Dream of many international students — Study in Australia, for quality education, international exposure and career opportunities. With world-class universities, cost-effective living as compared to the Western countries, and multicultural cities, Australia has emerged as one of the favorite study destinations.
If you’re considering studying in Australia from overseas, from eligibility and visa information to costs, scholarships and what one does after graduation, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide.
Why Opt for Australia to Study?
Australia boasts no less than 8 of the top 100 universities in the world and offers thousands of courses in many top-quality institutions in science, technology, business, arts and health. Here are some of the reasons why Australia is popular with international students:
- Globally recognized degrees and qualifications.
- Reasonable fees compared to USA & UK.
- Job prospects during and after study.
- Safe, inclusive, multicultural environment that is welcoming.
- Funding options for international students.
- State-of-the-art research laboratories and industry focused courses.
Favourite Australian Courses For International Students
The right course can make all the difference. Here are some popular choices of study for international students:
- Business & Management
- Information Technology & Computer Science
- Engineering & Technology
- Nursing & Healthcare
- Education & Teaching
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Environmental Science & Agriculture
- Arts & Humanities
These programs are not only academically strong but also provide excellent employability in Australia and internationally.
Criteria to Study in Australia
To study in Australia as an overseas student there are a few prerequisites:
- Eligible Degrees – For Undergraduate Courses: High school diploma. For Postgraduate Courses: Bachelor’s degree.
- English Language Proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL or PTE score (minimum 6.0 IELTS for most programs).
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) – Evidence of being a genuine overseas student who plans to temporarily stay in Australia.
- Financial statement – Proof of sufficient funds for tuition fees, living costs and return travel.
- Health Insurance (OSHC) – Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory.
Step-by-Step Admission Process in Australia
- Research and Select Courses/Universities – Select courses according to your career objectives.
- Check Entry Criteria – Review academic requirements and required English scores.
- Prepare Documents – Transcripts, SOP, LORs, passport and test scores.
- Apply Online – Most institutions allow direct online application or through agents.
- Receive Offer Letter – Conditional/unconditional offer if selected.
- Pay Tuition Deposit – Confirm your seat by paying part of the tuition fees.
- Apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Post CoE, apply for your visa.
How to Apply for Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Subclass 500 Visa allows international students to carry out full-time studies in Australia.
Requirements for Student Visa:
- Evidence of enrolment (CoE) from a recognized institution.
- Proof of sufficient funds (around AUD 21,000 per year including tuition and living costs).
- Health insurance (OSHC).
- English language proficiency certificate.
- Valid passport and recent photographs.
Visa Processing Time: 4 – 8 weeks on average.
Cost of Studying in Australia
It varies both according to the course and the university. On average:
- Bachelor Courses: AUD 20,000 – 45,000 per year
- Postgraduate Courses: AUD 22,000 – 50,000 per year
- Cost of Living: AUD 21,000 – 25,000 per year
💡 Tip: Life in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne is more expensive than in Adelaide, Brisbane or Perth.
Scholarships for International Students
Australia provides a large number of scholarship opportunities to help reduce financial burden:
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Destination Australia Program
- Research Training Program (RTP)
- University-specific scholarships (Melbourne, Sydney, Monash, etc.)
- Private and government-funded scholarships
Scholarships may include tuition fees, living allowance, and travel fare depending on the program.
Work Opportunities While Studying
International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours every 2 weeks (20–24 hours per week) during semesters and full-time during holiday periods. Common part-time jobs include:
- Retail and hospitality
- Tutoring or teaching assistant roles
- Administrative work
- Internships in professional fields
💡 This helps students gain experience and manage living costs.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Australia
After completing your course, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to work in Australia for 2–6 years, depending on your qualification.
High-demand fields such as IT, Engineering, Nursing and Healthcare offer excellent opportunities for employment and even permanent residency pathways.
Living and Studying in Australia
Australia is considered one of the safest countries with modern cities and high quality of life. Students enjoy:
- Multicultural environment and global networking opportunities.
- Affordable public transport and student discounts.
- A balance of academics and leisure (beaches, outdoor lifestyle, sports).
- Strong student support services from universities and associations.
Advice to Prepare for Relocating to Australia
- Apply for admission and visa early.
- Improve English communication skills.
- Prepare financial documents in advance.
- Explore housing options (on-campus, hostels, homestay, or rental).
- Join student groups online before arrival.
Conclusion
Education in Australia for international students is a life-changing opportunity that provides access to some of the world’s best universities, global exposure and career opportunities. Whether it’s selecting the right course and applying for admission or getting the right visa and work options, everything comes down to proper planning.
If you are serious about building a successful international career, then Australia is one of the best options. With affordable education, plenty of scholarships, and strong post-study work opportunities, it offers everything an international student could wish for.