Study in Australia

Key highlights

• Group of Eight (Go8) — Melbourne, ANU, Sydney, UNSW, Monash, Queensland, Western Australia, and Adelaide are the research-intensive flagships.
• Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa — 2 years post-study work for Bachelor's/Master's, with extensions of up to 6 years for select graduates of regional campuses.
• Genuine Student (GS) requirement — replaced the older GTE test in March 2024; applications must demonstrate authentic study intent.
• Two main intakes — February (main) and July; some institutions offer November/rolling intakes.
• Work rights — 48 hours/fortnight during term (reinstated in 2023) and unlimited during scheduled breaks.

Popular programmes

• Engineering (civil, mining, mechanical, software)
• Information Technology and Data Analytics
• Nursing, Public Health, and allied healthcare
• Accounting, Finance, and MBA
• Hospitality and Construction Management

Tests & eligibility

• English proficiency — IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0); PTE Academic 50–58+; TOEFL iBT 60–79+. Higher scores for nursing, teaching, and medicine.
• Academic record — 60–75%+ in Class XII for UG; second-class honours (50–65%+) in the bachelor's for most master's programmes; Go8 typically expect 65–75%+.
• GMAT / GRE — generally required for Melbourne MBA, AGSM, and selected Go8 master's; most taught master's are test-optional.

Cost of studying in Australia

Australia is one of the higher-cost destinations, balanced by strong part-time work earnings and clear post-study work rights. Plan for AUD $50,000–$75,000/year all-in for metropolitan campuses; regional campuses are typically 10–20% lower.

• Tuition — AUD $25,000–$45,000/year for most UG and PG programmes; medicine, dentistry, and top MBA can exceed AUD $50,000.
• Living — financial proof requirement of AUD $24,505/year (2024 update); Sydney and Melbourne typically need AUD $28,000+ once rent is included.
• OSHC — Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for the full visa duration; single cover runs AUD $500–$700/year.
• Scholarships — Australia Awards, Destination Australia, RTP for research students, plus university-specific merit scholarships (Melbourne, Monash, UQ, ANU).

Student visa basics

• Secure a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider before applying online via ImmiAccount.
• Visa fee: AUD $1,600 for the Subclass 500 (increased July 2024). Genuine Student (GS) statement, OSHC, and financial proof required.
• Health checks and biometrics at an approved panel doctor / VFS Global centre; processing typically 4–8 weeks.
• Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa is applied for after course completion; pathway to PR via Subclass 189/190/491 depends on occupation and points score.