Australia is a global leader for education, and a popular study destination for international students. The country is incredibly diverse, with its rich history founded on its Aboriginal heritage and vibrant blend of cultures.
Australia has a strong and consistent reputation for education across the world. They have one of the world’s highest percentages of higher education qualified population, and continue to record high literacy and education rates. Australia is also proud of its contribution to important global research, and has the Group of Eight Universities, which are 8 prestigious research-focused universities.
For more information about the best universities in Australia, see our Top 10 Universities in Australia article.
As well as being renowned for its academic excellence, Australia also offers a fantastic life outside of the classroom to any international student. The country is welcoming and inclusive, and has a consistently high standard of living. This combined with the unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes offers students an opportunity to experience something completely new.
There are many incredible cities across Australia, and all have their own individual offerings for international students to enjoy. These include the capital city Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
Considering Australia as an international student, but still have your options open? Why not take a look at our Canada vs Australia article to weigh up two of the most popular options.
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Can I study for free in Australia?
Higher education in Australia is not state-subsidised, and is split into public and private. As an international student, you will be required to pay tuition fees, although these will be lower at public universities than at private universities.
Can I study in Australia as an international student?
International students have long been welcome at universities in Australia. As English is the national language in Australia, nearly all courses are delivered in English. You will need to obtain a student visa in order to study in Australia, which normally allows you to stay for up to 5 years. Once you have completed your studies, you will need to get a new visa in order to stay in Australia for work. For more information about this, as well as permanent residency, see our Australian Student Visas guide.
Can I work whilst studying in Australia as an international student?
Your work and study options will depend on where you are from. As an international student, the general rule is that you will be able to get a part time job and work in Australia for around 20 hours per week during term time, this allowance might increase outside of term time. Your visa will likely dictate how many hours you can work. It is also possible for international students to get post graduate jobs in their field of study, depending on their visa.
Applying to an Australian university as an international student is either done by a study abroad agent, or by sending your application directly to each university. You will most likely have to pay an application fee for each university, which can vary.
Common entry requirements for universities in Australia include:
More information about applying to universities in Australia can be found on our Degrees and Masters in Australia pages.
Whilst education in Australia is on the more expensive side, this shouldn’t put international students off. Tuition fees are set by each university, so can vary quite a lot, depending on your level of study and the university you choose.
On average, a bachelors degree can cost between AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year for international students. A masters degree can cost from AUD 22,000 to over AUD 50,000 annually. Specialised courses, such as veterinary science or medicine can cost even more.
If the cost of studying abroad in Australia seems restrictive, you should consider researching financial assistance. You might be eligible for a scholarship or grant, which can help to make studying in Australia more accessible and affordable for you. For more information about scholarships, you can check out the Study in Australia Scholarships page on the Australian Government's study website.
Another cost you need to consider is living expenses. The cost of living in Australia can be quite high compared to other countries, and it significantly varies from city to city. Here are some of the general costs you need to take into account:
Outside of these costs, you might also want to budget for additional expenses, such as books and study materials, a mobile phone plan, and any leisure expenses.
As an international student, it is mandatory to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost of OSHC can vary depending on the provider and the length of your stay, but generally, it ranges from AUD 438 to AUD 606 per year for singles coverage.
There are only a few places that sell recognised OSHC plans, so ensure that you are purchasing your cover from a reputable provider. The best place to check for more information about which providers are registered, as well as to get further information about OSHC, is the Australian Government Private Health website.
If you are an international student who wants to study in Australia, you will need to obtain a valid student visa. This is called a ‘Subclass 500’ visa, which lasts for 5 years. For more information about Australian student visas and how to apply, see our Australian Student Visa Guide.
Although Australia has no official language, its national language is English. You will also hear a variety of different languages being spoken throughout the country.
Most courses are taught in English, and it is likely that you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as part of the entry requirements. The level of language proficiency will depend on where you choose to study. If you do not meet the required standard for you course, it is common for universities to offer English language courses to help you improve.
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