Australia offers respected qualifications, English-language education, practical courses and the chance to gain international experience. However, studying overseas is a major financial and personal decision. You need to choose the right course, meet the admission rules, prepare enough money and make a complete visa application.
This Study in Australia guide explains the full process in easy English. It is written for international students planning university, vocational education and training (VET), English-language or pathway study.
Study in Australia: Quick facts
| Item | Current information |
| Main visa | Student visa (subclass 500) |
| Visa application charge | From AUD 2,500 for the main applicant |
| Government living-cost evidence | AUD 29,710 for one student, plus tuition and travel |
| Work limit while studying | 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session |
| Work during scheduled course breaks | Unlimited for the main student |
| Adult national minimum wage | AUD 26.44 per hour before tax from 1 July 2026 |
| Typical course length | From a few months for English study to 3–4 years for many degrees |
| OSHC | Required for the student and accompanying family for the full stay |
| Current Student visa category median | 19 days, but individual cases can take much longer |
The Student visa generally lets you stay for the length of your course, up to five years. It may also allow eligible family members to come with you. Read the official Student visa information from Home Affairs before applying.
Why study in Australia?
International students choose Australia for several reasons:
- Australian qualifications are recognised in many countries.
- Students can choose university, TAFE, VET, English and pathway courses.
- Many courses include practical training, laboratories, projects or work-integrated learning.
- International students have workplace protections under Australian law.
- Eligible graduates may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa, but a course does not guarantee this visa or permanent residence.
Do not choose a course only because somebody says it will lead to permanent residence. Migration rules, occupation lists and state nomination programs can change. Choose a course that also makes sense for your education, experience and career.
Step 1: Choose the right course level
Australia has a national qualifications system called the Australian Qualifications Framework. Common options include:
| Study option | Usual length | Best suited to |
| ELICOS English course | About 5 weeks to 1 year | Improving general, academic or test English |
| Foundation or university pathway | Usually 8–12 months | Students who do not yet meet direct bachelor entry |
| Certificate I–IV | About 6 months to 2 years | Practical or entry-level job skills |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma | About 1–2 years | Technical training or a pathway to a degree |
| Associate degree | About 2 years | Higher education or a bachelor pathway |
| Bachelor degree | Usually 3–4 years | Professional and academic careers |
| Graduate Certificate/Diploma | Usually 6–12 months | Specialised study after a bachelor degree |
| Master degree | Usually 1–2 years | Advanced professional or research study |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | Usually 3–4 years | Advanced research |
The exact length depends on the course and any credit you receive. Read more about Australian qualifications.
Check CRICOS before paying
The provider and course must be registered for international students. Search the official CRICOS register and confirm:
- the provider’s legal name;
- the exact course name and CRICOS code;
- the campus;
- the registered course duration; and
- the estimated total course cost.
A provider being registered does not mean every course or campus is registered. Check the exact course shown in your offer.
Step 2: Compare universities and colleges
Rankings can be useful, but they should not make the decision for you. Compare subject quality, course content, accreditation, location, total cost, entry requirements, student support and graduate outcomes.
Top 10 universities in Australia
The table below uses the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in 2026. Nine Australian universities are in the global top 100 in this edition. Rankings can change each year.
| Australia order | University | City/main location | QS world rank 2027 |
| 1 | UNSW Sydney | Sydney | 19 |
| 2 | University of Melbourne | Melbourne | =22 |
| 3 | University of Sydney | Sydney | 28 |
| 4 | Australian National University | Canberra | 29 |
| 5 | Monash University | Melbourne | 31 |
| 6 | University of Queensland | Brisbane | =40 |
| 7 | University of Western Australia | Perth | =77 |
| 8 | Adelaide University | Adelaide | 79 |
| 9 | University of Technology Sydney | Sydney | =87 |
| 10 | RMIT University | Melbourne | =119 |
See the official Australian Government summary of the QS 2027 results. A lower-ranked university may still be stronger for your particular subject or offer better value.
10 established colleges and TAFE providers to compare
Australia does not have one official national “top 10 colleges” ranking. The following is an alphabetical shortlist, not a ranking. It includes large public TAFE providers and specialist institutes.
| Provider | Main state/territory | Examples of study areas |
| Box Hill Institute | Victoria | Health, IT, business, trades and design |
| Canberra Institute of Technology | ACT | IT, business, hospitality and trades |
| Holmesglen Institute | Victoria | Building, nursing, hospitality and design |
| North Metropolitan TAFE | Western Australia | Engineering, IT, creative studies and trades |
| South Metropolitan TAFE | Western Australia | Maritime, engineering, hospitality and community services |
| TAFE NSW | New South Wales | Business, IT, health, hospitality, design and trades |
| TAFE Queensland | Queensland | Business, IT, hospitality, health and trades |
| TAFE SA | South Australia | Business, health, IT, hospitality and trades |
| TasTAFE | Tasmania | Business, community services, hospitality and trades |
| William Angliss Institute | Victoria | Cookery, hospitality, tourism and events |
Never assume that every course at these providers accepts international students. Verify the exact course and campus on CRICOS.
Step 3: Check the admission requirements
Each provider sets its own entry rules. The following are common requirements.
Academic entry
- English courses: General English often has no academic entry requirement. Test-preparation courses may require an English placement test.
- Certificate and diploma courses: You normally need a school qualification. Some courses require specific subjects, a portfolio, work experience or a minimum age.
- Bachelor degrees: You normally need a qualification equal to Australian Year 12. Competitive courses may require high grades and specific subjects.
- Master degrees: You normally need a recognised bachelor degree. Some programs also require relevant study, work experience or professional registration.
- Research degrees: You normally need a strong previous degree, a research proposal and a suitable supervisor.
Professional courses such as medicine, nursing, teaching, law, psychology, aviation and engineering can have extra academic, English, health, registration or placement requirements.
Common application documents
Prepare clear colour scans of:
- passport identity page;
- school, college or university certificates;
- full academic transcripts and grading scales;
- English test result;
- CV or résumé;
- personal statement or statement of purpose, if requested;
- employment letters and payslips, if work experience is required;
- references;
- portfolio, audition, interview or research proposal, where required;
- evidence of a name change, if applicable; and
- certified English translations for documents in another language.
The Australian Government admission guide explains the usual requirements. Always follow the exact checklist on the provider’s website.
Step 4: Understand the full cost
There is no single national tuition fee. Price depends on the provider, course, study load and location. The figures below are broad planning ranges based on currently published course prices. They are not government-set fees.
Indicative tuition fees
| Course | Broad planning range |
| ELICOS English | AUD 350–600 per week |
| VET/TAFE certificate or diploma | AUD 7,000–25,000 per year |
| Foundation or pathway | AUD 20,000–40,000 per course |
| Bachelor degree | AUD 30,000–55,000 per year |
| Master by coursework | AUD 32,000–60,000 per year |
| Research degree | AUD 35,000–55,000 per year before scholarships |
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, aviation and some laboratory or clinical courses can cost much more. Course materials, uniforms, tools, placements, field trips and the Student Services and Amenities Fee may be extra. Use the provider’s current fee page, your written offer and the Study Australia course search for the exact amount.
Other costs before departure
Budget for:
- university or college deposit;
- Student visa application charge;
- Overseas Student Health Cover;
- English test;
- health examinations, police certificates or biometrics if required;
- certified translations;
- airfare;
- rental bond and rent in advance;
- temporary accommodation;
- laptop, books, tools or uniforms; and
- emergency savings.
Typical living costs
The government’s visa evidence amount is a minimum used for visa assessment. It is not a promise that this amount will cover your real lifestyle.
| Weekly expense | Practical planning range |
| Shared accommodation | AUD 250–500+ |
| Private studio or one-bedroom home | AUD 450–850+ |
| Food and groceries | AUD 120–250 |
| Utilities and internet | AUD 20–80 |
| Mobile phone | AUD 10–30 |
| Public transport | AUD 10–60 |
| Personal costs and entertainment | AUD 50–150 |
| Possible weekly total | About AUD 500–1,000+ |
Sydney and Melbourne are often more expensive, especially for rent. Regional cities may be cheaper, but transport and job options can differ. For example, UNSW’s current Sydney cost guide shows that a modest student budget can still be much higher than the visa minimum.
Step 5: Calculate the required financial evidence
You must show that you can genuinely pay for study and living costs. Home Affairs can ask for this evidence even if it is not listed as mandatory at the moment you apply.
Current financial-capacity figures
| Person or cost | Amount to show |
| Main student living costs for 12 months | AUD 29,710 |
| Spouse or de facto partner living costs | AUD 10,394 |
| Each dependent child’s living costs | AUD 4,449 |
| Annual school costs for each school-age child | AUD 13,502 |
| Alternative annual income with no accompanying family | AUD 87,856 |
| Alternative annual income with accompanying family | AUD 102,500 |
These amounts are published by Home Affairs. Check again before applying because they can change.
For the savings route, a single student normally needs evidence covering:
travel costs + the first 12 months of tuition still unpaid + AUD 29,710 living costs
Add the relevant living and school costs for accompanying family members.
For example, if first-year tuition is AUD 40,000 and you already paid AUD 10,000, your calculation starts with AUD 30,000 unpaid tuition plus AUD 29,710 living costs plus realistic travel costs. Visa fees, OSHC and setup costs should also be included in your real budget even when they are not part of that simple formula.
Common evidence includes:
- money in a financial institution;
- an approved loan from a financial institution;
- a government loan;
- a scholarship or formal financial support; or
- official evidence of a parent’s or partner’s annual income where the income option is used.
The funds must be genuine and available to you. Explain the source of large recent deposits. Provide bank statements, loan documents, income evidence and sponsor relationship documents as relevant. Use the official Student visa document checklist tool for your country and provider.
Step 6: Apply for admission and receive a CoE
You can apply directly to the provider or use an authorised education agent.
- Shortlist courses and confirm CRICOS registration.
- Check academic, English, financial and application requirements.
- Submit the application with complete documents.
- Attend an interview or provide extra documents if requested.
- Receive a conditional or unconditional Letter of Offer.
- Read the offer, tuition schedule, refund policy and deferral rules carefully.
- Meet any conditions, accept the offer and pay the required deposit.
- Receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment, called a CoE.
You normally need the CoE before lodging a Student visa application. If you package courses, such as English followed by a diploma and bachelor’s degree, you need a CoE for each course. The normal gap between packaged courses must be less than two calendar months, with a limited end-of-year exception.
An education agent may help with admission. However, do not trust anyone who guarantees a visa or permanent residence. If you need personalised immigration advice, check that the adviser is legally authorised, such as an Australian registered migration agent or legal practitioner.
Step 7: Meet the Student visa requirements
The main requirements for a Student visa (subclass 500) are:
- current CoE for the course or courses;
- Genuine Student answers and supporting evidence;
- enough money for tuition, living and travel;
- acceptable English evidence or an exemption;
- Overseas Student Health Cover;
- health and character requirements;
- welfare and parental consent documents if under 18; and
- a complete, truthful online application.
Genuine Student requirement
The Genuine Student requirement, or GS, applies to applications lodged from 23 March 2024. It replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant statement.
The online form asks about:
- your current circumstances, family, community, employment and economic ties;
- why you chose this course, this provider and Australia;
- what you understand about the course and living in Australia;
- how the course will benefit your future;
- your immigration and previous study history; and
- any other relevant information.
Most GS responses have a limit of 150 words per question and must be written in English. Clear evidence is more useful than a copied essay. Explain course changes, study gaps, weak grades, visa refusals or a course that seems unrelated to your background. Home Affairs states that a future wish to apply for permanent residence does not automatically count against a student, but studying must be your primary reason for the visa. Read the official Genuine Student requirement.
Student visa English scores
The following are the current visa-level minimums for common tests. The lower scores apply only with an eligible packaged English or pathway course.
| Test | Standard minimum | With eligible 10-week ELICOS, foundation or pathway | With 20 weeks of ELICOS |
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 51 | 37 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 161 | Not available | Not available |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 | 54 | 46 |
| Michigan English Test | 53 | 49 | 44 |
| Occupational English Test | 1210 | 1090 | 1020 |
The test normally must have been taken within two years before the visa application. Tests taken fully online or at home are not accepted. TOEFL candidates must select the Australian visa test option required by Home Affairs. Read the official English-language requirements and the current Student visa test instrument.
You may be exempt from providing a visa English test in some cases, including certain passport holders, standalone ELICOS students, school students, postgraduate research students and people with qualifying previous study in English. The provider can still set a higher English score and minimum scores for each test section.
Overseas Student Health Cover
You and accompanying family members must have Overseas Student Health Cover, known as OSHC, for the required period. The cover should normally start at least one week before the course starts and continue for your stay.
OSHC price depends on the insurer, length of cover and whether the policy is for a single person, couple or family. As one current provider example, TAFE NSW lists one-year cover starting from about AUD 643 for a single student, AUD 2,412 for a couple and AUD 3,847 for a family. These are examples only, not fixed national prices. Compare the cover, exclusions and waiting periods. See the government’s OSHC guide.
Health, character and biometrics
Home Affairs may ask you to:
- complete health examinations with an approved panel physician;
- provide police certificates;
- provide biometrics; or
- submit extra identity, relationship or military-service documents.
Follow the instructions in your ImmiAccount. Do not submit false, altered or misleading documents. This can lead to refusal and may affect future applications.
Students under 18
Students under 18 need parental consent and approved welfare arrangements. This may include Form 1229 and either a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare letter from the provider or an eligible nominated guardian. The arrangements must remain in place until the student turns 18. Check the Home Affairs welfare rules.
Step 8: Apply for the Student visa online
Use this order:
- Create an ImmiAccount.
- Start a Student visa (subclass 500) application.
- Enter your personal, family, education, work and travel history carefully.
- Enter every CoE.
- Complete the GS questions.
- Upload the passport, CoE, English, finance, OSHC and other required evidence.
- Pay the application charge.
- Submit the application and save the receipt and transaction reference number.
- Check ImmiAccount regularly and respond quickly to requests.
- Wait for the written visa decision before making non-refundable travel plans.
Names, dates and passport details must match your documents. Upload readable documents and certified translations. The government’s visa application process and “check twice, submit once” guide provide useful official checklists.
Student visa fee
From 1 July 2026, the Student visa application charge starts at AUD 2,500 for the main applicant. Additional charges may apply for family members, and some applicants have concession arrangements. Health examinations, biometrics, police checks, translations and card surcharges are separate.
Use the Home Affairs visa pricing estimator for your exact family situation. The Australian Government has also published an explanation of the 1 July 2026 Student visa fee increase.
Student visa processing time
The Home Affairs overview currently shows a 19-day median for the combined Student visa category. This is historical guidance, not a promise.
For offshore applications covered by the current priority direction, Home Affairs aims to start processing within:
| Priority | Target time to start processing |
| Priority 1 | 1–4 weeks |
| Priority 2 | 5–8 weeks |
| Priority 3 | 9–12 weeks |
“Start processing” does not mean “make a decision.” Missing documents, health checks, character issues, verification, application volume and case complexity can make the wait much longer. Check the current global processing time guide and Student visa processing priorities. Apply well before the course starts.
Step 9: Prepare to travel
After the visa is granted:
- read every visa condition in the grant letter;
- check your visa in VEVO;
- confirm the course start and orientation dates;
- arrange accommodation and airport transport;
- carry your passport, visa grant, CoE, offer, OSHC and accommodation details;
- bring essential medication and prescriptions;
- keep emergency money available; and
- check Australia’s customs and biosecurity rules before packing food, medicine, plant or animal products.
Do not enter before your OSHC, welfare arrangements or visa allow.
Step 10: Follow your visa conditions in Australia
A Student visa holder must normally:
- stay enrolled in a registered course;
- maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance;
- maintain OSHC;
- tell the provider their Australian residential address within seven days of arrival and update later changes;
- follow the work limit;
- maintain welfare arrangements if under 18; and
- leave, obtain another visa or make a valid application before the visa expires.
Check your own conditions in VEVO because they may differ.
Working while you study
Most students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work can normally start only after the course begins. Students studying a master by research or doctoral degree do not have a work-hour limit after their course starts.
From 1 July 2026, the adult National Minimum Wage is AUD 26.44 per hour or AUD 1,004.90 per 38-hour week before tax. The award-free adult casual minimum is AUD 33.05 per hour, including the 25% casual loading. Many jobs are covered by an award and may pay a different or higher rate for the job, age, skill level, weekend, night or public-holiday work.
At an average of 24 hours per week, the base adult minimum equals about AUD 634.56 gross per week. The award-free casual minimum equals about AUD 793.20 gross per week. This is only an illustration. Hours and jobs are not guaranteed, and tax may be deducted.
International students have the same basic workplace rights as other workers. An employer must not underpay you, demand cash back or threaten to cancel your visa. Ask for payslips and keep a record of your hours.
Apply for a Tax File Number after arrival if you will work. Overseas students in courses lasting six months or more may be Australian tax residents, depending on their circumstances.
Do not depend on part-time work to pay all tuition and living costs. You must have enough money before applying.
Bringing your family
You may be able to include a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children under 18. Important points include:
- declare all family members in the first Student visa application, even if they will travel later;
- provide marriage, birth, relationship and dependency evidence;
- buy suitable OSHC for everyone;
- show the extra living, travel and school costs;
- arrange and pay for school for school-age children; and
- check each person’s work conditions in their visa grant and VEVO.
Family members who were not declared may not be able to join later as subsequent entrants. Partner work rights depend on the main student’s course and the conditions granted.
Scholarships for international students
Scholarship options include:
- Australia Awards: Government scholarships for eligible applicants from participating countries.
- Research Training Program: Fee offsets, stipends or allowances for eligible research master and PhD students, administered by universities.
- University scholarships: Merit, research, regional, faculty or country-based awards.
- Provider bursaries: Partial fee reductions offered by some TAFE and private providers.
Search the Study Australia scholarship database, check Australia Awards and apply directly to universities for the Research Training Program. Check eligibility, closing dates and conditions early. A scholarship may be partial and may not cover visa, travel, OSHC or all living costs.
Salary after graduation
Salary depends on the field, location, experience, English, professional registration and whether the graduate finds full-time work.
The 2025 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey reports these median salaries for international graduates who were working full-time in Australia:
| Qualification | Median full-time salary |
| Undergraduate | AUD 70,000 |
| Postgraduate coursework | AUD 69,400 |
| Postgraduate research | AUD 100,000 |
The same survey reported full-time employment among international graduates available for full-time work at 50.8% for undergraduates, 52.2% for postgraduate coursework graduates and 71.8% for postgraduate research graduates. These figures are national survey results, not guaranteed starting salaries or job-placement rates for a particular course.
Before enrolling, check independent graduate outcomes, professional accreditation and job demand. Be cautious when a provider or agent promises a high salary.
Options after graduation
Eligible graduates may consider the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). It allows unrestricted work for a limited period.
Current streams include:
- Post-Vocational Education Work: Generally for an eligible associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to a nominated occupation; stay can be up to 18 months.
- Post-Higher Education Work: Generally for eligible degree-level qualifications; stay is normally 2–3 years depending on the qualification.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work: An extra 1–2 years for some graduates who studied and lived in an eligible regional area.
Applicants normally need to be 35 or younger, although some Hong Kong/British National (Overseas) passport holders and research master or PhD graduates have an under-50 exception. Other requirements include recent Student visa history, English, health insurance and the Australian study requirement. From 1 July 2026, the main 485 visa application charge starts at AUD 5,750.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a course that is not registered on CRICOS.
- Looking only at rankings and ignoring course quality, accreditation and total cost.
- Using borrowed money that is not genuinely available.
- Making unexplained large deposits just before applying.
- Copying a generic GS statement.
- Hiding visa refusals, relatives, work history or previous study.
- Uploading an expired English test or incomplete translations.
- Buying OSHC for the wrong dates or without family cover.
- Paying an unverified agent or believing a visa or PR guarantee.
- Booking expensive non-refundable travel before the visa is granted.
- Working before the course starts or exceeding the work limit.
- Assuming part-time income will cover all expenses.
Final Study in Australia checklist
Before submitting your visa application, confirm that you have:
- chosen a suitable CRICOS-registered course and campus;
- checked entry, accreditation and career outcomes;
- calculated tuition, living, travel and setup costs;
- received and checked the Letter of Offer;
- accepted the offer and received every required CoE;
- met the provider and visa English requirements;
- prepared genuine, traceable financial evidence;
- written clear GS answers with supporting documents;
- purchased correct OSHC;
- completed health, character, biometrics and under-18 documents if required;
- checked the official document checklist;
- entered accurate information in ImmiAccount; and
- allowed enough time for processing.
Conclusion
To study in Australia successfully, start with a course that fits your real education and career plans. Check CRICOS, compare the full cost, prepare genuine financial evidence, and submit a complete Student visa application. After arrival, follow your course, health cover, and work conditions.
Updated on 30.07.2026 through the collaboration of visa-guru.com and migration expert Umer Rasib.