Study in Australia: Universities, Courses, Scholarships & Visa
Do you want to study in Australia for the upcoming intake? The main requirement is you have to obtain an Australian student visa for that. The cost of a student visa in Australia is AUD1,600.00 for the main applicant unless they are exempt. There is also a charge for each family member joining with the students. Â
Australia is home to 43 universities with at least one university main campus based in each state or territory. When it comes to studying abroad, Australia has become the first choice of international students. In this blog, we will discuss the universities, courses, scholarships and other requirements to study in Australia with a Subclass 500 (student) visa.Â
Why Study in Australia?
Australia is a popular study destination for international students. There are many reasons a student chooses Australia to get higher education. Let’s see the benefits a student will get by studying abroad in Australia-
Top Quality Education
Australia is known for its high quality of education. Universities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Australian universities are known for their top quality education. Besides, other universities are also popular for their research systems. The education sector in Australia is surrounded by world-leading education providers, premium facilities, outstanding lectures, and student support services.
Top ranked universities
In the QS World University Ranking, 5 Australian universities are in the world’s top 50, and 7 universities are in the list of 100. According to Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024, Australia has 37 top universities and 7 of them are in the prestigious top 100, meaning there is no shortage of choice.
Cultural diversity
Australia is full of cultural diversity. It is the second most multicultural nation in the world. A quarter of the Australian population is full of migrants and it is reflected in the food, lifestyle, and other cultural practices.
Vibrant city life
Australia has a vibrant city life. There are many best cities available in Australia for international students. Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Hobart, Wollongong, and Darwin are some of the best cities for international students to study in Australia.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Australia is cheaper than many other countries. That’s why many international students are drawn to study in Australia. Besides, there are many work opportunities available for international students while studying in Australia.
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Best intake to study in Australia
In many universities in Australia, intakes are referred as to semesters. There are three popular intakes in Australia. Such as-
- February Intake
- July Intake
- November Intake
February Intake
February intake is one of the most popular study intake in Australia among international students for admission to its universities. This is also known as the semester 1.Â
July Intake
July is the best option for international students after missing the semester 1 or February intake. A majority of the programs are available through this intake including some February intake programs.
November Intake
After the July intake in Australia, November is the last option for international students to enter Australia throughout the year. November is the less popular intake in Australia and only a handful of universities and courses are available through this intake.Â
10 Best Universities in Australia for International Students
Australia is home to the top-ranked universities in the world. Here are some best universities in Australia that ranked best in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
30 | |
The University of Western Australia | 77 |
Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia) | 133 |
The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON) | 179 |
University of South Australia | 340 |
Central Queensland University (CQUniversity Australia) | 495 |
Australian Catholic University | 901-950 |
University of New England Australia | 1001-1200 |
The University of Notre Dame, Australia | 1401+ |
Best Courses in Australia for International Students
International students always look for the courses that can give the highest benefit to their career. Here are some undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Australia for international students.Â
- Engineering
- Accountancy
- Nursing
- Architecture
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Information technology
- Social work
- Actuarial science
- Psychology
- Business Management
- Biomedical Engineering, etc.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia?
Cost is the main factor when international students think about studying abroad or choosing the best country to study abroad. Study abroad costs generally include university tuition fees, living expenses, visa application fees etc. Let’s explore the cost of studying in Australia.
Tuition Fees in Australia
The average tuition fee in Australia for undergraduate programs ranges between 20,000 – 45,000 AUD/year. And for postgraduate programs, it range between 22,000 – 50,000 AUD/year including masters and PhD.Â
Living Expenses in Australia
According to Numbeo, For a family of four, the estimated monthly expenses are around $3,908.20 (5,844.20 AUD) without including rent. For a single person, the estimated monthly costs are about $1,105.30 (1,652.80 AUD) without rent. Overall, living costs in Australia are about 1.1% higher than in the United States. However, rent in Australia is generally 20.6% cheaper than in the United States.
Visa Application Fee in Australia
The visa application fee in Australia for international students is AUD1,600.00 for the main applicant unless they are exempt. You’ll need to pay a fee for each family member who applies for the visa. There might also be extra costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
What Are the Requirements to Study in Australia?
As an international student, you must meet the requirements to study in Australia. There are academic requirements, English language requirements, financial requirements, documents requirements, etc.
Academic Requirements
The minimum requirements for an undergraduate degree to study in Australia is, you need to have finished high school, like Year 12 in Australia, or an equivalent qualification. This could be something like the All India Senior School Certificate, China’s National Entrance Examination (GaoKao), or Sri Lanka’s GCE Advanced Level, etc. To start postgraduate studies, you usually need to have completed an undergraduate degree. However, some schools may also consider relevant work experience or research skills.
English Language Requirements
The minimum test score needed for an Australian Student visa has gone up from an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent). For a Temporary Graduate visa, the required test score has increased from 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with at least 5.5 needed in each part of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
Documents Requirements
As an international student you must have to submit some documents to prove your authenticity. Such as-
- Academic and work experience documents
- English Proficiency Test Certificate
- GTE requirement
- Passport
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
- Personal statement
- Updated CV
- Reference Letter, etc.Â
Financial Requirements
The financial requirement has been updated to match 75% of the national minimum wage. This change helps show the amount of money needed to live reasonably while studying in Australia. The financial requirements after 10 May 2024 for international students is AUD29,710.
How to Apply for an Australian Student VIsa?
As an international student, you should follow some steps to apply for an Australian student visa. Such as-
Letter of Offer
Before accepting the Letter of Offer, read it carefully. It will include details about your course, enrolment conditions, and the fees you’ll need to pay if you accept. Make sure you understand all your rights, including the refund policy. If you don’t start or complete your course, this agreement will decide if you can get a refund on any fees you’ve paid.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document from your school that confirms you’re enrolled in a specific course. You’ll get the CoE after you’ve accepted your Letter of Offer and paid your deposit. You need to include a copy of your CoE in your student visa application to show the Australian Government that you’re officially enrolled in your course.
Proof of English proficiency
Since courses in Australia are taught in English, you might need to provide a certificate from an approved English language test. This certificate will show the Australian Government that your English skills are good enough for your course. Only certain tests are accepted by the Australian Government, but they are available worldwide.
Genuine Student (GS) requirement
The online student visa application form includes a list of questions. Your answers help visa decision makers understand more about you and why you want to study in Australia, which supports the documents you submit with your application.
The questions cover topics like:
- Your current situation, including your family, community, job, and financial ties.
- Why you chose your course and Australia as your study destination.
- How studying this course will benefit you.
- Details of any previous studies in Australia.
- If you have a different visa, explain why you’re now applying for a Student visa.
- Any other information you want to share.
Financial capacity requirement
To get a student visa, you need to show that you have enough money to cover your course costs, travel, and rent. International students must provide proof of at least $29,710. You have different options to show you have the necessary funds. For more details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website and look for the section called ‘Gather your documents’.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
As an international student in Australia, you need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay.
If you don’t show proof of this insurance, your student visa application will be denied.
OSHC helps with:
- Medical or hospital care while you study in Australia,
- Most prescription medicines, and
- Ambulance services in emergencies.
- When you get your health cover, make sure to get an OSHC card too. You’ll use this card for doctor appointments while you’re in Australia. For more details, check our insurance page.
Health requirement
The Australian Government wants all international students to be healthy before coming to the country. So, you might need to have a health check to meet the student visa requirements. You can use the My Health Declaration service to complete any needed health exams before you submit your visa application.
Character requirement
If you want to study in Australia, you must also meet certain character requirements. In your application, you’ll need to answer questions about your character and past behavior. Sometimes, you might also need to provide a police background check.
Apply using ImmiAccount
The Department of Home Affairs website lists all the requirements for a student visa. You can apply online through ImmiAccount.
You don’t need an agent to submit your student visa application. However, if you want professional help with your visa, you should use a registered migration agent or a legal expert.
Only certain people are allowed to give immigration help in Australia. An education agent can help you with choosing your study options, but they cannot legally give you immigration advice unless they are a registered migration agent or a legal expert.
Post Study Work Opportunities in Australia
A post study work visa in Australia is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. It lets you live, work and study in Australia temporarily between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification.
Final Words
Australia is a popular study destination among international students. Australian universities and institutions are known for their high academic standards and excellent teaching. There is a wide range of courses and programs available, so you can find one that fits your interests and career goals. Many student visas allow you to work part-time while studying, which can help with living costs and gain work experience. So, if you want to apply to any top-ranked university in Australia, contact AIMS Education anytime.Â
FAQ
Ans: Government schools (public schools) are free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. However, Catholic and independent schools typically charge fees for attendance.
Ans: There are three popular intakes in Australia. Such as- February Intake, July Intake, November Intake
Ans: The amount of Australian scholarship differs depending on the profile of the student ranging from $2000 to more.
Ans: Engineering, Accountancy, Nursing, Architecture, Computer Science and Engineering, etc. are the popular courses to study in Australia.
Ans: Engineering,IT and Software Engineering, Health and Welfare Support Work,Social Work, Nursing etc. helps students to apply for PR in Australia.Â
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