International Students In Australia: Is It Possible?

Australia is a popular destination for international students, offering a diverse range of experiences and opportunities for personal growth and career success. International students can visit Australia to study full-time in a recognised educational institution, but they need a student visa for courses longer than three months. International students in Australia can work part-time while studying, gaining valuable work experience and improving their English fluency. However, in 2024, Australia introduced a cap on the number of new international students to manage migration levels and improve the quality of the tertiary education sector. This cap has been controversial, with some universities expressing concern about its potential impact on the industry and the economy.

Student visa requirements

Australia is a popular destination for international students, with over 645,000 choosing to study there. The country offers a wide range of academic options, with 38 universities ranking highly in global tables. International students who apply to study in Australia will need to meet certain requirements to obtain a valid student visa. Here are the key student visa requirements for Australia:

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

This visa allows international students to stay in Australia for up to five years, depending on their enrolment. Approximately 400,000 overseas students are granted this visa each year.

English Language Proficiency

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements. They must have taken an approved English language test within the last two years before applying for the visa. Some students are exempt from providing evidence of proficiency if they are citizens and passport holders of specific countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Students need to obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course they intend to take and submit it to the Department of Home Affairs of the Australian Government.

Financial Capacity

Visa applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their tuition, books, and daily living expenses. They must provide proof of at least AUD 29,710 in savings.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All overseas students are required to have adequate health insurance, known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This ensures coverage for medical expenses while in Australia.

Health and Character Requirements

International students must be in good health and meet certain character requirements. They may need to undergo a health examination and provide a police background check as part of their visa application.

It is important for prospective international students to research the specific requirements and seek professional advice to determine the most appropriate visa for their individual circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs website provides detailed information on student visa eligibility and application processes.

English language proficiency

International students who wish to study in Australia will need to meet English language proficiency requirements to obtain a valid student visa. Students must have taken an English language test in the last two years before they apply for a student visa, or the validity will expire. All international students will need to meet the English language proficiency requirements to gain entry into their course and receive a student visa.

There are several ways to demonstrate English language proficiency. One way is to provide a record of satisfactory achievement in at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) tertiary study in a recognised bachelor's degree or other approved tertiary qualifications. This must be within five years of the date of course commencement and must be from one of the following English-speaking countries: American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada (excluding Quebec), Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, or Zambia.

If your studies were not undertaken in one of these English-speaking countries, you can demonstrate proficiency through a record of satisfactory achievement in a completed and recognised secondary education (high school) qualification undertaken in English, such as the Cambridge GCE Advanced Levels and International Baccalaureate diploma. Alternatively, you can provide a record of satisfactory achievement in a completed and recognised foundation/preparation program with the required grades in relevant English subjects or at least one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) in a recognised bachelor's degree or other approved higher education qualification.

International students applying for a student visa are advised to check with the Department of Home Affairs for any separate English requirements that may apply to their student visa application. English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and Cambridge C2 Proficiency are accepted. All English tests need to be completed within two years of the date of course commencement.

International student intake policy

Australia is a popular study abroad destination, with a total market value of over 5 billion AUD generated by international students in 2018. In 2023, there were 786,891 international students enrolled in educational programs in Australia, a 27% increase from the previous year. International education is one of the country's largest exports, with students coming from all over the world to gain a high-quality education, immigrate, or experience a new way of life.

The Australian government has an international student intake policy that encourages foreign students to work and stay in regional areas by offering various visa options. The Student Visa (subclass 500) allows international students to stay in Australia for up to 5 years, depending on their enrolment. Approximately 400,000 overseas students are granted this visa each year. To obtain this visa, students must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course and submit it to the Department of Home Affairs. They must also demonstrate financial capability and meet English language proficiency requirements.

In addition to the subclass 500 visa, the Australian government has made changes to the skilled independent visa program, reducing the quota for subclass 175 and subclass 885 visas while increasing the number of skilled regional (provisional) visas (changing from subclass 457 to subclass 489). These changes aim to encourage international students to contribute to the development of regional areas.

The eligibility criteria for each visa can vary, so international students are advised to research their options and seek professional advice to determine the most appropriate visa for their circumstances. The Australian government provides resources, such as the Department of Home Affairs website and SmartTraveller, to help students stay informed about border measures and visa requirements.

While Australia's popularity as a study destination is evident, there are concerns about the increasing number of international students. Critics argue that Australia's intake policy discriminates against citizens of certain countries, and there are also rising safety and mental health issues faced by international students. Despite these challenges, Australia remains a sought-after destination for international students seeking a diverse range of educational opportunities.

Student mental health support

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students, with over 645,000 choosing to study there. International students in Australia are required to obtain a valid student visa, such as the Student Visa (subclass 500), which allows them to stay in the country for up to five years.

International students in Australia experience various issues affecting their mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that international students are at a higher risk of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and stress. This may be due to several factors, such as the transition to a new culture, language barriers, and life pressures.

To address these concerns, Australian universities offer support and counselling services to international students. However, there are concerns that these interventions may not be sufficient, and more effort is needed to better support students. Some recommendations include:

• Developing strategies to encourage positive peer relationships and a greater sense of belonging for international students.
• Providing information about support services early and reinforcing it throughout the study period to aid in the transition to a new culture.
• Ensuring that support services are culturally sensitive and consider the language and cultural obstacles faced by international students.
• Providing tailored support to address the specific challenges faced by international students, such as isolation, homesickness, and educational and financial pressures.

There are also external support services available to international students in Australia, such as healthdirect's online service finder and NSW Health's Mental Health Line.

Living costs

Australia is a popular study destination for international students, but it is not the cheapest country in the world. The cost of living varies across the country, and students should budget between 1,200 and 2,000 AUD per month to cover all living expenses, including accommodation, food, and social activities. The recommended 12-month living cost for a single student is AUD 29,710, and students may need to provide evidence of their ability to cover living costs when applying for a visa.

The cheapest accommodation option for students is typically student halls, with rates starting from 320 AUD per month. Other accommodation options include on-campus residences, homestays with local families, and private rental homes. The cost of public transportation depends on where you live and the type of transport chosen. For short distances, regional trains, buses, and trams are available, with a short ride costing around AUD 3 and a monthly pass costing upwards of AUD 80. Student discounts are available in all states and territories except Victoria.

In addition to transportation costs, students should also consider the cost of food, bills, clothing, and entertainment. The cost of studying in Australia will depend on the chosen course and institution, with tuition fees varying across cities and programs. There may also be additional costs for learning materials, such as textbooks or IT equipment, and workplace learning costs, including travel, accommodation, uniforms, and parking.

Health insurance is another important consideration for international students. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for all overseas students in Australia and is required for the visa application process. OSHC covers medical expenses during the student's stay and typically costs around AUD 500 per year.

Frequently asked questions