Australia is beyond the vibrant cities, offering the best education experience to students. Renowned universities, including the prestigious Group of Eight institutions and members of the Australian Technology Network, consistently rank high globally for research and teaching. Studying in Australia allows you to combine academic excellence with an unforgettable adventure.
Top 10 universities in Australia for Sri Lankan students
According to the QS World Rankings 2024, below are the top 10 universities in Australia for Sri Lankan Students:
Sr. No. | University | Global rank |
|---|---|---|
1 | The University of Melbourne | 14 |
2 | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 19 |
2 | 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 |
9 | University of Technology Sydney | 90 |
10 | Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia) | 130 |
Admission requirements for universities in Australia
To study in Australia as an international student, you must meet the following admission requirements:
Academic Records: Secondary and higher secondary certificates and transcripts (mark sheets or report cards) of final exams. If necessary, marks should be converted to Australia's grading system.
English Language Proficiency: IELTS scores are required for most courses, and GMAT scores are necessary for MBA programs. Minimum score requirements vary by institution.
Work Experience: For MBA or doctoral programs, work experience certificates detailing key responsibilities and positions are often required. A comprehensive CV is also mandatory.
Statement of Purpose: This is a personal essay outlining career goals, interests, extracurricular activities, reasons for choosing the particular course, and how the student will manage financially during their stay in Australia.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from individuals who know the student academically or professionally, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and potential for success in the chosen field.
English proficiency test requirements to study at Australian universities
Since Australia is an English-speaking country, you must give proof of English language proficiency by appearing for tests such as IELTS. IELTS for Australia is among the most preferred English language proficiency tests by over 35 lakh students. Over 1,000 universities in Australia accept IELTS.
To obtain admission at an Australian university, you must achieve a minimum IELTS band score of 5.5 in all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your IELTS scores can also help accelerate your Australian student visa application process.
Scholarships for international students to study in Australian universities
The following are the scholarships available for International students to study in Australia:
S.no. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP) | This scholarship supports domestic and international students pursuing research doctorates and master's degrees in Australia. It covers tuition fees and health insurance and provides a stipend of $34,000 per year (paid fortnightly). |
2 | Australia Awards Scholarship | Sponsored by the Department of Education, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), this program aims to offer students from developing regions the chance to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate programs at participating universities in Australia, as well as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and other related costs for two years. |
3 | Destination Australia scholarship | This scholarship is designed to incentivise international students to pursue studies in regional Australia, thereby strengthening the development of tertiary education providers in those areas and enriching the learning experience for students. Each scholarship is valued at $15,000 annually, with an additional $1,500 provided for promotional and administrative assistance. Funding is renewable each year, contingent upon continued eligibility, for a maximum duration of four years. |
4 | John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) | This program offers scientists from partner countries involved in Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) projects the chance to pursue postgraduate qualifications at Australian tertiary institutions. It provides annual scholarships for PhD and master’s degrees to agricultural researchers and is managed through the Australia Awards system. |
Career opportunities post-study in Australia
As an international student in Australia, you can work part-time on a student visa for up to 40 hours every two weeks. Following are the fields that you can opt for part-time in:
On Campus: Various job opportunities are available, including roles such as barista, library assistant, campus tour guide, and research assistant.
Retail: Both small and large retail establishments require staff, with students often comprising a significant portion of their workforce.
Hospitality: Employment opportunities can be found in restaurants, bars, hotels, multiplexes, and takeaway stores.
Tutoring: If you possess relevant qualifications or professional experience, you can secure casual or part-time work in tutoring.
Office Jobs: Some students may find office-based roles such as administrative assistant, marketing/sales intern, social media intern, designer, or developer.
Freelancing: Freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Peopleperhour, and Guru offer opportunities for those with skills in writing, design, coding, accounting, or admin support.
Miscellaneous: Other job options include babysitting, pet care, running errands, driving, farming, and fruit picking.
Volunteering: Many charities and NGOs in Australia require volunteers to provide a chance to make friends, gain practical experience, and contribute to the community.
If you intend to work in Australia after completing your studies, you must obtain a new visa. Graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree may qualify for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
Alternatively, your new employer can sponsor you for a new visa. It is advisable to consult your workplace's Human Resources or Recruitment department to explore this possibility. If you do not have an employer to sponsor you and wish to pursue a long-term career in Australia, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Summary
Australia has recently become the most preferred study destination for international students. Its world-class universities, flexible intakes, diverse student body, and better job prospects make it the best choice for Sri Lankan students to study abroad.