Study in Australia

About Australia

Australia is an attractive study destination for international students because of its globally recognized institutions and high-quality education, accessible student support services, multicultural society, and vibrant lifestyle. According to the Centre for Global Higher Education, it’s the third most popular destination for international students behind the UK and US.

Why Study In Australia?

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 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.

Australian institutions provide a wide range of student support services to help students settle into their new life in Australia.

Australian institutions are committed to providing the skills and experience students need to succeed in the workplace after graduation.

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. There are also opportunities for postgraduate work visas.

International students can enjoy Australia’s vibrant culture and lifestyle during the duration of their studies.

Australians also celebrate a wide variety of holidays from various cultures, such as Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, Christmas, and Easter.

Post-Study work and settlement in Australia.

International students studying in a research-based postgraduate program can work 40 hours over 14 days or a two-week period.

This means that family members who are old enough to work in Australia may work up to 40 hours over 14 days or a 2-week period while the primary student visa holder studies. If family members accompany a researcher or PhD student, they’re able to work an unlimited number of hours per week.

The Post-Study Work stream is a Temporary Graduate visa that allows eligible students to live, study, and work in Australia for two to four years after their graduation, depending on their education and work experience.

According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, students need to meet the following requirements to apply:

Be under 50 years of age
Hold an eligible visa
Have held a student visa in the last six months
Have a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course
Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants when they apply
Provide evidence they’ve applied for an AFP check when they apply
Provide evidence of the required level of English with the application

The Post-Study Work stream visa also allows students’ families to accompany them for the additional two to four years of post-study work experience.

International students can take a few different paths to permanent residency after graduation, but the first step is expressing interest in permanent residency through Australia’s SkillSelect migration program.

International students have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online SkillSelect portal. The Expression of Interest must include the following information:

All personal information
The visa type they’re interested in
Education and qualification details
Their nominated occupation
A skill assessment of their nominated occupation
Employment history
English language proficiency

After completing an Expression of Interest through the Skill Select online portal, applicants are invited to apply for a relevant permanent residency visa based on Australia’s immigration points test.

Australia’s points test is a system used to evaluate applicants’ suitability for permanent residence in Australia.

Applicants must receive 65 points or over after submitting their EOI to be invited to apply for any relevant visa. Points are awarded for meeting certain criteria in the following categories:

Age
English language proficiency
Skilled employment
Qualifications
Australian study
Partner’s skills, employment, qualifications, and Australian study

Each category has specific point allocations, and some categories allocate more points based on a range of criteria. For example, applicants aged 18–24 receive 25 points in this category, while applicants aged 45 receive no points in this category. If an applicant is invited to apply for a permanent residency visa, they must do so through the SkillSelect portal within 60 days of receiving their application.

Applicants’ EOIs remain on the SkillSelect database for two years, so if an applicant doesn’t initially receive an invitation, they’re able to update their EOI as their circumstances change to increase their chances of receiving an invitation.

The Skilled Independent visa allows applicants with skills Australia needs to live, work, and study anywhere in the country. To be invited to apply for this visa, applicants must be under 45, have an occupation listed on the Australian skilled occupation list, and score at least 65 points based on their EOI. Skilled independent visa holders may sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence, and if eligible, apply to become an Australian citizen.

Course to study in the Australia

Australian Education System K-12

• Primary school includes Foundation Year to Year Six or Seven and focuses on providing students with solid knowledge and skills in eight key subject areas.
• Secondary school includes Year Seven or Eight to Year Ten, where they’ll take a year of general studies followed by two to three years of core subjects and elective subjects.
• Senior secondary school provides a broad range of subjects and focuses on preparing students for tertiary education.

Levels of Post-Secondary Education

Tertiary education in Australia is divided into two sectors:
1. Vocational and Education Training (VET): Certificate I (AQF Level 1), Certificate II (AQF Level 2), Certificate III (AQF Level 3), Certificate IV (AQF Level 4)
2. Higher education (including universities)

AQF Level 5: Diploma courses are applied academic courses and prepare students for paraprofessional work (eg. an assistant to a professional such as a teacher or doctor). These courses are usually one to two years of full-time study.

AQF Level 6: Advanced diploma courses prepare students for paraprofessional, advanced skilled work, or further study. Students gain broad theoretical and technical knowledge in a specialization, or a broad field of work and study.

AQF Level 6: Associate degrees prepare students for paraprofessional work or further study. An associate degree is more academically focused, whereas advanced diplomas emphasize vocational or specific occupational skills.

AQF Level 7: Bachelor’s degree courses include developing knowledge and skills in one or more specializations. Courses focus on critical analysis skills, research, problem-solving techniques, and knowledge development.

AQF Level 8: A bachelor’s honors degree focuses on many of the same learning outcomes as a bachelor’s degree, but has additional requirements. A research thesis or significant project is required, which is usually completed during an additional year of specialized study and research after a bachelor’s degree. It could also be taken as a four-year integrated course.

Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8)

Graduate certificate courses are for professional or highly skilled work, or further specialized learning.

Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8)

Graduate diploma courses also prepare students for professional work, highly skilled work, or further study. The difference between a graduate certificate and a graduate diploma is that a diploma covers a wider breadth of knowledge in a field compared to a certificate.

Master’s Degree (AQF Level 9)

There are three types of master’s degrees that students can earn in Australia: research, coursework, and extended. Most master’s degrees take one or two years of full-time study after the completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10)

Doctorate degrees are the highest level of academic achievement. These courses focus on a critical understanding of complex fields of study and highly specialized research skills. Students undertake research that contributes to new knowledge in their field of study or adds new adaptation, application, and interpretation to existing knowledge.

Type of Qualification	Approximate Tuition Fee Range(AUD)
K-12 School	$8,000-$30,000
English Language Studies	Approx. $15,000 depending on length
VET(Cert. l-IV, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas)	$4,000-$22,000
Bachelor's Degree	$20,000-$45,000*
Master's Degree	$22,000-$50,000*
Doctoral Degree	$18,000-$42,000*

According to the Australian Government, the average cost of living for an international student is A$21,041 per year.

Application Deadline & Admission Requirement

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.

The exact application deadlines vary among institutions and by course because each institution has its own admission cycle. Also, students must ensure they have enough time to apply for their visa.

While requirements vary, students generally need to receive the following scores to gain admission into most universities and VET institutions:

Again, students should always check with the institution about course requirements to determine which English language test they should take and what score they’ll need to meet the minimum conditions.

Scholarships and financial support

There are many external scholarship opportunities available to international students. Here are some examples:

The Australia Awards are a group of long-term scholarships awarded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Department of Education, and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

The Destination Australia Program is a government-funded scholarship program that helps post-secondary institutions fund scholarships for studies in regional Australia.

This government-funded scholarship program supports both domestic and overseas students undertaking research doctorate and research master’s degrees. Applications for these scholarships are made directly to a participating university.

What you will need when applying to an Australia university or college for visa?

Admission into undergraduate studies at an Australian university typically depends on a student’s ATAR score. Only students who graduate from an Australian secondary school receive an ATAR score, so most international students don’t have these scores. Instead, institutions generally have a process for converting international grades to an equivalent score.

Australian universities and other higher education institutions also use the GTE assessment to decide if the student’s chosen course matches their future career plans, previous studies, language proficiency, and documented financial capabilities.

Financial Evidence

Students should be prepared to provide the following documents to prove they have access to sufficient funds:

Financial sponsorship declarations
Financial statements from each sponsor, including proof of fund letters from each bank
Proof of fixed deposits
Proof of employment letters and pay slips
Evidence of bank loans or scholarships

Statement of Purpose:

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is an important part of the GTE assessment and admissions process. The SOP substantiates a student’s intention to travel to Australia temporarily with the primary purpose of gaining a quality education.

The SOP should describe a student’s background, current study plans, and future career aspirations. Supporting documents are also required to affirm the student’s claims in the SOP. For example, if a student has a study gap of one year due to health issues, their application must include a medical certificate for that same period.

Australian schools pay close attention to information in the SOP when deciding whether to admit a student. The answers the student gives in their GTE interview and questionnaire must be consistent with their SOP for the best chance of admission and visa approval.

When writing an SOP, students should cover the following topics:

Education history and explanation for gaps in previous studies
Why they chose Australia for their studies, and why they chose their particular course
Prove they understand the cost of studying in Australia, and explain how they'll fund their studies
Current employment, and potential employment in their home country after graduation: Students can work in Australia depending on their post-study work permits, but they also must prove they have career options for when they return to their home country
Evidence of bank loans or scholarships
The value of the chosen course and how it'll improve the student's circumstances in their home country or country of residence: The course should upgrade their skills (someone with a master's degree, shouldn't be applying to a bachelor's program)
Situations in their home country or country of residence (the reasons for not studying there, and their ties that support their intention to return including evidence of financial, family, or social ties to show they have significant incentives to return home)
Immigration history

Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on which school and course the student is applying to, they may be required to submit additional documents supporting their application, such as portfolios, reference letters, and personal essays.

If the school and course the student is applying for require any supporting documents with their application, it’s important that these documents are complete and included with the application. Students should always check course admission requirements to make sure they prepare and submit all required supporting documents.

Additional Supporting Documents

GTE Interview

Some Australian institutions conduct a virtual GTE interview with the student, during which the school’s Admission Officer asks a series of questions to make sure the applicant is in compliance with the GTE criteria.

Other institutions email the student a link to complete an online GTE questionnaire instead, and some require students to do both. The interview is assessed in combination with the student’s SOP, the circumstances in their home country, and their potential circumstances in Australia.

Students may be interviewed again by immigration during the visa application process.

Each post-secondary institution and program has its own admission requirements, so universities assess international applications based on the following:

An Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or equivalent
Minimum academic requirements, including completion of any prerequisite courses
A resume or CV (usually mandatory for students with major study gaps or mature students who require supporting documentation detailing their activities between work and study periods)
English language requirements
Supporting documents such as personal essays or reference letters
A Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Assessment

Academic record
English language requirement
Supporting document
GTE Assessment
Reference letter
Personal statement or essay
Academic portfolio
Research proposal

Students applying for a professional degree, such as a professional law degree (JD), medical degree (MD), or Master of Business Administration (MBA), usually have to take one or more of the following admissions tests:

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):

The GMAT is a common admission test for students who are entering an MBA or other business graduate program. The exam assesses students’ general verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE):

The GRE measures a student’s ability to succeed in graduate-level studies.

The GRE is rarely required for Australian graduate courses, but there are a few cases where universities require the GRE for admission, such as certain MBA programs.

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT):

The LSAT is a requirement for any students planning on entering law school. The LSAT often carries a lot of weight for most admissions offices

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT):

The LSAT is a requirement for any students planning on entering law school. The LSAT often carries a lot of weight for most admissions offices

Dental Admission Test (DAT):

The DAT is an admission test for students wishing to enter a dental education program.

While requirements vary, students generally need to receive the following scores to gain admission into most universities and VET institutions:

How to Apply for a Student Visa

Australian Government Department of Home Affairs immigration and citizenship website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on immigration and visa requirements for studying in Australia.

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.

All international students are required to have OSHC. Students must have and maintain adequate health insurance for their entire stay in Australia.

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.

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.

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.

Steps Required For The Visa Process

Students can apply for their student visa online from inside or outside Australia. The following is a brief overview of the visa application process.

Students can enter all their personal information and set up a username and password. The student’s ImmiAccount can be used to manage their visa application and receive any updates regarding their application.

Students will need to upload all required documents as indicated on the application form. Documents should be uploaded in PDF or photo format. All documents should be clear and readable.

The visa application fee is approximately A$620. Students can pay online through their ImmiAccount with a credit card, PayPal, BPAY, or UnionPay. The visa application can’t be processed until it has been paid for.

Students should apply for their student visa well in advance of their course start date. Visa application processing times can vary. It can take 30 days to three months to process a visa application depending on the country the student is coming from, as well as the course and education sector they’re applying to.

Travelling to a new country to study can be overwhelming, but students don’t have to travel alone. Students may be eligible to bring their dependents with them.

In Australia, spouses, partners, and unmarried children under the age of 18 are eligible for dependent student visas. Children over 18 need to apply for their own visa

INSTITUTES IN Australia

University	University Name	Apply Now
	AIBI Higher Education	Apply Now label
	National Academy of Professional Studies	Apply Now label
	Southern Cross University	Apply Now label
	Lincoln University	Apply Now label