Studying in Australia as an international student

Studying in Australia: the process

How to apply to study in Australia

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when you apply to study abroad in Australia. Instead, you will need to apply directly to your chosen institution online. Entry requirements vary at different universities, so we always recommend checking all of the details at that particular institution before you start your application.

However, there are some standard requirements that can be applied to just about any university that acts as a good starting point. This includes:

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Ability to speak English and understand the tuition language

• International student health insurance

• Certification of relevant academic achievements

Again, the exact process of applying to study will depend on your university of choice and different courses may have additional steps to follow. In the main, you can expect the below stages:

1. Submit an application form to the university

2. Wait to receive a Letter of Offer and an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment

3. Apply for a student visa

Student visas

Everybody that applies will need a visa to study in Australia. Once obtained, you will be able to study for up to five years at a recognised higher education institution of your choice. Each applicant is different, therefore the requirements and process will vary for everyone. Make sure you take a look at the Australian government’s student visa finder tool to see exactly what you will need.

To get started, in most cases, you’ll have to:

• Provide evidence that you have been accepted onto a course at an eligible education institution

• Submit information about your living and welfare arrangements

• Purchase adequate health insurance

• Be able to speak English

• Prove that you do not have a substantial criminal record

If there’s a change in your circumstances at all during the application process, then it’s incredibly important that you tell your chosen institution. Failure to do so could lead to your visa being revoked and having to restart the application process to study in Australia. If you’re already in the country when you apply, it’s also likely that you will be requested to leave.

The cost of studying in Australia

The cost of studying in Australia is one of the highest in the world, both in terms of course fees and living costs. However, tuition fees will vary depending on several factors: where you’re applying from and the type of education institution – public or private. So course fees may not prove to be quite as costly as you first anticipate. As a rough guide, an international student can expect to pay between:

• $15,000 and $33,000 for an undergraduate bachelor's degree

• $20,000 and $37,000 for a master’s degree

• $14,000 and $37,000 for a doctoral degree

These are only estimates, so make sure you visit the respective website for each institution you want to apply to, and take a look at individual course fees.

There may also be opportunities to apply for an international scholarship or other similar schemes, which could help to fund your studies, if you need additional financial support. Some of the big scholarship programmes available to international students include:

• Australia Awards – scholarships administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

• Destination Australia – funds eligible to tertiary education providers so they can offer scholarships to international students studying in regional Australia.

• Australian Government Research Training Program – scholarships available for all academic fields and majors to undertake postgraduate degree programs.

Another cost-saving measure would be to take on part-time work while you study abroad in Australia. You’re allowed to work up to 40 hours across each two-week period, if you are studying for an undergraduate degree, and unlimited hours if you are doing a master's or doctoral degree.

It’s important to remember you will also need to pay for health insurance, which can prove rather costly. You can find out more information about policies and prices by visiting the Overseas Student Health Cover website.

In terms of living costs, how much you need to budget will entirely depend on your own spending patterns, the city you live in, accommodation type and other similar factors.

However, it’s worth remembering the cost of living in Australia is high, so as a student you’re likely to be on a pretty tight budget. Depending on your home country, returning during holidays and for emergencies can be incredibly expensive, as flights to and from Australia can be pricey.

Types of courses and institutions

Australian institutions offer a variety of courses across the majority of academic fields. Whether you’re looking for science, humanities, law or any other courses, you’re likely to find it. Australian institutions rank particularly well in engineering and technology, medicine, environmental science, and accounting and finance.

In total, there are 43 universities in Australia (40 Australian universities, two international universities, and one private speciality university). As we mentioned earlier, Australia has seven universities ranked in the world’s top 100, which are:

• The Australian National University (Canberra)

• The University of Melbourne

• The University of Sydney

• The University of New South Wales (Sydney)

• The University of Queensland (Brisbane)

• Monash University (Melbourne)

• The University of Western Australia (Perth)

You can search for institutions and courses using the Institution and Course Search.

There are three main types of higher education in Australia which are bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as possible student exchanges which you can embark on. Here, we will look at those various types in more detail.

Bachelor’s degree

Studying in Australia on a higher education programme is competitive, which means you’ll need to ensure you have the right skills, knowledge and qualifications to study for a bachelor’s degree. You’ll need to show any certification or other means of proof of your secondary school or college qualifications. Plus, be required to prove your level of English proficiency.

In some cases, you may also need to complete additional work experience, attend interviews or do an audition.

In general, bachelor’s programmes take three years to complete, or four years if you’re doing an honours degree. These details can change depending on the course you pick and individual university requirements.

Master’s degree

The requirements you’ll need for a master’s degree will depend on the course and the university you attend. But, the basic requirement is that you will need to have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree – usually having achieved at least a 2:1 or 2:2.

The format in Australia is the same as in most countries around the world, typically taking one to two years to complete. Institutions in Australia offer a vast range of taught and research-based degrees, ranging from arts to engineering and sciences. No matter the course you choose, qualifications from Australia are highly-regarded internationally.

Other post-graduate qualifications on offer include graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.

Doctoral degree

The final main type, also known as a PhD, is the highest qualification you can be awarded at universities in Australia. In the main, a Doctoral degree takes three years to complete and you will need to have completed a master’s degree before you begin.

A doctoral degree will typically involve producing an original research project within your field, which then leads to a thesis that demonstrates the relationship between your research project and the area of study you have chosen.

Student exchanges

If you cannot afford to pursue a degree outright, an alternative way to study abroad in Australia is to take part in a student exchange programme. This means you will be able to study in Australia for a set period of time while continuing to pay your tuition fees from your home university. To do so, you will need to be nominated and approved by whoever is in charge of exchange programmes at your university.

You may find the university you attend in your home nation has partnership agreements with universities in Australia, which makes the whole process a lot easier. It’s always worth checking to see exactly what options are available to you, as this is a much more cost-effective way of being able to experience life down under.

Climate and landscape in Australia

It’s no great surprise that Australia is such a popular destination, whether as a tourist, working professional, retiree or student. With guaranteed sunshine throughout most of the year, a high quality of life and a stunning, diverse landscape that is just waiting to be explored.

As a student, you can enjoy everything this country has to offer, as well as those additional student extras, such as a lively nightlife scene and recognition as a major sporting hub.

Australia is an English-speaking country, so it not only appeals to students from other English-speaking nations, but international students around the world that speak English as a second language too. Australians have a reputation as being friendly and approachable, which makes integrating and developing your English language skills easier.

With a whole host of excellent universities at its disposal and over 22,000 courses to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice when you choose to study abroad in Australia.

Below, we shine a spotlight on the major cities in Australia and take a look at what the leading universities are at each location.

Sydney

The largest city in Australia, Sydney has a population of approximately 5.312 million people. Residents of Sydney enjoy an idyllic outdoor lifestyle, with the stunning Sydney Harbour and surrounding city beaches drawing in locals and tourists alike. Home to must-visit landmarks, lively bars and an excellent foodie scene, there’s plenty to love about one of Australia’s most popular destinations.

In terms of universities, there are several major players, including the world-renowned University of Sydney. Others include the University of New South Wales, the University of Technology Sydney and Western Sydney University.

Melbourne

Located in the state of Victoria, Melbourne is home to roughly 5.078 million people. The city is a students’ paradise and is regarded as the trendiest city Australia has to offer. A vibrant art scene, exhilarating sporting events, exceptional restaurants and a thriving nightlife scene all combine to delight the senses. Where Sydney appeals to those that enjoy outdoor, active living, Melbourne is ideal for students that want trendy neighbourhoods and a city bursting with energy.

The city is home to the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University, Victoria University, La Trobe University, Deakin University and the Swinburne University of Technology.

Brisbane

The state capital of Queensland and home to approximately 2.28 million people, Brisbane residents are extremely proud of their city and surrounding state, which embodies everything the city has to offer. Brisbane is hotter and more humid than cities found in New South Wales and Victoria, with a laidback charm and outdoor lifestyle that lures in students. You have also got the party hotspot of the Gold Coast on your doorstep.

Universities here include the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University and James Cook University.

Canberra

Australia’s capital city may lack the great recognition that Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane receive, but in terms of standard of living it consistently ranks as one of the best cities to live in. Museums and historical sites will charm more academic-minded students, who prefer a quieter university experience away from the hustle and bustle. If you also want to escape the extreme heat found in other cities across Australia, Canberra’s distinctive seasons will appeal.

Canberra is home to the best-ranked university in Australia, the Australian National University. Other universities include the Australian National University, the University of Canberra, the Australian Catholic University and the Canberra Institute of Technology.

Adelaide

With approximately 1.306 million residents, Adelaide in South Australia often slips under the radar, but it still has plenty to attract international students. Known for cultural events, exquisite wine and amazing festivals, you are guaranteed a good time if you choose to study in Adelaide.

The city is home to the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia and Torrens University Australia.

Perth

Over 1.985 million people enjoy Perth’s stunning location in Western Australia, with beautiful beaches, scenic parks and consistently glorious weather. In terms of tourism, Perth is one of the lesser visited Australian destinations, which makes it all the more special for those that get to call it home. When deciding where you want to study in Australia, Perth should definitely be a major consideration.

Perth’s universities include the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University.

Advantages of studying in Australia

Well, where do we begin? There are countless benefits of studying abroad in Australia, a lot of which we have already discussed in this guide. To summarise, here are just some of the things you can look forward to:

• High-quality education

• An excellent standard of living

• Home to some of the world’s best universities

• A good range of scholarships on offer to help with funding

• A rapidly-developing foodie scene

• An eclectic mix of cities that appeal to all people

• Amazing holiday destinations on your doorstep

• Beautiful beaches and coastline

• A rich culture

• A sports-loving nation

• Unbeatable weather

How to meet new people when you study in Australia

Living and studying in Australia can seem daunting, especially if you don’t know anybody in the city you will be based in. Making friends is sometimes easier said than done, and although universities tend to be very social environments, it can still be nerve-wracking turning up somewhere you’re not familiar with.

At WorldRemit, we want to ensure your time in Australia is as enjoyable and care-free as possible. So, if you need some reassurance that meeting new people at university in Australia will be a breeze, then some of the advice in this section should hopefully convince you that there is nothing to worry about. You will be socialising with new, exciting friends before you know it.

• Friends of friends. Think about your network of friends and family members, and whether they know anybody that lives in Australia. This is a great way of making connections before you arrive, with the added bonus of knowing someone familiar.

• Social media. You could always approach people on social media prior to arriving in the country, who are also studying at the same university. Facebook groups are always good for this, as are making connections on LinkedIn.

• Social events. Take a look at some social events that are happening at the start of the academic year. This is an ideal way of meeting like-minded people. You could even look outside of the university bubble and see what is going on in the wider city.

• Join a society. For many, societies are a big part of their university experience and it is a great way of meeting friends during your first term.

• International student meet-up groups. Most universities will have various schemes in place to support international students and help integrate them into the university. By meeting fellow international students that are studying abroad in Australia, you’ll be able to make friends with people that are in a similar position to yourself. It’s also a good way of meeting people from the same home nation as you.

• Share with housemates. Not only is this a fantastic way of making friends that could last for the duration of your time at university, but it’s also a good cost-saving measure. As long as you’re happy sharing communal areas, then having housemates will help ease you into university life.

• Sports clubs. Sport is a wonderful way of socialising and bringing people together. You can either join sports clubs at your university or get involved with the local community clubs.

• Integrate into the local community. Last, but by no means least, why not take yourself out of the university bubble every so often and get to know the locals? If anyone knows how to have a good time in their respective city, it will be the people that live there permanently.

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity – especially in Australia. If you have any further questions about living, working, studying, or simply travelling abroad, be sure to check out our blog for more information. From information on student scholarships available to how to send money home, we have plenty of guides to support your journey.

Useful resources

• Prospects – additional advice for studying in Australia.

• Study Australia – everything you need to know about how to study in Australia.

• Study Australia – scholarship search tool.

• Study Australia – government information about universities and higher education.

• Department of Home Affairs – explore visa options for studying in Australia.

• University rankings – see how Australian universities rank on the global stage.

• Overseas Student Health Cover – information about healthcare policies and prices.

• Tourism Australia – details about where to visit in Australia and additional tourism information.