Study in Australia
Nine universities in the world top 100, 48 hours of work a fortnight, and a Temporary Graduate visa of two to three years.
Why students choose Australia
Australian universities combine research strength with a lifestyle that students rarely want to leave: outdoor cities, safe streets, and a work-rights package that lets you support yourself. The Temporary Graduate visa gives two years after a bachelor's or master's and three after a research degree. Fees and the visa charge are high, so scholarships and city choice matter; Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane cost far less than Sydney.
Intakes
Main intake. Apply by October to December.
Full second intake at nearly all universities.
Trimester intake at some universities and colleges.
What international students study in Australia
After you graduate
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets you work full time for two years after a bachelor's or master's by coursework, or three after a research master's or PhD, without sponsorship. Regional campuses add an extra one to two years. Graduates in skilled occupations often move on to employer-sponsored or points-tested permanent visas.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
2 years after a bachelor's or coursework master's, 3 years after a research master's or PhD. Must be under 35 at application (with exceptions) and apply within 6 months of completion.
Part-time work
48 hours a fortnight during term, unlimited in scheduled breaks. Wages of A$24.95 an hour national minimum wage (July 2025), higher with casual loading.
Employment by sector
Nursing and aged care (high), Engineering and construction (high), IT and cybersecurity (high). Full picture.
What it costs to study in Australia
Living costs of A$1,800 to A$2,800 a month depending on the city. Tuition of A$25,000 to A$50,000 for undergraduate and A$25,000 to A$50,000 for postgraduate study. Medicine and veterinary science can exceed A$70,000. Vocational (VET) diplomas cost A$8,000 to A$20,000.
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | A$800 to A$1,800 (Sydney highest, Adelaide and Perth lowest) |
| Food and groceries | A$350 to A$500 |
| Transport | A$80 to A$180 with concession fares in most states |
| Utilities and phone | A$120 to A$200 |
| Health insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover, about A$50 to A$70 a month, paid upfront |
Fees and costs are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Documents you will need
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university
- Genuine Student statement answering the set questions
- Proof of funds
- OSHC policy
- English test result, usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or equivalent
- Health examination and character documents
Funding for international students in Australia
| Scholarship | What it offers | Who awards it |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Fully funded, for students from selected developing countries. | Australian Government |
| Destination Australia | A$15,000 a year for study at regional campuses. | Australian Government |
| University international scholarships | 10 to 50 percent fee reductions at most universities based on grades. | Universities |
| Research Training Program | Tuition and stipend for research master's and PhD students. | Universities |
Australia in eight facts
The academic year runs February to November, so it is out of step with the northern hemisphere.
Group of Eight universities are the research-intensive institutions.
The Genuine Student requirement replaced the old GTE statement in 2024.
Regional study earns extra points for skilled migration and a longer graduate visa.
Tap water is drinkable everywhere and sunscreen is a daily habit.
Casual jobs pay a 25 percent loading on top of the base wage.
Superannuation (pension) is paid on your part-time earnings and can be claimed when you leave.
Universities publish exact CRICOS codes for every course; a course without one cannot take internationals.
Where to study in Australia
Everything else about studying in Australia
Student visa
How to get a Australia student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Cost of studying
What it costs to study in Australia: tuition, living and one-off fees
Cost of living
Monthly cost of living for students in Australia
Scholarships
Scholarships for international students in Australia
Work after graduation
Working in Australia during and after your degree
Education system
How the Australian education system works
Student life
Student life in Australia: housing, work, weather and culture
Best student cities
Best cities to study in Australia
Exams required
Which exams you need to study in Australia
Master's degrees
Studying a master's in Australia
Studying in Australia: what students ask
How much does the Australian student visa cost?
The application charge is A$2,000 from 1 July 2025, non-refundable. Add OSHC, biometrics in some countries and a health examination.
How many hours can I work in Australia as a student?
48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during official breaks. The cap is monitored through your tax file number.
Is a study gap a problem for Australia?
Gaps of up to two years are common and accepted with evidence. Longer gaps need a clear Genuine Student statement explaining the reason and how the course fits your plans.
Ready to plan Australia?
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