Why study in Australia?
Australia is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international students. It has an excellent higher education system and highly ranked institutions that award globally recognized qualifications. Students can receive a world-renowned education in Australia while enjoying the beautiful beaches, mountain landscapes, and vibrant city life.
Why study in Australia?
Get a World-Class Education
Australia is known for having an outstanding higher education system. In most fields, Australian qualifications are recognized by employers and academics around the world.
Australian institutions offer premium training and research facilities, have knowledgeable and passionate lecturers, and are consistently ranked in the top 100 global university rankings. With over 22,000 courses and 1,100 higher education institutions across the country, students are sure to find something that suits their study goals and professional aspirations.
Higher education institutions in Australia are regulated by the Australian Government and undergo formal quality assurance audits to ensure students receive the best university experience. Also, Australia has a long history of world-class research and development. Graduates from Australian universities contributed to the invention of WiFi, penicillin, black box flight recorders, and the Earth Hour initiative.
The Australian government funds programs to connect Australian students and researchers from around the world to create a new wave of practical and applied research.
High-Standard of Living and Safety
Australian cities are consistently ranked as some of the most desirable places to live in the world. According to the QS Best Student Cities 2019 rankings, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast are all in the top 100 student cities. These cities also have some of the lowest crime rates in the world.
As a technologically advanced country, Australia stands well above international averages for its quality of education, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, and government services.
Accessible Student Support Services
Australian institutions provide a wide range of student support services to help students settle into their new life in Australia. Students have access to on-campus services such as orientation programs, counselling, health and wellbeing support, academic and English language assistance, career advice, and student associations.
The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) is a national student association that supports the necessities and concerns of international students studying at the postgraduate and undergraduate level, a private college, an English language course, or a foundation course.
Many cities and towns also have dedicated off-campus support centres for international students. These centres offer practical advice and support for things like legal rights, childcare, skills training, and social opportunities to meet local and other international students.
The Australian Government also has laws and services in place to support international students and ensure they receive a high-quality study abroad experience, including the Overseas Student Ombudsman, the Australian Consumer Law, and the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).
Get Work Experience While Studying
Australian institutions are committed to providing the skills and experience students need to succeed in the workplace after graduation. Many Australian degree programs and vocational courses include internships or work experience programs, so students can gain hands-on experience and grow their professional network while they’re studying.
International students are allowed to work up to 40 hours over 14 days or a two-week period during the semester and full-time during semester breaks. This is a great way for students to find work related to their field of study or part-time work to help fund their education and lifestyle in Australia. There are also opportunities for postgraduate work visas.
Vibrant Lifestyle
International students can enjoy Australia’s vibrant culture and lifestyle during the duration of their studies. Australia offers a unique mix of big city life and thriving regional centres as well as lots of green space and amazing landscapes. Students can experience surfing at world famous beaches, hiking in national parks, do some shopping, and revel in the exciting nightlife in Australia’s city centres.
Australia is also a welcoming and multicultural society where approximately 30% of Australians were born overseas. The top five countries Australians have come from are the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, India, and the Philippines. There are people from different cultures around the world in Australia, so students will feel comfortable and welcomed.
Australians also celebrate a wide variety of holidays from various cultures, such as Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, Christmas, and Easter.
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Top Course to Study in Australia
Australian Universities have some of the highest rankings globally, with seven institutions currently in the top 100 world-wide. International graduates are highly sought-after and employable both in Australia, as well as globally post study.
If you want permanent residency after obtaining your degree, then your chances will be increased if you get a qualification that is in demand. The top ten degrees that international students study in Australia are a mix of skills that will help them gain employment and increase chances of successful immigration.
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Accountancy
An accountancy degree opens up a huge range of options, both for specialisation with further study options and for employment. They are roles that are in demand at present, with tax and management accountancy roles are both listed on the trade shortage list.
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Actuarial Science
This specialised science assesses risks in financial, insurance and other sectors. Using mathematical and statistical methods, predictions can be made to assess the likelihood that transactions or certain people will be fraudulent.
From there, mitigation and management of the situation can be taken to remove or minimize risks. With the rise in machine learning, this industry is becoming more popular as industries like banking, finance, insurance, and pension schemes take advantage of the benefits.
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Agricultural sciences
Part of the STEM career pathway, agricultural sciences have many career options. Forestry, agricultural, farming and agronomist careers all take this degree and ensure the crops we plant are the best ones, and that humans have food sources going into the future.
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Architecture
It’s an industry that is being challenged and changed by environmental needs. Accounting for sun, rain, wind and designing homes and businesses that are energy efficient and have minimal impact on the landscape is incredibly important. Architecture, both commercial and residential, is a career option that’s in demand in Australia.
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Biomedical engineering
This is the intersection of engineering, healthcare, biology and medicine. It takes the principles of engineering and basics from science to create systems, devices and equipment that solve human problems.
It’s a highly challenging field that aims to help with both diagnostics and treatment of disease, but also rehabilitation and injury management. For a talented person with in depth knowledge of human biology and engineering, this field of work could be an excellent career move.
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Core engineering
The human population is growing, and technology grows with it. Engineering means that structures are sustainable, infrastructure reliable, transportation designed for minimal environmental impact while being suitable for the purposes, and energy resources are used correctly. It’s a massive area of study which allows students to specialise in areas of interest and develop in areas of skill shortages. In Australia, there are a shortage of chemical engineers, electrical engineers, electronic and communication engineers, and mechanical and industrial engineers.
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Earth sciences
Australia is rich in mineral resources and as result there is a need for mining, metallurgy, oil, geology and gas specialists. Coal, gas, uranium, natural gas, and a range of minerals are all present in Australia and how to extract these with minimal environmental impact is becoming a growing concern.
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Computer science and information technology
Software and computer science engineers are in demand, both in Australia and world-wide. With the explosion of AI, the possibilities and growth potential for those in this field are rich. Specialising in areas such as machine learning, data management and banking give great career outcomes.
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Psychology
Another broad field, the study of human behaviour and mind can be applied to a range of careers. In Australia, the skills shortage list includes clinical psychologists, educational psychologists, organisational psychologists and psychotherapists. The intersection of psychology and machine learning has interesting prospects as well.
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Tourism and hospitality management
With breath-taking scenery and an array of things to do, there is a large tourism industry in Australia. People come from all over the world to laze on white sandy beaches, explore vast deserts, indulge in everything that metropolitan cities offer, and try to see some of Australia’s unique wildlife.
The Australian tourism industry, as a result, is struggling to fill roles, with many restaurants and cafes understaffed and trained, qualified skilled staff needed in accommodation and hospitality manager roles.
Career Opportunities in Australia
International students can already live and work Down Under after graduating thanks to Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), also known as a post-study work visa.
Now, graduates in areas of verified skill shortages will see these visa durations increase:
- From two years to four years(select bachelor’s degrees)
- From three years to five years(select master’s degrees)
- From four years to six years(select PhDs)
These two-year extensions give qualifying student graduates more time to work in their field and launch their career.
The Australian Government is also investing A$36.1 million in visa processing to support higher demand and reduce visa delays. This is a great demonstration of the country’s commitment to its international students.
If you’re planning to study and work in engineering, nursing, technology, or any of the careers included on Australia’s Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, now’s the time. Apply to study at top institutions in Australia
Education Costs in Australia
Though a worthwhile long-term investment, international education can be expensive. Being aware of all living expenses and budgeting accurately is critical to ensure students will have the financial means to complete their education.
Tuition Fees
The cost of studying in Australia varies by institution and level of study. According to the Government of Australia, annual tuition fees for different types of qualifications are:
| Type of Qualification | Range of Annual Tuition Costs (AUD) |
| School | $8,000–$30,000 |
| English Language Studies | Approximately $15,000 (depending on course length) |
| Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma) | $4,000–$22,000 |
| Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree | $20,000–$45,000* |
| Postgraduate Master’s Degree | $22,000–$50,000* |
| Doctoral Degree | $18,000–$42,000* |
*Does not include professional designation courses, such as veterinary and medical.
Top Scholarships in Australia
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) – 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.
Applications for the 2010 ALA intake open on 10 March 2010 and close 30 June 2010 for commencement at an Australian university in January 2011. Application forms and details about the scheme can be found at www.australiaawards.gov.au .
ALA scholarships will be allocated equitably between men and women.
All enquiries should be directed to:
ala@ausaid.gov.au
Endeavour 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
The 2011 round is now open and will close on 31 July 2010.
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.
Choosing a University and Course to Study in Australia
- The first step that you take towards turning your dream of studying in the Australia into reality is to shortlist the best universities and courses. Ask yourself the question, “What do I want to study in the Australia?” Australian Universities have some of the highest rankings globally, with seven institutions currently in the top 100 world-wide. International graduates are highly sought-after and employable both in Australia, as well as globally post study
- After you have shortlisted the courses you would like to pursue, start looking for the best universities for the same.
After shortlisting your favourite courses and universities, you must check the eligibility requirements and documents required.
Proof of English Proficiency
Most Australian universities and VET institutions teach all programs in English, so students need to meet certain English language proficiency requirements to make sure they succeed during their studies.
Students also need to meet certain English language requirements to receive a student visa. English language tests accepted for visa applications and commonly recognized by Australian universities and VET institutions include the following:
Application Procedure in Australia
All international students wishing to study at an Australian K–12 school must have a valid 500 or 571 student visa, and they must adhere to their visa conditions while studying
Besides holding a valid student visa, international students generally need the following documents and test scores to enroll in an Australian K–12 school:
- A valid passport.
- Certified copies of the students’ report cards from the last two years.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) documents. Every international student studying in Australia must get this health coverage,which covers basic medical and hospital costs.
- Accommodation and financial details including method of payment for tuition.
- Evidence of English proficiencyincluding English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or other) or evidence of studying at a school where all subjects are taught in English for at least two years.
- Certified English translations of all supporting documents.
- Application for a Commonwealth Register of Institutions andCourses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registered school.
- All international students applying for undergraduate studies at an Australian university must have completed their home country’s equivalent of the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (the equivalent of Australia’s Year Twelve).
- Students can visit the National Office of Overseas Skill Recognition (NOOSR)website to determine the acceptance of overseas qualifications and skills.
- To ensure the best chance of admission, international students also need to meet certain academic performance requirements based on the institution and program they’re applying for. Australia doesn’t have a national grading system, so each institution may use a different grading scale to assess academic performance.
- Depending on the program, students may need prerequisites for admission into certain university courses.
- For example, a senior secondary school graduate applying for an undergraduate course in neuroscience will need high grades in certain Year Twelve courses such as biology and chemistry. In some cases, mature students over the age of 25 may be admitted to certain courses if they have relevant work experience equivalent to prerequisite courses or Year Twelve education.
- Australian institutions accept admission applications multiple times a year. Most institutions have two or more terms in a year and accept new students each term. Major intakes occur in February and July, and a few universities also offer intakes in October or November.
- Please see the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs immigration website for current waiting periods.
- Some institutions have specific intake deadlines, so be sure to check out the deadline details on each of their admissions pages. Like application deadlines, application processing times vary among institutions and from course to course.
- Courses that have a higher demand have quicker application deadlines, while other courses remain open until they fill up. In general, the final application deadlines are roughly two months before the start of the academic term.
- Depending on the institution, course, and intake date the student is applying for, Australian institutions may send a decision letter anywhere from two weeks to two months from the time they receive the student’s application.
- During this waiting period, students will be required to complete their GTE assessment after submitting their application, and they may have to attend an interview with a school representative.
Education System in Australia
Australia has an exceedingly developed education system that offers students a wide variety of educational institutions, engaging learning environments, highly qualified teachers, and specialized programs.
The Australian education system is funded and regulated across all of its states and territories and includes primary, secondary (including senior secondary), and tertiary (or post-secondary) education. Each state and territory government has its own education department responsible for education policies, funding, and curriculum.
State and territory governments are also responsible for course accreditation as well as assessing and certifying students from publicly funded schools after graduation. The Australian federal government provides additional funding and analyzes current national school policies in an effort to achieve a more cohesive and consistent education system across the country.
There are many types of schools for students from kindergarten to Year Twelve (K–12) in Australia. They can study at government (public) schools, or non-government schools, such as faith-based schools or private institutions, as well as Montessori or Steiner schools whose curriculum is based on experiential learning and encouraging children how to connect with their environment.
Primary and secondary education is mandatory for all Australian children until age 16 and lasts thirteen years from preparatory school, or kindergarten, to senior secondary school.
Young children aged three to five may go to preschool, but it’s not compulsory. Preschool prepares young children for success in their primary education years.
Primary and secondary education begins in late January or early February and ends around mid-December, depending on the state or territory. Most schools have three to four terms or semesters per year with time off after each term.
Students in all Australian schools learn in an engaging, versatile environment that adheres to high-educational standards.
While curriculum may be slightly different depending on the type of school, all Australian teachers use a variety of teaching methods to encourage active learning.
Australian students graduate from the Australian K–12 system in Year Twelve of senior secondary school around the age of 16 or 17. Graduation is an exciting time for Year Twelve students because many are preparing for tertiary education or employment.
The majority of Year Twelve students work towards their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score up until their graduation. Along with the student’s graduation certificate, their ATAR scores are required to access Australian tertiary education.
ATAR Scores
ATAR scores are required to access Australian tertiary education. A high ATAR score makes a student’s tertiary education application more competitive because all Australian public universities use this score for undergraduate admissions.
These scores are calculated by determining a student’s performance relative to all other students ages 16–20 in their graduating year. Students receive a percentile ranking from 0.00 to 99.95 to indicate their overall position.
While ATAR scores are calculated and reported by each individual state or territory, the value of ATAR scores are standardized across regions. For example, universities recognize that a 98 from NSW and a 98 from Tasmania represent the same competency levels.
The post-secondary education system, also known as tertiary education in Australia, is made up of universities, Vocational Education Training (VET), and other higher education institutions that award Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualifications.
Academic programs are sometimes called courses. Australian institutions offer a wide range of courses, such as arts, humanities, law, commerce, science, engineering, and more.
Australia has a national regulatory agency for higher education. The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) was established by the Australian Government to monitor and regulate higher education providers against a set of standards established by the Higher Education Standards Panel.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) make it easy to compare higher education institutions based on surveys completed by current and former domestic and international students.
In addition, international students’ rights are protected by law under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislation. This law supports the following:
- The well-being of all international students
- The quality of students’ educational experience
- The provision of accurate and up-to-date information
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The AQF is a national policy that covers qualifications from higher education, VET, and the school-leaving certificate (the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education).
- AQF qualifications focus on flexible learning, achieving specific learning outcomes, and helping students prepare for further study or entering the workforce. There are 10 AQF levels that link school, vocational, and university education qualifications into one system.
- An AQF level refers to the complexity, breadth, and depth of the set learning outcomes. General learning outcomes include knowledge, skills, and application of knowledge and skills. This system allows students to move easily from one level of study to the next and transfer between institutions.
Each qualification type will also have a volume of learning, which is the number of years of full-time study it takes to earn the qualification. AQF qualifications are quality assured and accredited by TEQSA and ASQA.
The provision of accurate and up-to-date information
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
The Australian post-secondary education system is regulated by the Australian Government and independent agencies for higher education. This ensures that students, teachers, governments, and employers have confidence in the quality and integrity of qualifications that can be earned in Australia.
The two main accreditation agencies are as follows:Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
- Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)TEQSA is responsible for regulating and overseeing Australian universities. All organizations that offer higher education qualifications in Australia must be registered with TEQSA. TEQSA ensures that universities are meeting the Higher Education Standards Framework set by the Australian Government. Universities also must have their courses accredited by TEQSA before they’re made available to students.
- Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)ASQA is responsible for regulating VET courses and training providers. ASQA registers and accredits VET courses to ensure that nationally approved standards are met. ASQA also regulates English language courses. Their primary goal is to ensure that training providers equip students with the key competencies, skills, and knowledge they need to be successful.
Australia Student Visa
International students need a student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. Student visas may be issued for the length of a course, or up to five years.
Once students receive their Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), they can enroll in an eligible course of study, travel in and out of Australia, and work up to 40 hours over a two-week period once their course starts.
The Australian academic year runs from February to November. If a student’s course finishes in November, they’ll usually be granted a visa that expires on March 15 of the following year. For example, the initial student visa is valid for the length of the course plus about three months. If it’s a two-year course, the visa would be valid for two years. In terms of an extension, if a student’s course finishes in November 2021, the visa would expire March 15 2022.
Students will have to submit a number of supporting documents in order to apply for their student visa. They should use the Document Checklist tool on the Department of Home Affairs website because requirements may vary depending on the student’s home country and institution they’re applying to.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- All international students are required to have OSHC. Students must have and maintain adequate health insurance for their entire stay in Australia. This is health insurance that includes basic health coverage for visiting the doctor, some hospital treatments, an ambulance, and limited prescription medication.
- OSHC can be purchased from the student’s school or directly from one of the five approved providers: Australian Health Management, BUPA Australia, Medibank Private, Allianz Global Assistance, or nib OSHC.
Passport/Proof of Identity
- Students will need a valid passport to apply for their student visa. They should also include their driver’s licence, national identity card, or birth certificate if they have it.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
- International students have to show they intend on staying temporarily in Australia for educational purposes.
- The GTE is a questionnaire that’s sent by the institution as part of the visa application process. It’s important that this questionnaire is filled out by the student. The GTE must be completed before students can accept their offer of admission.
For more information about the GTE requirement, students should visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Students will need a Confirmation of Enrolment letter or Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) to enroll in any course.
- A CoE is issued by the education provider and confirms the student’s enrollment in a specific program, and the study duration.
- Students will need the unique CoE number on the top of the document for their visa application. Students must have a CoE before the visa can be issued.