How to study in Australia?

Australia is the largest country of Oceania. It comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and several smaller islands. In terms of area, Australia is the sixth-largest country of the world. Its 26 million inhabitants highly concentrate in urban areas, e.g. in Australia`s largest city Sydney. Other important metropolitan areas are Australia`s capital Canberry, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Australia’s Higher Education System

Australia is home to 43 universities, with the vast majority of them being public ones. The main qualifications awarded by Australian universities are bachelor`s, master`s and doctoral degrees. The duration of bachelor`s degrees is normally three to four years, master`s degree usually have a duration of one to two years. Also, master`s degrees often differentiate between research-oriented and coursework-focused programmes. PhD degrees typically take three to four years. Requirements for the respective qualification pathways are specified in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is responsible for accrediting courses and monitoring universities, and so ensures standardised quality standards.

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students: having the highest ratio of international students per head of population, in 2019 more than one quarter of all enrolled students were internationals.

For more information about the entire education system in Australia, click here.

Australia’s Higher Education System in international comparison

By including 40 of 43 Australian higher education institutions, U-Multirank provides detailed evidence on the performance of the Australian higher education system.

For the five U-Multirank dimensions the graphic depicts the national average and shows how many of the Australian institutions perform above the average (receiving an ‘A’ (very good) or ‘B’ (good) score), or below the average (receiving a ‘D’ (below average) or ‘E’ (weak) score).

Australian universities perform particularly well in the research and international orientation dimension.

How much does it cost to study in Australia?

Tuition fees at Australian higher education institutions vary greatly, depending on the chosen location, subject and level of the study programme. Generally, for domestic students the tuition fees are lower than for international students. Also, bachelor programmes are generally slightly less expensive than master’s programmes.

If you plan to study in Australia, you should also be aware of the comparably high costs of living. There are certain financial requirements that student applicants must fulfil in order to receive a student visa. For more information on the costs of studying in Australia, have a look at this page.

What are the entry requirements for Australian Universities?

Entry requirements differ from institution to institution and depending on the chosen level of study. You should therefore have a look at the information your desired university provides. Australian educational courses are taught in English. In some cases, you may need to provide results of an English language test. We require proof of your English language capabilities to ensure you can understand the course content. The English language skill level required by an institution can be different from the skill level required for your student visa application. See studying and training visas for more information and check the institution’s website for any specific English language requirements. In either case, students must prove English language skills, usually via a standardized English test. 

Many universities offer the possibility of taking part in a one-year bridging study course, the so-called foundation studies. These courses are designed to prepare prospective students with the necessary academic skills for successfully studying at Australian universities. 
The academic requirements (including evidence of English language skills) you need will vary depending on the level of course you want to study. Institutions can have different entry requirements, so read the course information on their website carefully and contact them if you need any advice or assistance.

How to get a Stipend/ Scholarship in Australia?

There are multiple providers of scholarships to support students wishing to study in Australia. Scholarships are offered by the higher education institutions themselves, by the Australian government and by several other public as well as private entities. For a detailed overview on scholarship opportunities and their specific requirements, please click here.

Do I need a Student Visa for Australia?

Yes, a student visa is required if you want to study in Australia. The student visa you need depends on your course. Here is a list of some typical requirements:

• Receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate.
• Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.
• Prove you have sufficient funds for airfares, course fees and living costs.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Provide evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (see below).

For the latter, there are some minor exemptions for students coming from Sweden, Norway and Belgium. For all the details on Australian student visa and application requirements, check this page.