tuition fee differs according to institution in which you enrolled with as well as the type of programme and course you opt for.
The tuition fee for the English language courses and vocational courses approximately starting from AUD $4000 and for foundation year, Under graduate and post graduate courses starts from AUD $ 8000.00 fees are estimate depending on the college or university you choose.
Accommodation And Living Cost
There are different types of accommodation available in Australia like Home stay, University accommodation, Residential colleges, Apartments, Hostels and private rental etc.. Staying in a private rented room or sharing a flat with a friend would significantly reduce the cost on accommodation. University accommodation and home stay could be more expensive then sharing but again this depends on the location where you want to be., Including other personal expenses such as travelling, food and accommodation may cost you around AUD $300 – 400 per week.
Application Process
Step 1: Choose your course and education provider
Step 2: Apply
Step 3: Have your application processed
Step 4: Accept your offer
Step 5: Prepare for departure
Step 1: Choose Your Course And Education Provider
Carefully research courses, institutions and their locations. Consider the areas of specialisation offered through different courses and which specialisations will best suit your intended career path.
Once you have decided on the best course, you need to find out which education providers offer it and which provider best suits your requirements. You should consider the size of the campus, the available facilities and the support services offered for international students.
Step 2: Apply
Once you have chosen your course and education provider, it is time to apply. Go to the Enquire Now page to submit an enquiry directly to the institution of your choice.
Before you apply, you should check the academic and English language entry requirements to ensure you are eligible. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may need to consider a different course or applying for a bridging course or foundation course, which may increase your chances. Contact your education provider and ask about their application requirements and deadlines, as these will differ for each provider. Make a note of important deadlines to make sure you meet them. Also remember to allow for postal times when sending forms by mail.
International students usually apply directly to Australian institutions, either by post or online. You can download application forms from institutions’ websites or request the forms to be posted. Another option is to contact an education agent in your country or an overseas representative of the institution to which you are applying. Your application form will ask you which course(s) you are applying for and give you details of the documentation you need to supply.
Most application forms require you to supply:
- your personal details
- certified proof of your level of English language proficiency
- details of your previous academic qualifications, such as academic transcripts
- your course preferences — the course(s) you are applying for
- a summary of your employment experience (if applicable).
If you are still completing your education, you can usually provide evidence of your most recent marks until it is possible to provide your final results. If the documents you supply are not in English, you must provide an official certified translation. Most institutions charge a non-refundable application fee of around AUD$50 to $100 that must be included with your application. Some institutions waive this fee if the application is made online. Before sending your application, check your visa requirements with your local Australian visa office or online at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website to ensure you will qualify for a student visa if your application is successful.
If, at any time during the application process, you are uncertain about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact your education provider — they are there to help you.
Step 3: Have Your Application Processed
Once the education provider receives your application it will be assessed and you will be notified of the result. It may take a few weeks (longer for postgraduate applications) before your application is processed.
Step 4: Accept Your Offer
If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form. Before accepting the offer, you should carefully read the letter of offer and check any conditions that may apply. You will need to meet these conditions before the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You may also be required to pay tuition fees before your institution issues a CoE. The institution will advise you of its requirements.
Step 5: Prepare For Departure
Now that you have been accepted, it is time to apply for your student visa. You are able to apply for your student visa using either your letter of offer or your CoE, but you will need to supply evidence of your CoE before your student visa is granted. See Student Visas for more information. You must also purchase your plane tickets, organise your Overseas Student Health Cover and arrange your accommodation in Australia.
Your education provider will typically send you an admissions package with information that will help you prepare for your journey to Australia. This might include information about your course and accommodation options, facts about the location, financial information and details about orientation programs. See Living in Australia for more information about what life is like in Australia.
STUDENT VISA TO AUSTRALIA
If you are going to study in Australia for a longer period of time you will need to apply for a student visa. Here we guide you through the application process step by step.
If you are taking a short program, for example a language course, of maximum 12 weeks you can use a tourist visa. If you have a Working Holiday visa you are allowed to study for 16 weeks. For university studies and all longer programs you will need to apply for a student visa by following the steps below:
1. Apply To A School In Australia And Get A CoE
Before you can apply for a student visa to Australia you must be enrolled at an Australian school. After you have received an offer letter from a school, accepted the offer in writing and paid their tuition deposit the school will send you a CoE, Confirmation of Enrolment. You will need this document to begin your visa application. If you will take for several programs, for example first take a preparatory language course and then study at college, you will need one CoE for each program.
We have a partner who can help you free of charge with the application to all universities in Australia fill out an information request so we can help you!
2. Create An Account With The Australian Immigration Authorities
Nowadays you normally apply online for Australian visas. Before you start your visa application you have to create an account at https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register
They will ask you to submit your name, phone number and e-mail address. Then you get to create a password and accept their conditions.
3. Make Sure That You Have All The Needed Documents In Digital Format
To apply for a student visa you will need the following documents:
- Your CoE
- An OSHC health insurance.
- Passportthat preferably should be valid for your whole stay in Australia since it will be troublesome to exchange your passport there when you study on a student visa
- Proof of temporary stay: on your application you will have to certify that you only plan to stay temporary in Australia. You can support this claim by attaching a proof of employment or a letter from your school in your home country or similar documents.
Depending on where you apply from and where you will study additional documents will be needed.
Some common documents you might need are:
Additional id documents such as,
- Birth certificate
- Proof that you can finance your studies, such as a bank statement
- Proof that you have enough knowledge to pass your intended studies, such as certified grade reports and IELTS-test result.
- Proof of previous employment such as an employment contract, pay checks etc.
- Documentation of criminal offenses if you have ever been convicted.
If you apply online all documents should be uploaded in a digital format. So it is good if you have access to a scanner when you do the application or you can scan everything in advance. All documents should be translated to English by a certified translator. You can save your application and continue later if you miss some documents.
4. Complete The Visa Application Online
You should apply for a student visa subclass 500. The application can be made at the earliest 124 days before your course starts (according to the date on your CoE). You apply online. Read more and follow the instructions at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
On the first page you fill in you nationality and your CoE code(s). You should also choose your Education sector, for example ELICOS for language courses or Higher Education for courses that leads to a university degree. More information is available on the form.
Thereafter you will be asked to submit personal details, family details, answer questions about your previous education and work experience, and submit details about your health and criminal record. You can save the application and take a break if you want.
5. Pay The Visa Fee And Get A TRN-Number
You should apply for a student visa subclass 500. The application can be made at the earliest 124 days before your course starts (according to the date on your CoE). You apply online. Read more and follow the instructions at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
On the first page you fill in you nationality and your CoE code(s). You should also choose your Education sector, for example ELICOS for language courses or Higher Education for courses that leads to a university degree. More information is available on the form.
Thereafter you will be asked to submit personal details, family details, answer questions about your previous education and work experience, and submit details about your health and criminal record. You can save the application and take a break if you want.
6. Possible Health Checkup And Interview
Depending on where you will study and where you live you might also need to do a health checkup and/or a visa interview. You will receive this information about this when you complete the application above if it applies to you.
Don’t do the health checkup before you have completed the application as you will need your TRN-number and you will get instructions on what you need to check. On this page you can find doctors in your country that are approved by the Australian Immigrations to do this checkup.
7. Get Your Visa Decision
How long it takes to get you visa decision depends on where you are applying from and how busy the Australian immigration authorities are. In our experience you usually get your decision within one or a couple of weeks once your application is complete. You can check the status of your application by logging in to the immigration website (with the account you created in step 2) and if needed enter your TNR-number. Login at: https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login
Normally the Australian authorities will notify you by e-mail once your visa decision is ready. Your visa is electronic so if you want a physical proof of you can print the grant letter that you receive online once your visa is approved.
8. Travel To Australia
Once you have received your visa you can enter Australia at the earliest 90 days before the course start date printed on your CoE. If you have not booked accommodation through your school you should inform them of your address in Australia within 7 days of arriving there.
Usually you have the right to stay in Australia for 30 days after your course ends or 60 days if your course lasts longer than 10 months. All these date limits should be written on your visa and if that information differs from what we write here you should always follow the instructions on your visa.
Disclaimer: Please note that the Australian authorities can make changes to the visa application process without notifying us. Different rules can apply to different nationalities so always read the instructions from the immigration authorities carefully. The information in the article above is correct to the best of our knowledge but we cannot be held responsible for any error that might occur without our knowledge. When in doubt always trust the official sources and check with them if needed.
Working With A Student Visa
Many international students studying abroad in Australia will want to work during their time spent studying in the country. For these students, it is important to be aware of the rules under their student visa when it comes to work.
Work Rules for International Students
International students in Australia on a valid student visa can work for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and there is no limit on the number of hours an international student can work during recognized school vacations. A work week in Australia is considered to be Monday through the following Sunday. Although they are allowed to arrive in Australia up to 90 days before their course begins, students are not allowed to begin working until after their courses have begun.
The 20-hour-per-week limit does not extend to any work the student is required to undertake as a component of his or her studies or training. Volunteer and unpaid work, however, does count towards the 20 hours. If an international student works more than the Australian restrictions allow, his or her visa may be cancelled.
Work Rules for Family Members of International Students
Family members (spouses and children) accompanying the international student under their student visa have the same work rights as the student – 20 hours per week. Unlike the students, family members may not exceed 20 hours per week, even during holidays. For those students obtaining a graduate degree, like a masters degree, their family can work unlimited hours. Like students, family members are not allowed to begin work until after the student has started his or her course.
In order to work or open a bank account in Australia you must obtain a TFN (Tax File Number). Your TFN is confidential, like a social security number in the US, so keep your number secure. You are only issued one in your lifetime and it is used to file tax reports and important government documents.
If you work in Australia, you are required to file a tax return, which is tracked to your TFN. As an international student, you will likely receive a refund when you file your tax return. For more information on your potential tax refund visit Taxback.com.
You can apply online for a TFN only if you are currently in Australia and you have:
- A valid permanent migrant visa
- A valid visa with work rights
- A valid overseas student visa
- A valid visa allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely
Students who need to apply for a TFN should visit the Australian Tax Office. To apply, you’ll need your name, address, date of birth, passport, date of arrival, and proof of enrollment in school.
You can also apply for your TFN online if you are a visa holder with work rights. When you apply online, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIACs) systems will verify your identity. Make sure that you keep a record of your receipt number.
Insurance for Australia – OSHC
Australia has a special health insurance coverage for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is insurance designed to help international students cover the costs of medical and hospital care that they may need while in Australia. Because of these requirements, it is important that international students purchase their Australian international student health insurance prior to departing their home country.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires that all individuals carrying a student visa and their dependents must maintain OSHC for the full duration of their time in Australia.
There are a few exceptions to this rule:
Belgians Students Do not need to purchase OSHC since they are
covered under the Reciprocal Health Care
Agreement.
Swedish Students Do not need to purchase OSHC since they are
covered under the National Board of Student
Air or by Kammarkollegiet. If not covered by
either, then Swedish international students will
need to purchase OSHC.
Norwegian Students Do not need to purchase OSHC since they are
covered under the Norwegian National
Insurance Scheme.
OSHC is purchased either by your education provider or you can choose your own OSHC approved provider and pay the insurance yourself. It’s important that regardless of who purchases it, that you maintain continuous coverage for the entire stay in Australia. This especially applies for students who are studying through two different institutions who organize the insurance on the international student’s behalf.
Currently, there are 5 insurers that offer OSHC which can be purchased through your academic institution or directly on your own:
- Australian Health Management
- BUPA Australia
- Medibank Private
- Allianz Global Assistance (subcontracted by Lysaght Peoplecare)
- nib OSHC
The OSHC plan is designed to provide coverage for international students seeking treatment at a doctor’s office, hospital, or for limited prescription drugs. Coverage will vary based on the plan you purchase so it’s important to contact each OSHC provider to ensure that you get the coverage you need.
You will want to ask about waiting periods, exclusions, and other limitations on the plan. The OSHC insurance plan will not cover any treatment arranged in advance of arrival to Australia, treatment to and from Australia, as well as transportation into or out of Australia. OSHC does not typically cover dental, optical or physiotherapy either.
If you are looking for coverage for these events, you will need to buy a separate private Australian international student health insurance plan:
- If you are looking for a standalone emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains plan, we recommend the Sky Rescue. Complimenting your OSHC plan, the Sky Rescue provides transportation to the nearest facility equipped to handle treatment, and will also transport the body back to the home country in case of death.
Trip Cancellation Plan
- Your medical bills are covered by OSHC but you are still concerned about the possibility of trip interruption or cancellation? If you are a US citizen or if you are located in the US, you can purchase the Roundtrip insurance plan that will protect your expenses in the event that you need to cancel your trip, need to return home due to an emergency, miss your connection, or even if your baggage gets lost or delayed.
- You’ve got OSHC to cover you in Australia, but you want coverage during your flight or you are planning to travel to other international destinations as well. After all, New Zealand and Fiji are just around the corner. Consider purchasing an Australian international student health insurance so that you can be covered when your OSHC plan stops. Prices on travel medical plans are daily rated and you can apply right online.
When you complete your application, you will be asked to provide proof of payment as well as confirmation that your OSHC coverage begins when you arrive in Australia.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Australia offers many scholarships for international students. The grant of scholarship is basically on merit and the students have to demonstrate their eligibility for the scholarship they are applying for. There are no qualifying exams for scholarships in Australia. The only exam which the students may have to take is the IELTS to demonstrate their English language ability.
Australian Awards
The Australian Government has made a range of study and research awards available to candidates in the Asia Pacific region, including India, under the Australian Scholarships Program. Details and applications forms for all awards can be found at www.australiaawards.gov.au .
These awards include:
Australian Leadership Awards (ALA)
Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) for longer-term post-graduate study in Australia at masters or doctoral level. The scheme is competitive and is managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). Preference is given to candidates who can demonstrate that they are in a leadership role or have the potential to assume a leadership role.
Awards are open to all fields of study, however, study programs that relate to the priority themes of international trade, pandemics, security and climate change (including clean energy) are encouraged.
ALA scholarships will be allocated equitably between men and women.
All enquiries should be directed to:
ala@ausaid.gov.au
Endeavor Awards
The Endeavour Awards is the Australian Government’s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program providing opportunities for citizens of the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe and Americas to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia. Awards are also available for Australians to undertake study, research and professional development abroad.
Endeavour Awards include:
• Endeavour Postgraduate Awards
• Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowships
• Endeavour Research Fellowships
• Endeavour Executive Awards
• Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards
Postgraduate Awards
| Award | Study Level | Award Duration | Total Award Value | Permitted to hold other scholarships |
| Endeavour Postgraduate Awards | Postgraduate study/research for an Australian Masters degree or PhD | Up to 2 years for a Masters Up to 3.5 years for a PhD | up to $201,000 | No other Australian Government sponsored scholarships |
| Endeavour Europe Awards | Postgraduate study/research for an Australian Masters degree or PhD | 4 months – 1 year | up to $38,500 | Yes |
Research Awards
| Award | Study Level | Award duration | Total Award Value | Permitted to hold other scholarships |
| Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowships | Research towards a Masters degree or PhD in home country; or postdoctoral research | 4 – 6 mths | up to AUD 23,500 | No other Endeavour Award or any AusAID scholarship & fellowship |
| Endeavour Research Fellowships | Research towards a Masters degree or PhD in home country; or postdoctoral research | 4 – 6 mths | up to AUD 23,500 | No other Endeavour Award or any AusAID scholarship & fellowship |
Vocational Education And Training Awards
| Award | Study Level | Award Duration | Total Award Value | Permitted to hold other scholarships |
| Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards | Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree | 1-2.5 years | up to AUD 119,500 | No other Australian Government sponsored scholarship |
Executive Awards
| Award | Study Level | Award duration | Total Award Value | Permitted to hold other scholarships |
| Endeavour Executive Awards | Professional Development | 1 – 4 mths | up to AUD 20,000 | No other Australian Government sponsored scholarship |
Institution Specific Scholarships
There are scholarships which the universities offer under their own name. For information on university scholarships please refer to Scholarships database at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au . Here you will find the most accurate, reliable and searchable list of all scholarships offered by Australian institutions available to international students studying or planning to study in Australia.
Top 10 Universities Of Australia
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- Monash University
- University of Western Australia (UWA)
- University of Adelaide
- University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
- Macquarie University
