Australia officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north; the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to the north-east; and New Zealand to the south-east.

Australia is a developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, with the world's 12th-largest economy. With the second-highest human development index globally, Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights. Australia is a member of the United Nations, G20, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Trade Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Pacific Islands Forum.

• Education System

• Scholarship Opportunities

• Visa

• FAQ's

Australia offers a diverse range of study options for international students, with more than 1,200 institutions and over 22,000 courses to choose from. The Australian higher education system consists of independent, self-governing public and private universities and higher education institutions that award higher education qualifications.

There are 38 public universities and 3 private universities in Australia.

Intakes

Australia generally has two intakes i.e. February and July, with few Universities offering multiple intake in September & November. It is suggested that you should start making applications ideally 7-8 months prior to the intake. University generally takes around 4-6 weeks to process the applications

Requirements

• A good academic record in High School Certificate or 12 years of schooling

• Some courses such as Computing and Engineering will require Mathematics and /or Science as pre-requisites

• 6.0 IELTS

Postgraduate – Masters

• A good academic record in Bachelors Degree from a recognized university is necessary

• Any work experience in the field will be helpful

• For MBA programs at some Universities students need to have work experience along with their Bachelors Degree

• 6.0 IELTS

Popular Universities

• The Australian National University

• The University of Sydney

• The University of New South Wales

• The University of Melbourne

• Monash University

• The University of Queensland

• The University of Western Australia

• The University of Adelaide

• Deakin University

• RMIT University

Education and Living Costs

Tuition Fees

The costs of studying in Australia depend on the institution and the level of study you choose. As an international student, your tuition fees are payable before you study

The list below gives you an indication of the range of course costs for different types of qualifications.

• Undergraduate Bachelor Degree

• Postgraduate Masters Degree

• Doctoral Degree

• English language studies- Around $300 per week depending on course length

Living Cost

Australia is a friendly and affordable country which enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. As a general guide, the average international student in Australia spends about AU $1,550 per month (approximately AU $390 per week) on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone, and incidental costs (AU $18,610 per year).

In addition to this amount, you will need to budget for your return trip home and international phone calls.

International students are permitted to work up to 40 hours a fortnight during each session, however there is significant competition for part-time work. You should not expect that money earned from a part-time job will cover your tuition fees or living expenses.

Scholarship Opportunities

There are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries which can help support you financially with your studies in Australia. They are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions, and a number of other public and private organizations. Many scholarships are available to students of all nationalities, however all scholarships conditions are set by the institution or organization offering the scholarship and applications have to be done directly with the scholarship provider.

VISA Requirements

The student visa you need depends on your chosen course of study. The typical key requirements you will need to meet are:

• Issued an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate.

• Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.

• Sufficient funds for airfares, course fees and living costs.

• English language proficiency.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Acceptable Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

How many international students study in Australia?

There are over 500 000 international students studying in Australian institutions currently with this number expected to increase in coming years.

Can I extend my student visa in Australia?

Yes. You can apply to extend your student visa if you have not completed your studies within the expected duration.

Can I change my program of study after I have arrived in Australia?

Yes. You will need to get necessary permission from your university. If you change qualifications you may also need to submit a new student visa application.

Can international students work while completing their studies?

Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their study in Australia. The spouses of Masters and PhD students can work unlimited hours.

What is the weather like in Australia?

Australia is diverse in its geography and climate. It is located in the southern hemisphere. This means Australia's summer starts in December and winter begins in June. Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics where the average temperatures are in the mid 20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.