Currently, there are close to 700,000 foreign students living in Australia. Australia has seven of the top cities for students. Australia’s universities are in the top 50 in the world for a broad range of subject areas. The Australian government has allocated more than AUD $300 million for international students’ scholarships. In Australia, you can pick up work experience while you’re a student. Employers in Australia, at home, and abroad will find you to be a very desirable potential employee if you have an Australian degree.
The top universities in the world are located in Australia. The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is Australia’s national agency for higher education regulation and quality assurance. It was created by the Australian government to oversee higher education providers, both academic and non academic, and to regulate them in accordance with a set of criteria defined by the independent Higher Education Standards Panel.
Australia Student Visa Application Process
The type of visa needed for studying in Australia depends on the chosen education program’s duration and type. Typically, a student visa (subclass 500) is required. You can find detailed information about each type of student visa on the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website. The requirements, costs, application process, and more can be found there.
When applying for a student visa in Australia, you must provide documents such as academic credentials, language proficiency proof, and certificates for course credit, if applicable. The specific requirements may vary based on your nationality and chosen course of study.
The cost of Australian student visa starts at AUD$650.
IELTS Band Requirements for Australia Study Visa
The minimum IELTS score required for undergraduate and graduate studies in Australia is typically 6.5, with no band score below 5.5.
Note: Verify with your institution if certain courses exempt applicants from English language proficiency tests. Some programs may allow admission without requiring an IELTS test. Explore the specific language requirements for your chosen course when considering studying in Australia.
To apply for a student visa, create an account on DIBP’s online application system (ImmiAccount). The application should be submitted no later than six weeks before your course starts and no earlier than 12 weeks.
New rules for Australian student visas in 2022 include restrictions on changing majors without the minister’s permission, visa application fee waivers for students unable to complete their course due to the pandemic, recognition of online courses taken outside Australia, and the ability to apply for a post-study work visa for students who completed their studies in Australia but couldn’t enter the country due to travel restrictions.
Students with a subclass 500 visa can work up to 40 hours every two weeks during their course. The jobs can be on-campus or off-campus, following educational institution rules.
To maintain a valid visa, you must remain enrolled and make satisfactory progress in your course, provide your Australian address to the institution, continue to support yourself financially, and adhere to your visa’s working conditions. If you wish to change your qualification level, you’ll need to apply for a new student visa.
Australian student visas are generally easy to obtain, and there is no age limit to apply. However, there may be certain restrictions if you’re under 18 years old. For further guidance on the visa application process, you can seek free counselling sessions.
Education Cost
Studying in Australia can be expensive but planning your budget smartly can help you get a hold on your finances effectively. Check out our comprehensive guide about the cost of study, tuition fees, living expenses and the most affordable universities in Australia, to help you plan well for your new life in Australia!
Your expenditure on tuition fee depends on the type of qualification and the university or school you opt for. For instance, veterinary and medical degrees cost substantially more than other degrees. The average tuition fees at one of Australia’s tertiary institutions ranges between $15,000 – 20,000 a year.
| Sr. | Study Program | Annual Fees (AUD Dollar) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | College / University | $1300 to $4700 annually |
| 3 | Vocational Education & Training * | $4000 – $22,000 annually |
| 4 | Undergraduate Programes | $20,000 – $45,000 annually |
| 5 | Master’s Degree | $22,000 – $50,000 annually |
| 6 | Doctoral Degree | $20,000 – $42,000 annually |
* Vocational Education and Training Sector visa (subclass 572). It closed for new applications on 1 July 2016. From 1 July 2016, if you need to extend your stay in Australia, you must apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
Most commonly, courses in humanities, education and arts are a little cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is typically higher, and the costs vary depending on the program.
If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply to various scholarships available for international students.
You can work in Australia as an international student while you are enrolled, help your spouse or common-law partner apply for a work permit, or continue working there after you graduate.
A transitory governmental policy may allow you to work more than 20 hours a week off campus. Check to see whether you are eligible.
Accommodation costs in Australia
Most universities in Australia offer on-campus residence facilities to international students. You can also opt for an off-campus accommodation wherein you can share apartments with other students or stay with a local Australian family. The rent is usually paid every two weeks in advance. Remember, the rentals vary from city to city.
The table below shows the average weekly costs of most accommodation options, according to the Australian Government website. Your Global Connect counsellor can help choose the best accommodation option that fits your budget.
| Sr. | Accommodation Type | Cost Per Week (AUS Dollar) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hostels & Guest Houses | $90 to $150 |
| 2 | Shared Rental | $70 to $250 |
| 3 | On Campus | $80 to $250 |
| 4 | Home Stay | $235 to $325 |
| 5 | Rental | $100 to $400 |
Student Visa Cost
In order to study in Australia, the first step is to secure a valid student visa. Your Australia Student Visa will cost approximately $620.
The type of visa needed for studying in Australia depends on the chosen education program’s duration and type. Typically, a student visa (subclass 500) is required. You can find detailed information about each type of student visa on the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website. The requirements, costs, application process, and more can be found there.
