Study in Australia — Build Your Future Through International Education
Explore Australian universities and vocational institutions, understand the student visa process and plan your application with clear, personalised guidance.
Information last reviewed: October 2026
Studying in Australia
Australia offers a well-regulated education system with a strong emphasis on practical, industry-relevant learning.
Higher education providers are regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), and vocational providers by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) or relevant state regulators. Courses offered to international students on a student visa must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework sets out protections for international students, including standards for information, support and tuition protection.
Universities and Vocational Education
Australia offers several pathways for international students.
Bachelor’s degrees
Commonly three years, with four-year honours or professional degrees in some fields.
Master’s degrees
Coursework or research master’s programmes, often one and a half to two years.
Vocational education (VET)
Certificates and diplomas from TAFE and private providers, focused on practical skills.
English and foundation
ELICOS English courses and foundation programmes to prepare for degree study.
Popular fields include IT and computing, engineering, business and accounting, nursing and health sciences, data science, hospitality management, education and environmental science.
Course and Institution Selection
When comparing options in Australia, consider:
- CRICOS registration — confirm both the provider and the specific course are registered.
- Course relevance — how the course builds on your previous study or work and supports your career plans.
- Professional accreditation — for fields such as engineering, accounting or nursing, check recognition by the relevant professional body.
- Location — costs and lifestyle differ between major cities and regional areas.
- Total cost and duration — including living costs and insurance for the full programme.
The Genuine Student requirement means your choice of course should make sense in the context of your background and goals, so a well-reasoned course choice matters.
Admission and English-Language Requirements
Admission requirements
- Academic transcripts and completion certificates
- Prerequisite subjects or minimum scores for certain courses
- Statement of purpose or personal statement, where requested
- Resume and work experience evidence for some postgraduate programmes
- Portfolio or interview for selected creative and professional courses
English-language requirements
Institutions set their own English requirements, and the Department of Home Affairs also sets minimum English requirements for the student visa, with some exemptions.
Tests accepted for visa purposes have included IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and others approved by the Department. Accepted tests and minimum scores are updated from time to time, so check the current list.
Tuition, Living Costs and Scholarships
Tuition and living-cost planning
Tuition varies by provider, course and level of study. Living costs depend on the city, with Sydney and Melbourne generally among the more expensive locations.
Student visa applicants must show they have genuine access to enough money for travel, tuition and living costs. The Department of Home Affairs sets and periodically updates the minimum living-cost figure. You will also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa.
Scholarships
Many Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships or tuition reductions for international students. The Australian Government also offers scholarships, such as the Australia Awards and Destination Australia programmes, subject to their own eligibility criteria and availability.
Scholarships are competitive and usually have early deadlines.
The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Receive an Offer
Gain admission to a CRICOS-registered course and accept the offer.
Get Your CoE
Pay any required deposit and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Arrange OSHC
Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover for your visa duration.
Prepare Documents
Gather evidence of funds, English, identity and Genuine Student information.
Apply Online
Lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount.
Biometrics and Health
Provide biometrics and complete health checks if requested.
Student Work Rights and Post-Study Options
Student visa holders can generally work a limited number of hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unrestricted hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to their visa conditions. The limit is set by the Australian Government and has been adjusted in recent years.
After completing eligible studies, some graduates may be able to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Eligibility, streams, age limits and duration depend on the qualification and the rules at the time of application.
Documentation checklist
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Evidence of English proficiency
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Academic records
- Genuine Student statement and evidence
- Health and character documents, if requested
Typical application timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 10–12 months before | Counselling, course research and English test preparation |
| 6–9 months before | Apply to institutions; receive and accept offers |
| 3–5 months before | Pay deposit, receive CoE, buy OSHC and lodge visa application |
| 1–2 months before | Arrange accommodation and flights; attend pre-departure briefing |
Timelines are indicative. Check current visa processing information on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Study in Australia: FAQs
What are the main intakes in Australia?
What is a CoE?
What is OSHC?
Can I study a VET course instead of a degree?
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Official sources to check
- Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500)
- Department of Home Affairs — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- CRICOS — Course and provider search
- Study Australia — Official Australian Government study portal
Requirements, fees and processing times change. Always confirm the latest information on these official websites before applying. Last reviewed: October 2026.
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