Savanna Hoffman
Australia is a popular destination for international students, who account for almost a quarter of enrolments across the country. The country's universities are widely respected and offer excellent facilities and a diverse range of activities. International students can apply for graduate coursework degrees in Australia, but they must meet the entry requirements set by the university and the Genuine Student (GS) requirement set by the Australian government. This includes submitting academic records, proof of English language proficiency, and completing any required tests or interviews. To study in Australia, international students need a valid student visa and health insurance coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic disciplines | Biology, zoology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, social sciences, medical fields |
| Percentage of international students | Almost a quarter of enrolments, close to half at some universities |
| Degrees offered | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate |
| Bachelor's degree duration | 3 to 5 years |
| Master's degree duration | 1 or 2 years |
| Doctorate degree duration | 3 to 4 years |
| English language proficiency tests accepted | TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, Cambridge English, Advanced/Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) |
| Visa requirements | Australian student visa, health insurance coverage, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
| Academic records required | Academic certificates and transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, proof of identity |
| Additional documents | Change of name certificate, curriculum vitae |
| Beginning of the academic year | February, July (start of the second semester) |
| Application deadline | 3 to 18 months before the course starts |
| Post-study work visa | Available to graduates without employer's sponsorship |
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Entry requirements
To be an international graduate student in Australia, you must meet the entry requirements of your chosen university and the Genuine Student (GS) requirement set by the Australian government. Each higher education institution in Australia is unique in its programs, entry requirements, costs, and lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential to research the specific requirements for your course and university. Here are the general entry requirements for international graduate students in Australia:
Academic Records and Qualifications
You will need to submit your academic records, including official documents such as academic certificates and transcripts. Most Australian universities require you to have completed an undergraduate degree or its equivalent from a recognised institution. Some graduate courses may also have specific subject prerequisites.
English Language Proficiency
International students must provide proof of proficiency in the English language. If your undergraduate degree was entirely taught and assessed in English within the last two years, you will typically satisfy the English language requirements. Otherwise, you may need to take English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, or Cambridge English Advanced.
Interviews, Portfolios, and Supplementary Tests
Some graduate coursework degrees may require interviews, portfolios, or supplementary tests as part of the admission process. These requirements vary depending on the course and university, so review the entry and application information for your specific course.
Visa Requirements
To study in Australia, you will need a valid Australian student visa, which should be applied for online through the Department of Home Affairs. A student visa requires health insurance coverage, also known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You can arrange this through your university or with approved providers. Additionally, with a student visa, you can only undertake full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course.
Health and Character Requirements
Meeting character requirements is essential for obtaining a student visa. You may also need to undergo health examinations and provide proof of acceptable health cover.
Financial Requirements
You will need to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your studies. This may include paying your first-semester fees upfront when accepting your offer.
Work Experience and Internships
Although not mandatory for all courses, pursuing work experience or internships is encouraged in Australia. Some courses, such as education, nursing, engineering, IT, accounting, and communication, may require completing relevant work experience.
It is important to note that entry requirements may vary depending on the university and the specific graduate program you are applying to. Always refer to the official website of your chosen university for detailed information on entry requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.
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Student visas
International students need a student visa to study in Australia. The subclass 500 Student Visa allows you to visit Australia to study full-time in a recognised educational institution. To apply for this visa, you must do so online through the Department of Home Affairs.
Australia is a popular choice for international students, who make up almost a quarter of enrolments, and close to half of the student body at some universities. Australian universities are widely respected and offer excellent facilities and activities. The academic year in Australia begins in February, with the second semester starting in July.
There are three levels of degrees offered: bachelor's, master's, and doctorate. Bachelor's degrees typically take three to five years, master's one or two, and a doctorate three to four. There are also over 1,100 accredited vocational and technical higher education institutions in Australia. These offer technical and further education (TAFE) and vocational education and training (VET). Here, you can study short courses, certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas in industry-specific training.
As an international student, you may also need to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
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Health insurance
As an international student in Australia, you are required by visa condition 8501 to have health insurance for the duration of your studies. This is to ensure that you are covered in case of any medical emergencies that may occur during your stay. The health insurance requirement also applies to your family members, such as partners and children under 18. The only exceptions are for students from Belgium, Sweden, and Norway, who are covered by specific healthcare policies, such as the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.
The type of health insurance you need is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is a health cover designed by the Australian government to help international students cover their medical and hospital care while studying in Australia. This health cover is necessary for international students who don't have access to Australian public healthcare (Medicare). Basic OSHC typically covers doctor's visits, hospital treatments, limited pharmaceuticals, ambulance services, prosthetic devices, and access to private hospitals and day surgeries. Dental care, optical services, and physiotherapy are generally not included in basic OSHC plans but may be available as part of more comprehensive coverage from some providers.
There are a few ways to obtain OSHC insurance while studying in Australia. One option is to have your education provider purchase it for you. The university will schedule your first payment to the health fund provider, but you will be personally responsible for any future renewals. Alternatively, you can choose your own OSHC-approved provider and pay for the insurance yourself. Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to maintain continuous coverage throughout your stay in Australia. Your OSHC policy must be valid for the entirety of your stay, and if you are extending your stay to continue your studies, you will need to purchase a new policy with no lapse in coverage.
The cost of OSHC depends on the duration of your studies in Australia, your visa type, and the number of people included in your policy. When you purchase OSHC, you will need to pay the policy premium in full upfront, which will cover you for the length of your student visa. It is important to note that if you are an international student without adequate health insurance, your visa may be at risk of cancellation. Therefore, it is essential to obtain OSHC insurance for the duration of your stay and renew your policy if you extend your studies or stay in Australia.
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Coursework and degrees
Australia is home to 43 universities, most of which are public. Australian universities are widely respected and attract students from many academic disciplines. The country is especially popular for those studying natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, social sciences, and medical fields. International students account for almost a quarter of enrolments, making for a diverse experience.
Australian universities offer three levels of degrees: bachelor's, master's, and doctorate. A bachelor's degree typically takes three to five years to complete. A master's degree usually takes one or two years, and a doctorate takes three to four years. Master's degrees typically cost around AU$20,000-37,000 (~US$15,000-26,800) per year, while doctoral degrees cost around AU$14,000-37,000 (~US$10,140-26,800).
In addition to universities, there are over 1,100 accredited vocational and technical higher education institutions in Australia. These institutions offer technical and further education (TAFE) and vocational education and training (VET). Students can pursue short courses, certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas in industry training designed to prepare them for specific jobs.
To apply for a graduate coursework degree as an international student, you must have completed an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution. Most master's degrees also require a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) from your previous studies. Graduate coursework degrees may also require interviews, portfolios, and supplementary tests for admission.
It is important to note that international students need a visa to study in Australia. The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to stay in the country for up to five years and work part-time. After graduating, international students can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to stay in Australia for up to four years, depending on their qualification.
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Work visas
International students in Australia on a student visa are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the academic session and full-time during the holidays. However, it is important to note that the primary purpose of a student visa is to allow individuals to study, not work. If you are a recent graduate and would like to remain in Australia to work, you will need to apply for a work visa.
The most common work visa for international graduates is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This visa allows international graduates to stay and work in Australia from 18 months up to 3 years, depending on their circumstances and eligibility. There are three streams under this visa:
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: This is for graduates with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree.
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: This is for graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification closely related to a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: This is for graduates in regional areas, excluding Melbourne, who wish to extend their stay in Australia after their first visa expires.
There are also other visa options available for international graduates, including independent, employer-sponsored, and other temporary and permanent visas. For example, you can gain extra points on your Australian visa application score (5 points for subclass 190 and 15 points for subclass 491). Additionally, graduate job opportunities are available in Melbourne, and employers often recruit for these roles up to a year in advance.
It is recommended that you seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent to find the best visa option for your specific circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
To be an international graduate student in Australia, you must meet the entry requirements set by the university and the Genuine Student (GS) requirement set by the Australian government. You may be asked to complete an additional GS assessment as part of the application process. You will also need to submit your academic record, proof of proficiency in the English language, and complete any set tests or interviews.
You will need a valid Australian student visa, which can be applied for online through the Department of Home Affairs. This visa requires health insurance coverage, which can be arranged by the university or through a preferred provider. With this visa, you can only take full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course.
Australian universities are widely respected and offer excellent facilities and activities for students. International students account for almost a quarter of enrolments, creating a diverse experience with a global outlook. Australia is also known for its bright cities, cafe culture, and natural beauty.
