Study in Australia: a guide for international students
How Australian degrees, applications, student visas, costs, scholarships and intakes work, and what to ask an Australian admissions representative.
How do international students apply to study in Australia?
International students apply directly to each Australian university, usually with school or degree transcripts, an English test and a statement, and receive a letter of offer. After accepting and paying a deposit, the university issues a Confirmation of Enrolment, which is needed to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) from the Department of Home Affairs. Only institutions registered on CRICOS can enrol international students.
Why students consider Australia
Australia combines English-medium universities with a warm climate, a large international community, especially from India, Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka, and two intakes a year that suit students finishing school in different months. Three-year bachelor's degrees keep total cost down, and professional degrees in nursing, engineering and accounting are recognised across the region.
The trade-offs are distance from the Gulf and Europe, high living costs in Sydney and Melbourne, and student visa rules that were tightened in 2024 around financial capacity and genuine-student requirements.
Ask universities directly
Students interested in studying in Australia can discuss it with participating universities at World Study Expo. Which institutions take part is published on each edition page as they confirm.
Degrees, levels and how applications work
Degree levels
- Foundation and diploma pathways: one year, leading into year one or two of a bachelor's.
- Bachelor's: three years; an additional honours year is common for research-minded students.
- Master's: one to two years, by coursework or research.
- PhD: three to four years.
How to apply
Applications are made directly to each university, online, with transcripts, an English test and identity documents; many students also apply through the university's appointed representatives. Deadlines are set per intake and are more flexible than in the UK or USA, but competitive programmes and scholarships close earlier. Offers are often conditional on final results or an English score.
Check that the institution and course appear on CRICOS, the official register of providers approved for international students.
Entry and English-language requirements
Entry requirements
Universities publish requirements against your school system: an ATAR equivalent for A-levels, IB, American diploma or Indian boards, with prerequisite subjects for engineering, science and health. Where the school qualification does not meet direct entry, foundation and diploma pathways run by the university or its partners lead into the degree. Postgraduate entry considers your bachelor's degree average and, for research degrees, a supervisor and proposal.
English-language requirements
IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are accepted at minimums set by each university and course, with higher scores for nursing, teaching and some professional degrees. Universities offer English-language pathway courses leading into the degree. The Student visa has its own English requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs; confirm both.
Tuition, living costs and scholarships
Tuition and living costs
Tuition is set per course by each university and varies by subject; living costs vary by city, with Sydney and Melbourne the most expensive. The Student visa application requires evidence of financial capacity for tuition, living costs and travel at amounts set by the government, which were raised in 2024. Ask universities for a written estimate of total annual cost, and check the current visa financial requirement on the official site.
Scholarships
Australian universities offer merit and regional scholarships to international students, often as a percentage reduction in tuition awarded at admission, and departmental funding for research students. The Australian Government's Australia Awards fund students from eligible countries. Ask participating universities which awards apply to your profile; scholarships depend on each university's criteria and are never guaranteed.
Intakes, accommodation and student life
Intakes and accommodation
Semester 1 starts in February or March and Semester 2 in July; some programmes offer a November intake. Accommodation options include university residences, purpose-built student housing and private rentals; apply early for on-campus places. Part-time work during study is permitted within limits set by the visa.
Questions to ask universities about Australia
- Is this course and institution registered on CRICOS, and what is the CRICOS code?
- What entry score do you require from my curriculum, and is a pathway available if I fall short?
- Which English tests and scores do you accept for this course, and for nursing or teaching specifically?
- Which scholarships are awarded at admission, and what percentage of tuition do they cover?
- What is the total annual cost including accommodation, and what deposit is needed for the Confirmation of Enrolment?
- Which intake suits my school completion date, February or July?
Discuss Australia with universities that recruit from your market
Students interested in studying in Australia can discuss entry scores, pathways, scholarships, intakes and the enrolment process with participating universities at World Study Expo, in person in the UAE in September 2027 and online across the Middle East, India and Asia in October. Whether Australian institutions are among the exhibitors is shown on each edition page as participants confirm.
Studying in Australia: your questions
What is CRICOS?
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students, the official Australian Government register of institutions and courses approved to enrol international students. Check that both the institution and the course are listed before applying.
What is a Confirmation of Enrolment?
A document a CRICOS-registered institution issues after you accept an offer and pay the required deposit. You need it to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500).
When do Australian universities start the academic year?
Semester 1 begins in February or March and Semester 2 in July, so students finishing school in mid-year can start without waiting a full year. Some programmes also offer a November intake.
Are there scholarships for international students in Australia?
Yes, mainly merit and regional scholarships from universities awarded at admission, plus Australia Awards from the Australian Government for eligible countries. Each has its own criteria; ask the university for specifics.
Can international students work in Australia?
Student visa holders can usually work part time within limits set by the Department of Home Affairs, and eligible graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa. Limits and eligibility change; check the official Home Affairs site.
Do I need IELTS to study in Australia?
Most courses require IELTS, TOEFL or PTE at a level set by the course, and the Student visa has its own English requirement. Universities offer pathway English courses for students below the required score.
How long is a bachelor's degree in Australia?
Three years for most bachelor's degrees, with an optional fourth honours year; professional degrees such as engineering take four years.
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Official sources
Rules on visas, work rights and fees change. These guides summarise the structure; check the current position on the official sites before acting.
- Study Australia (Australian Government)
- Department of Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500)
- CRICOS register
- Australia Awards
Last reviewed 16 September 2026 by the World Study Expo editorial team. General guidance, not immigration, financial or legal advice.