Australia offers various opportunities to pursue a high-quality education or enhance professional growth. Whether you want to pursue an MBA, an engineering course, humanities or an English language course, studying in Australia is recognised for its excellent academic standards, vibrant student life, and comprehensive support for international learners.
As one of the top destinations for education, studying in Australia appeals to international students due to its quality education, diverse programs, and post-study work benefits. Studying in Australia gives you access to over 22,000 courses across 1,100 universities and institutions, enables you to achieve globally recognised degrees, has several scholarship options, and receives instruction from some of the world’s best professors.
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Benefits of Studying in Australia for International Students
There are several reasons to study in Australia for international students. One of the main factors includes cost-effective education, with over 1,00,000 scholarships available to help students financially. Additionally, there are several other benefits of studying in Australia, including:
Globally recognised qualifications: The higher education qualifications provided in Australia are widely acknowledged and accepted globally.
Emphasis on practical experience: Many courses in Australia encourage students to gain hands-on experience while studying, fostering valuable professional skills.
Internship and job opportunities: All Australian universities offer internship and full-time job opportunities through dedicated job portals, facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce.
Flexible work permissions: International students in Australia are allowed to work part-time for more than 40 hours per fortnight; during holidays, full-time work is also permitted.
Job market growth: With 64,000+ jobs created every 6-7 months, study in Australia leads to strong employment prospects post-graduation.
English Language Requirements to Study in Australia
To study in Australia, it is mandatory to demonstrate proficiency in English. IELTS is a widely accepted test, recognised by more than 1,000 universities across the country. It remains the preferred English language proficiency test for those planning to study in Australia.
A minimum overall IELTS band score of 5.5 in each section is required for a student visa. Additionally, IELTS One Skill Retake enables test takers to improve a single skill without retaking the full test.
Popular Courses to Study in Australia
Here are some of the most sought-after programs among international students who choose to study in Australia:
Engineering
Business Analytics
MBA (Masters of Business Administration)
Life Sciences
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Social Sciences
Medicine
Top 8 Universities to Study in Australia
Australian universities provide innovation, creativity and independent thinking opportunities to their students. International students enrolled in the Australian educational experience discover it is challenging but also enjoyable and fulfilling. Below are some leading universities to study in Australia:
S.no | Institution | QS Ranking 2024 (Globally) |
|---|---|---|
1 | The University of Melbourne | 14 |
2 | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 19 |
3 | The University of Sydney | 19 |
4 | Australian National University (ANU) | 34 |
5 | Monash University | 42 |
6 | The University of Queensland | 43 |
7 | The University of Western Australia | 72 |
8 | The University of Adelaide | 89 |
Scholarships to Study in Australia
Several scholarships are available to help international students financially as they study in Australia:
S.No. | Name of the scholarships | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP) | Funded by the Australian Government, this scholarship covers a student’s tuition fee and health insurance for up to 3 years. It Supports a student’s Research Doctorate and Research Master’s degree. |
2 | Australia Awards | Funded by the Department of Education, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). It provides students from developing regions an opportunity to pursue their UG/PG program at participating universities in Australia and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. |
3 | Destination Australia | This scholarship encourages international students to study in regional Australia to regionally develop tertiary education providers in Australia and provide a learning experience to its students. |
4 | John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) | This scholarship provides scientists from partner countries engaged in the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) research projects with the opportunity to obtain postgraduate qualifications at Australian tertiary institutions. |
Cost to Study in Australia
The cost of studying in Australia depends on the chosen qualification and the university or school selected. Veterinary and medical degrees incur significantly higher expenses than other fields of study. On average, tuition fees at Australian tertiary institutions fall within the range of AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 per year.
S.no. | Australia Study Program | Average fees in AUD |
|---|---|---|
1 | School | $7,800 to $30,000 annually |
2 | English language studies | $350-450 weekly (depends on the course length) |
3 | Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) | $4000 - $22,000 annually |
4 | Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree | $15,000 - $35,000 annually |
5 | Postgraduate Master’s Degree | $20,000 - $42,000 annually |
6 | Doctoral Degree | $20,000 - $42,000 annually |
Generally, humanities, arts, and education courses are more affordable. In contrast, subjects like medicine and engineering are a bit expensive. At the postgraduate level, tuition fees are typically elevated, and the overall cost of studying in Australia varies based on the specific program selected.
Post-Study Job Opportunities in Australia
Students who study in Australia can take on part-time work during their studies (up to 40 hours per fortnight) and full-time during breaks. Typical jobs include:
Tuition teachers
Retail salespersons
Administrative or hospitality staff in hotels or restaurants
Clerical positions
In contrast to some other English-speaking countries, holding a student visa in Australia does not automatically grant the right to stay and work in the country after completing your degree. The student visa allows temporary entry for study, expecting the individual to depart upon completing the course and before the visa expires. However, Australia maintains a demand for foreign workers, and graduates who have earned a degree in the country can apply for a specific work visa category.
Additionally, various visa categories are available for international students, and Australia offers a straightforward pathway to permanent residency through a points system. To remain and work in Australia after graduation, one must apply for and obtain a separate work visa.
Work Visa Options Post-Study
Here are some visa categories available for students who study in Australia and wish to stay for work:
Visa Category | Description |
|---|---|
485 Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa | The 485 visa is the primary choice for international students post-graduation. This visa permits an 18-month stay in Australia exclusively to acquire work experience, provided the individual has completed at least two years of study there. |
402 Training and Research Visa | An alternative for international students, the 442 visa allows individuals to enhance their work skills for up to two years, facilitated through employer sponsorship. |
487 Regional Sponsored Visa | This visa offers a route to permanent residency, enabling you to work for three years in a specialised regional area. |
887 Skilled Regional Residence Visa | The 887 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to permanently live and work in Australia. To be eligible, you must have resided in Australia for a minimum of two years, possess one year of work experience, and accumulate the required points. |
885 Skilled Independent Residence Visa | The 885 visa affords you the status of a permanent resident, allowing you to live and work without the sponsorship requirement. |
886 Skilled Sponsor Resident Visa | The 886 visa enables international students to seek permanent residency and employment with an employer's sponsorship. |
International students can apply for the Temporary Graduate 485 (subclass) visa upon graduating from Australian universities. This visa allows students to temporarily reside and work in Australia, ranging from two to four years. Specific rules and eligibility criteria govern the application for this Post-Study Work (PSW) visa in Australia, including
Applicants must be below 50 years
The first student visa should have been applied for and granted on or after 5 November 2011
The student visa should have been held six months before applying for the Temporary Graduate 485 visa
The Temporary Graduate 485 (subclass) visa cost in Australia is AUD 1,895, and students can include their family members by submitting a separate application for them.
Conclusion
Australia continues to be a prime destination for international students aiming to study in Australia and expand their global academic exposure. With excellent education standards, diverse programs, and ample post-study opportunities, choosing to study in Australia can be a life-changing decision.
IELTS plays a crucial role in securing admission and visa approvals for students planning to study in Australia. Make sure to check university-specific requirements and prepare a strong application that includes academic credentials, financial proof, and English proficiency.