country-guide-image
Australia flag

Study in Australia

Overview

Home to over 8 lakh international students, Australia is one of the top study-abroad destinations. The top universities in Australia are gaining a reputation worldwide for providing quality education and lending an excellent support system to international students.

Other reasons behind  the  popularity of studying abroad in Australia are its quality lifestyle, comparatively low cost of living and spectacular natural attractions. Along with this, the post-study work opportunities are also something to look out for.

Australia is culturally diverse, traditionally sound yet modern in their education and development. This amalgamation makes your decision to study in Australia one of a kind. 


Australia As a Study Destination: Highlights

Choosing to study in Australia for Indian students and other international students can bring forth a number of queries. Given below is a quick look at some of the factors that an international student must know about pursuing  higher studies in Australia:

Language of Instruction

English

Average Cost of Study

AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000/ year

Average Cost of Living

AUD 1,500/ month 

Sources of Funding

Scholarships, Aids and part-time jobs

Exams Required

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT,  etc.

Intakes

Two: February/early March to late May/early June and  July/early August through to November

Type of Visa

Subclass 500 Student Visa

Top Courses

Business and Management, Law, Medicines, Health and Science, Arts and Design, Education and Teaching, Accounting, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Engineering and Management

Types of Degrees

Diploma, Bachelor’s, Masters, Doctorate

Best Student Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane

Why Study In Australia?

Australia has been emerging as a preferred study abroad destination for international students owing to a number of reasons. Some of the main benefits of studying in Australia for international students are:

  • The Australian government ensures high standards of education. The educational quality check has got global recognition to the country and made it a popular student destination. 
  • The cost of living and studying are comparatively low in Australia. Especially, when compared to the costs of the UK and the U.S. 
  • The top benefit of studying in Australia for Indian students is the access to advanced technology. This makes the choice to study in Australia for Indian students more fascinating. 
  • Along with the developmental factors, the decision to study at universities in Australia is convenient due to the absence of a language barrier. As English is one of Australia’s main languages, it is easier for foreign students to live there. 
  • The choice to study in Australia for international students is rewarding in terms of career advancement. The Australian market is growing which offers students a number of lucrative job opportunities.

Education System

The education system in Australia is well structured and rightly formulated to provide wise options to students for their future. 
The Australian education system has attained its popularity because of the AQF or Australian Qualifications Framework that was introduced in 1995. 
Broadly, the AQF provides certificates at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education. And overall AQF certifies students based on different levels. In total, there are 10 levels starting from Certificate 1 to Doctorate.

The various degrees given under the AQF education system are: 

  • Diploma (Level 5): Students receive specialised knowledge and skills for skilled/paraprofessional work and/or further learning. It takes about 1-2 years to complete.

  • Associate Degree/Advanced Diploma (Level 6): Students are provided a broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and/or further learning. This takes 1.5 - 2 years to complete.
     
  • Bachelors (Level 7): Studying for 3-4 years, this undergraduate degree aims at providing broad and coherent knowledge for professional work or further learning.

  • Bachelors Honours (Level 8): This is a specialised undergraduate degree that imparts advanced knowledge and skills for professional highly skilled work or for further  learning. This is a 0.5-1 year course. 

  • Masters (Level 9): Masters in Australia is an expert level graduate degree in a particular subject. It can be completed in 1-2 years.
     
  • Doctorate (Level 10): This is a postgraduate degree that takes a total of 3 to 4 years to complete in Australia.

To study abroad in Australia, have a look at the various types of institutions that facilitate higher studies in Australia:

Type of Institution

Key Points

Public Universities

Run by the government. A number of research institutes fall under this category. 

Private Universities

Cater to short-termed degrees or religious courses. 

Institutes of Technology/ Australian Technology Network 

Focus on Technology and practical education. 

TAFE: Technical and Further Education

Provides vocational courses, apprenticeships and work experience

Private Colleges

Offer Bachelors and Masters programs 

Credit System In Australia

Your study in Australia is monitored by a well-planned credit system. Credits are given to students based on the number of hours they spend studying per week. 

  • Universities in Australia usually have a credit score range of 6-8. This may vary based on the university you are studying in. 
  • According to the Australian credit score system, you require 144 credit scores (in 3 years) to successfully complete your Bachelors. 
  • The required credit score to complete Masters in Australia is 96.

Top Courses

Choosing the best course to study in Australia is as important as choosing the university. Your interests need to align with the curriculum, that’s how you can choose among the best courses to study in Australia. A few of the best courses in Australia are:  

  • Accountancy
  • Architecture
  • Engineering
  • Earth Sciences
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Computer Science and Information technology
  • Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Business Management

The most popular programs that students opt to study in Australia are:

Program 

Duration 

Average Tuition Fees/ year

B.Eng Civil Engineering

3 years 

AUD 35,000

BMed + MD

5-6 years 

AUD 28,000

MSc Computer Science

1.5 - 2 years

AUD 35,000 

MSc Data Science

1-2 years

AUD 45,000 

MA Applied Economics 

2 years 

AUD 25,000 

MBA 

2 years

AUD 60,000

LLM

1 year 

AUD 28,000

MSc Information Technology 

2 years

AUD 30,000 

 

Accounting
masters
Course Duration - 24 Months
Software Engineering
bachelors
Course Duration - 48 Months
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
masters
Course Duration - 18 Months
Biological Sciences
masters
Course Duration - 24 Months
Science
bachelors
Course Duration - 36 Months
Actuarial Studies
masters
Course Duration - 24 Months

Admission Process

The application process to Australian university is quite simple if you know the process to follow. Here’s a look at the steps to apply for Australian university:  

  1. Decide the course you wish to pursue and start searching for the best universities offering your desired course. 
  2. Once you have shortlisted your universities, check out the official university websites to gather the necessary information about requirements and eligibility criteria.
  3. Fill the application form and upload all the required documents and certificates. Proceed to pay the application fees.
  4. Once you’ve submitted your application, wait for the universities to revert. 
  5. Once selected, you will need to update your health insurance and also apply for student visa Subclass 500.   

The application process can turn out to be a long and complicated task. Hence you may want to get in touch with our career counsellors at Yocket to simplify the process for you.


Requirements for Australian Universities

To understand how to study in Australia, you must also understand the admission requirements for different courses in Australia:

Degree

Requirements

Graduate Diploma

  • Requires you to have completed an undergraduate qualification that is comparable to an Australian bachelor degree.
  • IELTS Academic of a minimum of 6.5 or TOEFL score of at least 79. 

Bachelors

  • Secondary school qualification, an equivalent to an Australian Year 12 certificate.
  • IELTS - minimum 6.0 or TOEFL - 67
  • SOP

Masters

  • Undergraduate qualification that is comparable to an Australian bachelor degree, honours degree or graduate diploma.
  • IELTS Academic - 6.5 or TOEFL - 79
  • GRE/GMAT
  • References, SOP & CV
  • Proof of work experience
  • A police check or working with children check from your usual country of residence

Doctorate

  • Honours degree, or masters degree by coursework with a research component, or an equivalent qualification from an approved university.
  • IELTS Academic - 6.5 or TOEFL - 79
  • Proof of work experience
  • A police check or working with children check from your usual country of residence

Cost of Attendance

The cost of studying in Australia depends upon the course and university you choose. The total cost you will incur also depends on your lifestyle. The overall cost of studying can be divided into two categories – Tuition Fees and Cost of Living.


Tuition Fees

The tuition fee in Australia differs for domestic and international students, the latter being pricey. 

Degree Type 

Average Annual Tuition Fee 

Bachelors 

AUD 30,000 - AUD 400,000

Masters 

AUD 20,000 - AUD 50,000


Cost of Living

The expenditure of international students in Australia depends upon their lifestyle. Some of the top expenses to study in Australia that an international student has to bear are:

Particular 

Average Cost Per Month

Apartment housing including utilities  

AUD 85- AUD 440

Food

AUD 80- AUD 280

Books and supplies

AUD 80 - AUD 150

Miscellaneous

AUD 300 - AUD 500

 

Best student cities

After gaining some clarity on the specialisation you wish to pursue, your next dilemma would be to look for the best place to study in Australia. Some of the best cities in Australia for Indian students are Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide.  Let's take a look at the top places to study in Australia:

City 

Average Cost of Living 

Sydney

AUD 1,900 - AUD 2,400/ month

Melbourne

AUD 1,500/month 

Adelaide

AUD 2,000/month

Perth 

AUD 1,350/month

Brisbane

AUD 800/month

 

Visa

If you are travelling to Australia for a short course of 6-12 weeks, you can apply for a tourist visa. However, for courses of longer duration, you will need to apply for an Australia Student Sisa. 

Follow the instructions step by step as mentioned below and get your visa sanctioned:

  1. After you’ve been selected by your desired university, you receive an offer of acceptance. After which, you can go ahead to pay the tuition fee for the course. By doing so, your university will send you a Confirmation Of Enrolment letter or CoE. This is an important document for your visa application. 
  2. The student visa process for Australia is initiated online by opening an account on the Australian Immigration website
  3. Make sure you have all your documents in digital format to apply for a Subclass 500 student visa. 
  4. Fill your visa application form online for Subclass 500 student visa, along with your CoE no and country codes. The application might take up to 125 days to process. Therefore, you are suggested to process your application in advance. 
  5. After completion, pay the visa fees of AUD 620 and get your TRN number. 
  6. After receiving your TRN no., have a medical check-up done as a prerequisite. 
  7. Attend your Australia visa interview. Wait for your visa document. 
  8. Prepare to travel!

Important documents and personal details to apply for a Subclass 500 Australian Student visa: 

  • Valid Passport 
  • Health insurance 
  • CoE letter
  • Proof of finance (According to the recent requirement, you are supposed to show AUD 20,290 for a year of study in Australia) 
  • Proof of temporary stay
  • Birth certificate
  • Address and Education proofs
  • Qualification certificates 
  • Bank statements
  • IELTS or TOEFL score report
  • Proof of any previous employment
  • Document stating you do not have any previous record 

Top Scholarships

To manage the cost of studying, students can apply for a number of scholarships to study in Australia. Some of the best scholarships in Australia for Indian students are given below:


Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)

  • Students aspiring to study Bachelors, Masters, or PhD, hailing from selected countries within the Asia-Pacific region, Africa and the Middle East.
  • Amount/ Benefit: Covers Airfares, full tuition fees, allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Introductory Academic Program (IAP), Pre-course English (PCE) fees, etc. 


Destination Australia awards

  • Domestic and International students aspiring to study in the Australian region.
  • Amount/ Benefit: AUD 15,000 in a year


Research Training Program (RTP)

  • Students aspiring to pursue their post-graduation in Australia - Masters or PhD. 
  • Amount/ Benefit:  Covers tuition fees and offers Research grants and stipends


Australia APEC Women In Research Fellowship
 

  • Women researchers in the field of Science, Math, Technology and Engineering. 
  • Amount/ Benefit: AUD 3000 / month; establishment and travel allowance.


International Postgraduate Research Scholarships

  • Students pursuing postgraduate research degree - Masters or Doctorate.
  • Amount/ Benefit:  Covers tuition fee and health insurance.


University Scholarships

  • Many Australian scholarships offer various scholarships and aids too.
  • Amount/ Benefit: Varies between the programs and universities 

Work Opportunities

As discussed above, studying abroad in Australia might make your pockets lighter. To deal with this, international student jobs in Australia come to the rescue. According to the law, an international student is allowed to work for 40 hours per fortnight (15 days). 

  • This implies you can work as per your wish every week. However, the sum of the number of working hours for every two weeks must be 40 hours. 
  • Research students and PhD students can work part-time for an unlimited amount of time during their research period. 

Although, in both cases, students are allowed to take up part time jobs in Australia only after their courses have commenced. Some of the part time jobs in Australia for international students are: 

Part-Time Jobs

Average Salary Per Hour

Retail sales jobs in supermarkets

AUD 25

In restaurants, cafes, and bars

AUD 30

Baby-sitter 

AUD 17

Personal trainer

AUD 22

Driver

AUD 23

Cleaner

AUD 22

Tutor

AUD 25

Mail delivery  

AUD 20

 

Post Study Work Options For International Students In Australia 

Students going to study abroad in Australia who wish to settle there can work after their study. The Subclass visa 500 allows students to take up jobs after finishing their degree. 


Job Outlook for International Students after Studies

Here’s a quick look at the top sectors to look for jobs in Australia for indian students are-

Area of Specialisation

Average Annual Salary

Business Management

AUD 70,000

IT & Computer Science

AUD 90,000

Healthcare 

AUD 80,000

Statistics / Data Science

AUD 145,000

Education & Training 

AUD 75,000

Work Visa & PR in Australia

After the completion of your course in Australia, you will not be able to live there with a student visa. To continue living there, or to find a job in the same country, you will need to apply for a post study work visa. There are a number of options available to obtain a work visa. Some of the temporary work visa options are: 

  • Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): A temporary Graduate Visa is granted based on your qualification and the shortage of skill in the country. There are two types of temporary graduate visas: 
  • Post study work visa: Students graduating from Australia are eligible to apply for this visa regardless of the type of field they work in. You can stay for about 2-5years with this visa. But, you are required to apply before 6 months of the completion of your course. 
  • Graduate work stream: Similar to the above, this work visa requires you to work in any profession that is listed on the skills storage list of Australia. This Australia work visa allows you to work for about 18 months. Although similar to the post study work visa, you will have to apply 6 months in advance. 
  • Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476): This is a special visa granted for Engineers of any sort who aspire to work in Australia. However, you should have studied at a recognized university. You can live up to 18 months in Australia with this visa. 

If you are interested in staying in Australia for a longer period, you might want to apply for a Permanent Residency. Obtaining a PR in Australia is based on a point-based system, and is quite straightforward. A set score is allotted to some of the main aspects, that are: 

  • Age
  • Work Experience 
  • Qualification
  • High in-demand profession of Australia
  • Number of years of work experience in Australia

Each of the above criteria is scored and you must score a minimum of 65 to be selected for PR in Australia. Your total score reflects your eligibility and probability of getting a PR. 

You’ve now gauged an overall picture of studying abroad in Australia as an international student. Academically and otherwise, Australia is a good country to travel, explore, study or even work. If you’ve made up your mind to move to this glamorous country for further studies, schedule a call with a Yocket Professional to help you get there!

FAQs


1. What is the enrollment process for universities in Australia?

Ans: The application and enrolment process varies for every institute in Australia, so it would be better to contact each institute to know more about specific application requirements. You can get a better idea about the education system and application process in Australia in our country guides https://yocket.in/study-in-australia


2. What are the minimum qualifications and requirements to study in Australia?

Ans: The educational requirements vary from institute to institute. It is therefore advisable to inquire with institutes directly to learn about their specific requirements.


3. What is the cost of studying in Australia?

Ans: Tuition fees vary depending on the course and institute in which you are pursuing that course. Check out our article on https://yocket.in/blog/masters-in-australia-1549 (Masters in Australia) to have a better understanding.


4. In what cases can I study without a student visa in Australia?

Ans: If your course is less than 3 months, you can study on a tourist visa in Australia.


5. How long can I stay in Australia after my masters?

Ans: You can stay in Australia for 18 months to four years after graduating depending on what kind of qualification you have. First you will need a Graduate Skilled Temporary (subclass 485) visa.


6. Can I convert my student visa to a work visa in Australia?

Ans: There is no automatic right associated with your student visa to stay and work for a period of time in Australia after you complete your degree. If you want to stay and work after you graduate, you must apply and obtain a work visa.


7. How can I get a work permit after study in Australia?

Ans: In Australia, students who have completed their studies in Australia can apply for a Post Study Work Permit or a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa has replaced the earlier Skilled Graduate Visa (subclass 485) and came into effect from March 2013


8. Is it easy to get PR in Australia after Masters?

Ans: The most common pathway for students is to get a Post study work visa after completion of studies and then they can apply for General Skilled Migration to achieve Permanent Residency (PR).


9. What is the credit system in Australia?

Ans: Each subject requires you to earn roughly 6 to 8 credits. These represent the number of hours you are expected to study for that subject in a week. In case, you have any prior work experience, published work or study experience, your number of credits requirement for the entire program may be reduced. It is advised to discuss this with the admission team or a course specialist in a university of your choice.


10. Give 3 reasons for studying in Australia?

Ans: Australia is famous for its welcoming culture and accepts diversity. 6 Australia universities come in the top 100 rankings published by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020. Cities in Australia have low crime rates and is considered safe for international students.


11. What is the duration of Masters in Australia?

Ans: It can range from 1-2 years.


12. What are the top 5 universities in Australia?

Ans: According to QS World Rankings, top 5 universities in Australia are The Australian National University, The University of Melbourne, The University of Sydney and The University of South Wales.


13. What are the two intakes in Australia called?

Ans: Intakes in Australia are called Semester 1 and Semester 2.


14. What is the deadline for February intake?<

Ans: It is around October- November.


15. What is VET and TAFE?

Ans: In Australia, Vocational Education and Training is called VET. Its qualifications are specified by government institutions called Technical and Further Education (TAFE). However, some private institutions provide these qualifications, too.


16. What are the student visa fees?

Ans: It is around AUD 620 (approximately INR 30,000).


17. What are the top 5 courses to study in Australia?

Ans: These include Accountancy, Actuarial Science, Agricultural sciences, Architecture, Biomedical Engineering


18. What type of visa do you apply for a student visa?

Ans: The student visa is called Subclass 500 if you pursue full time course in Australia.


19. What is the GTE process in Australia?

Ans: GTE requirement is a proof that a student needs to give to ensure the Australian government that he/she is coming temporarily to Australia for studies. A student needs to write a personal statement giving information about previous study, gaps in studies, if any, current employment, evidence of financial, family or social ties, economic situation in home country, immigration history. There can be more requirements.


20. What are the different types of Masters in Australia?

Ans: There are two types of Masters Course including Masters (coursework) and Maters (research).


21. How many hours can you work part time during classes?

Ans: As a student while studying you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks.


22. What is the tuition cost for Masters in Australia?

Ans: It broadly lies between 20,000 to 40,000 AUD for international students.


23. How do you book the visa appointment?

Ans: Visit the link to know the visa application center in your region.


24. What is the cost of health insurance?

Ans: Average cost of health insurance for an individual is $750 per year.


25. How many hours can you work during vacation in Australia?

Ans: During holiday breaks, you can work for unlimited hours.


26. What is the SOL list?

Ans: It is a Skilled Occupation list that contains all the types of visas for those who can work or train in an eligible skilled occupation in Australia.


27. What is the living cost for MS in Australia?

Ans: It may cost around 1300-1500 AUD per month. This varies with the type of rental- on campus. Off campus, entertainment cost, basic amenities and transportation.


28. Name 3 scholarships for MS in Australia.

Ans: Endeavour Leadership Program, Australia Awards and Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)


29. What is the duration of PHD in Australia?

Ans: It is around 3-4 years. However, it depends on the supervisor and a student’s performance.


30. What is the stay back duration in Australia after completing the MS?

Ans: Under temporary graduate visa subclass 485, you can stay up to 4 years depending on your visa. This time period also depends on your work stream and may vary from 18 months up to 4 years.


31. How do I get the medical examination done for an AUS visa?

Ans: There is a list of doctors on a panel suggested by Australian government from which you can get your medical examination done.


32. How many backlogs are allowed in Australia?

Ans: The leading colleges or the Go8 Universities accept at most 3 backlogs. If you have 8 or more backlogs, chances of being selected are higher in the non-private colleges of Australia.


33. What are the deadlines for the August intake In Australia?

Ans: It is around April-May.


34. Do Australian institutions accept 10+2+3 education system of India?

Ans: Yes, the 10+2+3 system is accepted by Australian universities for masters programs.


35. Can students work during studies in Australia?

Ans: All students with subclass 500 visas are allowed to work 40 hours per fortnight and full-time during vacations. Doctorate students can work full-time throughout the year.


36. Are Australian qualifications recognized worldwide?

Ans: Yes, degrees from Australian institutions are accepted worldwide and known for their quality of education.


37. What are the minimum qualifications and requirements to study in Australia?

Ans: Qualification depends on the program you enrol for. You should pass English proficiency test and arrange all required documents to get an admit.


38. What English language tests are accepted for Australian student Visa?

Ans: IELTS is the most accepted English language test for Australian student Visa. Other tests include TOEFL iBt, PTE Academic, OET and CAE Advanced.


39. How many credits do I need in my program in Australia?

Ans: For a three year bachelor's degree, you may require 144 credits. For a postgraduate degree, it is around 96 credits per academic credit system in Australia.