Complete guide to studying in Australia
Everything you need to know about becoming an international student in Australia
Five top reasons to study in Australia
- Unrivalled quality of life in a safe welcoming country with great healthcare
- World class education system with many prestigious universities
- Varied warm climates throughout the country, with some areas offering almost year round sunshine
- Stunning natural scenery to enjoy, going to the beach is a way of life for many
- Study your university degree in English
A quick introduction to Australia
Australia is the country that consists of the mainland of the continent of Australia, as well as the island of Tasmania. It is located completely in the southern hemisphere, and straddles both the Indian and the South Pacific oceans. Australia’s closest neighbours are the countries of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
International students find Australia a very attractive destination for their studies, and there are currently over 700,000 international students based in the country. Students from all over the world make up this student population, with large numbers of students coming from the countries of China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Vietnam, Colombia, Thailand and Pakistan.
The popularity of Australia as a place to study abroad is down to its excellent quality of life, with above average levels of education, employment and health as shown in the OECD better life index ranking metrics.
The higher education sector is world class, with many Australian universities regularly featuring among the very best in the world in respected university ranking tables.
The country is also incredibly diverse, with a rich history of migration, as well as the world’s oldest continuous living culture in the First Nations people.
Australia’s higher education system
The majority of the 42 universities in Australia are public universities. There are 37 public research universities, which receive their funding from the government.
Of the 5 private universities in Australia, 3 are Australian, including Bond University and Avondale University, whilst 2 are international universities.
The Australian population is mainly concentrated in coastal regions around the country, and this is reflected in the location of Australia’s universities, with many located in the eastern states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It’s also useful to note that universities will typically have more than one campus location in the country.
The first universities were established in Australia from 1850 onward, with The University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne and the University of South Australia among the first formed in the country.
University education in Australia follows the 3-cycle system like universities in Europe. This means that universities offer bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees.
Group of 8 universities
You might have heard about the Ivy league group of universities in the USA or the Russell group in the UK, and Australia has a similar group of universities known as the Group of 8, often shortened to Go8.
This group comprises 8 of the most prestigious universities in Australia, who share a particular focus on producing high quality research output, and studying at one of these universities guarantees access to expert tuition and cutting edge facilities.
The member universities of the Go8 in Australia include:
- Australian National University
- Monash University
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
- University of New South Wales
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University rankings
If you are at the stage of choosing a university for your studies, it is worthwhile considering university ranking tables as part of your decision making process.
They are useful methods of comparing the relative strengths of universities, and use metrics that are relevant to you as an international student, such as the reputation of teachers, quality of research facilities and the ratio of staff to students.
The quality of Australian universities is reflected in their performance across well known world university ranking systems, with the top 15 universities shown in the table below:
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| University of Melbourne | 37 | 27 | 13 |
| Monash University | 54 | 35 | 37 |
| The University of Sydney | 60 | 29 | 18 |
| Australian National University | 67 | 85 | 30 |
| The University of Queensland | 70 | 41 | 40 |
| UNSW Sydney | 84 | 36 | 19 |
| University of Adelaide | 111 | 92 | 82 |
| The University of Western Australia | 143 | 91 | 77 |
| University of Technology Sydney | 148 | 85 | 88 |
| Macquarie University | 180 | 192 | 133 |
| Queensland University of Technology | 199 | 184 | 213 |
| Curtin University | 201-250 | 164 | 174 |
| University of Newcastle | 201-250 | 235 | 179 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | 201-250 | 142 | 291 |
| University of Wollongong | 201-250 | 204 | 167 |
Climate
If you haven’t visited Australia before, you are likely to imagine that it is a country that enjoys a lot of sunshine. And this is true. However, Australia has a vast and varied landscape and weather conditions do vary significantly between regions and the time of year.
The location and size of Australia means that its northern areas are nearer to the equator, and experience warm and humid tropical climates. Its southern areas experience cooler, more temperate climates.
Towards the center of the country, the landscape is largely desert, and experiences dry and hot weather. As you move towards the coast, temperatures become more moderate due to the influence of the ocean.
The eastern side of Australia experiences more rainfall than the western side, in part due to the Great Dividing Range, a giant and sprawling collection of spectacular hills, mountain ranges and high plains.
Most of the country enjoys 4 separate seasons, so you will still notice discernible differences between spring, summer, autumn and winter.
The north east state of Queensland enjoys generally warm and sunny weather, with the wet season in the north bringing warm rains during the summer months from November to April.
South of Queensland in the state of New South Wales, offers a mixture of hot summers of over 40 degree celsius (104 fahrenheit) towards the west, while closer to the coast you will experience summer temperatures between 20 – 30 degree celsius (68 – 86 degrees fahrenheit). Winters can get quite chilly, with temperatures touching freezing.
The state of Western Australia covers a large land mass, much of which is desert. In the coastal regions, of which Perth is by far the most populous city, summers tend to be hot and sunny, albeit slightly cooler than in New South Wales.
Towards the middle of the country in the state of South Australia, there is less rainfall and less humidity. Coastal regions (Adelaide is by far the largest city in this state) get plenty of sunshine and winter temperatures are fairly mild.
Lifestyle and Welfare
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Australia is excellent, and Australian citizens enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world as a result.
For international students it is a requirement to secure Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) that covers the entire duration of your studies in Australia.
This insurance in its cheapest, basic form, gives you access to general practitioners (GPs), hospital treatments, ambulances if required and some pharmaceuticals. You can also purchase additional private cover or extended OSHC cover to items such as dental care.
OSHC is a well regulated system and you have a choice of only six health insurance providers that are registered to provide OSHC in Australia. Policies will be priced similarly between these providers, and you should expect to pay around $400 (USD) per year for your cover.
This makes healthcare in Australia one of the cheapest options compared to most other countries in the world for international students.
Safety
Australia is a very safe and welcoming destination for international students.
The Global Peace Index ranks Australia as the 19th most peaceful nation in the world, making it among the most peaceful countries in the world to live while you study.
Australian society has a long history of immigration, and as such it is very multicultural. In a recent study, 80% of immigrants to the country said that they were made to feel welcome. There is a generally welcoming attitude towards visitors from abroad in the country, and with many international students moving to Australia every year, you will find it easy to fit in and make friends with your peers.
Leisure
With many cities located on the coast in Australia, heading to the beach is a popular pastime for many in Australia, and the country has some of the finest and most recognized beaches in the world to enjoy, including national favorites such as Whitehaven on Whitsunday Island, Squeaky Beach in Victoria, and Bondi beach, the home of beach culture in Sydney.
If you enjoy sport you are in luck, as watching and taking part in sport is one of the most popular pastimes in Australia. The most popular sport in Australia is Australian rules football, which is usually called footy, football or Aussie rules by the locals.
Australia has a long tradition of participation in sports, and many other sports have high participation numbers including netball, soccer, rugby, cricket and basketball.
Getting involved in your choice of sport in a local club is a great way to get active and involved with your local community, and is sure to help you make some friends along the way.
Hiking is a popular way of exploring the wonderful scenery that Australia has to offer, and is an inexpensive way to stay fit and meet people. You should consider joining local walking groups, which will give you the added benefit of walking with people who know where they are going!
Food
With such a multicultural society, Australia has something for everyone when it comes to food. In the summertime, having a barbecue is a favorite way for locals to get together and enjoy cooking outdoors and sharing time together.
There are many top class restaurants to explore if that is what interests you, though as a student there are lots of options to suit a smaller budget.
Top of the list of local delicacies that should be tried whilst studying in Australia is Vegemite on toast. Vegemite (like the UK version named Marmite), is a savory spread made from yeast extract which is a byproduct of the brewing industry. We recommend trying it thinly spread on toast, and persisting with it if you don’t like it straightaway.
Also popular and very much worth trying are:
- Lamingtons, a sponge cake wrapped in chocolate and dusted with coconut
- Chicken Parmigiana (also known simply as Parm), breaded chicken fried and topped with cheese
- Tim Tams, a biscuity sweet treat, wrapped in chocolate (which may or may not be a copy of the UK’s Penguin bar)
- Meat pies and sausage rolls, both of which involve tasty flaky pastry and a meat filling
- Bundaberg Ginger Beer, an alcohol free brew which is sweet with a nice warm ginger kick
Australia also boasts a strong coffee culture, and there are plentiful cafes in which you can sample the perfect brew. Locals are very particular about their coffee, and you might find that after going back home, coffee just won’t taste as good.
Transport
Students in Australia have plenty of transport options for getting around the city or doing a little exploration between their studies, with a well developed and efficient public transport system.
Depending on where you live, buses, trains and subways all make good options. We recommend using mobile phone apps such as NextThere, which keep track of buses and trains using GPS to help you plan your routes.
Cycling is also a popular cost-saving option, but note that bicycle helmets are mandatory in Australia. Make sure to follow this rule when riding a bike, or you could face a fine of up to $344 (AUD), depending on state.
The Australian states and cities offer different payment options for public transport, such as the Opal card which is used in NSW, and the Myki card which is used in Melbourne.
If you want to do a bit of exploring during your studies, Australia is so vast that visiting a different region can feel a little bit like visiting a different country. The quickest way to travel across Australia is by flying, and there are domestic airlines in Australia that cater to these internal flights.
Language
The main language used in Australia is English, though as a result of immigration to the country, there are over 5 million people who use a language other than English at home.
You should ensure that your English language skills are of a sufficient level to both meet university entrance requirements, but also to get by in day-to-day life, such as asking directions, ordering food and having basic conversations.
There are also over 100 indigenous languages used in the nation by First Nations people, which can be studied at university level.
University cities
Australia has some of the best cities in which to live and study in the world, offering security, a high quality of life and some wonderful nature to explore. Here are some of our recommendations to consider:
Melbourne
Located on the coast of south east of Australia, Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria. It is a celebrated city, ranked as 5th best student city in the world by the QS rankings.
Students enjoy studying in Melbourne due to the excellent transport system, busy metropolitan lifestyle with many cultural experiences on offer, excellent healthcare facilities and top ranked universities. There is a large international student community in Melbourne, with over 235,000 international students located in the city in 2023.
Universities in Melbourne include the University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Monash University and Swinburne University of Technology.
Brisbane
The capital city of the state of Queensland, Brisbane is located in the central western coast of Australia. It has the river Brisbane flowing through the city, which is excellent for water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding, and also several sun drenched beaches.
As well as being a perfect city for soaking up culture and arts, Brisbane is a great base to explore, at an hour’s drive away from the beaches and surf of the Gold coast to the south, which is a popular destination for tourists. And a one hour drive to the north are the beautiful beaches and national parks of the Sunshine coast.
There are two universities located in the city of Brisbane, The University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, both of which are very prestigious institutions. There are also several campuses of other universities based in Brisbane, including CQUniversity, James Cook University and Griffith University.
Sydney
Sydney is the beautiful capital city of the south-east state of New South Wales and is the most populous city in Australia. There is so much to see and do for international students in Sydney, from its famous harbor and opera house, to its beaches and restaurants and thriving cultural scene.
The top ranking universities located in Sydney include the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney, all of which are prestigious public universities.
Sydney is also a great base for international students to explore Australia, as a hub for cheap domestic flights.
Living costs and rental prices are higher in Sydney in comparison to smaller cities in the country.
Adelaide
Located on the southern coast of the state of South Australia, Adelaide is an attractive place to live and study thanks to its abundance of natural parks, accessibility and ease of navigation, beaches and friendly atmosphere, and is rated as one of the world’s most livable cities.
Noticeably smaller in size than Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide would suit you if you value a little more space and time to enjoy exploring what the area has to offer.
Rent is cheaper than in larger Australian cities, but do be aware that utilities, particularly electricity, are more expensive in Adelaide.
There are three public universities and one private university for international students to choose from in Adelaide:
- Flinders University
- University of Adelaide
- University of South Australia
- Torrens University (private)
Perth
Perth is the capital city of the state of Western Australia, and is the states biggest city by far, with a population of over 2 million people. Compared to Australian cities on the east coast of the country, Perth offers more consistent sunshine and lower rainfall in the summer.
Living costs and rent are cheaper in Perth than in bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, so if you are on a student budget, it will stretch further here. And there is plenty to see and do in the city, with a growing cultural scene and beautiful beaches on your doorstep.
There are five universities located in Perth, offering plenty of choice and making it an attractive destination for students:
- Curtin University
- Edith Cowan University
- Murdoch University
- University of Western Australia
- University of Notre Dame (Perth Campus, Private University)
Canberra
Canberra is the capital of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), inland from the coast and roughly in between the major cities of Sydney and Melbourne. This was by design, as Canberra was picked to be the location of Australia’s capital in the early 20th century as a compromise for inhabitants of both of these major cities.
Often affectionately named the bush capital due to the city’s vast natural surroundings, Canberra offers international students a different type of experience to the coastal cities, for example, Kangaroos can often be spotted on campus at the University of Canberra. It is also a great location for hiking and exploring nature.
There is world class education available for international students in Canberra, with two of the top ranking universities including the Australian National University and the University of Canberra.
Student visas
International students who want to study in Australia will need to obtain a valid student visa. This is called a Student visa (Subclass 500), and allows you to study for up to 5 years in Australia.
Costs of studying
Course fees
As part of your university application process, you will need to be able to provide evidence that you can cover your tuition fees. These can vary depending on your choice of course and university:
- Tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree can cost between AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year (USD 13,250 – USD 30,000)
- Tuition fees for a masters degree can cost between AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per year (USD 13,250 – USD 33,000)
Living costs
Accommodation costs and availability vary depending on the region in which you will be living. Rent is more expensive in highly populated cities like Melbourne and Sydney, and cheaper in cities like Perth and Adelaide.
To cover all your living costs, the Australian Department of home affairs recommends that you budget around AUD 30,000 for 12 months studying, which would cover costs such as your:
- Accommodation/rent
- Food
- Transport
- Utilities, such electricity and gas bills
- Socializing and entertainment
- Flights back to your home country
Scholarships
To help you meet financial requirements, you might consider applying for a scholarship to study in Australia.
The Australian government website has a list of scholarships to get your started, which include:
- The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
- Australia for ASEAN scholarships
- Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
There are also regional scholarships for international students in Australia, such as the Western Australian scholarships.
There are also many scholarships provided by individual universities, so we recommend that you check websites of your chosen institution to find more opportunities for a scholarship.
What can I study?
Universities in Australia cater for every subject that you could want to study. From Business, to Agriculture, Arts, Technology, there will be a degree course for you.
In terms of timescales, the time it takes to complete your degree in Australia are as follows:
- Bachelors degrees generally take 3 years of full time study to complete (8 units per year)
- Masters degrees take between 1-2 years of full time study to complete
Entry requirements
Grades
Entry requirements to study at an Australian university vary depending on your course and university.
In general, you will be expected to have achieved the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 qualification to enroll directly into a bachelor’s degree.
There are many international qualifications that meet this requirement, such as A-levels in the UK and Singapore, Year 12 in Vietnam and the International Baccalaureate exam. Your chosen university will be able to advise on the exact requirements.
To be considered for entry to a masters degree in Australia, you will usually be required to have obtained a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Study in English
If English is your second language, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency as part of your university application. Australian universities accept the following qualifications:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
If you took your (TOEFL iBT) between between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024, you will need to provide alternative test results, as the test offered during this period is not accepted as part of Australian student visa applications.
How do I apply?
To apply to an Australian university as an international student, you apply directly to your chosen institution either online or by post, at which point you will also need to supply any requested documentation.
If your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of offer from your university. To formalize things from there, you would accept your offer and then arrange your OSHC and make your initial tuition fee payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to study in Australia?
All universities charge international students tuition fees in Australia. There are several scholarships available to international students to help with these fees.
Am I allowed to work while I study?
Yes, your student visa allows you to work unlimited hours during university work breaks, and up to 48 hours over a two week period during your studies.
Can I stay in Australia after I graduate?
There are a few ways to extend your stay in Australia after you graduate:
- Apply for a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, which allows you stay in Australia temporarily to live and work
- Start further studies, and apply for a new student visa to cover this new period of studies
You may even wish to move to Australia permanently, in which case you can explore Australia’s permanent migration programme