Oceania · English
Study in Australia
World-class universities, outdoor lifestyle, and strong post-study pathways
University intakes
February (main) and July
Degree length (UG)
3–4 years
Academic year
February–November
QS World Top 100
~7 Australian universities (Group of Eight)
International students
Over 600,000 enrolled
Post-study work
Subclass 485: 2–4 years
Overview: studying in Australia
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, particularly from Asia and South Asia. It has a strong university sector, a globally recognised qualification framework, and clear post-study work pathways through the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). Australia's eight Group of Eight universities are among the world's best, and its cities consistently rank highly for quality of life.
Pros and cons
Advantages of studying in Australia
- ✓Strong university sector, especially Group of Eight institutions
- ✓Clear post-study work pathways through the 485 visa
- ✓High quality of life and personal safety
- ✓English-medium instruction
- ✓Multicultural society — large Indian, Chinese, and South Asian student communities
- ✓Good part-time work opportunities during studies
Things to consider
- –High cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne
- –Tuition fees are high and degree length is longer than UK (3–4 years)
- –Distance from Middle East, Europe, and South Asia (long travel times)
- –Post-study work visa rules have changed multiple times — check current conditions
- –Pathway to permanent residency is competitive and skills-based
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
A$20,000–A$50,000AUD/yr
Per year. Engineering, medicine, and business are at the higher end. Typical arts and social science degrees range A$20,000–A$33,000/year.
Postgraduate / Master's
A$22,000–A$55,000AUD/yr
Per year. MBA and specialist degrees in medicine, dentistry, and law are typically A$40,000–A$55,000+.
MBA (total programme)
A$45,000–A$90,000AUD
Total programme cost. Group of Eight MBA programmes typically A$60,000–A$90,000.
Cost of living in Australia
Estimated monthly costs — Sydney
A$1,800–A$2,800AUD/month
Includes: Accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal costs
Melbourne is comparable to Sydney. Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are typically less expensive. DIAC guidance suggests budgeting at least A$21,041/year for living expenses (sole student).
Australia student visa: Student Visa (subclass 500)
Processing time
4–8 weeks (can vary significantly by country)
Key requirements:
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution registered on the CRICOS
Genuine Student requirement (GS) — demonstrating genuine intent to study
Evidence of financial capacity (tuition + living costs for the study period)
English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
Valid passport
Character and health requirements
Australia replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement in 2024. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic
6.0–7.0 overall for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
TOEFL iBT
60–100 iBT depending on institution and course
Exemptions
Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and some other countries may be exempt. Check with your specific institution.
PTE Academic is widely accepted across Australian universities. Individual institutions and courses set their own minimum requirements.
Work rights
During study
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time; unlimited during scheduled course breaks
After graduation
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): 2–4 years depending on qualification and study location. Separate streams for recent graduates and skills shortage occupations.
The length of the 485 visa was increased in 2023. Students who study and graduate in regional areas may be eligible for longer post-study work periods. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current conditions.
Top student cities in Australia
Sydney
Largest city, University of Sydney, UNSW; highest cost of living
Melbourne
Cultural capital, University of Melbourne, Monash; strong graduate market
Brisbane
University of Queensland, QUT; lower costs, warmer climate
Perth
University of Western Australia, Curtin; more affordable, regional benefits
Adelaide
University of Adelaide; most affordable major city, quieter lifestyle
Popular subjects
Practical information
Healthcare
Student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their visa. OSHC is arranged through your university or directly with a registered insurer before you travel. It covers GP visits, hospital care, and some specialist services.
Accommodation
University-managed halls are available, particularly in first year, but demand is high. Private rental, shared houses, and purpose-built student accommodation are common. Weekly rents in Sydney range from approximately A$300–A$600+ for shared accommodation.
Part-time work
Students on a subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time. Many students work in hospitality, retail, and professional roles. The national minimum wage is relatively high, which can help offset living costs.
How to apply to study in Australia
Research universities and courses — apply directly to each institution
Submit academic transcripts, English test scores, personal statement, and references
Receive an offer letter from the university
Accept the offer, pay the deposit, and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500) via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website
Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Prepare for travel and orientation
Scholarships for international students in Australia
Australia Awards
Australian Government scholarships for students from eligible developing countries — fully funded
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries (mostly Asia-Pacific and Africa). Check ausaid.gov.au for the eligible country list.
Visit official website →Research Training Programme (RTP)
Government-funded scholarships for international research students (PhD and Master's by Research)
Eligibility: Applicants must apply through the university. Based on academic merit.
Visit official website →University scholarships
Most Group of Eight and other universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students
Eligibility: Varies by institution. Check individual university international scholarships pages.
Visit official website →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Australia?
Undergraduate tuition typically ranges A$20,000–A$50,000 AUD per year. Per year. Engineering, medicine, and business are at the higher end. Typical arts and social science degrees range A$20,000–A$33,000/year.
What is the visa process for studying in Australia?
You will need a Student Visa (subclass 500). Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks (can vary significantly by country). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution registered on the CRICOS; Genuine Student requirement (GS) — demonstrating genuine intent to study; Evidence of financial capacity (tuition + living costs for the study period). Australia replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement in 2024. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current requirements.
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time; unlimited during scheduled course breaks
What are the post-study work options in Australia?
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): 2–4 years depending on qualification and study location. Separate streams for recent graduates and skills shortage occupations.
What IELTS score do I need to study in Australia?
6.0–7.0 overall for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. PTE Academic is widely accepted across Australian universities. Individual institutions and courses set their own minimum requirements.
Also considering the UK?
The UK has 3-year degrees, a 2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route), and 90+ universities. Co Lab Education returns 50%+ of agent commission back to you as an education grant.