Study in Australia
Australia is an attractive place for international students seeking to advance their education and strengthen their career prospects. Top universities in Australia are setting global standards of excellence for overseas students with their dynamic courses, study programs, extensive student support services, outstanding training facilities, and cultural diversity. Australia is known for its welcoming environment for students studying globally ranked institutions. Australian universities consistently get higher rankings in Q.S. World University Ranking and THE (Times Higher Education).
Why Study in Australia?
- Students choose to study in Australia due to its world-class education, premium range of study options, superior training and research facilities, globally recognized degrees and post-study work opportunities.
- Australia has six of the world’s best universities out of 100. Famous universities such as the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, and Monash University were ranked in the top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- Known for its top-notch education system, Australian universities offer more than 22,000 courses across 1100 institutions. The country’s education system took 8th position in the Universitas 2018 U21 Ranking of National Higher Education. The ranking surpassed the countries like France, Japan, Norway, and Germany.
- The satisfaction score of international students in Australia is 90%. The country ranks high for providing students with excellent living, working, and studying environments. The majority of them are satisfied with their experience and thus intend to settle in Australia.
- Studying in Australia boosts someone’s career and increases their chances for permanent settlement in the country. The government of Australia offers a range of post-study work options that allow students to gain some work experience in the country and apply for a P.R. visa after the expiry of their Australia student visa.
Top Universities in Australia
Australia has 36 universities featuring in Q.S. World University Rankings 2021. Though a total of six universities have fallen from their positions, most of them have shown significant improvements across several areas such as academic excellence, research environment, student satisfaction, employer reputations, and more.
Australia National University once again topped the chart in 2021. The university got 31st position in the global ranking. The university has scored well in academic reputation, international student ratio, and faculty. The main campus of the institute is located in Acton, Canberra. ANU also has campuses in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
The University of Sydney is undoubtedly the second-best university in Australia. The university ranks 40 worldwide for its international faculty and international students’ indicators. Established in 1850, the University of Sydney offers a wide range of courses and training programs for students seeking globally recognized qualifications.
The University of Melbourne ranks 41st position worldwide and is one of the highest-ranking universities to offer academic excellence and employer reputation. A member of the Group of Eight, the international students comprise 40% of its total population from over 130 countries.
The University of New South Wales takes 44th and remains in the fourth position in Australia. It is the founding member of the Group of Eight, a renowned association of Australian research-based universities. It is a world-class university for students to pursue their research, teaching, and innovation careers.
Talking about the five top universities in Australia, no one skips the charm of the University of Queensland, claiming 46th position in the world. The university produces government, law, science, public service, and arts leaders. Many alumni researchers from the UQ have established their niche in several innovations and technological advancements.
Monash University is another one of the leading universities in Australia reputed for its world-class education and research facilities. The university also has around 100 partner institutions worldwide with more than 150 research subjects ranging across ten faculties, including manufacturing, drug development, and sustainable design. Monash’s most comprehensive range of study options includes over 140 double degree options, bachelor, master, and Ph.D. degrees.
Top Courses for International Students in Australia
If you want to stay permanently in Australia, you must opt for on-demand courses. Your chances of permanent residency will increase once you gain a qualification that’s not only popular but also very specialized and requires high-end skills. It will help you gain employment quickly and thus increase your chances for a smooth immigration process.
Some of the most popular and the best courses in Australia are listed below:
Accountancy- Accountancy is one of the highly in-demand occupations in Australia. The demand increases rapidly, especially in the post-pandemic era. An accountancy degree in Australia will boost your chances of getting great post-study work opportunities. There is also a vast scope in tax management and accountancy roles as both are listed in short and long-term occupation in-demand lists.
Engineering- Without any doubt, engineering is one of the highest-paid occupations in Australia. The profession is always in-demand. Having an engineering degree will help you settle down while helping you develop skills that the local Australians lack. Currently, Australia has an engineering skills shortage augmented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The engineering job vacancy rate has also risen by 97% last year. Major infrastructure projects need qualified engineers across several domains.
Actuarial Science- The professionals of Actuarial science are in-demand and well-rewarded by their employers. The professionals are needed due to their analytical, logical, and risk assessing skills in various sectors. Remarkable opportunities for actuaries are coming up in multiple industries, including health, education, energy and environment, public infrastructure, and genetics.
Biomedical Engineering- This course lets students study the mix of engineering, science, medicine, and healthcare. The course has gained momentum in Australian universities, and a degree in the field instantly increases job prospects in Australia. Many biomedical engineers in Australia also pursue a Master’s degree to gain further knowledge of medicine and engineering.
Architecture-There will be a massive demand for professional architects in Australia, and their employment prospects will go remarkably up in the country. Architecture graduates enjoy many career options, such as getting employed in private or government organizations. Some students may also obtain a specialized degree in heritage, sustainable design, or commercial design projects. They can also go for project management, urban planning, interior design, or disaster relief.
Earth Sciences-It is also the best course to study in Australia. As we know, Australia has an impressive availability of mineral resources, and thus there is a great scope for students studying minerals, metallurgy, oil & gas, coal, natural gases, etc. As the world goes towards environmental protection, it has become more critical than ever to study the right way of extracting these minerals without impacting the natural balance of our planet.
Career Opportunities in Australia
Moving to Australia for employment has many benefits besides the splendid climate. The country features a robust economy, promising employment opportunities, attractive salary packages, and an excellent work-life balance.
If you plan to work in Australia, you are going in the right direction. The government of Australia is keen to attract highly-skilled workers in a range of sectors. It’s a fantastic opportunity for new graduates and qualified professionals, expecting a wealth of career options in Australia.
International students can easily apply for a work visa after completing their studies in Australia. An Australian work experience will go a long way in strengthening your profile while enhancing your chances for permanent residency. Australia also offers one of the highest graduate salaries in the world.
Jobs in Australia after graduation
Australian graduates enjoy better salaries and have better labor market outcomes as compared to non-graduates.
The most in-demand industries are as follows:
- construction
- education
- engineering
- healthcare
- mining and energy
- Science and technology.
And, the best graduate employers in Australia are listed below:
- Google Australia
- Allens
- Coles
- Deloitte Australia
- Optiver
- Microsoft
- ANZ
- BHP
- Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
- AMP
Below is a list of popular job portals in Australia:
- Adzuna- https://www.adzuna.com.au/
- Job Active- Australia- https://jobsearch.gov.au/
- Careerone- https://www.careerone.com.au/
- GradAustralia- https://gradaustralia.com.au/
- GradConnection- https://au.gradconnection.com/
- Seek- https://www.seek.com.au/
Currently, Australia has skill shortages in the following sectors:
- finance
- construction
- education
- engineering
Cost of Education in Australia
Studying in Australia for Indian students can be costly if they don’t prepare for the expenses or plan their budget smartly before departing. The average living cost is higher in Australia than in other countries. Yet, Australia always attracts thousands of international students because of its world-leading institutions and numerous post-graduation work opportunities.
Tuition fee will be your major expenditure, and it is determined by the type of your qualifications and your university. Your living costs will vary as per your lifestyle and location.
Cost of study in Australia
Cost of Accommodation for international students
| Type of Education Program | Average Fees (in Australian Dollars) |
| Secondary Education | $7800 to $30,000 per year |
| English Language Courses | $350-450 weekly (depends on the course duration) |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) | $4000 to $22,000 per year |
| Technical and Further Education (TAFE) | $4000 to $22,000 per year |
| Foundation Course | $15,000 to $39,000 |
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | $15,000 – $35,000 annually |
| Post-graduate Master Degree | $20,000 to $37,000 per year |
| Doctoral Degree | $14,000 to $37,000 per year |
| MBA | $45000 to $822,000 |
Courses such as arts, humanities, and education are cheap and more affordable than medicine, engineering, and healthcare. The tuition fee is higher for post-graduate level programs, but the typical cost varies as per the course and its duration. You can also apply for scholarships to bring down prices and make your studies affordable.
Cost of accommodation in Australia
In Australia, you will find many universities offering on-campus residence or hostel facilities to international students. You may also choose an off-campus accommodation where you share an apartment with a fellow student or live with an Australian family. You must pay the rest in advance every two weeks. The amount of your rent varies from city to city.
Cost of living in Australia
| Activity | Average cost of living (in Australian Dollars) |
| Groceries and dine out | $80 to $280 per week |
| Gas and Electricity | $35 to $140 per week |
| Rental | $185 to $400 per week |
| On-Campus | $185 to 440 per week |
| Public Transport | $15 to $55 per week |
| Car | $150 to $260 per week |
| Hostels and Guesthouses | $90 to $150 per week |
| Entertainment | $80 to $150 per week |
Visa fee details
To pursue studies in Australia, the first and foremost step is to apply for a student visa that costs around AUD 606. You may consultant your student visa consultant to learn the latest updates on the fee structure and other costs related to the process.
Scholarship options for overseas students
There are many scholarships and grants available for international students seeking to reduce their expenses in Australia. These scholarships are offered by the government of Australia, universities, education providers, institutions, and public and private organizations.
Some of the most renowned Australian scholarship providers are:
Australia Awards- the scholarship program promotes knowledge and education links, Australia and its neighboring through a range of scholarship programs. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the Department of Education, and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) offer these scholarships under this program.
Destination Australia- It’s a mobility program run by the government of Australia offering scholarships to domestic and international students. More than 1000 scholarships are available annually to support students studying at regional locations in courses ranging from a Certification IV level and above.
Provide Scholarships- Many Australia study providers also offer scholarships based on a student’s merit. For this, you may consult with your education provider or admission teams to learn about the process.
Application Process for Student Visa
What is the process?
- If you are an overseas candidates, you must apply for the visa at least six weeks prior the date of your program.
- If you are in Australia, wait for the expiry of your current visa before applying for the subclass 500 visa. It will help you prepare for some unexpected circumstances.
- The next step is to gather all necessary documents for this visa. For this, you may check the Document Checklist Tool on the Department of Home Affairs’ website to learn about the document requirements of your home country. The government updates the checklist twice in a year, 31 March and 30 September.
- Apply for the visa inside or outside Australia.
- Check what steps you can take after you apply for the visa. We advise you to check your ImmiAccount to know if the department has asked you to provide additional documents or information.
- You will need to provide biometrics, immediately after submitting an application, and health record documents.
- The Department of Home Affairs’ will let you know their decision on your visa application. If your file is approved, you will:
- your visa grant number
- the date your visa expires
- your visa conditions
- Keep a copy of the decision with you when you come to Australia
The cost of subclass 500 visa starts from AUD630, unless exempt. And, the processing time varies from case to case.
The Australian Education Model
The Australian education system is dynamic and competitive. It offers primary, secondary, and territory education with minor variations between states and territories. As per the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, school education is mandatory for children between six and sixteen. The school education is 13 years and is broadly structured as follows:
- Primary school: seven or eight years, starting at foundation (also called kindergarten/preparatory/pre-school) through to Year 6 or 7 2
- Secondary school: four years from Years 7 or 8 to 10
- Senior secondary school: two years from Years 11 to 12
- Tertiary education: includes higher education and vocational education and training (VET).
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It determines the standards for a specific qualification, comprises ten levels, and acts as a bridge for schools, higher education qualifications, and vocational education and training (VET) to provide and maintain consistent qualification standards across all levels. It binds all institutions into a single national system, which streamlines their process and ensures a seamless movement of different levels of study from one institute to another.
For people studying an AQF qualification, it is important to make sure that your institute is authorized by the government and is accredited. Make sure that your degree and other AQF related qualification is genuine.
The education system in Australia is considered one of the best in the world for both national and international students. The standards are high, the curriculum is comprehensive, and teachers are well-trained and highly qualified.
The three types of schooling sectors are:
- Public or the government schools
- Faith-based schools
- Independent/Private schools
Do you know that education and training is a shared responsibility between Australia’s federal government and the states and territory government? The federal government gives a significant share of the funding to government schools. In contrast, the states and territory governments regulate the public and private, including faith-based. They also oversee course accreditation student assessment and provide necessary support and aid to the government and non-government schools and early childhood learning centers.
Higher education
The primary purpose of higher education in Australia is to enable individuals to gain advanced skills and develop capabilities that will boost their participation in the country’s economic development, social contributions, and personal fulfillment. The system aims to make students adapt, learn, and acquire practical knowledge that benefits society and lays the foundation of a civilized society.
Australian universities are world-class, known for producing the leaders of tomorrow. They were established by Federal, State, or Territory governments initially in four colonies- the University of Sydney in 1850; the University of Melbourne in 1853; the University of Adelaide in 1874, and the University of Tasmania in 1890. Currently, they are some of the best colleges in Australia with many national and international students. Australia got its first private university in 1987. Apart from this, Australia has a wide range of education institutions, including education providers in specialized fields and vocational training institutes. Currently, Australia has 39 universities and seven higher education institutions. All of them are funded by the federal government.
Visa
Which visa to choose for study in Australia?
The subclass 500 visa allows you to remain in Australia as an international student for up to five years as per your enrolment. The subclass 500 visa allows you to:
- participate in an eligible course of study
- bring family members to Australia
- apply online in or outside Australia
- Work up to forty hours in any sector. Recently, the government has changed the work hours rules for this visa from 40 to unlimited as part of the post-Covid recovery strategy.
What are the eligibility criteria for the subclass 500 visa?
To apply, you must:
- Be aged 6 or older to apply for this visa.
- Provide evidence of enrolment in study with your student visa application
- Enrolled in a full-time course registered on the Common Wealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students.
- If you are below 18 years, you must have adequate welfare arrangements while you are in Australia.
- Submit proof of your English language skills along with your student visa application.
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have sufficient funds to stay in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should we apply to study in Australia?
What can be the cost of studying in Australia?
Are any scholarships available for international students in Australia?
Can we work while we study in Australia?
Can international students apply for permanent residence?
Is a study permit required for short courses?
What are the processing times for a study permit?
How can I apply for scholarships in Australia?
What are the minimum qualifications and requirements to study in Australia?
Do I Need a Health Insurance to Study in Australia?
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