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.
Group of Eight institutions rank among the world's best.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for 2–4 years.
Students from 190+ countries study across six states.
Beaches, outdoor culture, and high quality of life indices.
Strength in mining tech, health sciences, and renewable energy.
Strong ESOS protections for international students.
Australian qualifications follow the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) with rigorous national standards.
Requirements
Timeline
Major intake February; mid-year July also available.
Receive conditional or unconditional offer.
Pay tuition deposit; receive Confirmation of Enrolment.
Apply for subclass 500 student visa with CoE.
LetsTern helps prepare your GTE statement and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.
Annual tuition
AUD 25,000 – 45,000
per year
Coursework master's
AUD 28,000 – 50,000
per year
Premium programs
AUD 50,000 – 90,000
per year
Mandatory OSHC
Visa Financial Proof
Demonstrate funds for 12 months:
Australia Awards, university merit scholarships, and destination-specific grants.
A merit-based tuition support award automatically assessed upon admission application. It reduces tuition by 25% for the entire duration of eligible coursework programs, barring certain exclusions. No separate scholarship application required. Recipients are notified via the Offer letter.
View scholarship →A highly competitive award for international students (excluding Australia/NZ) commencing an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree. Only two scholarships per faculty are awarded based on highest academic merit (e.g., ATAR ≥98 or GPA ≥6.8/6.9). No application needed; selection is automatic and confirmed upon admission acceptance.
View scholarship →This highly competitive scholarship supports exceptional international HDR candidates to conduct research at UWA. Award benefits include full coverage of international tuition, mandatory health insurance (OSHC) for the candidate and their dependents, and potentially a generous annual living stipend. Ideal for students with a strong academic and research track record.
View scholarship →The UNSW College Award is offered to high-achieving international students who have completed a UNSW College Foundation Studies or Diploma program and are commencing undergraduate or postgraduate coursework at UNSW. The award recognizes academic merit and helps students transition smoothly into university life. It provides a one-time AUD $10,000 tuition fee reduction, credited towards the first term of study. This scholarship is highly competitive and aims to reward outstanding students who have demonstrated strong academic performance during their UNSW College studies.
View scholarship →The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships aim to support high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing graduate research degrees. These scholarships provide financial assistance to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs, enabling recipients to focus on their research without financial concerns.
View scholarship →The University of Sydney offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and research degrees. These scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds and provide financial assistance to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs.
View scholarship →Apply for Student visa (subclass 500) through ImmiAccount with a valid CoE.
Receive Confirmation of Enrolment after accepting offer.
Buy health cover for full visa period.
Write Genuine Temporary Entrant personal statement.
Submit online application with biometrics.
Attend orientation and comply with visa work conditions.
Student visa holders may work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during breaks.
| 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 |
Sydney and Melbourne are most expensive; Adelaide and Brisbane offer lower rents.
Select a city
Typical student budget (excluding tuition)
Estimated total: AUD 2,000 – 2,900 / month
Australia rewards graduates with temporary and permanent migration options.
