Study in Australia

World-class universities and a welcoming environment for international students.

Australia offers world-ranked universities, a welcoming multicultural society, and clear post-study work rights. This guide covers admissions, student visas, OSHC, and living costs Down Under.

Why Australia?

Top Universities

Group of Eight institutions rank among the world's best.

Post-study Work

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for 2–4 years.

Multicultural

Students from 190+ countries study across six states.

Lifestyle

Beaches, outdoor culture, and high quality of life indices.

Innovation

Strength in mining tech, health sciences, and renewable energy.

Student Support

Strong ESOS protections for international students.

Quality Education

Australian qualifications follow the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) with rigorous national standards.

  • Universities

    43 universities offering bachelor's through doctorate.

  • TEQSA Regulated

    National quality and standards agency oversight.

  • Pathway Programs

    Foundation and diploma pathways into degree programs.

  • Group of Eight

    Research-intensive universities leading global rankings.

  • Work-Integrated Learning

    Co-op placements and industry projects built into curricula.

  • Campus Life

    Active student unions, clubs, and support services.

Leading Australian Universities

  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Sydney
  • UNSW Sydney
  • Australian National University
  • Monash University
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of Adelaide
  • UTS Sydney

Admission Procedure & Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

Requirements

  • Year 12 or equivalent (ATAR pathway)
  • Foundation program if qualifications don't meet direct entry
  • IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (no band below 5.5–6.0)
  • Statement of purpose

Timeline

  1. 1
    Apply (Aug–Dec)

    Major intake February; mid-year July also available.

  2. 2
    Offer Letter

    Receive conditional or unconditional offer.

  3. 3
    CoE Issued

    Pay tuition deposit; receive Confirmation of Enrolment.

  4. 4
    Visa Application

    Apply for subclass 500 student visa with CoE.

GTE & OSHC

LetsTern helps prepare your GTE statement and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.

Fee Structure

Undergraduate

Annual tuition

AUD 25,000 – 45,000

per year

Postgraduate

Coursework master's

AUD 28,000 – 50,000

per year

Medicine & MBA

Premium programs

AUD 50,000 – 90,000

per year

OSHC & Financial Requirements

Mandatory OSHC

  • Required for entire visa duration
  • Providers: Bupa, Medibank, Allianz
  • Approx. AUD 500–700/year
  • Covers doctor visits and hospital

Visa Financial Proof

Demonstrate funds for 12 months:

  • Tuition for first year
  • Living costs: AUD 29,710/year (2024)
  • Travel: AUD 2,000
  • Partner/children add additional amounts

Visa Process

Apply for Student visa (subclass 500) through ImmiAccount with a valid CoE.

Subclass 500 steps

  1. 1
    CoE from Institution

    Receive Confirmation of Enrolment after accepting offer.

  2. 2
    OSHC Purchase

    Buy health cover for full visa period.

  3. 3
    GTE Statement

    Write Genuine Temporary Entrant personal statement.

  4. 4
    ImmiAccount Lodgement

    Submit online application with biometrics.

  5. 5
    Arrival & Enrollment

    Attend orientation and comply with visa work conditions.

Part-time Work

Student visa holders may work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during breaks.

Common roles

Role Hourly (AUD) Notes
Hospitality AUD 23 – 30 Minimum wage AUD 23.23/hr (2024)
Retail AUD 23 – 28 Evening/weekend penalties higher
Tutoring AUD 30 – 50 University peer tutoring
Internships AUD 25 – 40 Often paid in professional degrees

Monthly Expenditures

Sydney and Melbourne are most expensive; Adelaide and Brisbane offer lower rents.

Select a city

Monthly expenses in Sydney

Typical student budget (excluding tuition)

  • Shared accommodation
    AUD 1,200 – 1,800
  • Groceries
    AUD 400 – 550
  • Transport (Opal)
    AUD 180 – 220
  • Mobile & internet
    AUD 60 – 80
  • Miscellaneous
    AUD 150 – 250

Estimated total: AUD 2,000 – 2,900 / month

Post-study Pathways

Australia rewards graduates with temporary and permanent migration options.

  • Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa: 2–4 years depending on qualification.
  • Skilled Migration (189, 190, 491) for occupations on skilled lists.
  • Employer sponsorship (482) leading to permanent residency.

Ready to study in Australia?

Plan your CoE, GTE, and visa application with LetsTern.

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