Australia is a stable, culturally diverse and democratic society with a skilled workforce and a strong, competitive economy. With a population of more than 21 million, Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent. It is the earth's biggest island and the sixth–largest country in the world in land area.
Australia is one of the world's oldest landmasses and has been populated by human beings for an estimated 60 000 years. Before the arrival of European settlers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples inhabited most areas of the continent. Australia's contemporary history is relatively short, with the first European settlement established by Great Britain on 26 January 1788.
Australia is currently the third most popular destination for international students in the English-speaking world, behind the United States and the UK.
Schools and employers all over the world recognize degrees from Australian schools. Graduates from Australian schools are highly sought after due to the impressive international reputation of the Australian education system. This system is carefully regulated by the Australian government in order to maintain the high standards of education associated with the country.
Australia’s standard of living is amongst the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs are considerably lower in Australia than they are in the United States and United Kingdom. International students are able to work part time while they study, allowing them to offset their living costs. There is also the possibility of scholarships, which can help to lower the cost of studying in Australia for international students.
Institutions in Australia offer a wide variety of courses and degrees, so international students can easily find the school and field that are right for them. The first decision international students have to make when choosing a degree program is which type of school is most catered to their needs and interests. Students can choose between universities, vocational education, and English language training. If necessary, it is easy for students to move between one qualification levels and from one institution to another.
One of the most appealing aspect of the country for international students is the quality of scientific research. Australia is at the forefront of new technology and innovations. Students who study in Australia can take advantage the country’s impressive technology and research resources.
Students visiting the country are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while they are studying in Australia. This is a great opportunity for students who want to earn money to help with living expenses during their stay, and for students who want to gain work experience in their field of interest while they study.
Australia offers more than 1,200 institutions and over 22,000 courses, a truly diverse range of study options for its International students. All universities and colleges in Australia that accept international students must be CRICOS registered, to meet the requirements set out in the National Code of Practice which was set up to protect the interests of international students studying on Australian soil.
That is why, as an international student on a student visa, you must study with an institution and in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS registration guarantees that the course and the institution at which you study meet the high standards expected by international students.
Australia provides protection to international students via many consumer protection and support services available for international students. This includes services provided directly by institutions as well as those provided by a range of state, territory and federal government departments.
Regardless of what you are studying or how long you are studying for, Australia’s laws promote quality education and protection for international students. (Read more: Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000, National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007).
Along with the ESOS Act and National Code, other regulatory and quality assurance organisations for higher education and VET institutions are responsible for registration/re-registration of institutions and accreditation/re-accreditation of courses. These organisations are:
The Certificates and Diplomas of Vocational Courses allow the students to enter and leave differeSchool education is similar across all of Australia with only minor variations between states and territories. School education (primary and secondary) is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9 or 10). School education is 13 years and divided into:
Tertiary education includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET).
English is the official language of Australia and the main language of instruction in the education system. Many schools offer bilingual programs or programs in other languages.
The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF was established in 1995 and is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of study to th-e next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life.AQF levels:
| AQF Level | Description summaries | Qualifications | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 10 | Graduates at this level will have systematic and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and specialised research skills for the advancement of learning and/or for professional practice. | Doctoral degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 9 | Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning.s |
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| Level 8 | Graduates at this level will have advanced knowledge and skills for professional/highly skilled work and/or further learning. |
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| Level 7 | Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning. | Bachelor degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 6 | Graduates at this level will have broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and/or further learning |
| 3 to 4 years |
| Level 5 | Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning. | Bachelor degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 4 | Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning. | Bachelor degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 3 | Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning. | Bachelor degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 2 | Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning. | Bachelor degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 1 | Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning. | Bachelor degree | 3 to 4 years |
The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF was established in 1995 and is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of study to th-e next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life.AQF levels:
| AQF Level | Description summaries | Qualifications | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 10 | Graduates at this level will have systematic and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and specialised research skills for the advancement of learning and/or for professional practice. | Doctoral degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 9 | Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning.s |
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| Level 8 | Graduates at this level will have advanced knowledge and skills for professional/highly skilled work and/or further learning. |
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| Level 7 | Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning. | Bachelor degree | 3 to 4 years |
| Level 6 | Graduates at this level will have broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and/or further learning. |
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| Level 5 | Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for skilled/paraprofessional work and/or further learning. | Diploma | 1 to 2 years |
| Level 4 | Graduates at this level will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for specialised and/or skilled work and/or further learning. | Certificate IV | 1 Year |
| Level 3 | Graduates at this level will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for work and/or further learning. | Certificate III | 6 months |
| Level 2 | Graduates at this level will have knowledge and skills for work in a defined context and/or further learning. | Certificate II | Non Ter |
| Level 1 | Graduates at this level will have knowledge and skills for initial work, community involvement and/or further learning. | Certificate I | Non Ter |
Generally, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection requires $18,610 as the minimum cost of living to issue a student visa. Your living expenses in Australia will depend highly on which region you plan to live in. For example, more urbanized areas will have higher costs for accommodation. The type of accommodation is also important. Hostels and guesthouses range from $80 to $135 a week, while shared rentals and on-campus accommodation will cost $70 to $250. More expensive options are homestay ($110 to $270 per week) and rental ($100 to $400 per week).
Aside from accommodation, your weekly expenses will most likely include groceries or eating out ($80 to $200), gas and electricity ($60 to $100), phone and internet ($20 to $50), public transport ($10 to $50) and entertainment ($50 to $100).
Working while you study in Australia can help complement your study and living experience. Most student visas allow you to work for up to 40 hours every two weeks while your course is in session, and unrestricted hours during any scheduled course break, but before you undertake any paid work you need to make sure your visa allows you to work. (Read more Department of Immigration and Border Protection) You will also need to get a tax file number to work in Australia. Visit the Australian Taxation Office website to find out more information on getting a tax file number, as well as information about paying taxes in Australia.
Australia has a wide range of industries and many have part time employment opportunities, including:
If you have existing qualifications and/or professional work experience, you may be able to secure casual or part time work in your field.
Paid or unpaid internships can be a great way to get exposure to the professional, financial and creative industries.
There are many charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) in Australia and they always need volunteers to help out. It can be a great way to meet friends, get some hands on work experience and give back to the community. To find out more about volunteering, start your search at: http://www.govolunteer.com.au
Everyone working in Australia, including international students or those on working holiday visas, have basic rights at work. These rights protect entitlement to:
Read more on your work rights, Fair Work(opens in a new window) website.
International Studenst will need to meet the English language requirement to apply for a student visa. Some student visa applicants may need to provide the results of an English language test with their visa application.
Academic requirements are outlined on each individual certificate, diploma or advanced diploma course page. Your eligibility will be assessed when we receive your complete application. Find out if your qualification meets the international academic entry requirements for a course. View a list of international academic requirements for certificate and diploma courses (PDF, 331 KB).
You will need to provide evidence that you have achieved the following levels of English Language proficiency.
| English Language Examination Method | Result |
| IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score (no band less than) | 5.5 (5.0) |
| TOEFL Internet: Overall score (section score no less than) | 55 (Listening 9, Speaking 16, Reading 10, Writing 18) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score (no section score less than): | Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score (no section score less than): |
| University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Total score of | 47 |
| VU English - EAP (upper intermediate) | VU English - EAP (upper intermediate) |
Entry into undergraduate courses (e.g. bachelor degree) generally requires you to have completed a secondary school qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12.
Find out if your qualification meets the academic entry requirements for a course. View a list of international academic requirements for bachelor courses (PDF, 337 KB).
You will need to provide evidence that you have achieved the following levels of English Language proficiency.
| English language examination method | Result |
| IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score (no band less than) | 6.0 (6.0) |
| TOEFL Internet: Overall score (section score no less than) | 67 (Listening 12, Speaking 18, Reading 15, Writing 21) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score (no section score less than): | 50-57 (50) |
| University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Total score of | 52 |
| VU English - University Preparation UPU (Undergraduate) | Achieved |
| English Language School in Sydney (ELSIS)- EAP 2 (advanced) | English Language School in Sydney (ELSIS)- EAP 2 (advanced) |
In some circumstances we will accept test results from other methods of examination not listed in this table.
Entry into a graduate certificate or graduate diploma generally requires you to have completed an undergraduate qualification that is comparable to an Australian bachelor degree.
Find out if your qualification meets the academic entry requirements for a course. View a list of international academic requirements for graduate certificate, graduate diploma and masters courses (PDF, 264 KB).
You will need to provide evidence that you have achieved the following levels of English language proficiency.
| English language examination method | Result |
| IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score (no band less than) | 6.5 (6.0) |
| TOEFL Internet: Overall score (section score no less than) | 79 (Listening 19, Speaking 19, Reading 18, Writing 22) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score (no section score less than): | 58-64 (50) |
| University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Total score of | 58 |
| VU English - University Preparation UPP (Postgraduate) | Achieved |
| English Language School in Sydney (ELSIS) - EAP 2 (advanced) | A grade |
In some circumstances we will accept test results from other methods of examination not listed in this table.
Entry into a masters degree requires you to have completed an undergraduate qualification that is comparable to an Australian bachelor degree, honours degree or graduate diploma.
Find out if your qualification meets the academic entry requirements for a course. View a list of international academic requirements for graduate certificate, graduate diploma and masters courses (PDF, 264 KB).
You will need to provide evidence that you have achieved the following levels of English language proficiency.
| English language examination method | Result |
| IELTS (academic module): Overall score (no band less than) | 6.5 (6.0) |
| TOEFL Internet: Test score | 79 (Listening 19, Speaking 19, Reading 18, Writing 22) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score (with no section score less than): | 58-64 (50) |
| University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Total score of | 58 |
| VU English - University Preparation UPP (Postgraduate) | Achieved |
| English Language School in Sydney (ELSIS) - EAP 2 (advanced) | A grade |
In some circumstances we will accept test results from other methods of examination not listed in this table.
Entry into a research program requires completion of:
You will need to provide evidence have achieved the following levels of English Language proficiency.
| English language examination method | Result |
| IELTS (academic module): Overall score (no band less than) | 6.5 (6.0) |
| TOEFL Internet: Test score | 79 (Listening 19, Speaking 19, Reading 18, Writing 22) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score (with no section score less than): | 58-64 (50) |
| University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Total score of | 58 |
| VU English - University Preparation UPP (Postgraduate) | Achieved |
| English Language School in Sydney (ELSIS) - EAP 2 (advanced) | A grade |
In some circumstances we will accept test results from other methods of examination not listed in this table.
If you have completed a qualification where English was the primary language of instruction, you may be eligible for an English language exemption. Check our Guide to English Language Requirements (PDF, 123 KB) to find out if you qualify for an exemption
If you fall into one of the following student categories, you are exempt from providing evidence of English language proficiency requirements with your visa application:
Packaging English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) There is no limitation on the maximum duration of ELICOS study that can be undertaken. Genuine students are able to undertake as much ELICOS study as either a standalone course or prior to their principal course, as required.
There are several classes of student visas for Australia - the one you need depends on the type of study (eg: English language course, graduate degree, vocational training,higher education, etc.) you are planning to undertake.
Student visa (subclass 500) If you intend to study in Australia, you will need to apply for the Student visa (subclass 500).
You can apply for the following types of study on this visa:The student visa you need depends on your chosen course of study. As a guide, the typical key requirements you will need to meet are:
As it is a very popular study destination, applying for scholarships in Australia is highly competitive. If you are planning to finance your studies yourself, you should be aware of the costs associated with studying and living in this destination.
As with most other countries, the cost of education in Australia is dependent on the type and duration of your studies.
The list below gives you an indication of the range of course costs for different types of qualifications.
Note: This does not include high value courses such as veterinary and medical. Please visit institution websites directly to see costs for these courses.
The Australian Government and Australian Universities provide a large number of scholarships for international students wanting to study in Australia.
Australia Awards Scholarships, formerly known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), are long term development awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The scholarship benefits generally include: full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), etc.
The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards provide full financial support for international students to undertake a postgraduate qualification at a Masters or PhD level either by coursework or research in any field of study in Australia. The scholarships include tuition fees, travel allowance, establishment allowance, monthly stipend as well as health and travel insurance.
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) The IPRS program enables international students to undertake a postgraduate research qualification in Australia and gain experience with leading Australian researchers. The scholarships are available for a period of two years for a Masters by research degree or three years for a Doctorate by research degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees and health cover costs.
University of Sydney International Research Scholarships The University of Sydney invites candidates who are eligible to undertake a Postgraduate Research Degree or Master’s by Research program at this University to apply for the University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS). The USydIS will cover tuition fees and living allowance for up to three years with a possibility of one semester’s extension for PhD students.
The Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship provides a partial tuition fee scholarship for outstanding students to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Macquarie University North Ryde campus. The scholarship amount is varied up to AUD$10,000.
The Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) was established by the University of Melbourne and is awarded to high achieving domestic and international research students. The benefits of the Melbourne Research Scholarship vary depending on your circumstance and may include one or more of the following: fortnightly living allowance, relocation allowance, paid sick, maternity and parenting leave, full fee remission (international students only) and Overseas Student Health Cover (international students only).
Also see Melbourne International Undergraduate ScholarshipsThe University of Adelaide offers the Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) program to attract high quality international postgraduate students to areas of research strength in the University of Adelaide to support its research effort. The scholarships includes course tuition fees, annual living allowance, and health insurance.
La Trobe’s Academic Excellence Scholarships (AES) are targeted towards high achieving international students from all countries across all of La Trobe’s undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. The scholarship is worth between $10,000 and $20,000 and goes towards tuition fees.
Monash University is offering a number of scholarship programs including the Monash University International Merit Scholarships for outstanding international students who wish to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Monash University. The scholarship is valued at $10,000 for a full time study load, paid per year.
See also Monash University International Leadership Scholarships and Monash International Scholarships for Excellence.
Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (FIPRS) are awarded to suitably qualified applicants to pursue a full-time research higher degree at Flinders University – up to two years for a Research Masters degree and up to three years for a Research Doctorate degree. The scholarship covers the international student tuition fees, living allowance, establishment allowance, relocation costs and airfares.
Reference: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
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