Why Australia?
- High-quality universities ranked globally
- Diverse and multicultural environment
- Post-study work opportunities
- Scholarships available for international students
- Safe and welcoming society
Quick Facts
- 8 out of 100 Top Universities
- 5 out of 30 best student cities
- 22,000 course options in about 1,100 institutions
- 9th in the World University ranking system
- A$200,000,000 annual government investment
- 2,500,000 International Alumni
- 15 Nobel Prize Laureates in different streams
Education System
GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
They are operated by a State or Territory government. Australian students normally do not pay substantial tuition fees to attend these schools. International students and the children of international students are required to pay fees. They address a variety of social and cultural philosophies.
NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
They are not owned or operated by a State or Territory government. International students usually pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. They may have a particular religious or cultural philosophy, which is clearly reflected in the student experience.
ELICOS
Australia offers a wide range of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) courses designed to meet the varying needs of students with different reasons for learning English.
- What is It?: Full-time ELICOS courses generally range from four to 48 weeks and are taught at all levels of proficiency, with at least 20 hours of study per week. They often have flexible start dates and can be taken in sequence with formal courses.
- Categories of English: The five major categories include General English, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Secondary School Preparation, Examination Preparation, and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Students who don't meet language requirements often begin with EAP.
Vocational Education & Training (VET)
Australia’s VET sector offers a large variety of qualifications for students with a strong practical orientation.
- School leavers seeking to acquire practical skills for work
- School leavers seeking an alternative pathway to university
- Workers who are seeking to further develop their career skills
- University graduates who need to acquire practical skills
- Those simply wishing to develop their personal interests
University Education
There are 43 Australian universities, of which 2 are private (Bond and Notre Dame). Many have overseas branch campuses and exchange programs with around 7000 agreements worldwide. Their primary roles are storing, transferring, and creating knowledge.
Study Costs
International students are charged tuition up front, with a deposit not exceeding 50% of the total fees required before the visa stage. Some institutions may also charge additional fees for laboratory access, student unions, and sports facilities. (source ESOS Act Division 2-Tuition fees)
Fair Indication of Costs
| Course Type | Approximate Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Foundation Studies | A$9,000 – A$14,000 |
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | A$15,000 – A$33,000 |
| Laboratory-based Bachelor Degree | A$14,000 – A$35,000 |
| Postgraduate Graduate Certificates & Diplomas | A$20,000 – A$37,000 |
| Masters & Doctoral Degree | A$20,000 – A$37,000 |
Accommodation
Boarding Schools
Many private schools offer boarding options with full catering, cleaning, and laundry services. Tuition fees must be added to the boarding fee. Cost: A$8,000-A$11,000 per year.
Homestay or Farmstay
Students live with an Australian family. It's a popular option for younger students attending high school or ELICOS courses. Cost: A$110-A$270 per week.
University Residential Colleges
These provide accommodation with all meals and a wide range of support services. Cost: A$190-A$280 per week.
University Halls of Residence
Offer accommodation with fewer services, some meals included, and self-catering facilities. Very popular with first-year students.
University Apartments
Rented apartments on or near campus, providing autonomy with the security of university-based accommodation. Popular with older students.
Private or Church-owned Boarding Hostels
A cheaper alternative to university accommodation. Residents share kitchen and bathroom facilities. Cost: A$80-A$135 per week.
Share Accommodation
Students share a house or flat. Many students move into share accommodation after a year or two on campus. Cost: A$50-A$160 per week.
Rental Accommodation
Involves finding and renting a residence with a lease. Requires rent payment in advance and a security bond. Cost: A$70-A$350 per person per week.
Admission Procedure
Important Documents
The most important documents usually include completed application forms, certificates of previous study, evidence of English proficiency, and translations of non-English documents.
Application Processing Time
Varies by institution. Financial evidence for 12 months of course fees is required for the visa checklist.
Letter of Offer & Confirmation of Enrollment
The Letter of Offer is the contract from the institution. After accepting the offer and paying the deposit, you will receive an 'Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment' (eCoE) which outlines your course details.
Ways to Lodge
Applications can be lodged either directly to the education provider or through an Australian education agent like us.
Visa Procedure
Single Student Visa (subclass 500)
Since July 1, 2017, there has been a single student visa for all levels of study, regardless of the chosen course.
Visa Conditions
You must update your address, attend regularly, and progress each semester. You can work 40 hours a fortnight and must maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You cannot transfer to another provider for the first 6 months of your principal course.
Study Aftermath
After completing your studies, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which has two streams: the Graduate Work stream (18 months) and the Post-Study Work stream (2-4 years).
