Study in Australia for international students

Choosing the right university

Australia’s system splits into three types, and picking the right one matters more than picking the right ranking. Universities (Universitäten) are research-led and the route to a doctorate. Universities of applied sciences (HAW/FH) are practice-led, with compulsory internship semesters and closer industry ties — often the better choice if you want to work in Australia afterwards. Art, music and film colleges admit on portfolio and audition. Shortlist by subject, teaching language and city cost, then compare on our university directory.

English-taught programmes

Every degree in Australia is taught in English, so there is no second language to learn before you can start. What you do need is evidence of your English: typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate study, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work — and most courses set a minimum in each band as well as overall. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced are accepted equivalents. Note that the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate, usually lower, English threshold for the visa itself.

How to apply

International applicants apply directly to the university, or through a registered education agent — there is no central clearing house for international admission (the state admissions centres such as UAC, VTAC and QTAC handle domestic school leavers). Each university sets its own closing dates, and popular courses close early. The two main intakes are Semester 1, starting in late February or March, and Semester 2, starting in July; some providers add a third trimester. If your qualification does not meet the direct-entry requirement, the standard routes in are a foundation year or a diploma pathway that gives you credit into the second year of the degree.

Visas & arrival

You study on a Student visa (subclass 500), lodged online once your provider has issued a Confirmation of Enrolment. You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover for the whole visa period, satisfy the Genuine Student requirement in your own words, and evidence tuition, travel and twelve months of living costs. Full detail is in our subclass 500 visa guide.

Funding your studies

Australia is a full-fee destination, so most scholarships reduce tuition rather than pay a living allowance. The routes that matter are Australia Awards (fully funded, but only for citizens of partner countries), the Research Training Program (which funds most PhD and research-master's places), Destination Australia (up to A$15,000 a year at a regional campus), and the merit scholarships every university runs — many assessed automatically from your admission application. Browse them all in our scholarship directory.

Working and staying after graduation

You may work 140 full days (or 280 half days) a year during your studies, and after graduating you can extend your residence permit for 18 months to find a job in your field — then move on to a work permit or the EU Blue Card.