Savanna Hoffman
Australia is a top study destination for international students, with the third-highest number of international students worldwide. The country offers a wide range of courses and institutions to choose from, including many highly ranked universities. When applying to Australian universities as an international student, there is no centralised application system, so you must apply directly to each university individually, either online or by post. This guide will outline the key steps in the application process, including visa requirements, fees, and scholarships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application method | Apply directly to each university, either online or by post |
| Application fee | Varies by university, some universities do not charge a fee |
| Application deadline | Varies by university and course, some have early closing dates |
| Entry requirements | Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or equivalent, undergraduate degree from a recognised institution and/or relevant work experience, English language proficiency |
| Scholarships | Available for international students, some universities may automatically consider applicants for scholarships |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | Available for international students with related study or work experience, may reduce duration and cost of degree |
| Student visa | Required for international students, valid visa requires health insurance coverage |
| Student visa requirements | May vary depending on the course and provider, special conditions for students under 18 |
| Course fees | Vary by university and course |
| Course duration | Typically three years for undergraduate degrees, combined courses may take longer |
| Course search tools | Study Australia Course Search tool, university websites |
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Entry requirements
Firstly, you must meet the academic entry requirements, which typically include having completed secondary education to a certain standard. For undergraduate courses, this usually means having an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or its international equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific prerequisite subjects that you need to have studied. Postgraduate courses, on the other hand, typically require you to have completed at least one undergraduate degree. Postgraduate courses may also consider your research ability or relevant work experience.
Secondly, you will likely need to prove your English language proficiency, as most courses are taught in English. This can usually be done by taking a test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Different universities and courses will have different expectations, so be sure to research the specific language requirements for your desired course.
Thirdly, you will need to meet the visa requirements for international students studying in Australia. This includes having valid health insurance coverage, such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and meeting any other conditions specified by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). If you are under 18, you must meet additional special conditions to be eligible for a student visa.
It is also worth noting that some universities may offer foundation courses or pathway programs that can help you meet the entry requirements if you do not initially qualify for your desired course. Additionally, if you have prior learning or work experience relevant to your intended field of study, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to gain course credits or exemptions.
Finally, there may be other specific entry requirements for your chosen course or university, so be sure to check the website of the institution you wish to apply to for detailed information on the application process and requirements.
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Application process
Applying to Australian universities as an international student is an exciting prospect. Australia is a famously sunny country with a fast-advancing economy and a well-recognised university system. In fact, it is among the top study destinations in the world for international students, with the third-highest number of international students globally.
Firstly, you should research the various universities and courses available to find the right fit for you. You can use the Study Australia Course Search tool to search for courses, fees, start dates, and durations. You can also compare your favourites and enquire directly with education providers.
Once you have chosen your course, you will need to check the entry requirements and ensure that you meet them. For undergraduate courses, you will typically need an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or an equivalent qualification. Postgraduate courses will require an undergraduate degree, and may also consider your research ability or work experience.
If you are applying for an undergraduate course and are currently studying for an Australian Year 12 qualification or an IB diploma in Australia, you will need to apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Otherwise, you can apply directly to the university of your choice, either online or by post. You may also choose to apply through an education agent, who can help with your study application and student visa application. However, note that agents cannot guarantee a permanent visa or work placement after you graduate.
When applying, you will need to submit all the required documentation, including academic records, proof of English proficiency, and your passport. You may also need to submit a separate application for scholarships and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which can reduce the duration and cost of your degree. There is usually an application processing fee, and you may need to pay a deposit for your offer.
After submitting your application, you will typically receive an outcome within one to two weeks. If successful, you will receive an unconditional or conditional offer. If you receive a conditional offer, you will need to fulfil further requirements to proceed. To accept your offer, you will need to pay your first-semester fees, and you will then receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for your student visa application.
Additional Considerations
- You will need a valid Australian student visa to study in Australia, which requires health insurance coverage, such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- You may also need to prove your language proficiency through a test, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- Consider the cost of living in Australia and whether you will need an ISIC card to help manage lifestyle costs.
- If you are under the age of 18 when commencing your studies, you must meet special conditions, such as living with an eligible relative or entering into a Guardianship Arrangement with the university.
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Scholarships
Australia offers a range of scholarships for international students, with over 1000 scholarships available at top Australian universities for the academic year 2025-2026. These scholarships are provided by individual universities, the Australian government, and other organisations.
University Scholarships
Many universities in Australia offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships often cover undergraduate and postgraduate studies and may provide full or partial tuition fee waivers, stipends, living allowances, health insurance, and other benefits. Some examples of university scholarships include:
- The University of Adelaide offers scholarships for international students who have demonstrated academic merit in their previous studies. The scholarship provides a 15% or 30% reduction in tuition fees.
- The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) offers a range of scholarships, including the UTS Humanitarian Scholarship for undergraduate students holding Asylum Seeker Bridging Visas or Temporary Protection Visas (TPV). UTS also has a 50% tuition fees scholarship and a prestigious 100% scholarship.
- Deakin University Scholarships provide a stipend of $28,600 per year, a relocation allowance, and health insurance for postgraduate international students.
- The University of Sydney International Scholarship is one of the best scholarships for international students, offering tuition fees and a living allowance of up to AUD 40,000 per year.
- The University of South Australia offers master's and PhD tuition fee scholarships for international students through the International Research Tuition Scholarships (IRTS).
- Bond University Scholarships provide a 50% tuition fee waiver for undergraduate international students.
- Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers the ECU International Masters Scholarship and the ECU International Undergraduate Scholarship for international students, which include a partial tuition fee waiver of up to AUD 10,000.
Australian Government Scholarships
The Australian Government offers prestigious scholarships and fellowships for international students through the Australia Awards scheme. Additionally, the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship for international master's and PhD students, providing a monthly stipend, fee offset, and allowances to assist with ancillary costs.
Other Scholarships
Other organisations also provide scholarships for international students in Australia. For example, the Fundación para el Futuro de Colombia (COLFUTURO) offers financial support for Colombian professionals who wish to pursue master's or doctoral research at top global universities.
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Student visas
Once you have received an offer from your chosen Australian university, you will need to apply for a student visa. This will be a subclass 500 visa, which allows the holder to study full-time in a recognised educational institution in Australia.
To apply for your visa, you will need to provide a copy of your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) as proof of your registration on the course. You will also need to provide proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. This is a mandatory requirement and your visa application will be refused without it. You can either arrange this yourself with a preferred provider or the university can do this for you if you pay upfront when accepting your offer. You may also need to undergo a health examination to meet the visa health requirement, and there are character requirements that you must meet.
If you are under 18, you must meet special conditions to be eligible for a student visa. These are specified by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and include living with an eligible relative or entering into a Guardianship Arrangement with the university.
You can use an education agent to assist with your student visa application, but be aware that they cannot guarantee a permanent visa or work placement in Australia after you graduate.
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Health insurance
As an international student, you will need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies in Australia. This also applies to any dependants, such as partners and children under 18. The only exceptions are students from Belgium, Norway and Sweden, who are covered by specific healthcare policies.
You will need OSHC in order to obtain a student visa, and you must maintain continuous coverage throughout your stay in Australia. You can purchase OSHC through your university or an independent provider. Your university may facilitate purchases through a specific provider, but will generally give you the option to buy from an alternative provider yourself if you prefer. You can compare plans and prices by visiting the websites of the six registered insurers offering OSHC plans in Australia.
The compulsory minimum (basic) OSHC plan will usually cover visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance services, and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines). OSHC does not cover treatments such as dental, optical or physiotherapy. You can purchase Extras OSHC from an OSHC provider if you want cover for these. Another option is to buy private health insurance alongside your OSHC to cover items that OSHC does not.
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. If you extend your stay, you will need to renew your policy. You can transfer to a different OSHC provider at any time, but some providers charge a 'refund processing fee' if you transfer to a new policy before your old one ends.
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