Study In Australia

Important Facts About Australia

Australia has one of the top-most educational systems in the world, with 22,000 courses offered across 1100 institutions.
Australia welcomes half a million students every year.
All international student rights are protected under the Australian Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000.
Australian government offers ample grants, scholarships, and bursaries to students from India and other countries to help them reduce their tuition fees.
Australia has one of the highest populations of immigrants in any developed country.
There are over 200 languages spoken throughout the country.
You will find people of Chinese, Greek, Indian, Italian, and Arabian descent in the country.
World-class public infrastructure, affordable housing, quality medical care, and technically advanced transportation systems are a few of the top reasons to study in Australia for Indian students.

Why Study in Australia?

Australia has emerged as one of the most popular study abroad destinations in recent years. High quality of education combined with cultural diversity and excellent choice of English-taught courses are reasons why students choose this country for their higher education.

Australian education system promotes innovation, creativity, and independent thinking throughout its universities. This education system complies with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which specifies education standards at all levels.

1. Focus on Practical Learning

Australia’s unique learning experience is a vital factor that attracts international students globally. The country offers access to QS-ranked universities such as the Australian National University, University of Melbourne, and many more that exhibit an excellent learning environment.

While studying at Australian universities, international students focus first on practical learning and then move towards theoretical learning. This is a great way to educate students, as the latter will help them understand topics and concepts better. This approach to conducting action-based learning supported by theory makes it easier for students to remember what they’ve learned after class.

2. ESOS Act For International Students

It isn’t easy for international students to leave their home country and settle in a new city. There are various moments when study abroad aspirants require help to deal with certain issues. Australia understood that and created the ESOS Act for international students solely.

Education Services for overseas students (ESOS) is a law-enforced protection act for the rights of international students. It provides guidance and support for students to deal with legal issues, develop job skills and socialise with their kind. Having this act can help foreign students live better in a new city.

3. Offers Good Salaries

When it comes to salaries, Australia offers good packages. Based on your skill and knowledge, the salary figures can vary accordingly.

4. Lower Student Visa Rejection Rate

Australia has a low student VISA rejection rate of 3.8%. Due to this, the country sees more VISA applications before the semester starts.

Over the years, Australia has seen significant growth in international students. As per the latest government statistics, the number of international students in Australia in 2022 was 619,371. It is projected that by 2025, the growth could lead to 940,000 students.

5. Has Great Student Destinations

Australia is open to catering to international students academically and professionally. The country proves to be a paradise for international students. Australia has multiple student-friendly cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and more that offer a range of activities and sightseeing for students to explore.

From relaxing on the beach on the weekends to enjoying the nightlife on any day, Australia offers everything that ultimately enhances a student’s living experience.

Education System in Australia

The education system in Australia is backed by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Introduced in 1995, AQF is a national policy that covers the qualifications from the school leaving certificate to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education to the Tertiary Education Sector.

Higher education in Australia is organized in two sectors – universities registered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and vocational education and training (VET), which is regulated and registered by the Australian Skills Quality Agency (ASQA).

VET

These courses are offered by the Technical And Further Education (TAFE) institutions that are government-funded, as well as private Registered Training Organizations (RTO) and adult and community education centers. VET courses incorporate on-job training in addition to online or classroom training.

Undergraduate

The bachelor’s courses take 3 years to complete, however, some institutions are offering fast-track bachelor’s programs, which can be completed in 2 years . These courses are typically 3 - 4 years long and lead to a bachelor's degree. They offer a broad range of subject areas and often include practical work experience or research opportunities. Some universities also offer a fast-track bachelor’s program that can be completed in 2 years .

Graduate

Australian universities offer a broad range of graduate options, including a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, and master’s degree. The graduate certificate duration is six months, whereas a graduate diploma can be earned in eighteen months, and a master’s degree in a year or two, depending on the university and type of course.

PhD Programs

This is the highest degree awarded by Australian universities and generally takes three years to complete. Australian universities award the highest degree, a PhD, which typically takes 3- 4 years to complete and involves extensive research in a specific field. Students work closely with a supervisor to develop and carry out a research project, culminating in a thesis. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, or industry.

Higher Education AQF Levels

The AQF levels span from 5-10 and feature the following:

Qualification	Degree Level	AQF LEVEL
Higher Doctoral Degree	Graduate	10
Doctoral Degree	Graduate	10
Masters Degree (Research)	Graduate	9
Masters Degree (Coursework)	Graduate	9
Masters Degree (Extended)	Graduate	9
Graduate Diploma	Graduate	8
Graduate Certificate	Graduate	8
Bachelors Honours Degree	Undergraduate	8
Bachelor Degree	Undergraduate	7
Associate Degree	Undergraduate	6
Advanced Diploma	Undergraduate	6
Diploma	Undergraduate	5

Types of Educational Institutes in Australia

The following are Types of Educational Institutes in Australia.

Group of 8 Universities: They are the group of the eight best research universities in Australia. These universities are chosen by people who want to perform an extensive graduate study.

The following are Group of 8 universities in Australia:

The University of Melbourne
University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney
The University of Queensland
Monash University
The University of Western Australia
The University of Adelaide
The University of Sydney
Australian National University

Public Universities: These universities are government-funded and comprise a wide range of institutions from a network of regional universities to research-intensive universities.

Private Universities: These universities are higher education institutions not funded by the government and operate on a self-sustaining business model. They can be more expensive than public universities and may not offer the same range of facilities and resources.
Institute of Technology/Australian Technology Network: These are universities, which offer practical and technological education such as sports science, nursing, and design.

Technical and Further Education (TAFE): These institutes offer vocational courses, apprenticeships and work experience. TAFE institutes are run by territory and state governments.

Grading System in Australia

Every university, institute, or state in Australia follows a different grading system. Therefore, it’s always suggested to have a prior check with the specific educational institute or university about the grading systems they follow.

Grading System for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Australian Grade	Grade Name	Grade Scale %	GPA
HD	High Distinction	85 – 100	A+
D	Distinction	84-75	A
C	Credit	74-65	B
P	Pass	64-50
F	Fail	49 and below	F

Honours Degree Grading in Australia

When compared to a standard undergraduate degree in Australia, an honours degree involves an additional year of study.

Australian Grade	Grade Name	Percentage (%)
H1	First Class Honours	100-80
H2A	Second Class Honours – A Division	79-75
H2B	Second Class Honours – B Division	74-70
H3	Third Class Honours	69-65
P	Pass	64-50
N	Fail	49 and below

Vocational and Trade Courses Grading in Australia

The grading for these courses is binary. You may fail or pass by achieving the grade scale percentage.

Grade Scale %	Grade	Grade Description
100%	C/S	Competent/Satisfactory
0%	NYC/NS	Not Yet Competent/ Not Yet Satisfactory

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Top Courses to Study in Australia for Indian Students

Popular Universities to Study in Australia for Indian Students

Below is the list of some popular universities featured on QS University Ranking 2023 and 2024.

Institution	QS Ranking 2023 (Globally)	QS Ranking 2024 (Globally)
The Australian National University	30	34
The University of Melbourne	33	14
The University of Sydney	41	19
The University of New South Wales	45	19
The University of Queensland	50	43
Monash University	57	42
The University of Western Australia	90	72
The University of Adelaide	109	89
University of Technology, Sydney	137	90
University of Wollongong	185	162

Top Universities in Australia To Study Without IELTS

It is 100% possible to study without even taking the IELTS in Australia. Students can seek admission by submitting alternative exam scores.

Name of the University	Alternative Exams
Australian National University	ANU Access Program, CAE, PTE
University of Southern Queensland	USQ Pathway Program
Bond University	EAP Level 3 (English for Academic Purposes), PTE
University of South Australia	Centre for English language (CELUSA), English Program: Level 4, PTE, CAE, or CPE
University of Adelaide	Language preparatory course, TOEFL, CAE
Macquarie University	CAE, CPE, OET, and PTE
Victoria University	UVic Pathway Program, CAE, PTE
The Swinburne University of Technology	English Language Course
University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney	Pre-sessional English Language Program

List Of Cost-Efficient Australian Universities

The universities in Australia attract large number of international students every year. Although affordable than many other international student destinations, some students still find Australia expensive. There are many cost-efficient public universities that assure affordable education in the country. These universities charge anything between AUD 20,000 and AUD 35,000 annually for different programs. Below mentioned are some of the popular affordable universities in Australia with low tuition fees:

Universities Name	Type of University
University of Southern Queensland	Public university
Charles Sturt University	Public university
Federation University Australia	Public university
Southern Cross University	Public university
Australian Catholic University	Public university
Edith Cowan University	Public university
Central Queensland University (CQU)	Public university

How to Apply to a University in Australia

Applying to Australian institutions is easy, although it will require some careful planning.

Step 1: Select the course and university

Read the course curriculum carefully and check on support services and facilities offered to international students.

Step 2: Begin Your Application

After finalizing the desired course and education provider, you can download the form from the websites of institutions or request it by post. The application forms will require you to submit English language proficiency scores, academic transcripts, course preferences, a summary of employment experience, and more. When all the documents are ready, you can approach the official external agent. Most universities in Australia need you to apply through an authorized external agent. Alternately, you can also apply through the Immi Account application system. For guidance, you can contact the services department in your university.

Step 3: Application assessment

The education provider will assess the application form and notify you of the result.

Step 4: Accept the offer

If your application is accepted, you will receive an acceptance form or an offer letter from the university/ institution. Read the offer letter carefully to see the applicable conditions. Ensure to meet these conditions before the institute offers confirmation of enrollment (COE).

Step 5: Pay the tuition fees

Pay the tuition fees before the COE is issued.

Step 6: Attend the GTE Assessment

After receiving the COE, the student has to appear for Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) assessment interview. This assessment is conducted to ascertain the candidate’s genuineness to avoid any chances of illegal immigration. Next, the student need to attend the medical examination.

Step 7: Get Ready for Departure

Apply for the student VISA using the COE issued by the university and GTE assessment response. You can purchase health insurance, and flight tickets, and arrange for your accommodation in Australia before flying to the country.

Application Documents Required to Study in Australia for Indian Students

General application documents required

The application requirements may vary across institutions. The following are a few common documents required for submission.

Personal details
Certified proof of the level of English language proficiency
A summary of your employment experience (if applicable)
A non-refundable application fees

In some special case scenarios, another series of documents must be uploaded, such as:

The final grades, if a student has applied before your final exams.
Official certified translations if the documents are in a language other than English.
Official proof in case of name change (ex. if you got married).

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Australia for Indian Students

An Indian student can apply for higher education in Australia if he/she meets the following education criteria.

For Undergraduate Courses: The candidate must be over 17 years of age and possess 10+2 level of education from an acknowledged education institution in their country. Many Australian universities have set a minimum score cut-off of 60% that students must meet to be considered for a particular course. However, higher scores may be required for certain courses like engineering and medicine.

For Graduate Courses: The candidate must possess a graduate degree certificate issued by a recognized institution. Many Australian universities have set a minimum score cut-off of 65% that students must meet to be considered for a particular course. However, higher scores may be required for certain courses like engineering and medicine. If a student wishes to enroll for a research program a student needs to submit a research proposal.

Most universities require students to submit proper letters of recommendation (LOR) along with a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and scores of English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, or IELTS.

Other added requirements may also include past work experiences.

University Intakes and Timeline

There are three intake seasons in Australia. These intake seasons are referred to as semesters or trimesters in many universities.

Semester 1/T1

Late February/early March to Late May/Early June: This is the primary intake season in Australia. This intake has large number of courses offered by every university. If you are eyeing this intake, let’s look at the timeline.

April – June: Shortlist the colleges and courses
July – August: Compare and apply to the colleges or universities

September – October: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT
October – November: Start applying for colleges and courses with all required documents

November – December: Accept the university offer and appear for interviews

December – January: Apply for the VISA and apply for an education loan

January – February: Make the travel arrangements and get ready to start your new semester at your chosen college

Semester 2/T2

Late July/early August through to November: This is the second most popular intake in Australia. If you are eyeing this intake, let’s look at the timeline.

September – October: Shortlist the colleges and courses

November – December: Compare and apply to the colleges or universities

December – February: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT

February – March: Start applying for colleges and courses with all required documents

March – April: Accept the university offer and appear for interviews

May – July: Apply for the VISA and apply for an education loan

July – August: Make the travel arrangements and get ready to start your new semester at your chosen college

Semester 3/T3

Late October/early November through to February: It is also called trimester three (T3) or the summer semester. A limited number of universities in Australia offer courses and programs during this trimester.

Duration: This trimester is shorter than other semesters, with a duration of 6-12 weeks.
Course Availability: The range of courses available in this semester is limited. Some universities offer only a select number of courses. Some of these courses, such as internships or short courses, may not be available in other semesters.
Flexibility: Trimester 3 allows students to complete their degree sooner, either by accelerating their degree or catching up on missed coursework.
Intensive Courses: Trimester 3 courses are condensed and intensive, covering significant material in a shorter period.

Cost of Studying in Australia for Indian Students

Here we have included the average annual cost of education in AUD. Actual values may differ across cities and universities in Australia.

Types of Expenses (Annual)	Expenses in AUD (Annual)
Tuition Fees	AUD 20,000-AUD 42,000 for undergraduate programs; AUD 22,000-AUD 50,000 for post graduate degree; and PhD programs;AUD 4000-AUD 22000 for vocational courses; andAUD 300 per week for English courses.Some universities may charge up to AUD 85,000 for MBA courses.
Living expenses including accommodation	AUD 90-AUD 150 per week for hostels and guesthouses AUD 95 to AUD 215 per week for shared rentalsAUD 110 -AUD 280 per week for on-campus apartment AUD 235 -AUD 325 per week for homestay and rentalsAUD 11,000 -AUD 22,000 a year for boarding schools
Groceries	AUD 140 to AUD 280 per week
Public transport	AUD 30 to AUD 60 per week

Types of Student VISA to Study in Australia

International students wishing to pursue higher education in Australia should apply for the Australian Student VISA Subclass 500. The following are a few popular visas in this subclass.

Independent ELICOS VISA (Subclass 570)

International students traveling to Australia to pursue English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) should apply for this VISA.

Vocational Education and Training Sector VISA (Subclass 572)

This VISA is needed for students traveling to Australia to pursue a vocational or training qualification.

Higher Education Sector VISA (Subclass 573)

This VISA is needed for students traveling to Australia to pursue an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master’s degree, and higher education diploma.

Graduate Research Sector VISA (Subclass 574)

ThisVISA is needed for students traveling to Australia to study research-based masters and Ph.D. courses.

Non-Award Sector VISA (Subclass 575)

This VISA is needed for students traveling to Australia to study towards a full-time course or non-award foundation course, which doesn’t lead to the award of a certificate.

Foreign Affairs or Defense Sector VISA (Subclass 576)

The VISA is needed for students who are sponsored by Australia’s Department of Defense or Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Applying For An Australian Student VISA

Step 1: Apply to a study institution in Australia and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Step 2: Create an account on the Australian Immigration Authorities website.

Step 3: Fill in all the personal details, and upload the relevant documents required to complete the VISA application process. Make sure to apply for a student VISA subclass 500. This application should be made at least 125 days before the tentative start of the course.

Step 4: Get the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) by paying a VISA fee. You can make this payment online using a credit card.

Step 5: Students will finally receive an Australian VISA through email. Book your tickets and get ready to start your course in Australia.

Documentary Proof Required for An Australian Student VISA

Best Australian Cities for International Students

Students going to Australia expect a rewarding educational and professional experience. The cities in the country are well-equipped to cater the needs of students coming to the country. The following are some of the popular student cities in Australia.

Melbourne

Sydney

Canberra

Brisbane

Adelaide

Perth

Gold Coast

Exams to Study in Australia for Indian Students

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS: This stands for International English Language Testing System and is widely accepted by universities in Australia. An overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 is necessary for admission to many Australian universities.

TOEFL: This stands for the Test of English as Foreign Language, which is conducted by the ETS. During the pandemic, the ETS introduced TOEFL iBT, and an average score of 90 in the test is mandatory for admission to various universities.

PTE: This stands for Pearson Test of English, which is a 90-point test, where a score of 74-84 is considered competitive for admissions.

CAE: This stands for Cambridge Advanced English Test (CAE) and is conducted by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. International students seeking admission to undergraduate programs attend this exam. A score between 60-79 is considered the best and scores above 80 are outstanding.

Standardized Exams for Undergraduate and Graduate Courses in Australia.

UMAT: This is Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission (UMAT) conducted by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It is undertaken by students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in dentistry, medicine, and health science in Australia.

ISAT: This is International Student Admission Test undertaken by students seeking admission to occupational therapy and speech, medicine, and healthcare undergraduate programs in Australia.

LSAT: This is Law Admission Test conducted by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), USA and is undertaken by students seeking admission to graduate and undergraduate programs in Australia.

SAT: This is a Scholastic Aptitude Test conducted by the College Board and is quite popular among students taking admission to undergraduate programs.

GMAT: This is Graduate Management Admission Test conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Candidates with scores above 680 and above are accepted by some of the best business schools for MBA programs in Australia.

GRE: This is Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This test is undertaken by students seeking admission to business, law, and many graduate schools in Australia. The test measures the academic readiness of a student for different graduate programs.

Government and Non-Government Scholarships to Study In Australia for Indian Students

Name of Scholarship	Description
Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)	This scholarship is funded by the Government of Australia and covers health insurance and tuition fee. The scholarship amount includes AUD 28,587.
John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)	Instituted and handled by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), this fellowship allows international students to pursue a master’s and PhD course in agriculture from any recognized tertiary institution in Australia. The scholarship amounts vary across courses.
Destination Australia	This scholarship is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and is awarded to students wishing to pursue courses from any regional universities or study institutions in Australia. The scholarship amount is AUD 15,000.
Australia Awards Scholarships	These scholarships are instituted and administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The scholarships are awarded to students from India and other developing countries to pursue their undergraduate and graduate courses in any of the participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The scholarship amount covers full tuition fees, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), return air travel, etc.

Note: Many universities in Australia, like the University of Sydney, the Macquarie University, Griffith University, and the University of Melbourne, also offer scholarships to international students. You can apply for these scholarships if you plan to study at these institutions.

Post Study Australian Work VISA

Name of Visa	Key Restriction	Maximum Stay	Dependents Allowed
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post Study Work Stream	Bachelor degree and above qualification, a registered course for at least 2 academic years but not less than 16 calendar months Students must apply for this visa within 6 months of course completion	2 to 4 years*	Yes
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work stream	Skills and qualifications to occupations specified in the skilled occupation list Students must apply for this visa within 6 months of course completion	Up to 18 months	Yes
Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)	Engineering qualifications from a specified educational institution in the last 2 years	Up to 18 months	Yes

Depending on the qualification, the stay duration for a Temporary Graduate VISA (subclass 485) – Post Study Work Stream is:

Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Degree with Honours, Masters by Coursework – 2 years
Masters by Research Degree – 3 years
Doctoral Degree – 4 years

Part-time Job Opportunities for Students

Casual Employee: Work on an as-needed basis with flexible hours and no guaranteed work. Higher hourly rate but no benefits or job security.

Permanent Employee: Regularly scheduled work with guaranteed hours, benefits, and job security. Lower hourly rate but reliable income.

On-Campus Part – Time Jobs:

Tutor
Library Assistant
IT Support
Administrative Support
Research Assistants
Campus Tour Guides
Student Event Coordinator
Lab Assistant

Off-Campus Part – Time Jobs:

Retail Assistant
Food Delivery Services
Petrol Station Attendants
Hospitality
Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
Services – Childcare and Aged Car
Farmhands
Office Assistant

Career Prospects for International Students in Australia

The following are in-demand and highest-paying careers in Australia with their average annual income. Your income would depend on your knowledge, skills, and the type of organisation you work for.

Healthcare and Medical

Doctors, Nurse, Radiographers, and Pediatricians (AUD 60,000- 300,000)

IT

IT Systems Architect, IT Manager, IT Security Architect, Cloud Engineers, Data Scientist, Python Developers, IT Consultant, Project Managers, and DevOps Engineer (AUD 70,000-140,000)

Legal

Legal Secretary, Corporate Commercial Contracts Lawyer, Junior Lawyer, Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Law (AUD 60,000- 120,000)

Banking and Finance

Business Banking Analyst, Junior Credit Analyst, Assistant Relationship Manager, Junior Trust Analyst, Credit Assessor (AUD 40,000- 100,00)

Marketing and Communication

Marketing Assistant, Social Media and Digital Marketing, Marketing Advisor, Marketing Specialist (AUD 60,000-80,000)

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Study in Australia FAQs

Is Credit Transfer possible in Australia?

The Australian government recognizes degrees from Indian universities and allows credit transfers. Students will be asked to submit the course syllabus to the university, which takes a minimum of 6 months to transfer the credits. The National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) is an Australian government organization that helps universities to recognize overseas qualifications.

Yes, you will get language support in the UK even if you have enrolled for another course. Most universities have a language support facility to help you improve the same.

Can I apply for an exemption at an Australian university?

Yes, you can apply for an exemption at an Australian university. If you possess any professional experience or have completed a program relevant to the current program, you can request an exemption or a credit transfer.

How much can I earn working as a student?

The minimum wage for a part-time job in Australia is $18.93 per hour.

Do Australian institutions accept the 10+2+3 education system of India?

Yes, most master programs in Australia accept the 10+2+3 system education system

Do I need to appear for an English proficiency test to seek admission to an Australian university, even if I've attained my education in English?

It is a visa requirement for students to showcase adequate English proficiency skills, and thus, it is required of them to appear for the IELTS or other English proficiency tests like TOEFL or PTE.

Can I study in Australia with a scholarship?

Yes, you can. International students have access to many government and non-government scholarships. These scholarships allow students to save money on tuition.

Can I change my course or institution in Australia if I don't like it?

Yes, you can change the course and institution in Australia following the conditions and steps set by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Is it simple to obtain PR after studying in Australia?

A student can apply for a post-study work visa after completion of study. They can work on their skills to achieve points for the General Skilled Migration policy, which allows them to receive permanent status (PR). A student will obtain the visa only if they meet certain terms and conditions laid by the government.

Is there any age limit for applying for student VISA in Australia?

No, there is no age limit for applying for student visa in Australia. Students under 18 have to meet different criteria set by government.

What do you mean by Go8?

The Group of Eight (Go8) universities are a group of eight educational institutes in Australia that assure ample research and employment opportunities to students.

Which are the Go8 universities?

The Go8 universities are as follows:

1. The University of Melbourne
2. University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney
3. The University of Queensland
4. Monash University
5. The University of Western Australia
6. The University of Adelaide
7. The University of Sydney
8. Australian National University